Denys took an opportunity next day and told mother and daughter the rest, excusing himself characteristically for not letting Cornelis and Sybrandt hear of it."It is not for me to blacken them; they come of a good stock.But Gerard looks on them as no friends of his in this matter; and I'm Gerard's comrade and it is a rule with us soldiers not to tell the enemy aught - but lies."Catherine sighed, but made no answer.
The adventures he related cost them a tumult of agitation and grief, and sore they wept at the parting of the friends, which even now Denys could not tell without faltering.But at last all merged in the joyful hope and expectation of Gerard's speedy return.In this Denys confidently shared; but reminded them that was no reason why he should neglect his friend's wishes and last words.In fact, should Gerard return next week, and no Margaret to be found, what sort of figure should he cut?
Catherine had never felt so kindly towards the truant Margaret as now; and she was fully as anxious to find her, and be kind to her before Gerard's return, as Denys was; but she could not agree with him that anything was to be gained by leaving this neighbourhood to search for her."She must have told somebody whither she was going.It is not as though they were dishonest folk flying the country; they owe not a stiver in Sevenbergen; and dear heart, Denys, you can't hunt all Holland for her.""Can I not?" said Denys grimly."That we shall see." He added, after some reflection, that they must divide their forces; she stay here with eyes and ears wide open, and he ransack every town in Holland for her, if need be."But she will not be many leagues from here.They be three.Three fly not so fast, nor far, as one.""That is sense," said Catherine.But she insisted on his going first to the demoiselle Van Eyck."She and our Margaret were bosom friends.She knows where the girl is gone, if she will but tell us." Denys was for going to her that instant, so Catherine, in a turn of the hand, made herself one shade neater, and took him with her.
She was received graciously by the old lady sitting in a richly furnished room; and opened her business.The tapestry dropped out of Margaret Van Eyck's hands."Gone? Gone from Sevenbergen and not told me; the thankless girl."This turn greatly surprised the visitors."What, you know not?
when was she here last?"
"Maybe ten days agone.I had ta'en out my brushes, after so many years, to paint her portrait.I did not do it, though; for reasons."Catherine remarked it was "a most strange thing she should go away bag and baggage like this, without with your leave or by your leave, why, or wherefore.Was ever aught so untoward; just when all our hearts are warm to her; and here is Gerard's mate come from the ends of the earth with comfort for her from Gerard, and can't find her, and Gerard himself expected.What to do I know not.But sure she is not parted like this without a reason.Can ye not give us the clue, my good demoiselle? Prithee now.
"I have it not to give," said the elder lady, rather peevishly.
"Then I can," said Reicht Heynes, showing herself in the doorway, with colour somewhat heightened.
"So you have been hearkening all the time, eh?""What are my ears for, mistress?"
"True.Well, throw us the light of thy wisdom on this dark matter.""There is no darkness that I see," said Reicht."And the clue, why, an ye call't a two-plye twine, and the ends on't in this room e'en now, ye'll not be far out.Oh, mistress, I wonder at you sitting there pretending.""Marry, come up." and the mistress's cheek was now nearly as red as the servant's."So 'twas I drove the foolish girl away.""You did your share, mistress.What sort of greeting gave you her last time she came? Think you she could miss to notice it, and she all friendless? And you said, 'I have altered my mind about painting of you,' says you, a turning up your nose at her.""I did not turn up my nose.It is not shaped like yours for looking heavenward.""Oh, all our nosen can follow our heartys bent, for that matter.