He covered his face with both his hands, as he hurried from the spot. For awhile he wandered about in the greatest excitement, seeking the loneliest spots in the garden. Presently, however, he somewhat recovered his composure, and, stunned by the blow that had just fallen on him, he made his way back again to the inner gallery. There he found Matilda van Meidema, who called to him, and said: “Mr. van Nerekool, my friend Anna has requested me to give you a message, it is this. Unless some means of rescue be found, Ardjan’s case is hopelessly lost. All the witnesses have either been corrupted or put out of the way, so that his condemnation is certain.”
“And from whom has Miss Anna got all this information?” asked van Nerekool with a sad absent smile.
“She had it from me, Mr. van Nerekool,” replied the young girl.
“And how did you get to know all this, Miss Meidema?” he asked.
“Why, Mr. Judge,” said she, “you happen to be in a rather inquisitive mood! I suppose,” she continued with a laugh, “your curiosity is professional. The only thing I can tell you is that I have obeyed Anna’s orders and delivered my message.” Thus saying, with a curtsey she hurried away.
Charles wandered about for a while objectless among the guests. But, after his conversation with Laurentia he could find no rest. He looked round for Anna; but she, as daughter of the house, had, on the occasion of a formal party like the present, many duties to perform. Though the young girl’s face showed but little enjoyment of the scene around her, yet it wore its usual pleasant smile. It was, however, a forced smile which, to her lover’s eye, signified nothing else than anxiety and restlessness. At that sight all desire to remain left him, especially as he knew that he could not venture to approach her. So he went to look for his hat; and having found it, took leave of the Resident and of his wife, and a few minutes after he was gone.
“Take care! Think it over well,” had been Laurentia’s last whispered words as he made his parting bow.