a young knight of
Linz, Rudolph by name.

On one occasion Rheinhard was obliged to set out with his troop to join
the wars in Italy, and ere he departed he confided his daughter to the
care of the venerable chaplain, while his castle and lands he left in
charge of Sir Rudolph. As may be supposed, the knight and the maiden
frequently met, and ere long it became evident that Rudolph's passion
was returned. The worthy chaplain, who loved the youth as a son, did not
seek to interfere with the course of his wooing, and so in due time the
lovers were betrothed.

At the end of a year the alarming news reached them that the baron was
returning from the wars, bringing in his train a noble bridegroom for
Etelina. In despair the lovers sought the old chaplain and begged
his advice. They knew only too well that the baron would not brook
resistance to his will; for he had ever dealt ruthlessly with
opposition. Yet both were determined that nothing should part them.

"I would rather die with Rudolph than marry another," cried the
grief-stricken maiden. And indeed it seemed that one or other of these
alternatives would soon fall to her lot.

But the wise old priest was planning a way of escape.

"Ye were meant for one another, my children," he said philosophically;
"therefore it is not for man to separate you. I will marry you at once,
and I know a place where you may safely hide for a season."

It was nearing midnight on the eve of the day fixed for Rheinhard's
return, so there was no time to be lost. The three repaired to the
chapel, where the marriage was at once solemnized. Taking a basket of
bread, meat, and wine, a lamp, and some other necessaries, the old man
conducted the newly married pair through a subterranean passage to
a cavern in the rock whereon the castle stood, a place known only to
himself. Then, having blessed them, he withdrew.

Early on the following morning came the baron and his train, with the
noble knight chosen as a husband for Etelina.

Rheinhard looked in vain for his daughter among the crowd of retainers
who waited to welcome him. "Where is my little maid?" he asked.

The chaplain answered evasively. The damsel was ill abed, he replied.
When the noble lord had refreshed himself he should see her.

Directly the repast was over he hastened to his daughter's apartment,
only to find her flown! Dismayed and angry, he rushed to the chaplain
and demanded an explanation. The good old man, after a vain