"It is not every one who gets beauty, wit, and wealth all together in a wife." "You are a flatterer," the girl laughed; "but for all that I think myself that Fritz is not unfortunate." "And now tell me," Malcolm asked, "at what time is the sentry generally changed ?" "At sunrise, at noon, at sunset, and at midnight," the girl replied; "but what is that to you ?" "Never mind;" Malcolm laughed; "you know you don't want to be told what I'm going to do.

I will tell you if you like." "No, no," the girl replied hurriedly.

"I would rather be able to always take my oath on the holy relics that I know nothing about it." "Very well," Malcolm replied; "then this afternoon I will call." Having hidden away under his doublet the suit of boy's clothes, and with the tools of his trade in a small basket in his hand, Malcolm presented himself at three o'clock in the afternoon to the sentry at the door leading to the count's apartments.

The soldier glanced at the pass and permitted him to enter without remark.
The waiting maid met him inside and conducted him upstairs, and ushered him into a spacious apartment, in which the count was lying on a couch, while the countess and Thekla sat at work beside him.

She then retired and closed the door after her.