horse was tired, and he himself both weary and hungry; he
therefore determined on going to the castle, and asking for food and
shelter for the night. He rode slowly up the hill on which the castle
stood; but as he came near the walls, the darkness increased so suddenly
that it was with difficulty he found the entrance to the court. He
called loudly, but no servant appeared at his summons. His shout was
given back by a dull echo from the walls, within which night and
solitude alone seemed to reign. The court was full with long grass; he
led his horse across it to a tall silver pine, whose outline he could
faintly trace through the darkness, bound him to it, and then sat down
to rest. After a little time he looked up,--and see! A light shone
from one of the windows! He rose quickly, found a door, and felt his
way up the narrow spiral staircase. At the top of the staircase was a
door, which he opened, and found himself in a large baronial hall; but
he hesitated to advance when he saw that the only person in it was a
girl, who sat by the long table. She wore a black dress, and a string
of large pearls confined her soft brown hair; and her attention was so
absorbed in a large book which was open before her, and which she read
by the light of a lamp, that she did not seem to be aware of the
knight's entrance. She was very lovely, and her expression told of a
gentle heart; but she was pale as a cloud, and some deep sorrow seemed
to have robbed her cheek of its roses.

"`Noble lady, I greet you well,' said the knight, at length.

"She looked up, and thanked him silently by a gentle inclination of her
head. He continued:--

"`In my journey through this wood I have lost my way; may I ask for some
food and a night's lodging?'

"She rose, and with noiseless step left the hall, returning presently
with two dishes, one of venison, another of wild fowl; these she placed
on the table, and again retiring, brought a goblet of sparkling red
wine. Having arranged everything, she signed to Sir Kurd to eat,
accompanying the sign with a sad smile. He very willingly accepted her
invitation; and though he found that both bread and salt had been
forgotten, his modesty prevented his asking for them. It seemed
strange, too, that not a single word had escaped the maiden's lips, and
he dared not speak to her. But the spirit of the generous wine, which
came from the sunny hills of Burgundy, began to assert its power over
him, and p