“Is this so?” exclaimed the lady, a warm light flashing into her gray eye.  “Did the elector give his place to another?”

“Indeed, he did; and it broke my father’s heart,” replied Franz.  “Since then, we have neither of us known pleasure; only when we go to the cathedral, Nanette and me; and when we return, our father never tires of asking questions.”

“This must not always be,” replied the lady.  “Will you come with me, my child, and it is possible we can show you a way whereby you can do something for a father whom you so much love.”

“I will go with you,” replied Franz; “but I must not be gone long, for my father will miss me when he wakes.”

Then Franz gave his hand to the beautiful lady, and she led him by a smooth way through the most lovely wood; tall trees, filled with singing birds, skirted the banks of clear, running streams, while flowering shrubs and vines flung their perfume to the air.  At length she came to a gate so strong and high Franz thought it would be impossible to open it.  But as they approached, it seemed to swing back noiselessly on its hinges.  Franz saw there was a lodge there, with a gray-haired man, and little children playing before the door, and as the lady passed all bowed to her.

Presently they came in sight of a magnificent castle, its walls white and glistening; while the sunlight glinting against the deep windows, flashed and scintillated like a bed of diamonds.  As they came nearer, the lady left the broad road, and wound along a narrow path, and came to a little postern gate, and up a broad marble terrace, with sparkling fountains, and with flowers brighter than he had seen before, and birds of gay plumage flashing their beauty through the tree-tops.  At the top of the terrace she gave him into the care of an elderly man, with a white flowing beard and eyes full of tenderness.  A few words were said, and the old man took Franz by the hand and led him into a room, the floor of which was marble, smooth as glass, while the walls were green and gold.  In the centre was a marble basin or pool, with steps leading down; the atmosphere was dim by reason of a sweet and subtle perfume rising from the water.  Franz was hardly conscious till he came out of the bath; then his hair was carefully dressed, and a new suit of clothes was brought him.

He had only time to look at himself in the mirror, when the lady returned.  She was dressed in a rich white silk, covered with lace and sprinkled with pearls and diamonds.  On her head she wore a crown; bright and sparkling as it was, it was not half so beautiful as the sweet face that beamed below it.  The deep traces of sorrow were gone, she looked like one happy in the consciousness of a good deed done, and a sweet smile was on her lip as she held out her hand to Franz.  Together they walked down the marble hall and up the broad staircase, on through rows of stately ladies and martial-looking men, the crowd opening and bowing as they passed.