And the Earl had cause to be enraged at such a result.

He had received a letter only the day before, signed by Hemart himself and by all the officers in Grave, asserting their determination and ability to hold the place for a good five months, or for an indefinite period, and until they should be relieved.

And indeed all the officers, with three exceptions, had protested against the base surrender.

But at the bottom of the catastrophe--of the disastrous loss of the city and the utter ruin of young Hemart--was a woman.

The governor was governed by his mistress, a lady of good family in the place, but of Spanish inclinations, and she, for some mysterious reasons, had persuaded him thus voluntarily to capitulate.
Parma lost no time, however, in exulting over his success.