It was with a smile of satisfaction, then that he listened to Adolf of Nieuwland's appeal in behalf of the young Matilda; for it was a great triumph for the people whose representative he was. In an instant he counted over the advantages which might be derived from the presence of the illustrious maiden for the execution of his great project of deliverance.
"Sir Adolf of Nieuwland," he answered, "I am greatly honored by this application. I will spare no efifort which may contribute to the safety of the illustrious daughter of the Flemish prince."
Desirous of bringing the matter more entirely into the hands of the commons, he added, with cautious hesitation, "But might she not easily be carried off from hence before I could come to her aid?"
This remark was somewhat displeasing to Adolf; for he thought he saw in it a disinclination on the Dean's part to take up Matilda's cause with heart and soul. He therefore replied: "If you can not yourself give us efficient aid, I pray you, master, to advise us as to what is the best that can be done for the safety of our noble Count's daughter."
"The Clothworkers' Company is strong enough to stand between the lady and all fear of insolence," rejoined Deconinck; "I can assure you that she may live as peacefully and safely at Bruges as in Germany, if you will take counsel of me."
"What Is your difficulty, then?" asked Adolf.
''Noble sir, it is not for such as me to make arrangements for the daughter of my prince; nevertheless, should she be pleased to do as I shall recommend her, I will undertake to be answerable for her safety."
"I hardly understand you, master. What have you to ask of the Lady Matilda? you would not carry her to another place?"
"Oh, no; all I desire is, that she should on no account leave the house without my knowledge, and should, on the other hand, at all times be ready to accompany me, should I judge it necessary. Moreover, I leave it to you to withdraw this trust from me the moment you feel any doubt of the loyalty of my intentions."
As Deconinck was universally held in Flanders as one of their ablest heads, Adolf doubted not that his demand was founded on good reasons, and therefore made no difficulty in granting all he asked, provided he would undertake to be himself answerable for the Lady Matilda's safety; and, as he was not yet personally acquainted with her, Maria went to request her presence.
On her entering the room, Deconinck made a low and humble obeisance before her, while the princess looked at him with considerable astonishment, not in the least knowing who he could be. But while he thus stood before her, and she awaited an explanation of the scene, suddenly a noise of loud disputing was heard in the passage.
"Wait then!" cried one of the voices, "that I may inquire whether you can be admitted."
"What!" cried another voice of much greater power, "shall the Butchers be shut out while the Clothworkers are let in? Quick, out of the way, or you shall rue it!"
The door opened, and a young man of powerful limbs and handsome features entered the chamber. His dress was made like that of Deconinck, but with more of taste and ornament; the great crosshandled knife hung at his girdle. As he passed the threshold he was in the act of throwing back his long fair hair from his face; but the sight that met his eyes checked him suddenly in the doorway. He had thought to find there the Dean of the Clothworkers and some of his fellows; but now seeing this beautiful and richly-dressed lady, and Deconinck bowing thus low before her, he knew not what to think. However, he did not allow himself to be disconcerted, either by the unexpected presence in which he found himself, or by the inquiring look of Master Roger. He uncovered his head, bowed hastily all around, and went straight up to Deconinck; then seizing him familiarly by the arm, he exclaimed:
"Ha, Master Peter! I have been looking for you these two hours; I have been running all over the town after you, and nowhere were you to be found. Know you what is happening, and what news I bring?"
"Well, what is it then, Master Breydel?" inquired Deconinck impatiently.
"Come, don't stare at me so with your cat's eye. Master Dean of the Clothworkers," cried Breydel; "you know well enough that I am not afraid of it. But that is all one! Well, then, King Philip the Fair and the accursed Joanna of Navarre are coming to Bruges to-morrow; and our fine fellows of city magistrates have ordered out a hundred clothworkers, forty butchers, and I know not how many more of the rest, to make triumphal arches, cars for a pageant, and scaffolding."
"And what is there so wonderful in that, that you should waste your breath about it?"
"What, Master Dean! what is there in that? more than you think; for certainly not a single butcher will put his hand to the work, and there are three hundred clothworkers standing in front of your hall waiting for you. As far as I am concerned, it will be long enough before I wag a finger for them. The halberds stand ready, the knives are sharp; everything is in order. You know, Master Dean, what that means when I
