He had intentionally kept silence concerning Sir Seitz Siebenburg's
challenge and his master's other dealings with the "Mustache." On
the other hand, he had eagerly striven to inform Els of the minutest
details of the reception he met with from her betrothed lover. With what
zealous warmth he related that Wolff, like the upright man he was, had
rejected even the faintest shadow of doubt of her steadfastness and
truth, which were his own principal virtues also.

Even before Sir Heinz Schorlin's visit young Herr Eysvogel had known what
to think of the calumnies which, it is true, were repeated to him. His
calm, unclouded courage and clear mind were probably best shown by the
numerous sheets of paper he had covered with estimates, all relating to
the condition of the Eysvogel business. He had confided these documents
also to him to be delivered to his father, and after discharging this
duty he had come to her. According to his custom, he had reserved the
best thing for the last, but it was now time to give it to her.

As he spoke he drew from the breast pocket of his long coat a wrought-
iron rose. Els knew it well; it had adorned the clasp of her lover's
belt, and the unusual delicacy of the workmanship had often aroused her
admiration. What the gift was to announce she read on the paper
accompanying it, which contained the following simple lines:

"The iron rude, when shaped by fire and blows,
Delights our eyes as a most beauteous rose.
So may the lies which strove to work us ill
But serve our hearts with greater love to fill."

Biberli withdrew as soon as he had delivered the gift; his master was
awaiting him on his return from his early ride with the Emperor; but Els,