I have often wondered whether any fresh danger threatened you; but I hoped that the advance of the Marquis of Hamilton's force would have given the Imperialists too much to do for them to disturb you." "Yes, we have had no more trouble," the countess replied.

"The villages which the Imperialists destroyed are rising again; and as after the flight of the enemy the cattle and booty they had captured were all left behind, the people are recovering from their visit.

What terrible havoc has the war caused! Our way here led through ruined towns and villages, the country is infested by marauders, and all law and order is at an end save where there are strong bodies of troops.

We rode with an escort of twenty men; but even then we did not feel very safe until we were fairly through Franconia.

And so you have passed unwounded through the strife ?" "Yes, countess," Malcolm replied.