b,
accompanied by two attendants. His visit covered three days, during
which time his host and hostess did all in their power to make his stay
a pleasant one. Ere he took his departure he sought out Guta and made
known his love. The lady acknowledged that his affection was returned.

"Dearest Guta," said the knight, "I may not yet reveal to thee my name,
but if thou wilt await my coming, in three months I shall return to
claim my bride, and thou shalt know all."

"I will be true to thee," exclaimed Guta passionately. "Though a king
should woo me, I will be true to thee." And with that assurance from his
betrothed the knight rode away.

Three months came and went, and still Guta heard nothing of her absent
lover. She grew paler and sadder as time advanced, not because she
doubted the honour of her knight, but because she feared he had been
slain in battle. It was indeed a time of wars and dissensions. On the
death of Conrad IV several claimants to the imperial throne of Germany
made their appearance, of whom the principal were Adolph, Duke of
Holland, Richard, Earl of Cornwall, brother to the English king Henry
III, and Alfonso X, King of Castile. Of these three the most popular
was Richard of Cornwall, who was finally chosen by the Electors, more on
account of his knightly qualities than because of his fabulous wealth.
Among his most ardent followers was Philip of Falkenstein, who was
naturally much elated at his master's success. Now, however, the
conflict was over, and Philip had returned to Caub.

One morning, about six months after the departure of Guta's lover, a gay
cavalcade appeared at the gates of Caub, and a herald demanded admission
for Richard, Emperor of Germany. Philip himself, scarcely concealing his
joy and pride at the honour done him by his sovereign, ran out to greet
him, and the castle was full of stir and bustle. The Emperor praised
Philip heartily for his part in the recent wars, yet he seemed absent
and uneasy.

"Sir Philip," he said at length, "I have come hither to beg the hand of
thy fair sister; why is she not with us?" Falkenstein was filled with
amazement.

"Sire," he stammered, "I fear me thou wilt find my sister an unwilling
bride. She has refused many nobles of high estate, and I doubt whether
even a crown will tempt her. However, I will plead with her for thy
sake."

He left the room to seek Guta's bower, but soon returned with dejected
mien. "It is as I thought, sire," he said.