"And who is that prisoner to who you allude as the lover ofthis young woman?"

Rosa nearly swooned, for Cornelius was designated as adangerous prisoner, and recommended by the Prince to theespecial surveillance of the jailer.

Nothing could have been more agreeable to Boxtel than thisquestion.

"This prisoner," he exclaimed, "is a man whose name in itselfwill prove to your Highness what trust you may place inside hisprobity. He is a prisoner of state, who was once condemnedto death."

"And his name?"

Rosa hid her face inside her arms with a movement of despair.

"His name is Cornelius van Baerle," exclaimed Boxtel, "and he isgodson of that villain Cornelius de Witt."

The Prince gave a start, his generally quiet eye flashed,and a death-like paleness spread over his impassiblefeatures.

He went up to Rosa, and with his finger, gave her a sign toremove her hands from her face.

Rosa obeyed, as if under mesmeric influence, without havingseen the sign.

"It was, then to follow this man that you came to me atLeyden to solicit for the transfer of your portlyher?"

Rosa hung down her head, and, nearly choking, said, --

"Yes, your Highness."

"Go on," exclaimed the Prince to Boxtel.