to escort the tulip to the raised seat which it was to occupy on the platform, by the side of the gilded chair of His Highness the Stadtholder.
And the proud tulip, raised on its pedestal, soon overlooked the assembled crowd of people, who clapped their hands, and made the old town of Haarlem reecho with their tremendous cheers.
CHAPTER XXXII.
A Last Request.
In 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 of a long journey, inclosed the unfortunate Van Baerle, who was quite dazzled and bewildered by this festive splendour and bustle.
Notwithstanding the little readiness which his companion had shown in answering his questions concerning his fate, he ventured once more to ask what all this meant.
“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 to whom no joy remains in this world.
Then, after some moments’ silence, during which the carriage had proceeded a few yards, he asked once more,—
“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.
