"My colour hath been the shroud's since my father and mother died," said Margaretha, with a deep sigh; "but come now, little Karen! while you pass judgment on garments and finery many a mass may be sung to an end." "Mattins are over, and there is time enough ere high mass," said the maiden; "but take some refreshment. It is not good to drive to church or bind the Drost's neck on a fasting stomach." "I say so too, little Karen!" said Ulrica, with an arch smile, as she partook heartily of the morning draught. "So the Drost is well again, and going to depart," she continued; "truly it must be hard for so brave a knight to live so long under maiden's care, especially with that frightful scar on his neck." "The shame is not his, but the coward's who dared not face him,"--answered the maiden; "is it not so, Lady Margaretha?" "That is my sister's opinion also," sighed Margaretha; "but come! I think I hear a ringing." "Not yet awhile; truly thou art much too devout, sister!" said Ulrica, with an arch look. "You forget your repast every morning for mass, and mattins often ring in your ears much before the hour. But it is true the Drost's neck should be looked at ere mass, and that is ever a work of time.--Now I am coming; take me with you. I am coming instantly. I will not again be shut up here alone--ah yes, sister! had I not thee by me I should be an ungodly being, and sleep over mass time every morning.--Thou mayst thank the Drost's neck that thou dost never oversleep thyself--stay a moment; I am coming."--She drained the pewter cup, and hastened out of the door with her sister and their attendant. CHAP. X. From the maiden's tower, which, with the ancient Waldemar's tower, near the chapel, stood within the northern semicircle of the wall surrounding the castle, a vaulted private passage led to the broad flagged and spacious hall on the first floor of the main building into which the knights' hall, the ladies' apartment, and various others opened. There was likewise a front entrance from the court-yard by a flight of high wooden steps, surmounted by a porch, and enclosed on each side with an iron railing that led up to the balcony. Directly opposite the two northern towers stood, on the side towards the sea, in the southern semicircle of the castle wall, the strongly fortified towers called the dragon and the sea tower. Above the entrance stood the castle tower, and above the chapel was a small belfry. In the midst of the castle square stood a high flagstaff, bearing the royal arms, the three crowned leopards among a number of golden hearts. The circular wall, which, with its high battlements and towers, surrounded the whole castle, was also environed by ramparts and deep moats. As the castle was often occupied by the king and his whole court, it was kept in perfect repair, and amply provided with furniture and every kind of convenience.