avern."

"Sit down beside me, my young friend," said the old man, who continued
to regard Albert with a look of benevolence, "seat yourself, and listen
to what I say: generally speaking, I am not an admirer of persons who
change their minds. The experience of a long life has taught me to
respect the opinion of others, and to assert that a man who entertains
pure and honest views of a subject, is not therefore to be prejudged by
another, who may think differently. But when a person changes his
colours from real disinterested motives, as you appear to have done,
Albert von Sturmfeder, and turns his back upon prosperity, for the
noble purpose of allying himself to, and aiding the oppressed, in a
just cause, then it is that his virtuous intentions justify his
conduct, and carry along with them the stamp of a noble act."

Albert blushed for himself, when he heard old Lichtenstein praising his
disinterested motives. Was it not for the sake of the beautiful
daughter of the knight, that he had principally been induced to join
his colours? and would he not sink in the esteem of this man, when,
sooner or later, his real motive for embracing his party came to light?
"You are too good," he answered; "the views of a man are often buried
deeper than we at first sight think. But be assured, that though the
step I have taken was dictated partly by a feeling which revolts at the
idea of unjust oppression; I would not have you think too well of me,
because it would give me very great pain, were you afterwards to be
obliged to pronounce an unfavourable opinion upon my actions."

"I love you still more for your frankness," replied the lord of the
castle, and squeezed the hand of his guest: "I can trust to my
knowledge of physiognomy, and maintain, from what I see in yours, that,
though other views may have influenced you, besides the feeling of
justice, you never will be found wanting in honour. Whoever is led by
evil intentions is a coward, and no coward would dare to run his head
against Truchses, the Duke of Bavaria, and the whole Swabian League,
and rise superior to the danger, as you have done."

"What do you know of me," said Albert, with joyful surprise; "have you
ever heard of me before this moment?"

A servant, who opened the door at these words, interrupted the answer
of the old man. He set a breakfast of game and a can full of wine
before Albert, and prepared to wait on the guest; but a hint from his
master made him withdra