\"Now，menoftheTyrol，\"shoutedHormayr，\"listentothemessagewhichtheArchdukeJohnsendstoyou。\"
AndamidthesolemnsilenceoftheTyrolese，andthepealsoftheMeranchurch——bellspenetratinguptothem，HormayrreadtothemadocumentdrawnupbytheArchdukeJohn，byvirtueofwhichheresumedpossessionoftheTyrolinthenameoftheemperor，declaredittobeincorporatedwiththeimperialstates，andsolemnlyvowedthat，asarewardofitsloyalty，itshouldremainunitedwithAustriaforallfuturetime。Atthesametime，theancientconstitutionandtheformerprivilegeswererestoredtotheTyrolese，andBaronvonHormayrwasappointedgovernoroftheTyrol。
CHAPTERXX。
ELIZAWALLNER\'SRETURN。
AllWindisch—Matreywasagaininjoyfulcommotionto—day;foratwofoldfestivalwastobecelebrated:thereturnofthemenofWindisch—Matrey，whohadsobravelyfoughtforthecountryandsoaidedindeliveringit;andthen，ashadbeenresolvedprevioustotheirdeparture，ElizaWallner\'sweddingwastocomeoffto—day。
Shehadredeemedherpledge，shehadprovedthatshewasatrueandbravedaughteroftheTyrol，andAnthonyWallner，herfather，wasnolongerangrywithher;hewishedtorewardherforhercourageandintrepidity，andmakeherhappy。Therefore，hehadsentamessengersecretlyandwithoutherknowledgetoWindisch—Matrey，andhadorderedhiswifetodecoratethehousefestively，andrequestthecuratetorepairtothechurchandperformthemarriagerites。ThereturningTyroleseweretomarchtothechurch，and，afterthankingGodforthedeliveranceoftheTyrol，thecuratewastomarryElizaWallnerandherloverinpresenceofthewholecongregation。
Sinceearlydawn，therefore，allthemarriedwomenandgirlsofWindisch—Matrey，dressedintheirhandsomeholidayattire，hadbeeninthestreet，andhaddecoratedtheroutewhichthereturningmenweretotake，andadornedthechurchwithwreathsandgarlandsofflowers。
Wallner\'swifealonehadremainedathome，forshehadtoattendtothepreparationsforthewedding—banquet，withwhichsheandherservant—girlshadbeenoccupiedduringthewholeofthepreviousday。Therewereagreatmanythingstobedoneyet;thetablehadtobesetinthelargebar—roomforthewedding—guests;theroastshadtobelookedafterinthekitchen;andthewholehousehadtobedecorated，andfestoonsofflowerstobesuspendedrounditsentrance。
\"Schroepfelmightrendermegoodservicenow，\"saidWallner\'swife，eagerly。\"Ihavesomanythingstoattendto，andhedoesnotmovehishands，butsitslikealogatthedoorofdearUlrichvonHohenberg，andcaresfornothingelse。Oh，Schroepfel，Schroepfel，comehere！Iwanttoseeyou！\"
Atthestaircaseleadingdownintothehallappearedthesunburnt，furrowedfaceofoldSchroepfel。
\"Ifyouwanttoseeme，youmustcomeuphere，\"heshouted。\"Ihavebeentoldtostandguardhere，andIwillnotdesertmypost，evenforthesakeofMrs。Wallner，untilIamrelieved。\"
\"Heisaqueerfellow，\"saidMrs。Wallner，laughing，\"butImustdowhathesays。\"
Shehastenedup—stairs。Atthedooroftheroomwheretheprisonerwasconfinedstoodtheservant，pressinghisfacetothebrownpanelsofthedoor。
\"Now，Schroepfel，\"askedMrs。Wallner，laughing，\"canyouseethroughtheboards？Foryouputyoureyestothedoorasthoughitwereawindow。\"
\"Itisawindow，\"saidSchroepfel，inalowvoice，limpingupafewstepstohismistress。\"Ihaveboredfoursmallholesinthedoor，andthroughthemIamabletoseethewholeroomandallthattheprisonerisdoing。Look，Mrs。Wallner！theholebelowthereismywindowwhenheisinbedandasleep;Icanseehisfacethroughit。
Theholealittleaboveitenablesmetowatchhimwhileheisseatedatthetable，andwritingorreading;andthroughtheholeuphereIcanseehisfacewhenheispacingtheroom。\"
