thee, and do not be surprised at my ravings, for they are right hair-raising!” Gysbert had hardly uttered this caution, when there was a sound of steps approaching the door. Immediately he began to toss his arms about, moan, mutter, and occasionally shriek in a muffled manner.
“Go away! Go away from me!” he raved. “Thou art not my sister! Why dost thou say thou art Jacqueline! I do not know thee! Thou art someone sent by that enemy of ours! Go away, go away, I tell thee!” Then the door was unbolted, a basket of food was thrust within, and a voice was heard calling above the racket of Gysbert’s pretended delirium:
“Juffrouw Jacqueline! Is thy brother very ill?”
“Yes,” answered the girl trembling. “He is so sorely ill that I fear he will die!”
“Well, thou must not let him die! Thou must nurse him carefully. We do not wish either of you to come to harm.”
