, was cousin to
Christina. He was short and thick-set, and so like a little
Dutchman that Christina often called him "the little
burgomaster." At the time of this sketch he had just returned
from a year of travel through Europe.
"And yet, Madam," said Mathias, her tutor, "all Europe hath for
years regarded Prince Karl as your future husband."
"And what care I for that?" demanded the girl, hotly. "Have done,
have done, sirs! You do weary me with all this. Let us to the
hunt. Axel Dagg did tell me of a fine roebuck in the Maelar
woods. See you to the courier of the Emperor and to his
dispatches, Lord Chancellor; I care not what you tell him, if you
do but tell him no. And, stay; where is that round little
Dutchman, Van Beunigen, whom you did complain but yesterday was
sent among us by his government to oppose the advices of our
English friends. He is a greater scholar than horseman, or I
mistake. Let us take him in our hunting-party, Karl; and see to
it that he doth have one of our choicest horses."
The girl's mischief was catching. Her cousin dropped his serious
look, and, seeking the Dutch envoy, with due courtesy invited him
to join the Queen's hunt.
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