“This,” he said, “is the information to be given to the incorruptible Ruard Trapper.  Look, here written on it is your cousin’s name.  My servant waits for me in your kitchen.  If you hesitate any longer, I call him and in your presence charge him to hand that paper to the messenger who starts this afternoon for Brussels.  Once given it cannot be recalled and the pious Dirk’s doom is sealed.”

Lysbeth’s spirit began to break.  “How can I?” she asked.  “It is true that we are not affianced; perhaps for this very reason which I now learn.  But he cares for me and knows that I care for him.  Must I then, in addition to the loss of him, be remembered all his life as little better than a light-of-love caught by the tricks and glitter of such a man as you?  I tell you that first I will kill myself.”

Again Montalvo went to the window, for this hint of suicide was most disconcerting.  No one can marry a dead woman, and Lysbeth was scarcely likely to leave a will in his favour.  It seemed that what troubled her particularly was the fear lest the young man should think her conduct light.  Well, why should she not give him a reason which he would be the first to acknowledge as excellent for breaking with him?  Could she, a Catholic, be expected to wed a heretic, and could he not be made to tell her that he was a heretic?

Behold an answer to his question!  The Saints themselves, desiring that this pearl of price should continue to rest in the bosom of the true Church, had interfered in his behalf, for there in the street below was Dirk van Goorl approaching Lysbeth’s door.  Yes, there he was dressed in his best burgher’s suit, his brow knit with thought, his step hesitating; a very picture of the timid, doubtful lover.

“Lysbeth van Hout,” said the Count, turning to her, “as it chances the Heer Dirk van Goorl is at your door.  You will admit him, and this matter can be settled one way or the other.  I wish to point out to you how needless it is that the young man should be left believing that you have treated him ill.  All which is necessary is that you should ask whether or no he is of your faith.  If I know him, he will not lie to you.  Then it remains only for you to say—­for doubtless the man comes here to seek your hand—­that however much it may grieve you to give such an answer, you can take no heretic to husband.  Do you understand?”

Lysbeth bowed her head.

“Then listen.  You will admit your suitor; you will allow him to make his offer to you now—­if he is so inclined; you will, before giving any answer, ask him of his faith.  If he replies that he is a heretic, you will dismiss him as kindly as you wish.  If he replies that he is a true servant of the Church, you will say that you have heard a different tale and must have time to make inquiries.  Remember also that if by one jot you do otherwise than I have bid you, when Dirk van Goorl leaves the room you see him for the last time, unless it pleases you—­to attend his execution.  Whereas if you obey and dismiss him finally, as the door shuts behind him I put this Information in the fire and satisfy you that the evidence upon which it is based is for ever deprived of weight and done with.”