\"Youareastrangefellow，\"saidMrs。Wallner，shakingherhead。
\"Youwatchthepoorsickprisonerasthoughhewereaneagle，alwaysreadytoflyfromthenest。\"
\"Heisaboutwhatyousay，\"saidSchroepfel，thoughtfully。\"Heisnolongersick，andhiswingshavegrownagreatdealduringtheweeksincehewashere，Ibelievehewouldliketoflyfromhere。\"
\"Oh，no，\"saidMrs。Wallner，withashrug。\"HelovesmyLizzie，andIdonotbelievethathewholovesthatgirlwillwishtoflyawaybeforesheflieswithhim。\"
\"Idonotknowaboutthat;Ihavemyownnotionsaboutit，\"saidSchroepfel。\"HeisaBavarianforallthat，andtheBavariansareallfaithlessanddishonest。Isworetowatchhimandnotlosesightofhim，andImustkeepmyoath;hence，IshallnotleavethedooruntilIamrelieved。\"
\"Thenyouwillnotcomedown—stairsandhelpmefixthewreathsandgarlands，setthetable，andcleantheknives？\"
\"No，dearMrs。Wallner，Iamnotallowedtodoso，muchasIwouldliketoassistyou。Asentinelmustneverleavehispost，orhewillbecalledadeserter，andMr。Wallneralwaystoldmethatthatwasagreatdisgraceforanhonestfellow。Now，asIamanhonestfellow，and，owingtomylameleg，cannotservethecountryinanyotherwaythanwatchingthisprisoner，Ishallstayhereasasentinelandtakegoodcarenottodesert。\"
\"Well，doso，then，\"exclaimedMrs。Wallner，halfangrily，halflaughingly。\"Butyoumaygointothegentlemanandtellhimtobeofgoodcheer，forElizawillcomebackto—day，andtheweddingwilltakeplaceimmediatelyafterherreturn，whenhewillbefree。Tellhimtopreparefortheceremony;for，whenthebellscommenceringingthereturningdefendersofthecountrywillhavereachedthevillage，andwearetogowithhimtothechurch，wherethecuratewillawaitus。\"
\"Ofcourse，Ishalltellhimallthis，\"growledSchroepfel，andMrs。
Wallnerhasteneddown—stairsagain。
\"Yes，Ishalltellhim，\"murmuredSchroepfeltohimself，\"butI
wonderifitwillgladdenhisheart？Duringthefirstfewdays，whenhehadthewound—fever，hetalkedstrangethingsinhisdelirium，andderidedandscornedourbeautifulLizzie，who，hesaid，wasbentuponbecominganaristocraticlady。Sinceheiswellagain，heabuseshernolonger，buthelooksverysombre，andduringthewholeweekhehasnotonceinquiredafterhisbetrothed。GodblasttheaccursedBoafokifheshouldlovethegirlnolonger，andifhedidnothonestlyintendtomakeherhiswife！Iwillgointohimandseehowhereceivesthenews。\"
UlrichvonHohenbergwasseatedinhisarmchair，andgazingmusinglyoutofthewindow。Hedidnotturnwhentheoldservantenteredhisroom;heseemednottohavenoticedhisarrival，butcontinuedstaringattheskyevenwhenSchroepfelstoodclosetohim。Thefaceoftheyoungmanwasstillpaleandwan，andunderhiseyes，formerlysoclearandcheerful，weretobeseenthosebluishcirclesindicativeofinternalsufferingsofthebodyorthesoul。However，sincethewound—feverhadlefthim，hehadneverutteredacomplaint，andthewound，whichwasnotverysevere，hadalreadyclosedandwashealingrapidly。Hence，itwasdoubtlessgriefthatimpartedsogloomyandsicklyanappearancetoCaptainUlrichvonHohenberg，anditwasthisverysuspicionthatrenderedSchroepfeldistrustful，andcausedhimtowatchhisprisonernightanddaywithsombrevigilance。
Hestoodafewminutespatiently，andwaitedforthecaptaintoaddresshim;butHohenbergcontinuingtotakenonoticeofhim，heresolutelylaidhishandonhisshoulder。
\"Sir，awake！\"heexclaimedsullenly。
Thecaptaingaveaslightstart，andpushedtheservant\'shandwithanangrygesturefromhisshoulder。
\"Iamawake，\"hesaid;\"itisthereforequiteunnecessaryforyoutolayhandsonme。Whatisit？Whatdoyouwantofme？\"
