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1
Test Bank for Introduction to Health Care, 3rd Edition:
Mitchell
Full download chapter at: https://testbankbell.com/product/test-bank-for-introduction-to-health-care-3rd-edition-
mitchell/
CHAPTER 1—YOUR CAREER IN HEALTH CARE
TRUE/FALSE
1. Growth in the health care industry is expected to slow down over the next ten years.
ANS: F
Rapid growth is predicted.
PTS: 1
2. Scope of practice refers to the tasks that a health care professional can legally perform as part of a specific occupao
tin.
ANS: T
This is the correct definition of scope of practice.
PTS: 1
3. The educational requirements for obtaining certification in all health care professions are similar.
ANS: F
The educational requirements can vary significantly between certifications.
PTS: 1
4. On-the-job training for many health care occupations is being replaced by formal classroom education.
ANS: T
Formal classroom education is becoming more common than on-the-job training.
PTS: 1
5. Moving up the career ladder usually requires getting additional education in one’s occupational area.
ANS: T
Moving up to a more advanced level in one’s occupational field usually requires additional education.
PTS: 1
6. Finding the time to study is a problem for many adult learners who have returned to school.
ANS: T
Most adults have a variety of responsibilities, and finding the time to study is a major problem for many.
PTS: 1
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. What is the most important reason why health care professionals should identify potential problems when working with p
ie
an
t ts?
a. Help their employers avoid being sued for malpractice.
b. Ensure patient safety and well-being.
c. Prevent the wasting of expensive supplies and employee time.
d. Earn a good employee evaluation.
ANS: B
Feedback
A Identifying potential problems ensures patient safety and well-being.
B Correct.
C Identifying potential problems ensures patient safety and well-being.
D Identifying potential problems ensures patient safety and well-being.
PTS: 1
2. Which of the following terms describes the condition of being placed on an official list after meeting the educationa
n
ld
atesting requirements for
an occupation?
a. Certification c. Recognition
b. Licensure d. Registration
ANS: D
Feedback
2
A Certification is the process of determining whether a person has met predetermined
standards.
B Licensure is a designation that means a person has been granted permission to legally
perform certain acts.
C Recognition is not a designation of approval to practice an occupation.
D Correct.
PTS: 1
3
3. A medical assistant who believes that a physician made an error when prescribing a treatment would demonstrate good th
k
ii
n
ng skills by:
a. giving the treatment and asking the physician about it at the next convenient opportunit
b. assuming that the physician is correct and giving the treatment.
c. asking the physician before giving the treatment.
d. refusing to give the treatment and dismissing the patient.
ANS: C
Feedback
A If an error is suspected, always ask before giving the treatment.
B If an error is suspected, always ask before giving the treatment.
C Correct.
D If an error is suspected, always ask before giving the treatment. However, do not dismiss
the patient in case the treatment is approved and should be given.
PTS: 1
4. Characteristics of students who are learning to think like health care professionals include all of the following EXCEP
:T
a. considering the impact of their actions on others.
b. expecting their instructors to supply answers to all their questions.
c. relating new information to what they already know.
d. looking for ways to increase their personal efficiency.
ANS: B
Feedback
A This is a characteristic of someone who is learning to think like a health care
professional.
B Correct.
C This is a characteristic of someone who is learning to think like a health care
professional.
D This is a characteristic of someone who is learning to think like a health care
professional.
PTS: 1
5. Assessment is a term used in health care that means:
a. gathering facts and information.
b. avoiding the use of opinions.
c. creating alternatives for solving a problem.
d. learning to perform procedures.
ANS: A
Feedback
A Correct.
B Assessment is gathering facts and information.
C Assessment is gathering facts and information.
D Assessment is gathering facts and information.
PTS: 1
6. Which of the following is an example of subjective data?
a. Reliable sources of information about a topic
b. The opinions of experts
c. Observations of a patient’s condition
d. Patients’ reports about how they feel
ANS: D
Feedback
A This is objective data.
B Opinions are not necessarily data (facts).
C This is objective data.
D Correct.
PTS: 1
4
7. When collecting information from a patient, which term best describes the results of diagnostic tests, measurements, an
o
d
bservations made by
health care professionals?
a. Signs c. Diagnoses
b. Symptoms d. Data
ANS: A
Feedback
A Correct.
B Symptoms are subjective. They are reported by the patient but are not observable or
measurable.
C Diagnoses are names of diseases or conditions.
D Data refers to any facts and figures from which conclusions can be drawn.
PTS: 1
8. How can learners best take advantage of their dominant learning style?
a. Use only that style when studying for tests.
b. Develop personalized study techniques
c. Avoid taking classes that require the use of other styles.
d. Ask instructors to use teaching methods that coordinate with their style.
ANS: B
Feedback
A Studying can be easier and more effective when using techniques that coordinate with
one’s learning style.
B Correct.
C Studying can be easier and more effective when using techniques that coordinate with
one’s learning style.
D Studying can be easier and more effective when using techniques that coordinate with
one’s learning style.
PTS: 1
9. Which of the following advice to new students will BEST help them become highly competent health care workers?
a. Concentrate on learning what is needed to do well on tests
b. Always study for understanding.
c. Identify your learning style.
d. Memorize all the information in your class notes.
ANS: B
Feedback
A The best advice to new students is to always study for understanding.
B Correct.
C The best advice to new students is to always study for understanding.
D The best advice to new students is to always study for understanding.
PTS: 1
10. A true statement about using the five-step problem-solving process is that it:
a. ensures finding the correct solution.
b. is simple to do.
c. sometimes requires confronting difficult issues.
d. leads to decisions based on opinions.
ANS: C
Feedback
A Using the problem-solving process sometimes requires confronting difficult issues.
B Using the problem-solving process sometimes requires confronting difficult issues.
C Correct.
D Using the problem-solving process sometimes requires confronting difficult issues.
PTS: 1
11. When a person is licensed in a health care profession, this means that he or she:
a. graduated from an accredited school.
b. earned at least a bachelor’s degree.
c. can work in any state.
d. has been granted permission to legally perform specific acts.
ANS: D
Feedback
A Licensure means being granted permission to legally perform specific acts.
B Licensure means being granted permission to legally perform specific acts.
C Licensure means being granted permission to legally perform specific acts.
D Correct.
PTS: 1
5
12. An important result of learning to think effectively is that when learners become health care professionals they will:
a. never make mistakes
b. apply what they learned in school to situations encountered on the job.
c. impress patients and employers with what they know.
d. rapidly move up the career ladder.
ANS: B
Feedback
A Learning to think effectively helps one to apply what is learned in school to situations
encountered on the job.
B Correct.
C Learning to think effectively helps one to apply what is learned in school to situations
encountered on the job.
D Learning to think effectively helps one to apply what is learned in school to situations
encountered on the job.
PTS: 1
13. The main purpose of occupational therapy is to:
a. help patients become as self-sufficient as possible.
b. assist people in choosing the best occupations for themselves.
c. increase muscle strength following surgery or accidents.
d. care for the basic needs of hospitalized patients.
ANS: A
Feedback
A Correct.
B Occupational therapy is aimed at helping patients become as self-sufficient as possible.
C Occupational therapy is aimed at helping patients become as self-sufficient as possible.
D Occupational therapy is aimed at helping patients become as self-sufficient as possible.
PTS: 1
14. An important quality of health care professionals is integrity, which means that they:
a. earned a college degree.
b. are always honest.
c. received high grades in school.
d. can work without direct supervision.
ANS: B
Feedback
A Having integrity means always being honest.
B Correct.
C Having integrity means always being honest.
D Having integrity means always being honest.
PTS: 1
15. Which of the following is a true statement about health care professional exams?
a. Only students who earn high grades can take them.
b. Students who graduate from accredited programs are not required to take them.
c. Specific educational requirements and clinical experience must be completed before taking
them.
d. They are required in order to work legally in all occupations that involve direct patient
care.
ANS: C
Feedback
A Professional exams are open to all students who meet the requirements.
B Graduation from an accredited program does not exempt a student from taking required
professional exams.
C Correct.
D Not all occupations require professional exams.
PTS: 1
6
16. Erin has always enjoyed working with her hands and wants to work directly with patients. Which of the following occupo
an
tis would be the best
choice her to consider?
a. Pharmacy technician c. Home health aide
b. Dental assistant d. Massage therapist
ANS: D
Feedback
A Massage therapists use their hands more than pharmacy technicians.
B Massage therapists are likely to use their hands more than dental assistants.
C Massage therapists are likely to use their hands more than home health aides.
D Correct.
PTS: 1
17. Which of the following best describes the purpose of diagnostic occupations?
a. Assist patients in maintaining their health
b. Ensure that medical equipment functions properly
c. Determine the cause of an illness
d. Help patients regain movement
ANS: C
Feedback
A Assisting patients with health maintenance is a therapeutic occupation.
