“If used in moderation,” said King Arinbiorn, “it may indeed produce admirable effects. But, on the contrary, if one drinks incautiously, such direful consequences ensue, that my soldiers are afraid both of it and of the mysterious damsel by whom it is prepared. Her intentions are good; but that her character is strange and inscrutable is also true. Sir Heerdegen of Lichtenried had, in a manner best known to himself, made her acquaintance on the coast of East Friesland before he engaged with me in single combat.” Now, while Sir Heerdegen, at the desire of all the party, described how he had seen Gerda employed in collecting leaves and flowers on the sea-shore, she had, unobserved, come back into the banquet-hall. Again she had taken her station behind Sir Arinbiorn, and had placed before him a large golden cup filled to the brim with liquor, though he himself never remarked that she had done so. Sir Otto, indeed, perceived that she was in the room, and again turned round, intending to offer her his place; but, discontentedly, she made him a sign that he should not move; then retired, as if fearful of being noticed, and continued to pace up and down, like one lost in thought, through the wide banquet-hall. Thereafter Otto lost sight of her, so much the more readily, as Heerdegen, in his story, began to speak of the Lady Minnatrost; whereupon the whole party were anxious to hear more of the wonderful Druda. Sir Otto could not join with them in asking questions; but his whole heart was engrossed by what he heard of the silent lady, with her mysterious castle, and the tranquil moonlight that ever gleamed around her. Meanwhile Bertha’s beautiful eyes shone full of tears. At length, half jesting, half angry, Gabrielle whispered to her bridegroom, “How is this? Already on your bridal day so thoughtful and absent?” Sir Otto was about to excuse himself; but she continued, smiling, “Nay, nay, your thoughts are now far from hence, and are exclusively devoted, though _how_ we know not. You are a German; yet for a long time the wine-cup has stood untouched before you. Have you once, during the banquet, drank to the health of Gabrielle?”