Is there anything you would ask before leaving me ?" "There is to be a tournament to-morrow," the youth faltered out.
"And you would take part, in spite of my discourse," said the duke, with a smile.
Gilbert's reddening cheeks answered for him.
"I must forbid you to couch lance to-morrow," said Rodolph, tenderly; "you shall receive your spurs at my hands when I am king, but let me be the judge of the time.

And remember, my son," he added, detaining Gilbert as the latter was about to retire, "remember what you have seen this night.

When men shall question my motives, and extol or condemn me, you may say that Rodolph of Suabia was inspired by ambition to seek the crown, but that when it was within his grasp, he would have turned from it in disgust, had not conscience and patriotism compelled him to wear it." As Gilbert, deeply moved, kissed his hand and withdrew, Rodolph retired to an oratory into which his apartments opened.

He had been there engaged in prayer for more than an hour, when the Archbishop of Mayence appeared, and, after a brief adoration, entered the confessional.

There, in the silent hour of midnight, the king knelt before the priest, in obedience to the voice of that God who bequeathed us a Church to administer the Sacraments which He appointed for our salvation, and through which we can only attain it.