"There you are," he said; "oh, you needn't stare at the cupboard; the box won't live there after to-day, or anywhere in this house.

By the way, I understand that Montalvo never paid you." "Not a stiver," she answered with a sudden access of rage; "the low thief, he promised to pay me after his marriage, but instead of rewarding her who put him in that warm nest, I tell you that already he has squandered every florin of the noble lady's money in gambling and satisfying such debts as he was obliged to, so that to-day I believe that she is almost a beggar." "I see," said Brant, "and now good morning, and look you, if we should chance to meet in the town, you will understand that I do not know you." "I understand, Mynheer," said Black Meg with a grin and vanished.
When she had gone Brant rose and opened the window.

"Bah!" he said, "the air is poisoned.

But I think I frightened her, I think that I have nothing to fear.

Yet who can tell?
My God! she saw me reading the Bible, and Montalvo knows it! Well, it is some time ago now, and I must take my chance." Ah! who could tell indeed?
Then, taking the miniatures and documents with him, Brant started to call upon his friend and co-religionist, the Heer Pieter van de Werff, Dirk van Goorl's friend, and Lysbeth's cousin, a young man for whose judgment and abilities he had a great respect.