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.