B Ensuring that medical equipment works properly is an environmental occupation.
C Correct.
D Helping patients to regain movement is a therapeutic occupation.
PTS: 1
18. Most adults who return to school to pursue a career in health care:
a. have difficulty competing with younger learners
b. have life experiences that help them as learners..
c. find school easier than younger learners.
d. lack the self-confidence to do well in school.
ANS: B
Feedback
A Most adult learners have no more difficulty than their younger classmates.
B Correct.
C Age does not necessarily determine how difficult a learner finds school.
D Ages does not necessarily determine a learner’s level of self-confidence.
PTS: 1
MATCHING
Match each occupation with the correct duties below.
a. Registered nurse e. Respiratory therapist
b. Radiologic technician f. Dental hygienist
c. Ophthalmic assistant g. Health information technicia
d. Paramedic h. Physical therapist assistant
1. Provide quick response to victims with medical problems.
2. Carry out prescribed treatments, using exercise, massage, and electrical stimulation.
3. Collect and organize patient data.
4. Provide preventive care of the teeth.
5. Coordinate the overall care of patients.
6. Perform x-ray procedures.
7. Perform eye and vision tests.
8. Provide patients with oxygen.
1. ANS: D PTS: 1
2. ANS: H PTS: 1
3. ANS: G PTS: 1
4. ANS: F PTS: 1
5. ANS: A PTS: 1
6. ANS: B PTS: 1
7. ANS: C PTS: 1
8. ANS: E PTS: 1
Match each physician with the correct specialty below.
a. Dermatologist d. Urologist
b. Oncologist e. Orthopedist
c. Gerontologist
9. Kidney, bladder, or urinary system
10. Skin
11. Muscles and bones
7
12. The elderly
13. Cancer
9. ANS: D PTS: 1
10. ANS: A PTS: 1
11. ANS: E PTS: 1
12. ANS: C PTS: 1
13. ANS: B PTS: 1
Match the following terms with the correct definition below.
a. Associate’s degree e. License
b. Bachelor’s degree f. Registration
c. Career ladder g. Standard
d. Certification
14. Process to determine if an individual has met certain standards
15. Academic rank that generally requires 4 years of study
16. Predetermined level of quality
17. Academic rank that usually requires 2 years of study
18. Placement on a list after meeting certain requirements
19. Permit to legally perform certain tasks
20. Levels within an occupation that require different amounts of education and/or training
14. ANS: D PTS: 1
15. ANS: B PTS: 1
16. ANS: G PTS: 1
17. ANS: A PTS: 1
18. ANS: F PTS: 1
19. ANS: E PTS: 1
20. ANS: C PTS: 1
SHORT ANSWER
1. List at least four factors that learners should consider when choosing a health care career.
ANS:
Amount of education required, natural abilities, type of activities enjoyed, educational background, workplace environm
nte
, working conditions
PTS: 5
2. What are five skills that demonstrate the type of thinking ability needed by health care professionals?
ANS:
Learn for understanding, apply knowledge to new situations, have organized approach to problem solving, base decisions
no
facts, look for
relationships between facts, locate reliable information, guide actions by ethical principles, practice good communico
an
ti skills, follow scope of
practice
PTS: 5
3. List at least five essential qualities that should be demonstrated by all health care professionals.
ANS:
Care about others, have integrity, be dependable, work well with others, be flexible, be willing to learn, be cost conis
o
c
us
PTS: 5
4. List, in order, the five steps in the problem-solving process.
ANS:
1. Identify the problem.
2. Gather information.
3. Create alternatives.
4. Choose an alternative and take action.
5. Evaluate and revise as needed.
PTS: 5
5. Explain the importance of evaluation, the last step in the problem-solving process.
ANS:
Solutions may not be effective or may have unexpected negative consequences, circumstances can change, needs of thosefe
ac
fted by the process
may change, additional information may become available
PTS: 5
8
ESSAY
1. Describe ways that learners can begin to develop and practice the qualities needed by health care professionals whileety
h are in school.
ANS:
Be kind and show respect for others, be polite in class, prepare for class, practice courtesy, do their own work, be ho
en
st, respect confidentiality,
maintain good attendance, be punctual, strive for accuracy, fulfill obligations, participate in class, cooperate and wo
krwell with instructors and
other learners, take school seriously, study for each class
PTS: 10
COMPLETION
1. The fastest-growing health care career today, influenced by the increasing number of older adults, is .
ANS: home health aide
PTS: 1
2. The goal of careers is to help patients regain and maintain good health.
ANS: therapeutic
PTS: 1
3. The first step in the five-step problem-solving process is to the problem.
ANS: identify
PTS: 1
4. Ken is a learner, which means that he masters new information best when he performs hands-on activities.
ANS: kinesthetic
PTS: 1
5. is the general term that means an individual has met certain professional standards.
ANS: certification
PTS: 1
Exploring the Variety of Random
Documents with Different Content
you, good Father, to carry this paper to the Baron of Eppenfeld,
whom you will find confined above, where one of my men will lead
you, and to read to him the contents. It seems that to my good
follower, Ferdinand of Altenburg, he used foul and calumnious
expressions regarding me; and that now, being sorry for having
done so, he would fain retract them and make amends. I have put
down nearly his own words. If he will sign them, well; if not, do not
press him. Pray let him see that I am indifferent to his exculpation or
his charges, and hold as little communication with him as possible till
my noble friend Count Frederick's return, as I am anxious that aught
we may have to say to this notorious culprit should be said by
mutual understanding and consent."
The priest took the paper, and promised to observe the directions
to the letter; and, after having given him a conductor to the Baron's
prison, the Count paced up and down his chamber in gloomy
expectation. It seemed to him that his envoy was long; he would
fain have gone to listen to what passed between him and the
captive; but he did not dare; and at length he cast himself down
upon a seat, and taking a book from the shelf, affected to read.
Scarcely had he done so, when the chaplain returned; and, though
the Count's keen eye fixed upon him with an eager and inquiring
glance, it could discover nothing in his countenance but the air of a
good honest man who had just transacted a piece of ordinary
business.
"There is the paper signed, noble Count," he said; "the poor man
expresses himself all hungered, and asks for meat and drink."
"Did he make any difficulty as to signing this?" asked the Count;
adding, "I hope you pressed him not."
"There was no need, my son," answered the priest, "he signed it
at once, and seemed wondrous meek considering all we have heard
of him. All he complained of was thirst and hunger; and, good sooth,
he should have food, seeing that he says he has not tasted aught
since late last night, and it is three of the clock even now."
"Three!" exclaimed the Count; "is it three? How the time flies!"
"Hasting on towards eternity," replied the priest; "it is well to
think of such things."
"It is," answered the Lord of Ehrenstein; "he shall have food.
Thanks, Father, for your pains; the poor man shall have food:--I had
forgot how rapidly time speeds away from us;--thanks."
As soon as the chaplain was gone, he read the paper over again,
and marked well the scrawl which testified the Baron of Eppenfeld's
concurrence in the truth of its contents; and then he somewhat
regretted that he had not made them stronger in expression,
considering the facility with which it had been signed. But after
having carefully locked it in a casket, he turned his thoughts to other
subjects, only second in importance to that which had just been
discussed and settled.
"Now, then, for this strange tale," he said; "I cannot believe it
true. He would not dare;--and yet the youth spoke boldly. It may be
malice after all: I never saw aught but such reverence as might
become one in his station to the daughter of his lord; nor, on her
part, aught but kindness--gentle, yet not familiar--such as she shows
to all. And yet it is strange she has not come forth to greet her
father on his return. She never failed before. Oh, if it be so, my
vengeance shall be long remembered in the land;--but no, it is
impossible! I will never believe it. This Martin of Dillberg is a proved
traitor: the Baron's words condemn him; and he has known that
Ferdinand would bring him to the question, and with the common
art of half-fledged villany, has taken the poor vantage ground of the
first charge. But it must be inquired into--must be refuted. I will call
the youth before me:--nay, I will see her first.--But I will not tax her
with it: such accusations often plant in the mind the first seeds of
deeds to come. I have known many a guiltless heart made guilty by
being once suspected."
With these thoughts--for it is wonderful how often the same
reflexions present themselves to the pure and to the corrupt, only
their effects upon action are different--he went forth into the
corridor, and opened the door of his daughter's apartments. In the
ante-chamber the girl Theresa was sitting alone at her embroidery,
and the Count asked, "Where is your mistress? How is it she has not
been to greet her father on his return?"
"I know not, my good lord," replied the girl, apparently
embarrassed by a certain degree of sternness in his tone. "I believe
my lady sleeps; I heard her say she had rested ill last night."
"Go call her," said the Count. "Sleeps at midday! she must be ill.
We must have some physician."
The maid did not venture to reply, but went in at once to the
lady's chamber; and the moment after Adelaide herself came forth.
