day, 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
camp, through his undeserved favour, raised me to the rank of a duke.
It was my good fortune, that in an encounter, some of the enemy's horse,
who had dared to assault the sacred person of the Emperor, dispersed
and fled on my approach." The count then, at the request of Hildegardis,
related every circumstance of the heroic deed; and it appeared that
Edwald had not only rescued the Emperor from the most imminent peril,
but also, with the cool and daring skill of a general, had gained the
victory which decided the event of the war.

Surprise at first sealed the lips of all; and even before their
congratulations could begin, Hildegardis had turned towards Edwald, and
said in a low voice, which yet, in that silence, was clearly heard by
all, "The noble count has made known the wish of my imperial uncle,
and I conceal it no longer, my own heart's wish is the same--I am Duke
Edwald's bride." And with that she extended to him her fair right hand,
and all present waited only till he should take it, before they burst
into a shout of congratulation. But Edwald forbore to do so; he only
sunk on one knee before his lady, saying, "God forbid that the lofty
Hildegardis should ever recall a word spoken solemnly to noble kn