ed in some
degree, that the heavens were a little clearer, and that a few
stars peeped out, a large valley opened before them, whose bold
outline Edward could distinguish, even in the uncertain light. The
well-defined roofs of a neat village were perceptible, and behind
these, half-way up the mountain that crowned the plain, Edward thought
he could discern a large building which glimmered with more than one
light. The road led straight into the village. Edward stopped and
inquired.

That building was indeed a castle: the village belonged to it, and
both were the property of the Baron Friedenberg. "Friedenberg!"
repeated Edward: the name sounded familiar to him, yet he could not
call to mind when and where he had heard it. He inquired if the family
were at home, hired a guide, and arrived at length by a rugged path
which wound itself round steep rocks, to the summit of them, and
finally to the castle, which was perched there like an eagle's nest.
The tinkling of the bells on Edward's sledge attracted the attention
of the inmates; the door was opened with prompt hospitality; servants
appeared with torches; Edward was assisted to emerge from under the
frozen apron of his carriage, out of his heavy pelisse, stiff with
hoar-frost, and up a comfortable staircase into a long saloon of
simple construction, where a genial warmth appeared to welcome him
from a huge stove in the corner. The servants here placed two large
burning candles in massive silver sconces, and went out to announce
the stranger.

The fitting-up of the room, or rather saloon, was perfectly simple.
Family portraits, in heavy frames, hung round the walls, diversified
by some maps. Magnificent stags' horns were arranged between; and
the taste of the master of the house was easily detected in the
hunting-knives, powder-flasks, carbines, smoking-bags, and sportsmen's
pouches, which were arranged, not without taste, as trophies of the
chase. The ceiling was supported by large beams, dingy with smoke
and age; and on the sides of the room were long benches, covered and
padded with dark cloth, and studded with large brass nails; while
round the dinner-table were placed several arm-chairs, also of
ancient date. All bore the aspect of the good old times, of a simple,
patriarchal life with affluence. Edward felt as if there were a
kind welcome in the inanimate objects which surrounded him, when the
inner-door opened, and the master of the house entered, preceded by a