determined absolutely not to remain in my territories?' asked
the bishop resentfully.

'I think of procuring for him a captaincy from the elector of Saxony,'
said Oberstein, with a view of softening the effect of Alf's short and
ungracious reply.

'Pardon me sir earl,' said Alf, 'for respectfully declining that favor
also. I have lately seen so many people commanded, and so many evils
have been caused by the orders given--and I myself in my simplicity
have done so much mischief by my own commands, that I have become
utterly disgusted with the whole business. Wherefore I have solicited
the reverend doctor Fabricius to seek me out a quiet little place in
Hesse Cassel, were I may honorably employ myself as an armorer and
enjoy the society of my wife and the children with which God may bless
our union, until my happy end.'

'Do you not think he has chosen the wisest part?' asked Oberstein of
the bishop, at the same time leaving the room.

'O that I could find in Munster a hundred burghers like this who now
deserts me!' said the bishop, through forgetfulness, laying his hand in
blessing upon the heretic's head.

'Think well of my request, reverend sir,' said Alf, bowing low and
following his friend and protector.

CHAPTER XXX.

When the happy Clara opened her blue eyes on the first morning after
her marriage, she saw that her young husband was already awake and
sitting upright in bed as if in deep and earnest meditation upon some
important matter. She threw her arms about his neck, kissed him
tenderly and asked him what he was meditating upon so intently.

'Upon my future destiny, and the decision I must make as to what
business I shall hereafter pursue, my dear wife,' answered he with
seeming earnestness. 'So many offers were made to me yesterday that I
hardly know which of them to embrace. The lord bishop wishes to retain
me with him, either in a military capacity or as an officer of his
court, as I may choose; for the latter of which I suppose I am more
particularly well qualified. I can also at any moment become a captain
in the service of the elector of Saxony.'

'You surely will not accept of either of them?' cried Clara, anxiously.
'Leave those high honors and dignities to others, and be satisfied with
the quiet domestic happiness which awaits you, and which your
unambitious disposition is best calculated to enjoy. Remain what you
are, a good armorer! As such only have