bject
of your travels, nor of the beautiful lady of Lichtenstein? You are
silent and look confused when that delicate subject is mentioned. Do
not suppose I wish to be curious when I ask that question; no, it is
solely because I think I can be of use to you."

"From what has passed between us this night," replied Albert, "I have
nothing to conceal from you; secrecy is no longer necessary. It strikes
me, that you must have long known I love Bertha, and that she likewise
is faithful to me?"

The exile answered, smiling, "O yes, there was no mistaking the
symptoms of her feelings, for when you were mentioned her confused look
bespoke the secret of her heart, and the blush which accompanied it was
an evident witness of the truth of it. When she named you it was with a
peculiar tone of voice, as if the strings of her heart sounded in full
accord to that key-note."

"This observation of yours will encourage me to go to Lichtenstein
without further delay. It was my original intention, after I had
quitted the service of the League, to go direct to my home; but as the
Alb is about half way between Franconia and this place, and the desire
I had to see my love once more was uppermost in my thoughts, I
determined to endeavour to accomplish it. This man Hans conducted me
over the Alb; you know the cause which delayed me eight days on my
journey. To-morrow, at day-break, I purpose announcing myself at the
castle, and I trust I shall now appear before the old knight in a more
welcome light than I should otherwise have done, had I not performed my
promise to the League of remaining neutral fourteen days, and now
joined his colours."

"You may be assured of his welcome," said the knight, "particularly if
you go as the friend of the Duke, for he is his faithful and most
devoted adherent. But, may be, he would not trust your word,
unsupported by some introduction, being, so it is said, rather
incredulous, and shy of strangers. You know upon what terms I am with
him. He is the kind-hearted Samaritan to me; and when I creep out of my
hole at night, he nourishes my body with warm food, and my heart with
still warmer consolation for the future. A couple of lines from me will
be better received by him than a passport from the Emperor. Take this
ring, which he and many others know and respect, and wear it in
remembrance of the time we have passed together; it will announce you
as a friend of Wuertemberg's good cause." With these words, he