—“And when did Count Ethelbert,” I answered with a look of surprise not inferior to his own, “when did Count Ethelbert discover the least trace of selfishness in my character? it is impossible, that such mean considerations should really hold a place in his bosom; or is this only intended as a trial of his friend?”— He bit his lip, and was for some time silent. My eyes were fixed upon him steadily; and it was long, before he could recover himself sufficiently to assume a different air, and explain to me, that in an affair in which he had not personally the slightest concern, he could only be anxious about my interest; and he advanced many arguments to prove, that the most noble and generous soul might feel very differently on occasions which regarded his friend, than he would have felt in affairs, which only related to himself. I believed every thing that Ethelbert told me; in fact he was soon after complaisant enough to allow, that my reasons were not entirely without weight, and at length even went so far as to declare that on consideration it appeared to him very possible, that an union between the Count Venosta and the widow of Ludolf of Mayenfield might be an advantageous event for _all_ parties. He also promised, that as soon as the next expedition against the Abbot of St. Gall should have taken place, he would come to my assistance, and use every power of entreaty and persuasion to forward this connection, which I so ardently desired. This expedition was directed against one of the Castles, which our common enemy detained from its rightful owner; on the morning appointed for its taking place, out forces set out before daybreak, in pursuit of a victory of which they reckoned themselves secure. My friend and myself had already seen our heroes return victorious from their excursions too often, to make us think it necessary to accompany their departure with signs and expressions of anxiety. We had exactly ascertained the time, when we might expect them back, and had laid a plan (with the assistance of such warriors as were left behind) for receiving them with all the pageantry and honours of conquest. A procession of knights and ladies was intended to welcome them on their return, and at the head of the joyous band was to wave a banner adorned with mottos and emblems; this gorgeous ornament was to be embroidered by our own hands, and our needles were plyed with unwearied industry, in order that it might be finished at the appointed time.