u.'

The duke kindly nodded permission to retire, and Dorn led the ladies
from the hall.

'A happy escape from the lion's den!' sighed the matron with a lighter
heart, as she turned her back upon the palace.

What may not one accomplish who is a man in the fullest sense of the
word!' cried the enthusiastic Faith, pressing Dorn's hand to her heart.

'I know not,' said Dorn pensively, 'whether I shall have especial
reason to rejoice at the turn the affair has taken or not. It just now
occurs to me that the dismission of your persecutor from his quarters
in your house, removes the evil which impelled you to leave Sagan, and
that you may not now wish to accompany me to Schweidnitz.'

'O! we have on many accounts long desired to visit our Katharine,' said
Faith with great earnestness. 'Our house can never remain long free
from this detestable quartering, and who knows how the next may conduct
himself! Besides, I fear the captain now as much as I did before. He
has lost the power of tormenting us, and his bread into the bargain. He
will soon be released from the guard-house, and a bad man, however
insignificant may be his situation, has the power to injure with the
will!'

'My daughter's zeal,' smilingly interposed the matron, 'saves me the
trouble of explaining my reasons for wishing to go with you. Let it
suffice, that we ride with you to Schweidnitz.'

CHAPTER IV.

At Schweidnitz, on new year's eve, the Fessel family were gathered
around the well lighted and richly covered table; but no one had an
inclination to eat; for Dorn, the idol of the house, was still absent,
and anxiety for her beloved relatives saddened the countenance of the
affectionate Katharine.

'I thought master Dorn would have kept his word better,' cried the
impatient Martin, striking the empty seat which had been placed near
him for the expected traveler. 'The supper will soon be over and still
he is not here.'

'He will yet be sure to come,' said the confiding Ulrich. 'God grant
it,' sighed Katharine. 'A carriage! a carriage!' cried the listening
daughters, running to the window. 'It is father's horses!' they
shouted. Out ran the two boys, overthrowing their seats with a
tremendous racket; and, as if there had been a wager among the four
children, which should first break their necks, they all rushed out of
the door and down the steep stairs.

'Welcome to Schweidnitz, my dear mother!' joyfully cried th