lovers to their vows.

"The Sabbath was not kept. The old priest, Van Ness, said masses to
the empty aisles.

"In those evil days lived one Frederic Wollin. He was a brave man,
and his soul was true.

"It was the custom of this good man to instruct the people in the
market-place. But at last none came to hear him.

"One day, near Christmas, the council met. Wine flowed; rude jests
went round. The question was discussed as to how these days of
selfish delights might be made perpetual.

"A great cry arose:--

"'Banish the holy days: then all our to-morrows will be as to-day!'

"Then Wollin arose and faced the people. His appearance was met by a
tumult, and his words increased the hatred long felt against him.

"'The days of evil have no to-morrows.' he said. 'He that liveth to
himself is dead.'

"'Give him a holy day once in a hundred years!' cried one.

"The voice was hailed with cheers. The council voted that all future
days should be as that day, except that Wollin and the old priest,
Van Ness, should have a holy day once in a hundred years.

"Christmas came. No bell was rung; no chant was heard. Easter
brought flowers to the woods, but none to the altar. Purple
Pentecost filled the forest villages with joy; but here no one cared
to recall the descent of the celestial fire except the old priest
and Wollin.

"It was such a night as last night when Van Ness and Wollin came out
of the church for the last time. The people were drinking at the
inn, and dancing upon the green. Spring was changing into deep
summer; the land was filled with blooms.

"A party of young men who had been carousing, on seeing Wollin come
from the church, set upon him, and compelled him to leave the town.
He came up this hill. When he had reached the top, he paused and
lifted his face towards heaven, and stretched out his hand. As he
did so, a sharp sound rent the valley, and caused the hills to
tremble. He looked down. The village had disappeared. Only Van Ness
was standing by his side.

"But as the villagers had promised Wollin a holy day once in a
hundred years, so once in a hundred years these people are permitted
to rise with their village into the light of the sun for a single
day. If on that day a stranger visits them whose heart is untrue he
disappears with them at midnight. Such is the story. You will hardly
believe it true."

The stude