I have had none of the joys and pleasures which, my heart tells me, life holds.

I have known nothing but this existence--hard and barren as the rocks that surround me.

I must, in time, return to Styria and take up my burden, but, Karl, I will first live." After this great stand, Max and I attacked first the father fortress and then the mother stronghold.

The latter required a long siege; but at last it surrendered unconditionally, and the day was appointed when Max and I should ride out in quest of fortune, and, perhaps, a-bride-hunting.

Neither of us mentioned Burgundy.