The mercy of the Lord is great; and how heavy soever may be the weight and punishment which He may send, I trust, with His grace, to be able to bear it." Just then the door opened, and the castellan came in with a torch in his hand, the red glare of which made his face look the colour of blood.

He cast a terrified glance at the crazy pilgrim, who had just sunk back in a swoon, and was supported on his seat and tended by Rolf; then he stared with astonishment at the chaplain, and at last murmured, "A strange meeting! I believe that the hour for confession and reconciliation is now arrived." "I believe so too," replied the priest, who had heard his low whisper; "this seems to be truly a day rich in grace and peace.

That poor man yonder, whom I found half-frozen by the way, would make a full confession to me at once, before he followed me to a place of shelter.
Do as he has done, my dark-browed warrior, and delay not your good purpose for one instant." Thereupon he left the room with the willing castellan, but he turned back to say, "Sir Knight and your esquire! take good care the while of my sick charge." Sintram and Rolf did according to the chaplain's desire: and when at length their cordials made the pilgrim open his eyes once again, the young knight said to him, with a friendly smile, "Seest thou?
thou art come to visit me after all.

Why didst thou refuse me when, a few nights ago, I asked thee so earnestly to come?
Perhaps I may have spoken wildly and hastily.

Did that scare thee away ?" A sudden expression of fear came over the pilgrim's countenance; but soon he again looked up at Sintram with an air of gentle humility, saying, "O my dear, dear lord, I am most entirely devoted to you--only never speak to me of former passages between you and me.