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The Black Tulip, a novel by Alexandre Dumas |
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Chapter 32. A Last Request |
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_ At this solemn moment, and whilst the cheers still resounded, a carriage was driving along the road on the outskirts of the green on which the scene occurred; it pursued its way slowly, on account of the flocks of children who were pushed out of the avenue by the crowd of men and women. This carriage, covered with dust, and creaking on its axles, the result The crowd and the noise and the display of artificial and natural Notwithstanding the little readiness which his companion had shown in "What is all this, pray, Mynheer Lieutenant?" he asked of his conductor. "As you may see, sir," replied the officer, "it is a feast." "Ah, a feast," said Cornelius, in the sad tone of indifference of a man Then, after some moments, silence, during which the carriage had "The feast of the patron saint of Haarlem? as I see so many flowers." "It is, indeed, a feast in which flowers play a principal part." "Oh, the sweet scents! oh, the beautiful colours!" cried Cornelius. "Stop, that the gentleman may see," said the officer, with that frank "Oh, thank you, Sir, for your kindness," replied Van Baerle, in a "Just as you wish. Drive on! I ordered the driver to stop because "And what flower is that?" "The tulip." "The tulip!" cried Van Baerle, "is to-day the feast of tulips?" "Yes, sir; but as this spectacle displeases you, let us drive on." The officer was about to give the order to proceed, but Cornelius "Is the prize given to-day, sir?" "Yes, the prize for the black tulip." Cornelius's cheek flushed, his whole frame trembled, and the cold sweat "Alas! sir," he said, "all these good people will be as unfortunate "What is it you mean to say?" "I mean to say." replied Cornelius, throwing himself back in the "In this case," said the officer, "the person whom you know has found "The black tulip!" replied Van Baerle, thrusting half his body out of "Down there on the throne,--don't you see?" "I do see it." "Come along, sir," said the officer. "Now we must drive off." "Oh, have pity, have mercy, sir!" said Van Baerle, "don't take me away! "Are you mad, Sir? How could I allow such a thing?" "I implore you." "But you forget that you are a prisoner." "It is true I am a prisoner, but I am a man of honour, and I promise you "But my orders, Sir, my orders." And the officer again made the driver a Cornelius stopped him once more. "Oh, be forbearing, be generous! my whole life depends upon your pity. "Be quiet, unfortunate man, and come quickly back into the carriage, for Van Baerle, more afraid for his companion than himself, threw himself William, impassible and quiet as usual, was proceeding to the green to Seeing the man gesticulate with imploring mien, and perhaps also In an instant his snorting steeds stood still, at a distance of about "What is this?" the Prince asked the officer, who at the first order "Monseigneur," he cried, "this is the prisoner of state whom I have "What does he want?" "He entreats for permission to stop here for minute." "To see the black tulip, Monseigneur," said Van Baerle, clasping his It was, indeed, a curious spectacle to see these two men at the windows William, looking with his cold glance on Cornelius, listened to his Then addressing himself to the officer, he said,-- "Is this person the mutinous prisoner who has attempted to kill his Cornelius heaved a sigh and hung his head. His good-tempered honest face He did not try to make a struggle, or to defend himself; and he "Allow the prisoner to alight, and let him see the black tulip; it is "Thank you, Monseigneur, thank you," said Cornelius, nearly swooning After having granted this permission, the Prince proceeded on his way He soon arrived at the platform, and the thunder of cannon shook the |