\"Iwanttotellyouonlythatourmenwillreturnthismorning，andthatthiswillbeagreatholidayinWindisch—Matrey。Forourmenarevictorious，andthecountryisdeliveredfromtheenemy。Mr。
WallnerhaswrittentousthatthebraveTyrolesedeliveredthewholecountryinthreedays，thattheyhavetakenprisonerseightthousandinfantryandonethousandcavalry，andcapturedeightguns，twostandsofcolors，andtwoFrencheagles。Besides，severalthousandFrenchandBavarianshaveperishedinthegorgesandonthebattle—fields。Veryfewofourownmenhavebeenkilled，andnotoneofthemmadeprisoner。Nowthewholecountryisfree，andourvictoriousmenarecominghome。\"
Notamuscleinthecaptain\'sfacehadbetrayedthathehadheardSchroepfel\'sreport。Hestillstaredquietlyatthesky，andhisfeaturesexpressedneithergriefnorsurpriseattheastoundingnews。
\"Youdonotaskatall，sir，ifElizaWallnerwillreturnwiththemen？\"askedSchroepfel，angrily。\"Ishouldthinkyououghttotakesomeinterestinthat，forLizzieisyourbetrothed。\"
\"Sheisnot！\"criedthecaptain，startingupindignantly，withflushedcheeksandflashingeyes。
\"Yes，sheis，\"saidSchroepfel，composedly。\"ImyselfheardthegirlsaytoherfatherandthemenofWindisch—Matrey:\'Heismybridegroom;Ilovehim，andyoumustnotkillhim。\'Andbecauseshesaidso，themensparedyourlife，althoughAnthonyWallner—
Aichbergerwasveryangry，andwouldnotforgivehisdaughterforhavinggivenherhearttoanenemyofhercountry，aBavarian，and，moreover，anobleman，andnottoanhonestpeasant。ButLizziebeggedandwailedsomuchthatherfathercouldnotbutyield，andpromisedhertoforgiveallifsheprovedthatshewasnotraitoresstohercountry，butatrueandbravedaughteroftheTyrol;afterdoingso，hewouldpermithertomarryherBavarianbetrothed。AndnowshehasprovedthatsheisatrueandbravedaughteroftheTyrol，andthewholecountryisfulloftheheroicdeedsperformedbyLizzieWallner，andoftheintrepiditywhichshedisplayedunderthemosttryingcircumstances。Andto—day，captain，youwillmeetagainyourbetrothed，whosavedyourlife，andwhowentwiththemenonlytoperformheroicdeedsthatwouldinduceherfathertoconsenttoherunionwithyou。Itellyou，sir，beautifulLizzieWallner，yourbetrothed，willreturninanhourortwo。\"
Theyoungman\'sfacecrimsonedforamoment，andwhenthecolordisappearedfromhischeeks，theirpallorwasevenmorestrikingandghastlythanbefore。
\"ElizaWallnerfought，then，verybravelyagainst——againstmycountrymen？\"heasked，pantingly。
\"No，shedidnotfight，sir，butshewentintothethickestshowerofbulletstocarryawaythewoundedTyrolese，andattendtotheirinjuries;andshedroveahay—wagondirectlytowardtheenemy，andourmenwereconcealedbehindthehay，andshebroughtakegofwinetoourmenwhilethebulletswerewhistlingroundher;and，finally，sheandtheotherwomenescortedtheBavarianprisonerstoCastleSteinach。\"
Theyoungmanutteredacry，andburiedhisfaceinhishands。
\"Whatadisgrace，oh，whatadisgrace！\"hegroaned，despairingly;
andinhisgriefheseemedtohaveentirelyforgottenthepresenceoftheservant，forhewept，weptsobitterlythatlargescaldingtearstrickleddownbetweenhisfingers。\"Ourbravesoldiersweredefeatedbymiserablepeasants，\"hewailed。\"TheBavarianprisonersweremarchedoffunderanescortofwomen！\"
Schroepfelstoodasifpetrified，andthisoutburstofthegriefoftheusuallyhaughtyandlaconicyoungmanfilledhimwiththeutmostsurpriseandconfusion。
However，thecaptainsuddenlydriedhistearsanddroppedhishandsfromhisface。
\"AndElizaWallner，yousay，ledthewomenwhoescortedtheBavarianprisoners？\"heasked，inafirm，almostmenacingvoice。
