But as they were not affianced what did that matter?
Indeed, had they been affianced, what would it matter?
Still, Dirk van Goorl was an obstacle, and, therefore, although he seemed to be a good fellow, and he was sorry for him, Dirk van Goorl must be got out of the way, since he was convinced that Lysbeth was one of those stubborn-natured creatures who would probably decline to marry himself until this young Leyden lout had vanished.

And yet he did not wish to be mixed up with duels, if for no other reason because in a duel the unexpected may always happen, and that would be a poor end.

Certainly also he did not wish to be mixed up with murder; first, because he intensely disliked the idea of killing anybody, unless he was driven to it; and secondly, because murder has a nasty way of coming out.

One could never be quite sure in what light the despatching of a young Netherlander of respectable family and fortune would be looked at by those in authority.
Also, there was another thing to be considered.

If this young man died it was impossible to know exactly how Lysbeth would take his death.