untrained country-girl; she--"

"Nature, and her own beautiful soul, have given her all the training
she needs. Her wild, unconstrained life, has developed her as no court
or city life could. That I can see, seeing her as little as I have."

"You think just as I do, dear cousin. My brother's will was a wise
one, that kept her thus from the deadening conventionalities of a
court life."

"By my soul! how exceedingly lovely she is. She surpasses all my
expectations. I recollect her as a little fairy thing of eight or ten.
I have not seen her until now--"

"Since just before this last war, full seven years ago."

* * * * *

If Ferdinand of Bernstorf thought the little tattered gypsey Isoleth
so inconceivably lovely, his eyes were half blinded with the radiant
beauty of the young Countess of Fernheath, as she entered the
dining-hall, clad in the shining court-robe her guardian had sent her.
Her cousin's dark eyes were fastened upon her with a look of
passionate admiration, that caused the bright blood to burn on her
face and bosom. Nor did those handsome black eyes scarce leave her
during the whole long dinner. As soon as she could release herself she
hastened to her only confidante, Dame Hildreth.

She found the little dame kneeling upon the floor, busily engaged in
unpacking boxes, while the floor was literally alive with silks, and
satins, and laces, and woman's finery.

"See here, my lady--and here--and there! Look what your uncle guardian
of Arnheim has provided for your approaching nuptials! And, dear lady,
do but look here;" and the eager, proud little dame opened a casket of
beautiful pearls--necklace, girdle, coronet, brooch and armlets. This
noble present comes from the father of your betrothed. It is to be
followed by a still more beautiful set of diamonds."

"These pearls may deck my burial instead of my bridal, for I never
will live to wed with _him_ below."

"Why, my sweetest lady!" exclaimed nurse Hildreth, glancing up in
surprise at her young mistress's flushed and excited face. "For the
love of Heaven, do not talk in that way! What objection can you
possibly have to such a noble, handsome, princely prince? He is the
oldest son and heir to--"

"Oldest, indeed! He is old enough to be my father's father."

"Mercy on us! Lady Isoleth, you talk wild. I will wager my life he is
only twenty-eight, three days after this coming Christmas. He has been
in the wars, you know--and war is