ark brown locks with powerless rage.

CHAPTER XV.

At Clara's request the previously arranged marriage was postponed.
Alf's baptism, also, for which his desire daily decreased, had not yet
taken place. The pretext for the delay of both ceremonies was the
changes which had been occasioned in Trutlinger's house by Eliza's
sudden elevation. In consequence of the daily increasing disorder and
confusion in Munster these omissions were not noticed by any body; and
half the city, who, since the polygamy ordinance of the twelve judges,
were living unrestrainedly with their newly selected partners, saw
nothing amiss in Alf and the little Clara's following the general
example. They lived together, quiet and retired, like orphan brother
and sister; and it became for Alf quite a soothing custom to extract
consolation and encouragement, under his bitter disappointment, from
the mild and friendly eyes of Clara. The maiden also, now that she no
longer felt the yoke of her proud sister, and no longer saw the beloved
youth in the arms of another, began to recover herself, and gradually
resumed her florid complexion, so that Alf contemplated her with
increasing pleasure from day to day; but the maiden kept her love for
him deeply buried in her own chaste bosom, and closely guarded her eyes
and lips lest they should betray her heart. Her deportment towards Alf,
however, was always kind and affectionate, and she assiduously
endeavored to anticipate all his wants. This peaceful mode of life,
also restored to her mind a portion of that serenity which had
gladdened her earlier and happier days. Already were her softly tinged
cheeks graced by frequent smiles; her fine blue eyes, which formerly
always looked through a veil of tears towards heaven or upon the
ground, now often sparkled with a playful archness which rendered the
thoughtful maiden doubly charming; and from her lips escaped many a
pleasing lighthearted jest. Alf, wondering at the change which had
taken place, could hardly turn his eyes away from her; and, as a
natural consequence, the wound which Eliza's unfaithfulness had made in
his heart was daily less and less felt.

While the storm of wild passions began to subside in the narrow circle
in which Alf and Clara moved, the whirlwind which menaced the state was
rushing and roaring constantly nearer and nearer. The frivolities and
horrors, which the anabaptists had up to this period enacted un