Meanwhile Bernhard stood without, his teeth chattering with cold, but in a state of excitement which made his eyes glow like fire.

"Is the child alive ?" he called through the door.
"She is," answered Lenore from within.
"Thank God!" cried Bernhard; but his thoughts rose no higher than the fair being within.

Long he stood there shuddering and dreaming, till at length a tall figure in woolen garments came out of the door.

It was Lenore in the clothes of the gardener's wife, still agitated by all she had gone through, but with a happy smile on her lips.

Bernhard, beside himself, kissed her hand more than once.
"You look very well," said Lenore, cheerfully; "but you will catch cold." He stood before her, wet and dripping, covered with weeds and mud.