s, and owned the Ark, the large, handsome family
mansion which stood exactly opposite to the Golden Cross and her
Majesty's windows. She had also often been the guest of her uncle
Wolfgang Lorberer, who stood at the head of the community at Landshut.

It had gratified her to boast of these distinguished blood relations.

She had then been asked whether she could consent to leave her father for
a time to go into the country with the old Marquise de Leria, whom she
knew, and who was charmed with the beauty of her singing.

The leech desired to remove the invalid lady in waiting from the city
air, and she had chosen Barbara for a companion.

Here the young girl hesitated, and then carelessly asked her father what
he thought of the plan.

As Blomberg knew the name of Leria to be one of the most aristocratic in
the empire, and many things were beckoning to him in the future in which
Barbara's presence would only have been a hindrance, he left the decision
to her.

He had made the acquaintance at the Black Bear, through Pyramus Kogel, of
various soldiers who had fought in the same ranks--good Catholics, eager
for a fray, who were waiting here for the outbreak of the war against the
Smalkalds. What delightful hours their companionship would bestow if
Barbara was provided for at present, now that he himself was no longer
obliged to save every shilling so carefully!

But he had also thought of something else which was far more important,
for the warlike conversation had affected him as the blast of a trumpet
stirs the battle charger drawing a plough.

He had found complete enjoyment of life only in war, in the presence of
death, in cutting and slashing, and he felt by no means too old to keep
his seat in the saddle and lead his company of horsemen to the assault.
He was not mistaken there, and, besides not only the recruiting officer,
but also the scarred old captain whom they called little Gorgl, asserted
that the Emperor would welcome every brave, tried soldier, even though
older than he, as soon as war was declared.

Meanwhile Pyramus Kogel was constantly in his mind, and at last he
thought it his duty to speak to Barbara about her unseemly treatment of
this estimable man.

He had intended ever since she entered to call her to account for it,
but, though he did not admit it even to himself, the old soldier dreaded
his daughter's firm power of resistance.

Yet he could not keep silence this time; her behaviour had