"What, that little girl? She was but a child when I left the Rhine."

"Her Ladyship is a woman of nineteen now."

"And how long has my father been besieged?"

"Alas! it grieves me to state that your father, Count von Schonburg,
has also passed away. He has been dead these two years."

The young man bowed his head and crossed himself. For a long time he
rode in silence, meditating upon this unwelcome intelligence, grieved
to think that such a desolate home-coming awaited him.

"Who, then, holds my castle against the besiegers?"

"The custodian Heinrich has stubbornly stood siege since the Count,
your father, died, saying he carries out the orders of his lord until
the return of the son."

"Ah! if Heinrich is in command then is the castle safe," cried the
young man, with enthusiasm. "He is a born warrior and first taught me
the use of the broad-sword. Who besieges us? The Archbishop of Mayence?
He was ever a turbulent prelate and held spite against our house."

Richart shifted uneasily in his saddle, and for the moment did not
answer. Then he said, with hesitation:

"I think the Archbishop regards the siege with favour, but I know
little of the matter. My Lady, the Countess, will possess you with full