IV. THE CONDITION.

V. THE FULFILMENT.


[Illustration: "Hans, undaunted, stepped up to her father."]




THE ARTIST'S MASTERPIECE




CHAPTER I

THE GIFT


A little village with its scattered glimmering lights lay in peaceful
dreams. Just as a black swan draws her young under her, so the mighty
Cathedral rested in the midst of the low houses, which seemed to creep,
like birds, under its wing.

It struck twelve from the church tower, and larger and smaller clocks,
near and far, carried the message onward. Dead silence again hovered
over the sleeping village.

Just as dawn bathed the hills in sunlight, two stately men wandered