\"Yes，sir，shedid，\"saidSchroepfel。\"Andnowherfatherisreconciledwithher，and，toproveit，hewillmarryhisdaughtertoyouto—day。\"
Thecaptainsaidnothing;onlyaproud，scornfulsmileplayedaroundhislipsforamoment。
\"Yes，\"addedSchroepfel，\"theweddingwillcomeoffto—day。
Immediatelyaftertheirreturntheprocessionwillmovetothechurch，whereathanksgivingservicewillbeheld;itwillbefollowedbythemarriageceremony。Mr。Wallnerwrotetohiswifetosendyoutothechurchassoonasthebellscommencedringing，andtokeepyouinthevestryuntilyouweresentfor。Remember，therefore，assoonasthebellscommenceringing，Ishallcallforyouandtakeyoutothevestry。\"
Theyoungmanwassilent，andgazedthoughtfullybeforehim;bethenthrewbackhisheadwithanairofboldresolution。
\"Allright，\"hesaid，\"Ishallaccompanyyou。Didyounotsaythatmybaggagehadbeensenthitherfromthecastle？\"
\"Yes，yes，MissElzasenteverythinghitherbyherservants，andsheherselfcamewiththem。Andduringthefirstdays，whenyouhadthewound—fever，shecamehereatleastthreetimesadayandaskedhowyouwere，andcriedandlamented，andentreatedmeforGod\'ssaketoadmithertoyourroomonlyforabriefmoment。ButIhadswornnottoadmitanyonetomyprisoner，nortopermithimtospeakwithanyone;hence，Icouldnotmakeanexceptioneveninfavorofthekind—heartedyounglady。Shecomesneverthelesseverydayandinquiresaboutyou;andshebeggedhardandlonguntilMrs。
Wallnerpermittedhertosendyourdinneralwaysfromthecastle。Asyouwillbefreeto—day，Imaytellyouallthis，foritwillnolongerdoanyharm。\"
\"No，itwillnolongerdoanyharm，\"saidthecaptain，withapeculiarsmile。\"Listen，Iwishtodressupforto—day\'sceremony，anddonmygalauniform。Thereforebesokindastofetchit。\"
\"Iwill，captain，Iwillfetchtheuniformandbebackdirectly，\"
saidSchroepfel，cheerfully，limpinghastilytowardthedoor。Butoutsidehestoodstillandpressedhisfingerthoughtfullytohisnose。\"Idonotknowexactlywhattothinkofit，\"hemurmuredtohimself。\"AtfirstheutteredaloudcryandsaidLizzieWallnerwasnothisbetrothed;afterwardhelamentedpiteouslybecauseLizzieWallnerescortedtheBavarianprisoners;andfinallyheaskedforhisgalauniforminordertodressupfortheceremony。Well，weshallseeverysoonifhehashonestintentionstowardLizzieandreallylovesher。Ifhethinkshecanplayheratrick，hehadbetter，beware，forIshallneverlosesightofhim;Ishallalwaysbebehindhim，andifhedoesnottreatthegirlasheoughtto，I
willstrikehimdownwithmyfistslikeamadbull！Iwilldoit，sohelpmeGod！\"
CHAPTERXXI。
THECATASTROPHE。
Thebellswereringing，themenwererejoicing，andthegirlsofWindisch—Matreyanditsenvironstookpositionwithbasketsofflowersonbothsidesofthestreet。Forthevictoriousdefendersofthecountrywereapproaching;theircheerswerealreadyheardatadistance;andtheyalreadysawthemerryboyswhohadgoneouttomeetthem，andwhonowheadedtheprocessionamidmanifestationsoftheliveliestdelight。Yes，theywerecoming，theywerecoming！
Yonder，downthemountain—slope，movedthemotleyprocessionoftheTyrolese，resemblingaglitteringserpentofgiganticproportions。
Howtheirriflesflashedinthesun！Howbeautifullythebouquetsadornedtheirpointedgreenhats！Andnowtheywerealreadyabletodistinguishthefacesandtheindividualforms。Immediatelybehindtheboys，attheheadoftheprocession，walkedAnthonyWallner—
Aichberger。Howsplendidthecommander—in—chieflooked;andhowbeautifulwasLizzie，walkingbyhisside，handsomelydressed，andwearingabeautifulbouquetinherbosom！HerattentivefatherhaddespatchedaspecialmessengertohiswifeforLizzie\'sholidaydressandhertrinkets，sothatLizzie，theprideandjoyofhisheart，mightmakeherentranceinabecomingmannerintoWindisch—
