Michiel. A nice little job! To tramp all that way at this time of night, and in the direction of the Belgian sentinels, too. Well, just you look out; if I meet them, I bring them here—upon my word I will.
[Exit.
Maria (alone). The scoundrel! He is quite capable of doing it. And he expects to marry me? Not if I know it.
Enter Nicolaas, the landlord, with a newspaper in his hand.
Maria. Well, sir, what’s the news?
Nicolaas. Good news, my girl. A division of our brave North Netherlanders is marching this way; perhaps they may even pass through this village.
Maria. That would be a pleasure. I wish some of them would stay here, then the brigands, who yesterday were only a few miles from this place, would never dare to show themselves.
Nicolaas. I think they will keep pretty quiet for the future.
Maria. Are there any more news in the paper, sir?
Nicolaas. H’m! h’m! not so fast, child. [Glances over the paper.] They do not seem to have made up their minds yet at Brussels whom they are going to have at the head of the Government.