th a life of
surpassing happiness and joy."

"Edwald," said Froda, gravely, "this is the first time that I ever heard
one word from your lips which a true knight could not fulfil. Do as
it pleases you towards the fair and haughty Hildegardis, but Aslauga
remains my mistress ever, and no other do I desire in life or death."
The youth was startled by these stern words, and made no reply. Both,
without saying more to each other, watched through the night in solemn
thought.

The next morning, when the rising sun shone brightly over the 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 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
yester