rushed to his recollection,--he was wrapped in admiration
of her firm trust in Providence, who she was persuaded would order all
things to work for their good. Though at that time their hopes, their
prospects, were veiled in a dark uncertain futurity, she did not
despond, but inspired her lover with courage when they took their
parting embrace.

The train of these thoughts was interrupted by a modest tap at the
door;--it was Dieterich von Kraft, who entered the room, dressed in his
very best.

"How?" cried the scribe of the grand council of Ulm, and clasped his
hands in astonishment,--"How? I hope you do not intend to be married in
that jacket. It is nine o'clock already; the passages and stairs of the
castle swarm with wedding guests, shining in silks and satins, and you,
the principal performer in the piece, are looking unconcerned out of
the window, instead of preparing yourself for the happy event?"

"There lies the whole concern," replied Albert, smiling, and pointing
to his dress on the bed, "cap and feathers, mantle and jacket, all of
the best quality and make; but God knows, I have not yet thought of
hanging the tawdriness on my back. This jacket which I have on is
dearer to me than all the rest; I have worn it in worse times, but
still in very happy days."

"Yes, yes! I know it well; you wore it when you were with me in Ulm,
and I don't forget how jealous Marie made me when she described it to
me in glowing terms. But do you call that new dress tawdry? By Jove, I
should be happy to possess such smart things the rest of my life! Only
look at this white vest, embroidered in gold, and the blue velvet
mantle: I have never seen anything more brilliant! truly, your choice
has been made with great taste, and the dress matches the colour of
your hair to perfection."

"The Duke presented me with it," said Albert, beginning to dress
himself; "it would have been much too expensive for my slender
finances."

"The Duke is really a splendid man; and now for the first time since I
have been here do I perceive that we were too hard upon him in Ulm.
There is some difference between life in such a city as this and that
in our town. The court of the Duke of Wuertemberg sounds much grander
than the townhall of Ulm. Still I would not like to be in his skin;
you'll see, cousin, his fortunes will go down-hill again with him."

"That's the burden of your old song, Dieterich: do you recollect how
big you talked about your poli