Her fair face was as pale as death, but yet her air was firm, and she
seemed to the eye but little agitated. Her step was slow, however,
and showed none of the buoyant joys with which, in former times,
she sprang to meet her father.
"How now, my child?" said the Count, as soon as he saw her;
"what! sleeping at this time of day? You must be ill, Adelaide."
"I slept not, father," she answered at once; "I never sleep by
day."
"Then why came you not, as usual, to meet me?" asked the
Count. "In what important task have you been busy that you could
not give a moment to greet your father on his return from strife?"
"In prayer," she answered, simply.
"In prayer!" he repeated;--"why in prayer at this hour to-day?"
"At this hour and day in every year I am in prayer," she answered;
"for it is the hour and day my mother left me."
A deep shade fell upon her father's face: "True--I forgot," he said;
"the busy occupation of the last few hours has driven from my mind
things I am wont to remember: but now sit down beside me, my
dear child. This foolish girl, Theresa, says you rested ill."
"She says true," answered Adelaide, taking the place to which her
father pointed; "I slept but little."
"And where did you ramble in your waking thoughts?" asked the
Count.
"Far and wide," was her reply; but as she answered, she bent
down her head, the colour rose into her cheek, and there was a
confession in her whole air which made her father's heart beat quick
and fiercely. Nearly in vain he strove to master himself, and in a
hurried, yet bitter tone, he said: "Perchance, as far as the chapel in
the wood." His daughter remained silent. "And not without a
companion," he added. "Base, wretched girl, what have you done?
Is this your maiden modesty?--is this your purity and innocence of
heart?--are these the lessons that your mother taught you?"
Suddenly Adelaide raised her head, and though with a crimson
cheek and brow, she answered, "Yes! Nothing, my lord,--neither
deep, true love, nor human persuasion, nor girl-like folly, nor one
idle dream of fancy--would have made me do what I have done, had
I not been sure that duty--ay, duty even to you, required me to
forget all other things, the fears of my weak nature, the habits of my
station, all the regards of which I have been ever careful,--my very
name and fame, if it must be so, and do as I have done."
"Duty to me!" exclaimed the Count, vehemently. "I thought you
wise as well as good. You are a fool, weak girl, and have suffered a
treacherous knave to impose upon you by some idle tale:--but he
shall dearly rue it. Time for prayer and shrift is all that he shall have
'twixt now and eternity."
"He is my husband," answered Adelaide; "and--"
"Go, make your widow's weeds then," cried her father; "for no
husband will you have after to-morrow's dawn."
"Yet, listen," she said, in an imploring tone; "condemn not before
you have heard. He is guiltless of having deceived me, if I have been
deceived: he told me no false tale, for all he said was that he loved
me--and that he does; he pleaded no excuse of duty--"
"Who, then?" demanded her father; "who then, I say? Ah! I can
guess right well; that false priest, who has always been the bitterest
enemy of me and mine. Is it so, girl?--Answer, is it so?"
"If you mean Father George," replied Adelaide, slowly, "you are
right. He bade me tell you the fact, if it became absolutely necessary
to do so; but oh, my father! you do him wrong. He is not an enemy
to you and yours--far, very far--"
"Out upon you, wretched girl!" exclaimed the Count, growing
more and more furious every moment. "I know him but too well;
and for what he has done I will have bitter retribution. I will lay his
abbey in smoking ruins for his sake; but first he shall see the results
of his dark intrigues on those he has attempted to force into high
stations. He shall see the blood of his beggar brother's child stain
the axe, as he has well deserved--ay, and he shall have notice that if
he would ever see his face again it must be ere to-morrow. He may
come to shrive him for the block, if he will; but I swear, by all I hold
holy! that daring traitor shall never see another sun set than that
which has this day arisen."
"Hold, hold, my father!" cried Adelaide; "first, for your daughter's
sake; for, did you do the act you threaten, the blow must fall on her,
not him alone. Be sure that she would not survive him long. Nay,
look not scornful, for it is too true; but, if not for her sake, for your
own, pause but three days, both to give your better spirit time to
act, and to allow yourself to judge with better knowledge. Oh,
pause, my father! Bring not on your head the weight of such a
crime; think what men will say of you--think how the eye of God will
judge you--think what torture your own heart will inflict--how
memory will ever show the spirit of the dead reproaching you, and
calling you to judgment--think what it will seem in your own eyes,
when passion has passed away, to know that you have murdered in
your own stronghold your daughter's husband, and, with the same
blow, your own child too."
"Adelaide," said the Count, in a tone less vehement, but more
stern, "what I have sworn, I will do. You have chosen your own
course, the consequences be on your own head. It is you who slay
him, not I; but murder!--no, there shall be no murder. He shall be
judged as he deserves, this very night. We have laws and customs
amongst us which will touch his case--ay, and your own too, were it
needful, but that I am tender of you. However, keep your pleadings
for yourself, for you yet may have need of them. As to him, his fate
is sealed."
"Be his and mine together," answered Adelaide, raising her head,
and gazing at her father mildly but firmly. "Let the same judgment
pass on me as on him. Spare not your own child, when she is as
guilty, if there be guilt, as he is. With him did I hope to live; with him
I am content to die. You cannot, and you shall not, separate us."
"Girl, you will drive me mad!" exclaimed the Count. "Cannot
separate you! You shall soon see that. Never shall your eyes behold
him again. He dies at dawn to-morrow; and, in the mean time,
hence to your chamber. There, as a prisoner, shall you remain till all
is over. What further punishment I may inflict, you shall know in
time; but think not to escape. Doubtless these women are sharers in
your crime, or, at least, aiders of your disobedience;" and he turned
a fierce glance on the girl Theresa, who stood pale and trembling
near the door.
"Oh no, noble lord!" she exclaimed, casting herself at his knees;
"I never dreamt of such a thing--the lady knows right well."
"It shall be inquired into," said the Count. "Hence to your
chamber, disobedient child; and I will put you under safer guard
than this. But delude yourself with no false hopes; you have seen
the last of him whom you call husband, for I will grant him not
another hour beyond the rise of sun to-morrow. Hark! there are
Count Frederick's trumpets--that suits well. He shall be judged at
once. Away, I say! Why linger you? To your chamber--to your
chamber; but I will see that it is secure."
With a slow step Adelaide entered her own room, followed by her
father. There was before her a little desk for prayer, an open book, a
cross, and the picture of a lady very like herself, and, kneeling down,
she bent her head upon the book,--it might be to weep, it might be
to pray.
The Count's eye rested for an instant on the portrait, and then on
his child. His cheek grew very pale, and, with a hasty glance around
the room, he retired, securing the door behind him.
CHAPTER XXIV.
Ferdinand of Altenburg would have given much for a good horse,
a few words in Adelaide's ear, and a free passage over the
drawbridge. They were the only three wishes he would have formed,
at that moment, if any good fairy would have granted them, but
none of those benignant beings came to his help, and he saw that
he must abide his fate, whatever it might be. For a time he bent
down his eyes in deep despondency, after seeing what he conceived
to be Bertha's figure turn away from the chapel in the wood; but
then, again, he gazed round him, with an anxious glance, looking to
the east and to the west, as if in the vague hope of some help
appearing.
The hills which stretched in a wavy line from the old ruined castle
opposite, beyond the abbey in the valley, till they fell in with the
mountains that formed the basin of the Rhine, were clothed, as we
have seen, with wood; but yet every here and there the forest trees
would break away, and leave a patch of meadow or cultivated
ground; and in various other places the different roads that cut
direct over the summits of the hills, left a small spot vacant of trees,
like the entrance of a garden between two walls. Suddenly, at the
point where the road leading towards Eppenfeld crossed the higher
ground, the eye of the young gentleman saw something pass rapidly
across, as if a band of spearmen were proceeding at a quick pace
along the road above. The distance was more than two miles, and
he could not be certain that he was right in his conjecture; but at
somewhat less than half a mile distant from the spot where he had
seen this passing object, and nearer to the castle, a patch of vines,
nestling into the bosom of the sheltering wood, exposed the higher
road again, and Ferdinand stopped in his walk upon the battlements,
and gazed for several minutes till once more the head of a long line
of horsemen appeared, with banners and lances, and glittering arms,
which caught and reflected a stray gleam of sunshine, that poured
through the clouds gathering overhead.
"It is Count Frederick," said the young gentleman to himself. "I
am glad of that, for he is kind and noble, and if this charge,
whatever it may be, rests alone upon the testimony of Martin of
Dillberg, I may shake that if I have a fair hearing."
It is true, that when Ferdinand said, in speaking of the charge,
"whatever it may be," a voice from within told him quite plainly what
that charge really was; but ere the last horseman of the train had
passed across the aperture, he heard the sound of footfalls at the
other end of the battlement, and turning in that direction, perceived
old Karl von Mosbach and two of the soldiers advancing towards
him. Now the character of Mosbach, though there was a general
resemblance between all the old ritters of his day, differed
considerably from that of Seckendorf. He was less frank and free,
and though, perhaps, not so full of the active marauding spirit of his
companion, was of a more suspicious and less generous nature.
