brother-in-arms now, as heretofore, dear Edchen, and are
perhaps become yet dearer to me."

Then Edwald smiled again in silent contentment, like a flower
after the morning showers of May.

The eyes of Hildegardis glanced mildly and kindly on him, and
she often conversed graciously with him, while, on the other
hand, since yesterday, a reverential awe seemed to separate
her from Froda. But Edwald also was much altered. However he
welcomed with modest joy the favour of his lady, it yet seemed
as if some barrier were between them which forbade him to
entertain the most distant hope of successful love.

It chanced that a noble count, from the court of the Emperor,
was announced, who being bound on an important embassy, had
wished to pay his respects to the Lady Hildegardis by the way.
She received him gladly, and as soon as the first salutations
were over, he said, looking at her and at Edwald, "I know not
if my good fortune may not have brought me hither to a very
joyful festivity. That would be right welcome news to the
Emperor my master." Hildegardis and Edwald were lovely to
look upon in their blushes and confusion, but the count,
perceiving at once that he had been too hasty, inclined
himself respectfully towards the young knight, and said,
"Pardon me, noble Duke Edwald, my too great forwardness, but I
know the wish of my sovereign, and the hope to find it already
fulfilled prompted my tongue to speak." All eyes were fixed
inquiringly on the young hero, who answered, in graceful
confusion, "It is true; the Emperor, when I was last in his