The whole party were quiet enough now; for they were struck dumb with astonishment. The sign-painter held his breath, glared with his eyes, frantically clasped his hands together, and fell down on his knees before the great French painter. “Forgive me!” he exclaimed, “forgive me for my audacious ignorance.” David laughed heartily; and, taking his hand, shook it with fraternal cordiality. By this time the news of the discovery had spread; the tavern was crowded with persons anxious to drink the health of their celebrated visitor; and the good old man, standing in the middle of the room, pledged them heartily. In the midst of the merry-making, the sign-painter’s daughter, the pretty Susette, threw her arms round her benefactor’s neck. * * * * * =TO —— ——.= =BY MRS. JULIA C. R. DORR.= Look thou upon me with approving eyes, Oh, thou whose love is more than life to me! So shall my soul be strong, though I may see Cold looks and stern to other faces rise. Since first I promised to be thine alone, Hath one fond word from thee been dearer far Than loudest praises from all others are, Or warmest smiles. Thou art my world, mine own; And the one treasure that I prize above All else that earth can give—the one rich boon So dear, that if I lost it I should soon Lie in the grave’s cold bosom, is thy love! Love me then ever, for I fain would be All onto thee, love, that thou art to me. * * * * * =THE TRIAL BY BATTLE.= =A TALE OF CHIVALRY.[3]= CHAPTER I. THE CORONATION. Easter-even, in the year of our Lord 1099, was held as a high festival in the fine city of Barcelona: it was the coronation-day of the young Count Raymond Berenger the Third, whose twelvemonth’s mourning for his lamented father and sovereign was to close with his own solemn inauguration. The count had accordingly, by his letters patent, convoked to his good city of Barcelona the bishops, barons, knights, and also the ambassadors from foreign courts, to witness him take his knighthood, and receive from the altar, and place upon his head, the garland of golden roses which formed the coronet of the Counts of Arragon.