Neither had he ever shown that sort of warm and paternal
friendliness for Ferdinand of Altenburg which the other old knight
had always displayed towards the youth whom he had seen grow up
from boyhood. These circumstances, and a knowledge of the task of
watching him, which the Count had assigned to Karl von Mosbach,
did not render his approach particularly agreeable to Ferdinand, and
the first word of the old knight showed that his errand was as
unpleasant as it well could be.
"Come, Master Ferdinand," he said, "you must end your walk. I
have the Count's orders to arrest you, and put you in the cell under
the little hall."
"What for, Mosbach," asked Ferdinand, anxious to obtain any
precise information that he could get.
"Nay, that is no business of mine," replied the old ritter, "you will
soon hear from the Count himself, I dare say. My business is to obey
his orders, so come along."
Ferdinand felt no disposition to resist, where he knew that
resistance would be in vain, and therefore, without further comment,
he walked slowly on with Mosbach, followed by the two soldiers, and
fearing that the next moment his arms might be taken from him.
The old soldier, however, did not seem to think of such a precaution,
but contented himself with leading him to the cell, shutting him in,
and barring and bolting the door. Ferdinand was now left, if not in
utter darkness--for there was one small loophole high up, which
afforded air and a slight glimmering of light to the interior--at least
in such a degree of obscurity, that for several minutes he could see
none of the objects around, and though with his arms crossed upon
his chest, and his teeth hard set, he strove vigorously to bear his
fate with firmness, if not tranquillity, the gloom of the place seemed
to sink into his heart, and overcome for the time all the strongly
resisting powers of youth. There was something in his present
situation which depressed him much more than the imprisonment he
had so lately undergone at Eppenfeld. There he knew right well,
indeed, that a few hours might terminate his existence, and now the
worst that could befall him was the same fate; but the difference
was in the causes which might lead to such an end. At Eppenfeld, he
knew that if he died, he died without reproach, in the bold execution
of a duty; now, if he fell, it was under a grave and heavy charge,
from which, notwithstanding all the assurances he had received from
the priest, he could not wholly exculpate himself even to his own
heart. He felt that passion had lent too ready an aid to the promises
of others, and although he had every confidence in the truth and
honesty of him with whom his early years had been spent, yet he
could hardly bring himself to believe that Father George had not
both deluded and been deluded himself.
As he thus stood and mused, the sound of trumpets was borne
from without through the little loophole above, and a momentary
gleam of hope, he knew not why, came to cheer his heart. But the
sounds of the trumpet soon ceased, the trampling of horses was
heard as they crossed the drawbridge, and then many voices in the
court-yard, first laughing and talking loud, then growing fewer and
fainter, till at length they ceased; and no other sounds arose but the
occasional call of one servant to another, or the heavy tramp of a
soldier's foot, as he crossed the courts, or threaded the passages.
Hope and expectation died away again, and the captive sat himself
down to meditate bitterly over the passing away of all those bright
dreams we have so lately seen him indulging. Where was the joy of
the night before? Where was the sunshiny aspect of life that love,
and youth, and imagination afforded? Where was the glowing future,
with its hopes and its ambitions--ambitions, the fiery strength of
which was all softened and sweetened by tenderness and love?
Where was the ecstasy of gratified affection? Where all the splendid
pageantry with which fancy decorates the gratification of every
desire to the eager early heart? All, all had passed away--the bubble
had burst, the vision had faded, and nothing was left but dark
despondency, akin to despair. He could have wept, but then the
stubborn heart of man, the touch of the sin which hurled the powers
from on high, the pride of hardy resistance, came to his support,
and he refrained, closing up the sources of his tears, and
strengthening himself in the hardness of resolute endurance.
"No," he thought,--"I will give up such weak regrets; I will think
no more of things that only unman me; I will consider how I may
best meet this charge--what I am to do, what I am to say; and I can
say much in my defence. Who could resist such love as I have felt
for her? Who could help feeling that love who was with her as I have
been? Then, again, Father George, the guardian of my youth, whose
counsel and directions I have ever been taught to follow, he
directed, he guided, he counselled me to act as I have acted, even
when I myself hesitated and doubted. He authorized me, too, to lay
the deed on him, and promised to come forward and support it. The
Count may indeed condemn me, may put me to death, but still I
shall die without a stain."
The more he thus reasoned, however, the more Ferdinand felt
that his own case was a perilous one, that although some excuse
might be found for what he had done in the extenuating
circumstances over which he pondered, yet that excuse would be
but little available to save him from destruction. He knew the Count
too well, not to be sure that some victim he would have to assuage
his wrath, and that, as against Father George his hand would be
powerless, protected as the priest would be sure to be by the arm of
the church, the whole weight of his indignation would fall upon him.
Thus he thought for some time; but yet, though his considerations
were eager and full of interest, they were not sufficient to make the
passing of the time seem quick. Hour by hour went by, various
sounds succeeded each other in the castle, each marking some
particular epoch in the passing of the day, to the ear of one who, like
Ferdinand of Altenburg, knew well the stated periods of the daily life
within; every moment he expected to be called to judgment and to
doom; but still the time fled and no summons came, till darkness
covered the face of the earth, and he heard the sound of revelry
above. Oh! how dissonant, how painful, how unlike it had ever been
before, was the merry voice and the gay laugh, and the cheerful
noise of the banquet! He thought it a cruelty in the Count to place
him there, a mute and sorrowful ear-witness of happy life, in which
he was no more to partake; and bending down his head, he covered
his eyes with his hands, but it must have been to shut out the sights
that fancy offered, for in the profound gloom around him no other
object was to be discerned.
While he thus sat, he suddenly heard a sound, as if of the
clanking of an iron chain, and then a voice spoke, apparently close
beside him.
"Fear not, youth," it said; "be thy heart bold, be thy words true,
be thy faith pure, and fear not!" Ferdinand started up and listened,
almost fancying that his imagination had deceived him. The sounds
had seemed to come from the opposite side to that on which the
door was placed, and they were clear and distinct. It was a voice,
too, that he knew not. That of Father George he would have
recognised anywhere; but it was not his. The tones were deep and
firm, like those of a man; and yet there was a sad and solemn sound
in them, which filled Ferdinand's mind with doubt and awe.
"Who is it that speaks?" he said; and instantly the voice
answered, "It matters not. It is one who knows. Hast thou not seen
enough to make thee believe?"
"I have," answered Ferdinand; "and I do."
But the voice replied not again; and all was silent. The sounds
above had by this time changed their character. Laughter had
ceased, the merriment and the revel seemed over; and though
voices were heard speaking, the tones of some were stern and
grave, the tones of another low and apparently suppliant. For many
minutes, Ferdinand's ear listened eagerly, as the speakers continued;
but then steps were heard coming down the stairs, and through the
sort of wide vestibule that separated the cell in which he was
confined from the great hall. An instant after, the key was turned in
the lock, the bolts were drawn back, and the door opened.
CHAPTER XXV.
While such had been the fate of the lover, what was the situation
of Adelaide of Ehrenstein? She, too, had suffered; but not so deeply
as he had. There was something in her heart that supported her; a
conscious innocence of purpose; a degree of faith and trust which
man seldom, if ever, can attain; a readiness for the worst, whatever
it might be; a full assurance that she could not, and that she would
not, survive him whom she loved, if death were to be his fate; and a
fearlessness of death itself, very different from man's bold daring. In
her love there was, as is almost always the case in woman's first
early attachment, a great difference from the passion of her lover. It
was less of the earth than his; and though Ferdinand's was pure,
and true, and bright,--though he would willingly have sacrificed life,
and all that life can give, for her sake,--yet hers was purer and holier
still. He dreamt of long days of joy and happiness with her, in the
midst of the fair scenes and warm blessings of this earth. She might
have such visions also, but they were not so vivid, and they went
beyond. She thought of happiness eternal with the chosen of her
heart--of joy, and peace, and sweet communion with the spirit of her
husband, in that union which could know no change, and never see
an end. It might be hard to cast off all the tender bonds of mortal
affection, to give away the love and bliss we know even for the
promises of eternity. She might feel a longing to spend with him the
ordinary days of existence here, and to pass with him from the
affections of this earth, calmly and peacefully to the brighter fate of
the good beyond the tomb. But yet the thought--ever present, ever
distinct--that existence here is but a brief portion of an endless
being, and that, though the passage may be sharp and full of grief,
it leads to compensation and reward hereafter, was sweet and
consolatory to her in her sorrow, and gave her strength to endure in
contemplation all that might follow.
