"Canst thou sketch this scene?" asked Van Zwanenburg. Paul took a
pencil, and in a few moments traced a sketch, imperfect, no doubt, but
one in which the principal effects of light and shade especially were
accurately produced.
"Young girl," said the painter, "you need go no further. I am Van
Zwanenburg, and I admit your brother from this minute to my studio."
Further conversation ensued, and Van Zwanenburg soon learned the whole
sorrowful tale, and also the courage and devotedness of this young
foster-mother. He dismissed her with a blessing, misanthrope even as he
was, and then carried Paul to his studio, lighter at heart for having
done a kind action.
Sorrowful, and yet with a glad heart, did Louise part from little Paul,
and then turn homewards. Little did she dream of the great sorrow that
was there awaiting her.
[Sidenote: Lost in the Forest]
Arriving at home in the dark, she was startled to find that no one
answered her repeated knocking. Accompanied by an old servant, who had
been with her in the journey, she was about to seek assistance from the
neighbours, when lights were seen in the adjoining forest. She hastened
towards these, and was dismayed to learn that the two children left at
home had strayed away and got lost in the forest. M. Gerretz was amongst
the searchers, nearly frantic. The men were about to give up the search
when Louise, with a prayer for strength on her lips, appealed to them to
try once more.
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