flowery plains around the Castle of Hildegardis, the watchman
on the tower blew a joyful blast from his horn, for his keen
eye had distinguished far in the distance his fair lady, who
was riding from the forest between her two deliverers; and
from castle, town, and hamlet, came forth many a rejoicing
train to assure themselves with their own eyes of the happy
news.

Hildegardis turned to Edwald with eyes sparkling through
tears, and said, "Were it not for you, young knight, they
might have sought long and vainly before they found the lost
maiden or the noble Froda, who would now be lying in that dark
cavern a bleeding and lifeless corpse." Edwald bowed lowly in
reply, but persevered in his wonted silence. It even seemed
as though an unusual grief restrained the smile which erewhile
answered so readily, in childlike sweetness, to every friendly
word.

The noble guardian of Hildegardis had, in the overflowing joy
of his heart, prepared a sumptuous banquet, and invited all
the knights and ladies present to attend it. Whilst Froda and
Edwald, in all the brightness of their glory, were ascending
the steps in the train of their rescued lady, Edwald said to
his friend, "Noble, steadfast knight, you can never love me
more!" And as Froda looked in astonishment, he continued--
"Thus it is when children presume to counsel heroes, however
well they may mean it. Now have I offended grievously against
you, and yet more against the noble Lady Aslauga." "Because
you would have plucked every flower of your own garden to
gladden me with them?" said Froda. "No; you are my gentle