All in the cottage had risen from their seats and had stepped back from her with horror.
She, however, seemed to have eyes for no one but the holy man; her features wore an expression of fearful curiosity, which appeared terrible to those who saw her.

"The soul must be a heavy burden," she continued, as no one answered her, "very heavy! for even its approaching image overshadows me with anxiety and sadness.

And, ah! I was so light-hearted and so merry till now!" And she burst into a fresh flood of tears, and covered her face with the drapery she wore.

Then the priest went up to her with a solemn air, and spoke to her, and conjured her by the name of the Most Holy to cast aside the veil that enveloped her, if any spirit of evil possessed her.

But she sank on her knees before him, repeating all the sacred words he uttered, praising God, and protesting that she wished well with the whole world.
Then at last the priest said to the knight: "Sir bridegroom, I will leave you alone with her whom I have united to you in marriage.