dark blue eyes, shooting their rays through the dark long
eyelashes, like the rising sun dispersing the morning mist, formed a
picture of unaffected loveliness, fit for the pencil of the artist.

The Duke entered the room, leading the knight of Lichtenstein by the
hand. His eye rapidly passed through the circle of ladies, and he
decidedly gave to Bertha the palm of beauty. "Sturmfeder," said he,
taking him aside, "this day rewards you for many services. Do you
recollect that night, when you first visited me in the cavern, and did
not know who I was? Hans, the fifer, gave us a toast, 'the lady of
Lichtenstein, long may she bloom for you!' she is yours now, and what
is not less true, the toast you gave is also fulfilled, for we are
again established in the castle of our fathers."

"May your grace enjoy your prosperity as long as I hope to be happy by
the side of Bertha. But I am indebted to your interference and kindness
for this day, for without it her father perhaps----"

"Honour for honour!" interrupted Ulerich: "you stood by us faithfully
when we first set out to reconquer our country, and therefore we have
assisted you in gaining possession of your best wishes. We will
represent your father this day; and as such you will not refuse us to
kiss your beautiful wife on the forehead after church."

Albert thought of that night when he was concealed behind the gate of
Lichtenstein, and overheard the Duke's conversation with his love. It
ended by his promise to remind her of his claim to a salute on this
day, to which she would not consent then. "Where you please," he
replied, "on her lips, if you prefer it, my Lord Duke; you have long
since merited it by your generous intercession."

"Who is to accompany you to the altar?" said the Duke.

"Maxx Stumpf and the Ulmer scribe, a cousin of Lichtenstein."

"What, that smart little fellow, whose head my chancellor wanted to
have off? Well, then, on your left you'll be supported by the most
elegant of men; and on your right by the bravest in all Swabia. I wish
you joy, young man; but take my advice, and lean to him on the right,
rather than to the other; for if you have him for a friend, you need
fear nothing in the world, even if you were as jealous as a Turk. But
here comes the right one," he added, as the knight entered the room;
"look how his broad sturdy figure shews among the crowd; and how
splendidly he has dressed himself! He wore that old faded green mantle
at our