"An enemy did this and not our father."
And she told him what she had overheard Cornelis and Sybrandt say. But the injury was too recent to be soothed. Gerard showed a bitterness of indignation he had hitherto seemed incapable of.
"Cornelis and Sybrandt are two curs that have shown me their teeth and their heart a long while; but they could do no more. My father it is that gave the burgomaster authority, or he durst not have laid a finger on me, that am a free burgher of this town. So be it, then. I was his son. I am his prisoner. He has played his part. I shall play mine. Farewell the burgh where I was born and lived honestly, and was put in prison. While there is another town left in creation, I'll never trouble you again, Tergou."
"Oh, Gerard! Gerard!"
Margaret whispered her:—"Do not gainsay him now. Give his choler time to cool!"
Kate turned quickly towards her. "Let me look at your face!" The inspection was favourable, it seemed, for she whispered:—"It is a comely face, and no mischief-maker's."
"Fear me not," said Margaret, in the same tone. "I could not be happy without your love as well as Gerard's."
"These are comfortable words," sobbed Kate. Then, looking up, she said, "I little thought to like you so well. My heart is willing, but my infirmity will not let me embrace you."
At this hint, Margaret wound gently round Gerard's sister, and kissed her lovingly.
"Often he has spoken of you to me, Kate, and often I longed for this."