graven on Albert's mind, yet
his strikingly bold features, his commanding eye, his open forehead,
and the agile movements of his limbs, filled the young man anew with
admiration.

The nocturnal guest assisted Balthaser, the doorkeeper, to draw up the
bridge, with a power which appeared almost superhuman. When the old man
had withdrawn to his sleeping place, Albert overheard the following
conversation between the visitor and Bertha.

"Is there any news from Tuebingen? Has Maxx Stumpf returned? I read bad
news in your countenance."

"No, sir, he has not yet returned," she replied; "my father expected
him this very night."

"Oh, that the devil would give him heels! I must remain here till he
comes, if it be for a whole day. Ha! a cold night, lady," said the
exile; "the screech owls will be frozen in the cavern, for I left them
crying in most pitiable tones."

"Yes, it is indeed cold," she answered; "I would not go down there,
upon any account; and how dreadful must it be to hear those cries; I
shudder to think of it."

"If young Albert accompanied you, you would have no objections to go,"
answered the other smiling, and chucking the blushing girl under the
chin; "is it not so? You would not hesitate to follow him there, much
as you appear to dread it now."

"Ah! sir," she replied, "how can you talk in that way? Do you know,
I'll not come down again to let you in if you take such liberties."

"Well, but I merely spoke in jest," said the knight, and gently pinched
her glowing cheek; "you know how little opportunity I have in my
dwelling to enjoy a joke. What will you give me to say a good word to
your father, to induce him to make the youth your husband? You are
aware the old gentleman does every thing I ask him; and if I recommend
a son-in-law to him, he would accept him at all hazards."

Bertha opened wide her beautiful eyes, and cast a grateful look at him.
"Dear sir," she answered, "I will not forbid your saying a kind word
for Albert, particularly as my father is well inclined towards him."

"But I shall expect some reward for my trouble. Everything has its
price; so what will you give?"

Bertha cast her eyes to the ground. "A heartfelt thank-ye," she
replied; "but come, sir, my father has been waiting for us a long
time."

She was in the act of leading on, when the knight, taking her by the
hand, detained her. Albert's heart beat so hard as almost to be heard;
he broke out into a violent heat, and then