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OF THE CARRIER PIGEONS
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of importance. I do not expect him back for two or three days,” she answered.

“Well, keep him out of the sick room when he returns. ’Tis best for him not to be exposed to the disease. Now I must be going on my usual way. I shall miss thy helpful presence much, Juffrouw Jacqueline. Ah, but times are sore in this wretched city!” As he turned to go, Vrouw Voorhaas roused herself and began muttering anew :

“Louvain?—Louvain?—Yes, from there we came, but what is that to thee!—” The doctor started, and walked back toward his patient.

“She hath been raving much without sense!” remarked Jacqueline hastily. “I fear her mind is all unhinged!” But Dr. de Witt continued to scrutinize sharply the features of the sick woman.

“Didst thou really come from Louvain?” he asked Jacqueline at length.

“Yes,” faltered the girl, “many years ago.”