and the portcullis rose and fell, leaving them
on the other side of the moat, surrounded by the men of Stramen. They
were conducted with much respect to a comfortable room in the castle,
and the arrival announced to the Lord Sandrit de Stramen. The baron,
who had heard of Ailred's rising fame, was delighted with the
intelligence, and invited the minstrel to his principal hall. Humbert
encased his harp, and having tuned it, delivered it to Gilbert. Then,
with scrupulous care, having re-examined his costume, he ascended a
flight of stairs, escorted by a serf, and ordered Gilbert to follow.
They were ushered into a spacious room, hung with armor and broidered
tapestry.

By a blazing fire were seated the baron and Father Omehr, and some paces
behind them stood several attendants. Sir Sandrit rose and saluted the
minstrel with much courtesy, and bade him warm himself at the genial
hearth. Humbert received the baron's congratulations without
embarrassment, and pledged his health in a brimming bowl. While the
minnesinger and the noble were exchanging compliments, Gilbert kept a
respectful distance, supporting the harp. He feared to look at the
missionary, who sat, evidently little concerned about Ailred of Zurrich,
wrapped in meditation. His heart had grown cold when, on entering the
room, as he glanced around, he missed the Lady Margaret. Was she sick?
Was the prophecy to be so swiftly consummated? He maintained his
position unnoticed, save by the domestic who offered him wine, until the
diligent seneschal had spread a long table, which soon presented a most
tempting appearance. Venison, boar's flesh, fish, fowl, pastries of
various kinds, and generous bowls of wine, proclaimed the hospitality of
the proud baron. Father Omehr blessed the board, but declined
participating in the repast.

Sir Sandrit forced the troubadour to sit at his side, while Gilbert
occupied a seat at the lower end of the table, among the dependents of
the house; for the arrival of a minstrel was one of those momentous
occasions when the lord of the fee welcomed his retainers to his own
board, and extended equal favor and protection to the highest and the
lowest. Humbert's animation increased as the sumptuous meal progressed,
while his naturally brilliant qualities, and a remarkable fund of wit
and anecdote, so fascinated the baron that he was wholly absorbed in the
charming Ailred. Gilbert sat silent and watchful, eating just enough to
avoid observatio