There was a moment's silence.

"Go and see who it is," said Odile, whose brow was for a minute shaded
with anxiety. "How can one be hospitable to strangers at such a time? It
is hardly possible!"

But the door opened, and a rosy face, with golden hair, appeared in the
shadow, and said in a whisper--

"It is the Baron of Zimmer-Bluderich, with a servant, and he asks for
shelter in the Nideck. He has lost his way among the mountains."

"Very well, Gretchen," answered the young countess, kindly; "go and tell
the steward to attend to the Baron de Zimmer. Inform him that the count
is very ill, and that this alone prevents him from doing the honours as
he would wish. Wake up some of our people to wait on him, and let
everything be done properly."

Nothing could exceed the sweet and noble simplicity of the young
châtelaine in giving her orders. If an air of distinction seems
hereditary in some families it is surely because the exercise of the
duties conferred by the possession of wealth has a natural tendency to
ennoble the whole character and bearing.

These thoughts passed through my mind whilst admiring the grace and
gentleness in every movement of Odile of Nideck, and that clearness and
purity of outline which is only found marked in the features of the
higher aristocracy, and I could recall nothing to my recollection equal
to this ideal beauty.