She had time enough for thought, and for tears, and for prayer;
for during the whole evening, from the time that her father left her
in anger, till the shades of night crept over the sky, her solitude was
only interrupted twice. Once a heavy footfall came to the door, the
key was turned, and there was heard a sharp knock. On saying
"Come in," the form of a common soldier presented itself, bearing
some provisions, and having set his burden down upon the table, he
retired without a word, again locking the door behind him. The
second time another soldier came, affording admission for a few
minutes to the girl, Theresa, who could give her mistress no
information, and who was still drowned in tears of apprehension for
herself. Adelaide questioned her but little, for she had never much
trusted her; and there was an undefined feeling of suspicion in
regard to the girl's attachment to her, which she blamed herself for
entertaining, yet could not banish. All the girl knew was, that Count
Frederick of Leiningen had arrived, and that he and her lord were
about to sit down to supper in the smaller hall; that Ferdinand of
Altenburg had been arrested, and was confined in one of the
dungeons; and that all in the castle were busily talking over the
events which had taken place. A bright colour came into Adelaide's
cheek as she heard that her own conduct was the subject of
discussion amongst her father's followers and his guest's; and very
mingled emotions brought tears into her eyes; but she asked no
further questions, and gave no orders, although it was for the
purpose of rendering her any ordinary service that the girl had been
admitted for a short time to her chamber. The soldier who had
remained without soon grew impatient, and called to Theresa to
come away; and Adelaide once more remained alone while the
shadows of gloomy thought came darkening over her mind as those
of the evening crept over the sky. She sat and read the holy book
before her, pausing every now and then to think, as long as there
was any light left. But at length all was darkness; for neither lamp
nor taper was brought her, and she passed the hours in meditation,
in tears, and in listening to the various sounds that stirred in the
castle, till all was silent. Though striving hard to banish painful
images, yet fancy would present to her eyes scenes which might be
passing very near the spot where she sat, without her knowing them
or their results. She pictured to herself the short, brief trial which
was all that was likely to be afforded to him she loved; she saw him
standing before his judges; she heard them pronounce sentence
upon him; she beheld him dragged back to his cell, only to await
execution on the following morning, and her heart sank--oh, how
sorrowfully it sank!--at the thought that she had no power to help
him. Her eyes overflowed with tears again, and, kneeling before the
place where the crucifix stood, she once more had recourse to
prayer.
All had seemed silent in the castle for near half an hour, but she
was still upon her knees, with her head bent down, when her
father's well-known step sounded in the neighbouring chamber; and
the next instant he entered with a light. Touched, perhaps, a little,
he might be, at the sight of his daughter's grief and desolation, but
still his frown was not relaxed, and no kindlier feelings shone upon
his lip.
"What! have they not brought thee a lamp?" he said, as she rose
on his entrance. "Take this, and go to bed and sleep, for thou must
rise betimes to-morrow. I came to tell thee thy fate--his is sealed. At
early dawn, under the guard of a party of men-at-arms thou goest to
Würtzburg; there to pass the days of thy widowhood in the convent
of the Black Nuns, and to learn, I trust, in penitence and prayer, the
duty and obedience of a daughter."
"The days will be few," answered Adelaide, in an absent tone.
"Can nothing move you, my father?" she continued. "I ask you not
to spare me--I ask you to spare him, to spare yourself; for bitterly,
till the last hour of life, will you regret it if you injure him. Nay, hear,
my father, for I am as calm as you are--but wait a few hours, give no
way to hasty passion, see and hear him who counselled us in what
we have done, and judge not till you have heard."
"I have judged," answered the Count, turning away from her;
"and others have judged who are moved by no hasty passion. Give
me no more words, girl. His doom is fixed, I say. He shall not die till
thou art beyond the hills; but yet to-morrow's sun shall not be one
hour old before he pays with his head for the crime he has
committed. No words, no words;" and, leaving her the lamp he
carried, he retired, and closed the door.
It is with difficulty that a kind and gentle heart realizes in
imagination acts of severity and harshness of which it is itself
incapable. Though Adelaide had feared, and trembled throughout
the day, with vague apprehensions of her father carrying his
menaces into effect; though she knew him to be stern and hard;
though through life fear had mingled with affection, yet she loved
him too well to know him thoroughly; for love has always a power of
transfusing, as it were, the life-blood of our own character into the
object of our affection; and when she was so gentle, she could not
believe that he was so cruel. The words he spoke, however, before
he left her, the air and manner in which they were uttered; the deep
depression of her mind, from long hours of grief and anxiety; the
still and gloomy time of night; all tended to give the vivid semblance
of reality to the deed which he announced to her. Could it be
possible? she asked herself. Could he really imbrue his hands in the
blood of him she loved--of one so kind, so good, so brave, so true?
Should she never see him more? Oh, no, no; it was too horrible to
think of. It was impossible. Her father would never do it.
But as she thus stood on the same spot where he had left her,
gazing earnestly on the ground which she did not see, there was a
light knock at the door, and she started, but without replying. The
knock was repeated, and she said "Come in."
A low, woman's voice, however, answered, "I cannot, lady, the
door is locked. Put down your ear to the keyhole."
Mechanically she did as she was told, asking, "What is it?"
"They have condemned him, lady," said the voice. "I heard them
say myself, 'Worthy of death,' and then they hurried him away. I
cannot stay for fear some one should come," and a retreating step
immediately announced that the speaker had departed.
It was true then--too true. He was judged--he was to die--to die
for love of her--to die for an act in which she had taken willing part;
which she had not only shared, but encouraged. And did her father
expect that she would survive him; that she would see the lover of
her youth, the husband of a night, thus perish for her sake? that she
would live on in the cold world that he had left? Did he expect her to
mingle in its gaieties, to take part in its pageants, to taste its
enjoyments, to laugh with the merry, and sing with the light of
heart?
"He knows me not," she said; "he knows me not. The blow that
takes my husband's life, takes mine also. It was unkindness, I do
believe, that brought my mother slowly to her grave, and this cruelty
will be more pitiful in bringing me speedily to mine."
Casting herself into a seat, she remained in the same position for
more than two hours, with her head drooping forward, her beautiful
eyes partly closed, her hands clasped together and fallen upon her
knee. Not a motion was to be seen in that fair statue. One might
have supposed her sleeping or dead. Sleeping, oh, no; sleep was far,
far away. It seemed as if such relief would be banished for ever, and
that grief--aye waking--would never know cessation. Dead! She
longed to be so; but she knew that long suffering must be first. The
lamp flickered at first brightly, showing the exquisite features in their
still motionless repose, and the graceful line of each symmetrical
limb, as it fell in the dull tranquillity of profound grief. From time to
time the ray glittered on a tear--not the quick relief-drop of violent
emotion rushing plentiful and fast from the eyes like a summer
shower no; but the slow, quiet, trickling tear stealing over the cheek,
and pausing here and there, but still swelling over as the fresh
supply is wrung from the eye by the slow agony of the heart. They
fell unheeded. She knew not that she wept.
Not a word escaped her, not a sound passed from her lips. There
was no sigh, no sob, no mark of bitter passion; but there she sat,
silent and motionless, absorbed in the contemplation of the dark
reality ever present to her mind.
The light of the lamp waxed dim and smoky, as the heavy hours
rolled on, but Adelaide sat there still; and in the increasing gloom of
the chamber, where the faint rays were absorbed as soon as they
touched the dark oak wainscotting, her form, clothed in white
garments, seemed like that of a spectre, and all the other objects in
the room like the faint unreal phantasms of a confused dream. But
who is that who suddenly stands beside her?--An old man in a long
grey robe, with sandalled feet, a cowl over his head, and steps so
noiseless, that in the terrible apathy of despair she hears them not.
She started up the next instant, gazing wildly at him, and
thrusting back the glossy masses of neglected curls from off her
marble brow.
"I have come to save you, my dear child," said Father George. "Be
quick, cast something over you, and come with me."
The fair girl threw her arms around his neck, and fell upon his
bosom, "Ferdinand! Ferdinand!" she murmured. "Save him, Father,
save him. Mind not me. I can bear my fate, whatever it is. Oh, save
him, save him! They have condemned him to death. If morning
dawns, he is lost."
"He is safe, daughter," answered Father George. "Safe, and by
this time, I trust, far away. I have left him to those who will not, and
who cannot fail."
"Oh, but is it sure?" demanded Adelaide. "Did you see him go? My
father's words were dreadful. He would set a sure guard. He would
leave no chance. Are you sure that he is safe?"
"As safe as I am," answered Father George, confidently. "The
stones of this castle would sooner fall, than one hair of his head
under your father's vengeance. Come, my child, come; make no
more delay. It is now near daybreak. Take but your mother's picture,
and your veil to wrap you in, and come away with speed."