Matrey。
Lizzielookedreallysplendidinherholidayattire。Herravenhair，flowingdowninheavytressesonherneck，wasinterwovenwithdarkredribbons，andlargerosettesofthesamecolorwerefastenedwithsilverpinstoherhead。Herlow—neckedcorset，adornedwithsilvertrimmings，wasfastenedonthebreastwithsilverchains;andaboveitroseawhitechemisettetrimmedwithlaces，andveilingchastelyherfaultlessbustandbeautifully—shapedshoulders。Largewhitesleevescoveredherarmsandwerefastenedtoherwristswithdark—
redrosettes。Anampleskirtoffinedark—redwool，trimmedwithblackvelvet，fellfromherslenderwaistdowntoherankles，andhersmallfeetwereencasedinhandsomestockingsandshoesadornedwithlargesilverbuckles。Theboyshadbroughttoherthesplendidbouquetwhichsheworeinherbosom，andhadtoldher，amidlaughterandcheers，thatherbetrothedsentherthebouquetasawedding—
present。
ButthesewordshadrenderedLizziesilentandsad。Thesmilehaddisappearedfromherlips，andthecolorhadfadedfromhercheeks;
shelookedanxiouslyatherfather，buthenoddedtoherandsaidlaughingly:\"Donotaskmeanyquestionsto—day，Lizzie，forIwillnottellyouanything。Awaitquietlytheeventsthatwilltakeplace，andbearinmindthatyourfatherlovesyoudearly，andisanxioustomakehislittledaughterhappyandcontented。\"
Elizatriedtodivinewhatthesewordsofherfathermeant，andagloomyforeboding，aterrorwhichshewasunabletoexplaintoherself，filledherheart。
Shelistenednolongertothejoyousshoutsoftheboys，andceasedsingingwithPanzlthefinesongsoftheTyrolesemountains，butwalkedalong，pale，silent，andhangingherhead。
NowtheyreachedWindisch—Matrey，andstoodstillattheentranceofthestreet，wheretheclergy，municipalauthorities，andthebeautifully—dressedgirls，badethemwelcome。Oh，itwasasoul—
stirringmoment，asacredfestivalofwelcome！Thebravemenhadgoneouttofightfortheirnativecountry，theiremperor，andthelibertiesoftheTyrol;andGodhadgrantedthemvictory。Hehadassistedtheminallcontests，thecountrywasfree，theemperorwasagainmasteroftheTyrol，andthemenofWindisch—Matreyreturnedvictoriouslytotheirhomes。Allseemedtogreetthemwithglowinglooksoflove;thewholeearthseemedtoshout\"Welcome！\"tothem。
Eventheglisteningsnow—cladsummitsoftheGross—Glocknerseemedtolookatthemovertheothermountainswithanairofcuriosityandsolemnkindness;andonthegreenmountain—pasturesstoodtheredcowssoproudandhandsome，asiftheyhadplacedthemselvesthereforthepurposeofadorningthelandscapeforthereturningheroes。AndthewildIselbachmurmuredmerrilyattheroadsideandsentitssilverysprayintotheair，andtheboyslaughedandsang;
thebellspealedsoloudlyandsolemnly，andreceivedringingresponsesfromthevillagesfartherdowninthevalley;thepriestsstoodwithsolemn，devoutfacesattheentranceoftheplace，blessingtheheroeswithupliftedhands，andeyesturnedtoheaven;
andthegirlsandmatrons，strewingflowerstothereturningmen，stoodonbothsidesofthestreet，andgreetedthemwithbeamingsmiles。
Oh，thissweet，sublimemomentsilencedallcaresanddoubts。ThesmilereturnedtoEliza\'slips，hercheekscrimsoned，andhereyesbeamedwiththepurestjoy。Withaloudcryofdelightshethrewherselfintothearmsofhermother，andkissedherathousandtimes，andscarcelylistenedtotheaddressofthecurate，whoreturnedthankstoherinthenameofthewholeparishforhercourageandtheassistanceshehadrenderedtohercountrymenwoundedinbattle。
