27. The Third Bulb
Boxtel's return was scarcely announced, when he entered in person the drawing-room of Mynheer van Systens, followed by two men, who carried in a box their precious burden and deposited it on a table.
The Prince, on being informed, left the cabinet, passed into the drawing-room, admired the flower, and silently resumed his seat in the dark corner, where he had himself placed his chair.
Rosa, trembling, pale and terrified, expected to be invited in her turn to see the tulip.
She now heard the voice of Boxtel.
"It is he!" she exclaimed.
The Prince made her a sign to go and look through the open door into the drawing-room.
"It is my tulip," cried Rosa, "I recognise it. Oh, my poor Cornelius!"
And saying this she burst into tears.
The Prince rose from his seat, went