Joy was perhaps more overpowering than grief to Adelaide of
Ehrenstein. Her hands trembled, her limbs well nigh refused their
office; but yet she hurried her brief preparation as much as might
be; and then the monk took her by the hand, and blowing out the
lamp, led her on. The door of her chamber was open, though she
had not heard it unlocked. The antechamber without was vacant,
and the last rays of the sinking moon were streaming through the
windows against the wall. Everything in the castle was still as death,
and in the wide corridor all was vacant and silent, with the carved
figures on the stone seats grinning in the pale reflected light that
poured from the sky through the small panes. The feet of both the
lady and her guide were noiseless, for her step, like her heart, was
lightened; and though she trembled still, she hurried on down the
wide staircase, and the narrower flight of steps that led from the
lesser hall to the old stone vestibule near the greater hall. At the
door of the latter, Father George paused, and knocked thrice; and
then whispering, "Fear nothing," he opened the door, and led her in.
There was a light in the hall, streaming from a single lamp at the
farther end. It was faint and dim in the vast space; but Adelaide
started, drew back, and uttered a low cry of surprise, as she saw
how that hall was tenanted. Seated in the great chair of state, at the
end, was a tall and lordly looking man, clothed in arms from head to
heel, and down either side, ranged in long line, were other forms in
armour, some with their swords bare, and some with banners in
their hands, which seemed to her terrified eye the same as those
which usually hung from the vaulted roof above. Every man had his
visor down, and all was profoundly silent; but the stern array
daunted the poor girl's heart, and she turned an eager glance to the
countenance of her companion.
"Fear not," said Father George, in a low voice; "fear not, only
come on quickly," and supporting her shaking steps with his arm, he
led her on through that dark avenue towards the door at the farther
end. None spoke, none moved, as she passed along nearly to the
close of the line; but then the seated figure rose, and bowed his
head without a sound. Hurrying her on towards the door, the monk
opened it, and led her into the stone passage through which she had
before passed. There was a lamp burning on the floor; and quitting
his hold of her arm, Father George whispered, "Stay for me one
moment," and then returned into the hall.
Turning a timid glance back, Adelaide saw him approach the chair
of state and speak for a few moments, in a low voice, to its mailed
occupant. He seemed to receive no answer; and then clasping his
hands together, in the attitude of vehement entreaty, the old man
said aloud, "I beseech, I adjure you! By all that is sacred! In the
name of Christ, forbear."
The figure bowed its armed head: and, exclaiming, "Well," Father
George turned away, and hurried to her side again.
CHAPTER XXVI.
As soon as Father George had rejoined Adelaide of Ehrenstein, he
hurried her rapidly on through the passage, and down the well
staircase, towards the vaults; but in pushing back the door which
opened into the serfs' burial-place, a sharp gust of wind blew out the
lamp, and they were both left in utter darkness.
"I cannot go back for a light," said the priest; "but hold by my
gown; and fear not, daughter."
The sights she had seen, however, in that place, and all the awful
mementoes of mortality which it contained, recurred at once to the
mind of Adelaide, and a chilly shuddering sensation crept over her as
she followed Father George, holding his robe with her right hand,
and feeling the way with her left. Scarcely had they taken a step,
however, when a voice demanded aloud, "Who is it comes hither?"
"It is I," answered the priest, without pausing; "give way to the
holy cross." No farther sounds succeeded, except the shriek of a
screech-owl, as it flitted past; but the moment after, the out-
stretched hand of Adelaide came upon something cold, and round,
and damp, which she instantly perceived to be a mouldering human
skull, and, drawing her arms suddenly back, the movement was
succeeded by a rattling noise, as if a pile of bones had fallen down,
one striking upon the other. Then came a loud laugh, and a
whispering through the arches, and the poor girl faltered on her way,
and drew back.
"Fear not, fear not," said Father George, hurrying her on again.
"All depends upon speed; let us lose no time. Where is that other
door? It should be here.--There is nothing but the wall. We must
have got astray amongst the arches?"
Adelaide's heart sank with fear, and, leaning against the damp
stone-work of the vault, she supported herself with difficulty, while
the priest felt with his hand in order to discover which way the door
lay. Even he seemed puzzled and alarmed, as he proceeded slowly,
saying in broken, muttered sentences, "This is very unlucky. It must
be this way, surely. Keep close by me, daughter, and hold fast by my
robe. It is no jest to lose one's self here. Nay, this is the other wall;
we must have gone wrong again. Stay, I must have recourse to
other means--do not be alarmed." And, raising his voice, he added,
in a loud tone, "Let the chapel door be opened!"
There was a pause, and then a slight rustling sound, and then the
creaking of a heavy door upon a rusty hinge, and the moment after,
at some distance from them on the left, a faint light, which would
not have deserved the name but from the more profound gloom of
the vaults, showed where the door was placed.
"Now, quick, quick, my child;" said Father George. "Lean upon my
arm; there is no need of terror. 'Tis but that I would fain avoid
bringing about hasty deeds that can never be recalled. Day must be
coming fast, by that light; but we shall yet have time." And, hurrying
her through the door into the crypt, he took his way onward toward
the arch which led out upon the side of the hill.
No farther obstruction presented itself, no living object was seen,
and, hastening after her old guide, Adelaide soon felt the fresh chilly
air, which in most countries precedes the dawn of day, breathing
cold upon her cheek. Not a streak was yet to be seen in the eastern
sky, the light clouds above were untouched with the rays of the
coming sun, and the stars were seen peeping through them here
and there, but yet there was a silvery greyness mingling with the
darkness of the night, and showing plainly that morning was at
hand.
"Now, my child, all is safe, I trust," said the priest, as they issued
forth. "Take heart, take heart, for you must still walk down to the
chapel, I could not have the horses brought up here."
"Is Ferdinand there?" asked Adelaide, anxiously.
"Nay, nay; he's farther than that by this time, I trust," answered
Father George; "but you shall soon join him, where there will be
more safety for both." Thus saying, he led her on; endeavouring to
while away the time, and cheer her spirits, with kindly words and
assurances; but Adelaide felt deeply depressed; and neither to feel
herself free from the threatened danger, nor to hear the monk's
assurances of her husband's safety, could rouse her from the dread
and apprehension that still hung upon her.
When they were about half way down the hill, and the twilight
had so far increased that they could see the faint outline of the little
chapel from a point of the rock, Father George paused, and looked
down towards it with a somewhat anxious gaze. "It is very odd," he
muttered to himself; "they must have put them on the other side, I
suppose, to keep them out of sight;" and with a still quicker step he
hurried on down the hill, and soon, with his fair companion, reached
the chapel-door.
"Go in, my child, and say an Ave and a Paternoster," he said,
"while I look for the horses round here;" and as he spoke he pulled
open the door of the chapel for the lady to go in. He then went quite
round the little building, and, returning to the door of the priest's
lodging-chamber, shook it, exclaiming, "Brother Geoffrey, brother
Geoffrey!" No answer was returned, and, entering the chapel, he
said, in a tone of some alarm, though he strove hard to conceal it,
"The horses have not come, my child, though they should have been
here an hour ago; but you will be quite safe here. Come with me
into the cell. You can take some refreshment there while I go and
seek them."
"Oh! do not leave me," cried Adelaide; "I shall die with fear, if I
am left alone."
"No, no--not so," answered the priest; "I will show you in a
moment that you are quite safe;" and, drawing a key from under his
gown, he opened the door which led from the little chapel to the
lodging-chamber at its side, and entered with the lady.
The cell was quite vacant; but on a shelf at one side stood a
bottle of wine and some provisions, which the priest soon placed
before Adelaide, and insisted upon her partaking thereof, though
appetite she had none. "Now, I will go and see for the horses," he
said, as soon as he had made her swallow a morsel, and taste the
wine. "But first I must show you--Hark! they are coming, I think. Did
you not hear a sound?"
"It is from the other side--it is from the castle," cried Adelaide,
starting up in terror; and the monk instantly crossed to a little
lancet-shaped window which looked up the hill, saying, at the same
time, in a confident tone, "No fear if it be, my child."
The next instant he turned round, nodded his head significantly,
and locked the door into the chapel; then advancing to the spot
where his pallet lay, with the crucifix at the head, he put his hand
upon one of the large blocks of stone which formed the wall of the
building, and pressed against it with no great effort. It instantly gave
way, however, rolling back, as a door, upon a strong perpendicular
bar of iron run through the angle of the block,[2] and disclosing the
lower steps of a little staircase, to which he motioned his fair
companion. "Quick; go in, my child," he said, in a low tone, while
the horses' feet came clattering down the hill; and with breathless
haste Adelaide darted forward, and ran some way up the steps.
Father George followed, pushed back the block of stone, and
secured it with a bolt. "Go on, daughter," he said; and, feeling her
way up; for the stairs were quite in darkness, she soon came to a
door-way leading into the belfry over the little chapel. Father George
followed her, and reached the belfry just as two armed horsemen
checked their beasts at the door. One of them, springing down,
entered the chapel in haste, but returned immediately, exclaiming
aloud, "He's not in there; and that door's locked."
