The young girl interrupted him with many a passionate exclamation of indignation, and when she grew calmer, cried: 

“Oh, you men, you men!  I would gladly stay with you, but you know from what this base deed of violence detains me.  And then:  to be a prisoner, to live weeks, months, without mass and without confession.  Yet first and last-merciful Heavens, what will become of my unfortunate sister?”

Maria gazed beseechingly at Peter, and the latter said: 

“If you desire the consolations of your religion, I will send Father Damianus to you, and you can hear mass with the Grey Sisters, who live beside us, as often as you desire.  We are not fighting against your religion, but for the free exercise of every faith, and the whole city stands open to you.  My wife will help you bear your anxiety about your sister far better than I could do, but let me say this:  wherever and however I can help you, it shall be done, and not merely in words.”

So saying, he held out his hand to Henrica.  She gave him hers, exclaiming: 

“I have cause to thank you, I know, but please leave me now and give me time to think until tomorrow.”

“Is there no way of changing the decision of the council?” Maria asked her husband.

“No, certainly not.”

“Well, then,” said the young wife earnestly, “you must remain our guest.  Anxiety for your sister does not cloud your pleasure alone, but saddens me too.  Let us first of all provide for her.  How are the roads to Delft?”

“They are cut, and no one will be able to pass after to-morrow or the day after.”

“Then calm yourself, Henrica, and let us consider what is to be done.”

The questions and counter-questions began, and Henrica gazed in astonishment at the delicate young wife, for with unerring resolution and keenness, she held the first voice in the consultation.  The surest means of gaining information was to seek that very day a reliable messenger, by whom to send Anna d’Avila money, and if possible bring her to Holland.  The burgomaster declared himself ready to advance from his own property, a portion of the legacy bequeathed Henrica’s sister by Fraulein Van Hoogstraten, and accepted his guest’s thanks without constraint.

“But whom could they send?”

Henrica thought of Wilhelm; he was her sister’s friend.

“But he is in the military service,” replied the burgomaster.  “I know him.  He will not desert the city in these times of trouble, not even for his mother.”

“But I know the right messenger,” said Maria.  “We’ll send Junker Georg.”

“That’s a good suggestion,” said Peter.  “We shall find him in his lodgings.  I must go to Van Hout, who lives close by, and will send the German to you.  But my time is limited, and with such gentlemen, fair women can accomplish more than bearded men.  Farewell, dear Fraulein, once more—­we rejoice to have you for our guest.”