hed, the unknown knight. They wondered that they had
never before remarked the exquisite delicacy and sensibility of her
countenance, the very exponent of the beautiful soul within, which
flashed out brightly as if through a transparent covering. When in
repose, the calm and happy expression reminded the beholder of the deep
purity and peace of the sunny sky--when moved by passing thoughts and
feelings, of the same heavens, ever heavenly, over which the fleecy
clouds are driven by the wind, in varying shapes and hues. Edith's
dress, though elegant, was as simple as consisted with her rank. The
pearls and white jasmine in her hair well became her, and the magic rose
upon her breast adorned her as no jewels could, and filled the chamber
with its rich, refreshing fragrance. As the sisters stood, one on each
side of their father, they might well have passed for types of spiritual
and sensual beauty--of heaven and earth.

The Emperor arose, and addressed the assembly. He said that the cares of
state weighed too heavily upon his feeble old age, and that his most
earnest wishes were now directed to a tranquil retirement, in which he
should enjoy the leisure he required for preparations to meet the King
of kings. That his daughters were before them--he wished to see the
diadem encircling the youthful brow of one, whichever they should
choose. But well he knew that a firm and valiant arm was needed to sway
the sceptre, and that an experienced mind must govern the nation; and
therefore it was his will that the Princesses should this day make known
their choice of a consort from among the many candidates for their
hands. His younger daughter, Edith, had already plighted her faith, with
his entire approval, to the stranger knight. No kingdom awaited her, for
her betrothed was a landless exile; but the fame of his valor and wisdom
had gone throughout the earth--and in the future husband of his daughter
he now presented to them one whom he was proud to claim as a
son--Arthur, Prince of Britain, the renowned Champion of Christendom!

At these words, shouts of enthusiastic joy rent the hall. When the
tumult was hushed, the Emperor called upon the suitors of the Princess
Clotilda to come forward. The rival sovereigns approached, among whom
the Duke of Milan was conspicuous for dignity and knightly courtesy. All
wished him success; but Clotilda passed him by, and placed her hand
within that of the Czar. At that moment, a sound was heard