Thou must return thence to-night.

Such is a part of the hidden decree, which has been dimly unfolded to Verena's foresight.

Here there is yet much that is wild and distracting, and thou hast great need to-day of calm preparation." With humble joy Sintram bowed his assent, and called for his horse and for a suit of armour.

"Only," added he, "let not any of that armour be brought which was last night overthrown in the hall!" His orders were quickly obeyed.

The arms which were fetched, adorned with fine engraved work, the simple helmet, formed rather like that of an esquire than a knight, the lance of almost gigantic size, which belonged to the suit--on all these the chaplain gazed in deep thought and with melancholy emotion.