ButnowElizaheardadearfamiliarvoice，whichcausedhertoraiseherselffromhermother\'sarmsandlookup。Yes，itwastheold，kind—heartedBaronvonHohenbergwhowasstandingbeforeher，andheldouthishandtoherwithhissunniestandkindestsmile。\"Mybravedaughter，\"hesaid，feelingly，\"givemeyourhand。YouknowthatIloveyouasthoughyouweremyownchild，andnowIamproudofyou，foryouhavebecomeaheroine，andhavedonehonortoourTyrol。ElzawasrightafterallinalwayscallingyouanotherMaidofOrleans，andsayingyouwereabornheroine。\"
\"ButwhereisElza？\"saidLizzie，anxiously，totheoldcastellan。
\"HereIam，dearestEliza，\"saidtheyounglady，whohadhithertokeptherselfbehindherfatherandtheclergyman。
\"Oh，myElza，mydear，dearElza！\"exclaimedEliza，rapturously;andsheencircledherfriend\'sneckwithherarms，andimprintedaglowingkissonherlips。
ButshefeltthatElza\'slipsquivered，thatshedidnotreturnthekiss，norpressthefriendtoherheart;anditseemedtoElizaasthoughacoldhandsuddenlytouchedherheartandpresseditrudelyandcruelly。SheraisedherheadfromElza\'sshoulder，andlookedherfullintheface。ItwasnotuntilnowthatshesawhowpaleElzawas，howredhereyeswithweeping，andhowforcedhersmile。
\"Youaresick，Elza，\"shesaid，anxiously。
\"No，\"whisperedElza，\"Iamnot。\"
\"ThenyouloveyourLizzienolonger？\"askedEliza，pressingly。
\"Yes，Ido，\"saidElza，inahollowvoice，andwithawondrouslymournfulsmile。\"Idoloveyou，and，toproveit，Ipresentyouwiththiswreath。Godblessyou，dearLizzie;mayHegrantyouhappiness！\"
\"Elza，\"criedEliza，anxiously，\"Elza，praycometomeandtellmewhatitmeans，what——\"
\"Hush，Lizzie，hush，\"saidherfather，seizingherhandanddrawingherforward。\"Doyounotseethattheprocessionismovingon，andthatwemustgowithit？See，thecurateandthecastellanarealreadyfarahead，andwemustgotoo。\"
\"Butwhere，father，where？\"
\"Tothechurch，youdearlittlegoose！\"
\"Tothechurch？Whatarewetodothere？Whydowenotgohome？\"
\"Haveyoubecomesoimpiousduringyourcampaign，Lizzie，asnottoknowthatwemustalwaysrenderhomagetoGodfirstandaboveallthings？Wearegoingtochurchtoreturnthanks;comewithme，andasknomorequestions。\"
\"ButIwilltakeoffthemyrtle—wreath！\"exclaimedLizzie，liftingherhandanxiouslytothewreath。Butherfatherdrewbackherhand。
\"No，Lizzie，\"hesaid，\"donotremovethewreath。Itfitswellonyourhead。\"
\"ButIamnobridegoingtochurchonherwedding—day。\"
\"Really，Lizzie，areyounot，\"askedherfather，laughing。
\"Buthushnow，mychild，wearealreadyatthechurch—door，anddoyounothearthegloriousswellingnotesoftheorgan？Letusenterthechurch，dearLizzie。\"
Hedrewherforward，andElizafollowedhim:butindescribableanguishoppressedhersoul;shedidnotknowwhy，andshefeltasthoughsomethingdreadfulwereabouttohappenhere，andasthoughsheoughttoflee，fleefarintothemountains，intosolitude。
Butherfatherheldherbythehand，andwalkedwithherupthemainaisletothelargealtar。Rowsofchairs，decoratedwithflowers，hadbeenplacedhere，andElizahadtoseatherselfononeofthesechairs;byhersidesatherfather;oppositeher，thecastellanandherfriendElza;thencamethemunicipality，andJohnPanzl，lieutenant—commanderofthemenofWindisch—Matrey，andbehindthemstoodthedensecrowdofthesharpshootersofthePusterthal。
Elizacastasearchingglanceonthedensecrowd;shelookedatallthepews，andyetshedidnotknowwhatshewaslookingfor，norwhatalarmedherheartsomuch。
