vibrations of the harp-strings still resounded in a marvellous
manner. Biorn's attitude was again erect; he stroked his long beard
and rattled his sword, as if in great delight at what he had just
heard. Much shuddered Gabrielle before the wild song and these
strange forms, but only till she cast a glance on the Lord of
Montfaucon, sat there smiling in all his hero strength, unmoved, the
rough uproar passed by him like an autumnal storm.




CHAPTER 7



Some weeks after this, in the twilight of evening, Sintram, very
disturbed, came down to the castle-garden. Although the presence of
Gabrielle never failed to soothe and calm him, yet if she left the
apartment for even a few instants, the fearful wildness of his spirit
seemed to return with renewed strength. So even now, after having
long and kindly read legends of the olden times to his father Biorn,
she had retired to her chamber. The tones of her lute could be
distinctly heard in the garden below; but the sounds only drove the
bewildered youth more impetuously through the shades of the ancient
elms. Stooping suddenly to avoid some overhanging branches, he
unexpectedly came upon something against which he had almost struck,
and which, at first sight, he took for a small bear standing on its
hind legs, with a long and strangely crooked horn on its head. He
drew back in surprise and fear. It addressed him in a grating man's
voice: "Well, my brave young knight, whence come you? whither go you?