"Try the other," cried his companion; and the man who had
dismounted going up to the door of the cell, shook it as if he would
have forced it off its hinges, exclaiming aloud, "Father George,
Father George!"
The good priest smiled, but replied not, and the next moment the
man without, exclaiming, with an oath, "I will see if he's within or
not," dashed his gauntleted hand through the lower part of the
window, which was dim with dust and age, and, holding by the
stone-work, looked into the cell.
"There's no one there," he said at length. "Where, in the fiend's
name, can the monk be?"
"Gone to the devil, I suppose," answered the other man, "who
has got more of his companions than they suspect at the abbey, I
fancy. But, at all events, we must go back as fast as may be. The
Count won't catch him in a hurry, I should think."
While he had been speaking, his companion remounted, and they
rode off together towards the castle.
"Now, my child, you will not be afraid to stay here," said the
priest, turning to Adelaide, as soon as the men were gone. "I will not
be long ere I am back, and no harm can happen to you."
"I shall have less fear," replied the lady; "but yet I shall be afraid.
Day is breaking--how shall I ever escape? But look," she continued,
pointing towards the wood, as she stood with her face to the arch
over the bell, "there is a horse coming up that path, and another
behind."
"Brother Geoffrey at last!" exclaimed Father George. "What can
have detained him so long?"
"But it is already day," answered Adelaide, in a desponding tone.
"We shall be pursued, and overtaken."
"No fear, daughter; no fear," answered the good priest. "See you
not that you go well guarded?" and he pointed to a number of
horsemen, habited like the serving brothers of the abbey, who were
now coming out of the path which they had been following, into the
small open space before the chapel.
"Alas!" said the lady; "what could these good men do against my
father's soldiers?"
"There are more who watch for you than you know," said the
priest; "and if these were not enough, there are others on the road
ready and careful; but each of these, daughter, is equal at any time
to a man-at-arms, and not unpractised either. However, I will go with
you till you are beyond all danger, and you may be well assured that
I will do my best to avoid all risk of strife. Now, come with me, and
rely upon my counsels, nor doubt that they will guide you to safety
at last, though I warned you from the first that there were dangers
and sorrows to be encountered."
While he had been speaking, Adelaide's eye had been resting
upon the brake through which the cavalcade was advancing; and at
length, to her joy and surprise, she saw a woman's figure appear
amongst the rest. Father George remarked the expression of
satisfaction that passed over her face; and though she spoke not, he
replied to her thoughts, saying, "It is your girl, Bertha: they have
thrown a nun's gown over her and a veil, which is not quite right,
perhaps; but the end justifies the means."
The good priest's maxim is undoubtedly an immoral one, though
Father George, with some small faults, was a moral and
conscientious man; but that maxim was, and is, and probably ever
will be, a favourite one with the church to which he belonged.
Leading Adelaide down, then, and feeling quite secure in the
numbers which now surrounded the chapel, he threw open the door
of his cell; and--while Bertha, with joy, embraced her fair mistress,
asked a thousand questions which there was but little time to
answer, and told how she had not dared to return to the castle, but
had found protection and shelter in the village beside the Abbey--the
monk conversed with a brother of the order who came with the
train, and heard the various impediments which had prevented their
appearance sooner. Their conversation was short, however, for day
had already dawned; and Adelaide was speedily mounted upon a
horse, which had been brought thither for her service, and covered
with the habit of a nun, which Bertha carried with her. Father
Geoffrey dismounted from the mule he rode to take the place of his
brother priest at the chapel; and Father George got into the saddle
to lead and direct the party.
By narrow and circuitous paths through the wood, avoiding as far
as possible every spot where they could be seen from the walls of
the castle, the monk and his companions wound their way round to
the stream, taking care to approach it as if they were coming from
the side of the abbey. Adelaide, as they went along, conversed for
some time with Bertha, in an under tone, turning quickly every now
and then to gaze around, as the terrors, which she could not shake
off, recurred again and again to her mind. When they approached
the river, however, renewed apprehensions for him she loved
seemed to take possession of her, from something that Bertha had
said; and approaching closer to the side of the priest, she once more
inquired, in an eager and anxious tone, "Are you sure he is safe--
quite sure?"
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  • 5. 1 Test Bank for Introduction to Health Care, 3rd Edition: Mitchell Full download chapter at: https://testbankbell.com/product/test-bank-for-introduction-to-health-care-3rd-edition- mitchell/ CHAPTER 1—YOUR CAREER IN HEALTH CARE TRUE/FALSE 1. Growth in the health care industry is expected to slow down over the next ten years. ANS: F Rapid growth is predicted. PTS: 1 2. Scope of practice refers to the tasks that a health care professional can legally perform as part of a specific occupao tin. ANS: T This is the correct definition of scope of practice. PTS: 1 3. The educational requirements for obtaining certification in all health care professions are similar. ANS: F The educational requirements can vary significantly between certifications. PTS: 1 4. On-the-job training for many health care occupations is being replaced by formal classroom education. ANS: T Formal classroom education is becoming more common than on-the-job training. PTS: 1 5. Moving up the career ladder usually requires getting additional education in one’s occupational area. ANS: T Moving up to a more advanced level in one’s occupational field usually requires additional education. PTS: 1 6. Finding the time to study is a problem for many adult learners who have returned to school. ANS: T Most adults have a variety of responsibilities, and finding the time to study is a major problem for many. PTS: 1 MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. What is the most important reason why health care professionals should identify potential problems when working with p ie an t ts? a. Help their employers avoid being sued for malpractice. b. Ensure patient safety and well-being. c. Prevent the wasting of expensive supplies and employee time. d. Earn a good employee evaluation. ANS: B Feedback A Identifying potential problems ensures patient safety and well-being. B Correct. C Identifying potential problems ensures patient safety and well-being. D Identifying potential problems ensures patient safety and well-being. PTS: 1 2. Which of the following terms describes the condition of being placed on an official list after meeting the educationa n ld atesting requirements for an occupation? a. Certification c. Recognition b. Licensure d. Registration ANS: D Feedback
  • 6. 2 A Certification is the process of determining whether a person has met predetermined standards. B Licensure is a designation that means a person has been granted permission to legally perform certain acts. C Recognition is not a designation of approval to practice an occupation. D Correct. PTS: 1
  • 7. 3 3. A medical assistant who believes that a physician made an error when prescribing a treatment would demonstrate good th k ii n ng skills by: a. giving the treatment and asking the physician about it at the next convenient opportunit b. assuming that the physician is correct and giving the treatment. c. asking the physician before giving the treatment. d. refusing to give the treatment and dismissing the patient. ANS: C Feedback A If an error is suspected, always ask before giving the treatment. B If an error is suspected, always ask before giving the treatment. C Correct. D If an error is suspected, always ask before giving the treatment. However, do not dismiss the patient in case the treatment is approved and should be given. PTS: 1 4. Characteristics of students who are learning to think like health care professionals include all of the following EXCEP :T a. considering the impact of their actions on others. b. expecting their instructors to supply answers to all their questions. c. relating new information to what they already know. d. looking for ways to increase their personal efficiency. ANS: B Feedback A This is a characteristic of someone who is learning to think like a health care professional. B Correct. C This is a characteristic of someone who is learning to think like a health care professional. D This is a characteristic of someone who is learning to think like a health care professional. PTS: 1 5. Assessment is a term used in health care that means: a. gathering facts and information. b. avoiding the use of opinions. c. creating alternatives for solving a problem. d. learning to perform procedures. ANS: A Feedback A Correct. B Assessment is gathering facts and information. C Assessment is gathering facts and information. D Assessment is gathering facts and information. PTS: 1 6. Which of the following is an example of subjective data? a. Reliable sources of information about a topic b. The opinions of experts c. Observations of a patient’s condition d. Patients’ reports about how they feel ANS: D Feedback A This is objective data. B Opinions are not necessarily data (facts). C This is objective data. D Correct. PTS: 1
