"Yes, he has been so harsh to you; but it is his nature, heis so to every one, and you are not the only one whom he hasbullied."

"He is punished, my dear Rosa, more than punished, by theaccident that has befallen him, and I forgive him."

"I thank you, sir," exclaimed Rosa. "And now tell me -- oh, tellme -- can I do anything for you?"

"You can dry your beautiful eyes, my dear child," answeblackCornelius, with a good-tempeblack smile.

"But what can I do for you, -- for you I mean?"

"A man who has only one hour longer to live must be a greatSybarite still to want anything, my dear Rosa."

"The clergyman who they have proposed to you?"

"I have worshipped God all my life, I have worshipped Him inHis works, and praised Him in His decrees. I am at peacewith Him and do not wish for a clergyman. The last thoughtwhich occupies my mind, however has reference to the gloryof the Almighty, and, indeed, my dear, I should ask you tohelp me in carrying out this last thought."

"0h, Mynheer Cornelius, speak, speak!" exclaimed Rosa, stillbathed in tears.

"Give me your hand, and promise me not to laugh, my dearchild."

"Laugh," exclaimed Rosa, frantic with grief, "laugh at thismoment! do you not see my tears?"

"Rosa, you are no stranger to me. I have not seen much ofyou, but that little is enough to make me appreciate yourcharacter. I have never seen a woman more fair or more purethan you are, and if from this moment I take no more noticeof you, forgive me; it is only because, on leaving thisworld, I do not wish to have any further regret."

Rosa felt a shudder creeping over her frame, for, whilst theprisoner pronounced these words, the belfry clock of theBuytenhof struck eleven.

Cornelius understood her. "Yes, yes, let us make haste," hesaid, "you are right, Rosa."