k where his sins are recorded.'

'I am here as his messenger,' continued Fessel; 'to conduct you all to
the little inn near the rocks of Aldersbach, where he intends to hold a
family festival.'

'There?' asked Oswald with surprise. 'That indicates some important,
and certainly some joyful purpose.'

'He keeps his plans and objects very secret,' said Fessel. 'I have my
conjectures; but can divulge nothing. That it is to be a great festival
I know by the extent of the preparations. He has been there with a
stone-cutter and gardener from Schweidnitz, since the day before
yesterday; and he wishes you all to come in full dress to-day.'

Fessel, having returned to his carriage, soon came in again with two
large packages, which he delivered to the lovers. Faith hastened to her
mother with hers, that they might examine and comment upon its contents
together.

Meanwhile, Oswald opened his package and found therein a splendid
Danish officer's uniform with all its usual appendages. 'The time for
these gilded ornaments has long since passed with me,' he observed with
a feeling of dissatisfaction; 'and I do not deem it proper to wear the
costume of a station which I intend never again to occupy.'

'He anticipated the objection,' said Fessel; 'and requests me to beg of
you to wear it only this day, for his sake, notwithstanding your own
disinclination.'

'Ah, Oswald, look!' exclaimed the happy Faith, holding out her present
for his examination. 'See this beautiful white silken dress and this
splendid diamond ornament!'

'It is very beautiful,' said Oswald, giving it a careless glance; 'but
is there no myrtle-wreath with the dress?'

'I have already sought it in vain,' answered Faith, with a slight
blush.

'Alas!' sighed Oswald, 'then the most acceptable present is wanting. My
dearest hope for to-day is at once annihilated.'

'Murmur not against your father, my dear brother-in-law,' begged
Fessel. 'I will be answerable that he means well with you and our
little Faith.'

'It is well!' said Oswald, taking his package under his arm and
retiring to dress; 'but he ought not to have forgotten the
myrtle-wreath!'

CHAPTER XXII.

Panting and foaming, the four black steeds drew up before the little
inn at Aldersbach, which was now gaily decorated with evergreens. The
happy old colonel stood in the door, ready to receive them. Oswald
assisted Faith, and Fessel his mother-in-law, to alight.