They were both charming; they were destined for each other from infancy, and the time fixed for their marriage was the nineteenth birthday of Elise.

In anticipation of this happy event the Comte de Tecle rebuilt almost entirely one wing of his castle for the exclusive use of the young pair.

Roland was continually present, superintending and urging on the work with all the ardor of a lover.
One morning loud and alarming cries from the new wing roused all the inhabitants of the castle; the Count burned to the spot, and found his son stunned and bleeding in the arms of one of the workmen.

He had fallen from a high scaffolding to the pavement.

For several months the unfortunate young man hovered between life and death; but in the paroxysms of fever he never ceased calling for his cousin--his betrothed; and they were obliged to admit the young girl to his bedside.
Slowly he recovered, but was ever after disfigured and lame; and the first time they allowed him to look in a glass he had a fainting-fit that proved almost fatal.
But he was a youth of high principle and true courage.