Allatonceshestartedinsuddenterror，andhercheekturneddeadlypale。Yonder，behindthewindowsofthevestry，shebeheldayoungmaninahandsomeuniform;itwashe，hewhomshehadlookedforwithoutknowingitherself;hefromwhosesightherhearthadshrunkwithanxietyanddismay。AndyetElizahadlongedtoseehim，forshehadbeenuneasyonhisaccount;shehadfearedlestheshouldstillsuffergravelyfromtheconsequencesofhiswound。Butshehadnotdaredtoaskanyoneabouthim;hence，shewasgladtoseethathewaswell，andshowedhergladnessinhergazeathim。
Theireyesmet，buthelookeduponherwithanexpressionofhatredandcontempt;ahaughty，disdainfulsmileplayedroundhislips，andhethrewbackhisheadsuperciliously，insteadofnoddingpleasantlytoher。
Elizafeltaterriblepaininherheart;shewishedtojumpup，she—
—Allatoncesheheardhernamedropfromthelipsofthecurate，whowasstandingbeforethealtar，andwhohadjustconcludedthethanksgivingprayer。Whatdidhesay——whydidhementionher？Sheheldherbreathtolistentohim。Greatheavens！anothernamefellfromthecurate\'slips。HeutteredthenameofUlrichvonHohenberg;
heproclaimedhimthebridegroomofElizaWallner，whowaspresent;
hecalleduponCaptainUlrichvonHohenbergtoappearbeforethealtar，andreceivetheconsecrationofhisunionwithhisbetrothedinthepresenceofallthesewitnesses。
Withahollowgroan，crushed，andasifbroken—hearted，Elizasankbackintoherchair，andherpalelipsmurmured\"NowIamlost，andsoishe？\"
\"UlrichvonHohenberg，\"shoutedthepriestatthealtar，\"comehitherandtakeyourbridebythehand。\"
Thedoorofthevestryopened，andUlrichvonHohenbergsteppedin。
Histall，slenderformpresentedaveryfineappearanceinthebrilliantgalauniform;aflashingcrossadornedhisbreast;inhishandheheldhisgold—lacedhat，withthewavingwhiteplume;onlytheswordwaswantingtohisside，andthisalonebetokenedhishumiliatingposition，andshowedthathewasaprisoneramidstallthesearmedmen。Buttheconsciousnessofthisfactseemednottohumiliatehim，forhewalkedup，hisheadproudlyraised，andhisstern，coldeyesgazingscornfullyupontheassembly。
Hesteppedcloseuptothealtar。\"Reverendfather，\"hesaid，inaclear，loudvoicetothepriest，\"youhavecalledme。HereIam。
Whatdoyouwantofme？\"
\"Ihavecalledyou，UlrichvonHohenberg，tomarryyoutoyourbetrothed。ElizaWallner，steptothesideofyourbridegroom。\"
ButElizaWallnerdidnotrisefromherchair;sheleanedherhead，almostinaswoon，againstthebackofherchair，andstared，asifunconsciousofwhatwasgoingonaroundher，atthepriestandtheyoungman，whofixedhiseyesonheratthismomentwithanairofcoldcontempt。
\"ElizaWallner，\"hecriedaloud，\"donotcomehither，forIamnotyourbetrothed，andnevershallyoubecomemywife！\"
Adeafeningcryofrageburstfromalllips:theeyesofallthebravemeninthechurchflashedwithanger，andtheylaidtheirhandsmenacinglyontheirrifles。
ButAnthonyWallnersprangtohisfeet，palewithrage，hiseyesshootingfire，likethoseofanangrytiger，rushedtowardthecaptain，andsizedhisarm。
\"What！\"hecried，furiously，\"youinfamous，perjuredscoundrel，refusetomarrymydaughter？Firstyoustoleherlove，youpromisedtomarryher，andnowthatIwouldgivehertoyou，yourefusetotakeher！\"
\"Yes，Ido，\"criedUlrichvonHohenberg，almostjoyously。\"NeverwillElizaWallner，thepeasant—girl，becomemywife;neverwillI
stoopsolowastoallowawifetobeforceduponme，merelytosavemylife，andleastofallherwhohasfoughtagainstmycountrymenandbrethren;whoparticipatedinthestudiedinsultinflicteduponthebravesoldiersofmyking，andintheinfamoustreasonyouhaveallcommittedagainstyourkingandlord。Yes，Itellyou，youareinfamousrebelsandtraitors，andyouthinkI，CaptainUlrichvonHohenberg，asoldierwhotooktheoathofallegiancetohisking，couldactsodishonorablyandmeanlyastojointherebels！No，never！NeverwillthedaughteroftherebelAnthonyWallnerbecomemywife！Killmenowifyouwanttodoso。Youmaytakemylife，butyoucannotdishonorme！\"
