duce a certain community of existence. The
bitter anguish of his aged household companion, the father of his wife,
to whom bonds of love still unsevered united him, touched even Seitz
Siebenburg. Besides, nothing moves the heart more quickly than the grief
of a proud, stern man. Herr Casper's confession did not make him dearer
to the knight, but it induced him to drop the irritating tone which he
had assumed, and in an altered voice he begged him not to give up his
cause as lost without resistance. For his daughter's sake old Herr
Ortlieb must lend his aid. Els, with whom he had just spoken, would cling
firmly to Wolff, and try to induce her father to do all that was possible
for her lover's house. He would endeavour to settle with his own
creditors himself. His sharp sword and strong arm would be welcome
everywhere, and the booty he won----Here he was interrupted by the
grandmother's query in a tone of cutting contempt: "Booty? On the
highway, do you mean?"

Once more the attack from the hostile old woman rendered the knight's
decision easier, for, struggling not to give way to his anger, he
answered: "Rather, I think, in the Holy Land, in the war against the
infidel Saracens. At any rate, my presence would be more welcome anywhere
than in this house, whose roof shelters you, Countess. If, Herr Casper,
you intend to share with my wife and the twins what is left after the old
wealth has gone, unfortunately, I cannot permit you to do so. I will
provide for them also. True, it was your duty; for ever since Isabella
became my wife you have taken advantage of my poverty and impaired my
right to command her. That must be changed from this very day. I have
learned the bitter taste of the bread which you provide. I shall confide
them to my uncle, the Knight Heideck. He was my dead mother's only
brother, and his wife, as you know, is the children's godmother. They are
childless, and would consider it the most precious of gifts to have such
boys in the castle. My deserted wife must stay with him, while I--I know
not yet in what master's service--provide that the three are not
supported only by the charity of strangers---"

"Oh, Seitz, Seitz!" interrupted Isabella, in a tone of urgent entreaty.
She had risen from her cushions, and was hurrying towards him. "Do not
go! You must not go so!"

Her tall figure nestled closely against him as she spoke, and she threw
her arms around his neck; but he kissed her brow and eyes, saying, w