Bertram stood rooted to the floor like one enchanted, and gazed at the door through which this vision of light had departed.  He then raised his eyes to heaven, and his countenance shone with excitement.  “God grant that she may be happy!” prayed he, softly.  “May she never be tormented by the agonies of error or repentance; may he whom she loves prove worthy of her!”

Overpowered by bitter and painful thoughts, his head sank upon his breast, and tears coursed down his cheeks.  But he did not abandon himself long to his sad and anxious thoughts, nor did he allow sorrow long to take possession of his heart.  After a short pause he raised himself and shook his head, as if to roll off the whole burden of care and grief with all the power of his will.

“At least I will always be at her side,” said he, his countenance beaming from the noble decision.  “I will follow her like a faithful, watchful dog, and ward off from her every danger and every misfortune which comes from man and not from God.  She has called me her brother!  Well, a brother has both rights and duties, and I will perform them!”

* * * * *

CHAPTER XV.

AN UNEXPECTED MEETING.

The hall to which Elise had retired, next to her bedroom, was on the garden side of the house, and its glass doors opened on a porch from which handsomely ornamented bronze steps led winding down into the garden.  Notwithstanding the advanced season of the year, the night was mild, and the moon shone brightly.  Elise opened the glass doors and stepped out on the porch to cool her burning forehead in the fresh night air; and, leaning on the balustrade, she looked up smiling and dreamily at the moon.  Sweet and precious fancies filled the soul of the young maiden, and brought the color to her cheeks.

She thought of her lover, who so lately had appeared to her as in a dream; she repeated to herself each one of his words.  With a sweet but trembling emotion she remembered that he had bidden her to await him; that he had sworn to her to come, even if his way should be over dead bodies and through rivers of blood.

With all the pride of a loving girl she recalled his bold and passionate words, and she rejoiced in her heart that she could call herself the bride of a hero.  Even if this hero was the enemy of her country, what did she care?  She loved him, and what to her were nationalities or the quarrels of princes?  She was his—­his in love and faith, in purity and innocence; what cared she for aught else?

Elise started suddenly from her dreams.  She had heard a noise down in the garden, and leaned listening over the balustrade.  What was the meaning of this noise?  Was it perhaps some thief, who, under cover of the general confusion, had stolen into the garden?  Elise remained motionless, and listened.  She had not deceived herself, for she distinctly heard footsteps.  A feeling of fear took possession of her, and yet she did not dare to move from the spot, nor to cry for help.  Might it not be her lover, for whom she had promised to wait?