Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/289

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THE DEATH OF THE SILENT PRINCE
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fugees from France, Germany and the Low Countries had gone thither, and the nucleus of a colony was already on the ground.

Dr. Chenoweth laid the matter before his household. The male members at once declared emphatically that it would be cowardly to desert their native land in her time of need. Madam Chenoweth, in whom the sentiment of patriotism was a passion, warmly approved this decision. The young wives, Hilvardine and Katharine, were not cast in the same heroic mould. They would have preferred quiet homes and the joys of domestic life.

"Why do you object to emigration? " said Hilvardine to her husband when they were alone. "Surely in times of war an army is often obliged to retreat before overwhelming forces. Such a course is not only permissible, but honorable."

"But you forget, my dear," said Conrad, "that it would be a dastardly act to depart and leave the Prince to bear the brunt of the storm. I once told you that I was willing to sacrifice everything for you, save honor."

Hilvardine said no more. In the course of time Conrad and his friend Reynold resumed their positions in the army of Orange.

Dr. Chenoweth was too infirm to engage in military duties, and he had built a house in Leyden similar to the one he had occupied in Antwerp.