at were set agoing. Not aware of the alteration in his
course, he was much amazed when he found himself striding somewhat
irreverently down the great aisle of the church, towards the choir, from
whence the low chanting of the psalms announced that service was already
begun.

It was the opening of a bright autumnal day. The softened lights
streamed playfully athwart the grim and shadowy masses that lay on the
chequered pavement, like the smiles of infancy sporting on the dark
bosom of the tomb. The screen formed a rich foreground, in half-shadow,
before the east window. The first beam of the morning, clothed in
tenfold brightness, burst through the variegated tracery. Prophets,
saints, and martyrs shone there, gloriously portrayed in heaven's own
light.

Rodolf approached the small door leading into the choir,

[Illustration: COLLEGIATE CHURCH, MANCHESTER.

_Drawn by G. Pickering. Engraved by Edw^d Finden._]

when his vacant eye almost unconsciously alighted on a female form
kneeling just within the recess. A ray, from her patron saint belike,
darting through the eastern oriel, came full upon her dark and glowing
eye. She turned towards the stranger, but in a moment her head was bent
as lowly as before, and the ray had lost its power. Rodolf suddenly
retreated. Passing through a side door, he left the church, directing
his steps towards the low and dark corridors of the college. Near the
entrance to his chamber, on a narrow bench, sate a well-caparisoned page
tuning his lute. His attire was costly, and his raiment all redolent
with the most fragrant perfume. This youth, when very young, was sent
over as the companion, or rather at that time as the playmate of his
master. He was now dignified with the honourable title of page, and his
affection for Rodolf was unbounded.

"Boy," said the cavalier, something moodily, "come into the chamber.
Stay--fetch me a sack-posset, prythee. I am oppressed, and weary with my
morning's ramble."

Now the boy did marvel much at his master's sudden return, but more
especially at the great fatigue consequent on that short
interval;--knowing, too, that a particularly copious and substantial
breakfast had anticipated his departure.

"And yet, Altdorff, I am not in a mood for much drink. Give us a touch
of those chords. I feel sad at times, and vapourish."

They entered into a well-furnished apartment. The ceiling was composed
of cross-beams curiously wrought. On one of these was rep