later Ulrich, full of eager expectation, rode into Antwerp,
carrying in his portmanteau the mementos he had taken from his mother's
chest, while in imagination he beheld his father's face, the smithy at
Richtberg, the green forest, the mountains of his home, the Costas'
house, and his little playfellow. Would he really be permitted to lean on
his father's broad breast once more?

And Ruth, Ruth! Did she still care for him, had Philipp described her
correctly?

He went to the count without delay, and found him at home. Philipp
received him cordially, yet with evident timidity and embarrassment.
Ulrich too was grave, for he had to inform his companion of his mother's
death.

"So that is settled," said the count. "Your father is a gnarled old tree,
a real obstinate Swabian. It's not his way to forgive and forget."

"And did he know that my mother was so near to him, that she was in
Aalst."

"All, all!"

"He will forgive the dead. Surely, surely he will, if I beseech him, when
we are united, if I tell him. . . ."

"Poor fellow! You think all this is so easy.--It is long since I have had
so hard a task, yet I must speak plainly. He will have nothing to do with
you, either."

"Nothing to do with me?" cried Ulrich.

"Is he out of his senses? What sin have I committed, what does he. . . ."

"He knows that you are Navarrete, the Eletto of Herenthals, the conqueror
of Aalst, and therefore. . . ."

"Therefore?"

"Why of course. You see, Ulrich, when a man becomes famous like you, he
is known for a long distance, everything he does makes a great hue and
cry, and echo repeats it in every alley."

"To my honor before God and man."

"Before God? Perhaps so; certainly before the Spaniards. As for me--I was
with the squadron myself, I call you a brave soldier; but--no
offence--you have behaved ill in this country. The Netherlanders are
human beings too."

"They are rebels, recreant heretics."

"Take care, or you will revile your own father. His faith has been
shaken. A preacher, whom he met on his flight here, in some tavern, led
him astray by inducing him to read the bible. Many things the Church
condemns are sacred to him. He thinks the Netherlanders a free, noble
nation. Your King Philip he considers a tyrant, oppressor, and ruthless
destroyer. You who have served him and Alba--are in his eyes; but I will
not wound you. . . ."

"What are we, I will hear."

"No, no, it would do no good. In short, to Adam the