death!"

The tread of armed men was heard along the passage, and immediately
afterward the Count Mangold entered the room.

"The diet awaits your highness' answer," he said, bowing deeply to the
duke.

"I will follow you," said Rodolph, "and deliver it in person." Saying
this, he strode proudly from the room, preceded by the count and his
attendants.

As the door closed behind them, Father Omehr fell upon his knees. He
knelt there with the tears streaming down his pale cheeks and his hands
clasped in prayer, until a long loud shout announced Rodolph's
acceptance. Then the trumpets' merry notes, mingled with the joyful
clang of arms, went up to heaven together with the missionary's sighs.
Father Omehr appeared scarcely to hear the martial revelry, but as the
tumult increased, he rose and glided from the room.

Amid the congratulations of the bishops, nobles, and people, Rodolph
proceeded in great pomp to Mayence, where he was to be crowned and
consecrated the following day. It was after nightfall when Rodolph
reached the palace prepared for his reception; and seizing the first
moment to escape from the embraces of his friends, he retired early to
his chambers, accompanied only by Gilbert de Hers. Rodolph had always
evinced a strong partiality for Gilbert, which the youth repaid by the
liveliest love and admiration. No sooner were they alone, than the duke
threw himself dejectedly into a chair, and was soon plunged into a fit
of gloomy abstraction. Gilbert stood motionless beside him, inwardly
wondering at the silence and despondency of the man, who, a moment
before, had been gayly exchanging felicitations with all who approached
him.

"Sit down, my son," said the duke.

Gilbert mechanically obeyed.

"Do I seem happy?" asked Rodolph.

"No, my lord; are you unwell?"

"Do I seem overwhelmed with joy at my good fortune?"

"Has anything befallen you, sire?" inquired the youth.

"Yes!" cried the monarch-elect, seizing his wrist, "the gratification of
my ambition!"

Gilbert started at the trembling tones and excited gesture of his
companion.

"Gilbert," continued the duke, regaining his composure, "you see me in
possession of all that I ever craved on earth. I am now legally invested
with the imperial crown. It was not the peaceable enjoyment of the
throne I asked, but permission to occupy it. I am gratified. With all my
hopes realized--I never was more miserable than at this moment. I am not
sad because I