The letter, written in the German language, was signed "John of
Austria."

Panting for breath, Barbara gazed a long time into vacancy. Then,
suddenly drawing herself up proudly, she exclaimed to Lamperi: "I'll
dress my hair myself. Yesterday Herr De la Porta offered me his
travelling carriage. The major-domo must go to him at once and say that
Madame de Blomberg asks the loan of the vehicle. Let the page Diego
order post and courier horses at the same time. The carriage must be
ready in an hour."

"But, Madame," cried the maid, raising her hands in alarm and admonition,
"the Rassinghams are expecting you. The honour! Every one who is well
disposed in the States-General will be there. Who knows what the party
has in store for you? And then the banquet! What may there not be to
hear!"

"No matter," replied Barbara. "The chaplain--I'll speak to him-must send
the refusal. No summons from Heaven could be more powerful than the call
that takes me away. Bestir yourself! There is not an instant to lose."

Frau Lamperi retired with drooping head. But when she had executed her
mistress's orders and returned, Barbara laid her hand upon her shoulder,
whispering: "You can keep silence. I am going to Luxemburg. He who
calls me is one whom you saw enter the world, the hero of Lepanto. He
wants his mother. At last! at last! And I--"

Here tears stifled her voice, and obeying the desire to pour out to
another the overflowing gratitude and love which had taken possession of
her soul, she threw herself upon the gray-haired attendant's breast, and