Elizasatstillmotionless，andasifpetrified。Shehadheard，asifinadream，thecaptain\'swords;and，asifinadream，shesawthatSchroepfelrushedforwardandraisedhispowerfularmagainsthim，andthatallthemencrowdeduptohimwithmenacinggestures;
asifinadream，sheheardwildshoutsandimprecations。
Allatoncetwoice—cold，tremblinghandsseizedEliza\'sarms，andabelovedvoicepenetratedherearwiththevehemenceofmortalanguishandterror。
\"Eliza！\"criedthisvoice——\"Eliza，willyouallowthemtokillhim？\"
\"Elza！\"murmuredEliza，asifstartingupfromatrance，\"Elza，whatisthematter？\"
\"Theywillassassinatehim，Eliza！\"wailedElza。\"Theyhavetiedandgaggedhim，andsaythattheywilltakehimoutandshoothim。
Eliza，youalonecansavehim！Havemercy，forgetwhathesaidinhisrageandgrief。Havemercyuponhim，uponme！ForItellyou，theywillassassinatehim。Oh，see，theyareformingacircleroundhim，anddragginghimdowntheaisle！Theyaretakinghimouttothepublicplace！Theyintendtoshoothim！Savehim，Eliza，savehim！\"
Elizamadenoreply;shesprangupfromherseatandhasteneddowntheaisleafterthemen，whowerejustissuingfromthechurch—door，andinwhosemidstwaswalkingCaptainUlrichvonHohenberg，conductedbyAnthonyWallner，andhisservant，lameoldSchroepfel，hishandstiedonhisback，andagaginhismouth。
Butthesharpshooterssurroundedtheprisonerlikeathick，impenetrablewall。VainlydidElizabegandimplorethementoletherpass;vainlydidshetrywiththestrengthofdespairtoelbowherwaythroughtheranks。Themenpushedherbackimpetuously。
\"Youshallnotintercede。inbehalfoftheinfamousvillain，\"theysaid;\"youshallnotsavethelifeofthemeanBavarianwhocallsusrebelsandtraitors，andyetdidnotkeephisownword。Heshallandmustdie，hehasforfeitedhislife。\"Andtheirstrongarmspushedherfromthecirclewhichtheynowformedonthelargeplaceinfrontofthechurch。Initsmiddlestoodthecaptain，byhissideAnthonyWallner，andbehindhimSchroepfel，likeawatch—dogreadyatanymomenttotearhisenemy。
Anthonyliftedhisarmwithslow，solemntranquillity，anddroppeditheavilyonthecaptain\'sshoulder。
\"UlrichvonHohenberg，\"hesaid，\"youareaninfamousvillain，foryoupledgedyourwordtomydaughterthatyouwouldmarryher，andnowyourepudiateher。Youarealiarandaslanderer，foryoucallusinfamousrebelsandtraitorsmerelybecausewefoughtforourcountryandouremperor。Therefore，youhavesinnedagainstGod，man，andhonor。UlrichvonHohenberg，youmustdie！\"
\"Yes，youmustdie！\"shoutedthemen;andtheytooktheriflesfromtheirshouldersandloadedthem。
AnthonyWallnerandSchroepfelsteppedbackfromtheprisoner，andthemenwhohadstoodbehindhimmovedoutoftheway。Hencethecircle，whichhadhithertobeenimpenetrable，nowopened。Elizasawit，andsprangforward，regardlessofthesharpshooters，whowerejustraisingtheirmuskets，regardlessofthedangermenacingherself。Pale，withpantingbreath，herhandsliftedtoheaven，shespedacrosstheopenspacetowardthecaptain，and，placingherselfbeforehim，exclaimed，withflashingeyes，andinanexultingvoice:
\"Nowshoot，men，shoot！ForItellyouheshallnotdiealone，andifyoushoothim，youshallkillmetoo。\"
\"Eliza！\"criedherfather，beseechingly，andwithalangrily，\"Eliza，standback！Heisatraitor，andmustdie。\"
\"Heisnotraitor，normusthedie;andifyouassassinatehimyoushallassassinatemetoo，\"criedEliza。
