"Yes, yes," he answered gravely. "Our hearts are one and ever will be,
nothing can separate them; but your fate shall not be linked to mine
till, Moor himself calls me a master. Love imposes no condition--I am
yours and you are mine--but I impose the trial on myself, and this time
I know it will be passed."

A new spirit animated the pupil. He rushed to his work with tireless
energy, and even the hardest task became easy, when he thought of the
prize he sought. At the end of a year, Moor ceased to instruct him, and
Ruth became the wife of Meister Ulrich Schwab.

The famous artist-guild of Antwerp soon proudly numbered him among
them, and even at the present day his pictures are highly esteemed by
connoisseurs, though they are attributed to other painters, for he never
signed his name to his works.

Of the four words, which illumined his life-path as guiding-stars, he
had learned to value fame and power least; fortune and art remained
faithful to him, but as the earth does not shine by its own might, but
receives its light from the sun, so they obtained brilliancy, charm and
endearing power through love.

The fierce Eletto, whose sword raged in war, following the teachings of
his noble Master, became a truly Christian philanthropist.

Many have gazed with quiet delight at the magnificent picture, which
represents a beautiful mother, with a bright, intelligent face, leading
her three blooming children towards a pleasant old man, who holds out
his arms to them. The old man is Adam, the mother Ruth, the children are
the armorer's grandchildren; Ulrich Schwab was the artist.

Meister Moor died soon after Ulrich's marriage, and a few years after,
Sophonisba di Moncada came to Antwerp to seek the grave of him she had
loved. She knew from the dead man that he had met his dear Madrid pupil,
and her first visit was to the latter.

After looking at his works, she exclaimed:

"The word! Do you remember, Meister? I told you then, that you had found
the right one. You are greatly altered, and it is a pity that you have
lost your flowing locks; but you look like a happy man, and to what do
you owe it? To the word, the only right word: 'Art!'"

He let her finish the sentence, then answered gravely "There is still
a loftier word, noble lady! Whoever owns it--is rich indeed. He will no
longer wander--seek in doubt.

"And this is?" she asked incredulously, with a smile of superior
knowledge.

"I have found it," he answered