Then moved by a common impulse, and by a common if a secret fear, with the single exception of Lysbeth, every person present, yes, even the cautious and far-seeing young Van de Werff, echoed “We agree.”

“Friends,” said Montalvo, “those simple words carry to my mind conviction deep as any vow however solemn; deep, if that were possible, as did the oath of your hostess, upon the faith of which I felt myself justified in acquitting the poor creature who was alleged to be an escaped heretic.”  Then with a courteous and all-embracing bow Montalvo sat down.

“What a good man!  What a delightful man!” murmured Aunt Clara to Dirk in the buzz of conversation which ensued.

“Yes, yes, cousin, but——­”

“And what discrimination he has, what taste!  Did you notice what he said about the cooking?”

“I heard something, but——­”

“It is true that folk have told me that my capon stewed in milk, such as we had to-night—­Why, lad, what is the matter with your doublet?  You fidget me by continually rubbing at it.”

“You have upset the red wine over it, that is all,” answered Dirk, sulkily.  “It is spoiled.”

“And little loss either; to tell you the truth, Dirk, I never saw a coat worse cut.  You young men should learn in the matter of clothes from the Spanish gentlemen.  Look at his Excellency, the Count Montalvo, for instance——­”

“See here, aunt,” broke in Dirk with suppressed fury, “I think I have heard enough about Spaniards and the Captain Montalvo for one night.  First of all he spirits off Lysbeth and is absent with her for four hours; then he invites himself to supper and places himself at the head of the table with her, setting me down to the dullest meal I ever ate at the other end——­”

“Cousin Dirk,” said Aunt Clara with dignity, “your temper has got the better of your manners.  Certainly you might learn courtesy as well as dress, even from so humble a person as a Spanish hidalgo and commander.”  Then she rose from the table, adding—­“Come, Lysbeth, if you are ready, let us leave these gentlemen to their wine.”

After the ladies had gone the supper went on merrily.  In those days, nearly everybody drank too much liquor, at any rate at feasts, and this company was no exception.  Even Montalvo, his game being won and the strain on his nerves relaxed, partook pretty freely, and began to talk in proportion to his potations.  Still, so clever was the man that in his cups he yet showed a method, for his conversation revealed a sympathy with Netherlander grievances and a tolerance of view in religious matters rarely displayed by a Spaniard.

From such questions they drifted into a military discussion, and Montalvo, challenged by Van de Werff, who, as it happened, had not drunk too much wine, explained how, were he officer in command, he would defend Leyden from attack by an overwhelming force.  Very soon Van de Werff saw that he was a capable soldier who had studied his profession, and being himself a capable civilian with a thirst for knowledge pressed the argument from point to point.