"Wait here, my little master, and then go home.

I wish the time, when your father would value my greeting, might come again.

Do you know why it is no longer pleasant to him ?" "No, my lord." "Then I'll tell you.

Because he is fond of Spain, and I cling to the Netherlands." "We are Netherlanders as well as you," replied Nicolas with glowing cheeks.
"Scarcely," answered Dousa calmly, putting his hand up to his thin chin, and intending to add a kinder word to the sharp one, when the youth vehemently exclaimed: "Take back that 'scarcely,' Herr von Nordwyk." Dousa gazed at the bold lad in surprise, and again an expression of amusement hovered about his lips.

Then he said kindly: "I like you, Herr Nicolas; and shall rejoice if you wish to become a true Hollander.