These are the fruits of Christian love!  It is active, fervent, and does not put off until to-morrow the good that may be done to-day.  Sure and powerful consolation was necessary for the heart of the wife and mother whom God had afflicted, and the servant of the “God of consolation” was hastening, in his name, to Hildegarde, whom he hoped to bring to him whose death she was deploring.

CHAPTER VIII.

FRIENDLY MEETING OF THE WARRIORS—­MUTUAL FORGIVENESS—­THEOBALD’S DESIRE FOR INSTRUCTION—­RETURN OF GOTTFRIED—­THE BIBLE—­LESSON OF LOVE TO ENEMIES.

Arnold did not at first reply to Ethbert.  His mind was troubled; but having sent away his son, he said to the servant, “Ethbert, God has given you wisdom.  Go, therefore, now, to the chevalier, and bear him, in the name of the Lord, the salutation of Arnold.  You will also say to him, that my great desire, my true and cordial desire, is to come to him.  But say nothing of my father.”

Ethbert entered the chamber of Theobald, who said to him, as soon as he saw him, “Ethbert, I have not yet seen your master to-day.  Is he sick?”

“My master,” said Ethbert, “is not now in the castle.  But, my lord, you must know that God is now displaying his goodness—­”

Theobald.  To me, you would say, Ethbert.  I know that Arnold is living; that he is here; that he is near me.

Ethbert.  And my lord knows also that a disciple of Christ can love even an enemy?

Theobald.  I was ignorant of it; but I have learned it here.  Ethbert, do not fear to tell me all.  Do you know whether Erard carried to his father a flower?

Ethbert.  I know that his father blessed God when he received it, and that the desire of his soul is that the Baron of Rothenwald——­

Theobald.  Say, simply, Theobald—­and you may also say, his friend, his humbled and repentant friend.

Ethbert, (respectfully.) The father of Erard says to the chevalier Theobald, that the cordial desire of his heart is to visit him, without delay.

“Arnold!  Arnold!” exclaimed the chevalier; “do you hear my voice?  O, why can I not come to you, and ask your pardon?”

“Theobald,” was heard through the partition, “I am coming!  Ethbert!  Ethbert!”

The domestic immediately went out, and Theobald remained, with his eyes fixed on the door, until he heard the steps of Arnold and of his servant.  Then his heart failed him, and he covered his face with his hands, while Arnold entered, and approached the bed, beside which he sat down, saying, “O, Theobald!  I must give way to my joy!  It is beyond my strength.  May God support us at this hour!” At these words Ethbert left the room, saying, “Amen.”

“It was I—­it was I who struck you!” exclaimed Theobald, bathing with tears the hands with which he had covered his face.  “Arnold, it was my sword that made this still bleeding wound!  Pardon! pardon! in the name of God alone!  Arnold, forgive!  O forgive one who would have been your murderer!”