  • 8. 4 7. When collecting information from a patient, which term best describes the results of diagnostic tests, measurements, an o d bservations made by health care professionals? a. Signs c. Diagnoses b. Symptoms d. Data ANS: A Feedback A Correct. B Symptoms are subjective. They are reported by the patient but are not observable or measurable. C Diagnoses are names of diseases or conditions. D Data refers to any facts and figures from which conclusions can be drawn. PTS: 1 8. How can learners best take advantage of their dominant learning style? a. Use only that style when studying for tests. b. Develop personalized study techniques c. Avoid taking classes that require the use of other styles. d. Ask instructors to use teaching methods that coordinate with their style. ANS: B Feedback A Studying can be easier and more effective when using techniques that coordinate with one’s learning style. B Correct. C Studying can be easier and more effective when using techniques that coordinate with one’s learning style. D Studying can be easier and more effective when using techniques that coordinate with one’s learning style. PTS: 1 9. Which of the following advice to new students will BEST help them become highly competent health care workers? a. Concentrate on learning what is needed to do well on tests b. Always study for understanding. c. Identify your learning style. d. Memorize all the information in your class notes. ANS: B Feedback A The best advice to new students is to always study for understanding. B Correct. C The best advice to new students is to always study for understanding. D The best advice to new students is to always study for understanding. PTS: 1 10. A true statement about using the five-step problem-solving process is that it: a. ensures finding the correct solution. b. is simple to do. c. sometimes requires confronting difficult issues. d. leads to decisions based on opinions. ANS: C Feedback A Using the problem-solving process sometimes requires confronting difficult issues. B Using the problem-solving process sometimes requires confronting difficult issues. C Correct. D Using the problem-solving process sometimes requires confronting difficult issues. PTS: 1 11. When a person is licensed in a health care profession, this means that he or she: a. graduated from an accredited school. b. earned at least a bachelor’s degree. c. can work in any state. d. has been granted permission to legally perform specific acts. ANS: D Feedback A Licensure means being granted permission to legally perform specific acts. B Licensure means being granted permission to legally perform specific acts. C Licensure means being granted permission to legally perform specific acts. D Correct. PTS: 1
  • 9. 5 12. An important result of learning to think effectively is that when learners become health care professionals they will: a. never make mistakes b. apply what they learned in school to situations encountered on the job. c. impress patients and employers with what they know. d. rapidly move up the career ladder. ANS: B Feedback A Learning to think effectively helps one to apply what is learned in school to situations encountered on the job. B Correct. C Learning to think effectively helps one to apply what is learned in school to situations encountered on the job. D Learning to think effectively helps one to apply what is learned in school to situations encountered on the job. PTS: 1 13. The main purpose of occupational therapy is to: a. help patients become as self-sufficient as possible. b. assist people in choosing the best occupations for themselves. c. increase muscle strength following surgery or accidents. d. care for the basic needs of hospitalized patients. ANS: A Feedback A Correct. B Occupational therapy is aimed at helping patients become as self-sufficient as possible. C Occupational therapy is aimed at helping patients become as self-sufficient as possible. D Occupational therapy is aimed at helping patients become as self-sufficient as possible. PTS: 1 14. An important quality of health care professionals is integrity, which means that they: a. earned a college degree. b. are always honest. c. received high grades in school. d. can work without direct supervision. ANS: B Feedback A Having integrity means always being honest. B Correct. C Having integrity means always being honest. D Having integrity means always being honest. PTS: 1 15. Which of the following is a true statement about health care professional exams? a. Only students who earn high grades can take them. b. Students who graduate from accredited programs are not required to take them. c. Specific educational requirements and clinical experience must be completed before taking them. d. They are required in order to work legally in all occupations that involve direct patient care. ANS: C Feedback A Professional exams are open to all students who meet the requirements. B Graduation from an accredited program does not exempt a student from taking required professional exams. C Correct. D Not all occupations require professional exams. PTS: 1
  • 10. 6 16. Erin has always enjoyed working with her hands and wants to work directly with patients. Which of the following occupo an tis would be the best choice her to consider? a. Pharmacy technician c. Home health aide b. Dental assistant d. Massage therapist ANS: D Feedback A Massage therapists use their hands more than pharmacy technicians. B Massage therapists are likely to use their hands more than dental assistants. C Massage therapists are likely to use their hands more than home health aides. D Correct. PTS: 1 17. Which of the following best describes the purpose of diagnostic occupations? a. Assist patients in maintaining their health b. Ensure that medical equipment functions properly c. Determine the cause of an illness d. Help patients regain movement ANS: C Feedback A Assisting patients with health maintenance is a therapeutic occupation. B Ensuring that medical equipment works properly is an environmental occupation. C Correct. D Helping patients to regain movement is a therapeutic occupation. PTS: 1 18. Most adults who return to school to pursue a career in health care: a. have difficulty competing with younger learners b. have life experiences that help them as learners.. c. find school easier than younger learners. d. lack the self-confidence to do well in school. ANS: B Feedback A Most adult learners have no more difficulty than their younger classmates. B Correct. C Age does not necessarily determine how difficult a learner finds school. D Ages does not necessarily determine a learner’s level of self-confidence. PTS: 1 MATCHING Match each occupation with the correct duties below. a. Registered nurse e. Respiratory therapist b. Radiologic technician f. Dental hygienist c. Ophthalmic assistant g. Health information technicia d. Paramedic h. Physical therapist assistant 1. Provide quick response to victims with medical problems. 2. Carry out prescribed treatments, using exercise, massage, and electrical stimulation. 3. Collect and organize patient data. 4. Provide preventive care of the teeth. 5. Coordinate the overall care of patients. 6. Perform x-ray procedures. 7. Perform eye and vision tests. 8. Provide patients with oxygen. 1. ANS: D PTS: 1 2. ANS: H PTS: 1 3. ANS: G PTS: 1 4. ANS: F PTS: 1 5. ANS: A PTS: 1 6. ANS: B PTS: 1 7. ANS: C PTS: 1 8. ANS: E PTS: 1 Match each physician with the correct specialty below. a. Dermatologist d. Urologist b. Oncologist e. Orthopedist c. Gerontologist 9. Kidney, bladder, or urinary system 10. Skin 11. Muscles and bones
  • 11. 7 12. The elderly 13. Cancer 9. ANS: D PTS: 1 10. ANS: A PTS: 1 11. ANS: E PTS: 1 12. ANS: C PTS: 1 13. ANS: B PTS: 1 Match the following terms with the correct definition below. a. Associate’s degree e. License b. Bachelor’s degree f. Registration c. Career ladder g. Standard d. Certification 14. Process to determine if an individual has met certain standards 15. Academic rank that generally requires 4 years of study 16. Predetermined level of quality 17. Academic rank that usually requires 2 years of study 18. Placement on a list after meeting certain requirements 19. Permit to legally perform certain tasks 20. Levels within an occupation that require different amounts of education and/or training 14. ANS: D PTS: 1 15. ANS: B PTS: 1 16. ANS: G PTS: 1 17. ANS: A PTS: 1 18. ANS: F PTS: 1 19. ANS: E PTS: 1 20. ANS: C PTS: 1 SHORT ANSWER 1. List at least four factors that learners should consider when choosing a health care career. ANS: Amount of education required, natural abilities, type of activities enjoyed, educational background, workplace environm nte , working conditions PTS: 5 2. What are five skills that demonstrate the type of thinking ability needed by health care professionals? ANS: Learn for understanding, apply knowledge to new situations, have organized approach to problem solving, base decisions no facts, look for relationships between facts, locate reliable information, guide actions by ethical principles, practice good communico an ti skills, follow scope of practice PTS: 5 3. List at least five essential qualities that should be demonstrated by all health care professionals. ANS: Care about others, have integrity, be dependable, work well with others, be flexible, be willing to learn, be cost conis o c us PTS: 5 4. List, in order, the five steps in the problem-solving process. ANS: 1. Identify the problem. 2. Gather information. 3. Create alternatives. 4. Choose an alternative and take action. 5. Evaluate and revise as needed. PTS: 5 5. Explain the importance of evaluation, the last step in the problem-solving process. ANS: Solutions may not be effective or may have unexpected negative consequences, circumstances can change, needs of thosefe ac fted by the process may change, additional information may become available PTS: 5
  • 12. 8 ESSAY 1. Describe ways that learners can begin to develop and practice the qualities needed by health care professionals whileety h are in school. ANS: Be kind and show respect for others, be polite in class, prepare for class, practice courtesy, do their own work, be ho en st, respect confidentiality, maintain good attendance, be punctual, strive for accuracy, fulfill obligations, participate in class, cooperate and wo krwell with instructors and other learners, take school seriously, study for each class PTS: 10 COMPLETION 1. The fastest-growing health care career today, influenced by the increasing number of older adults, is . ANS: home health aide PTS: 1 2. The goal of careers is to help patients regain and maintain good health. ANS: therapeutic PTS: 1 3. The first step in the five-step problem-solving process is to the problem. ANS: identify PTS: 1 4. Ken is a learner, which means that he masters new information best when he performs hands-on activities. ANS: kinesthetic PTS: 1 5. is the general term that means an individual has met certain professional standards. ANS: certification PTS: 1
  • 13. Exploring the Variety of Random Documents with Different Content
  • 14. you, good Father, to carry this paper to the Baron of Eppenfeld, whom you will find confined above, where one of my men will lead you, and to read to him the contents. It seems that to my good follower, Ferdinand of Altenburg, he used foul and calumnious expressions regarding me; and that now, being sorry for having done so, he would fain retract them and make amends. I have put down nearly his own words. If he will sign them, well; if not, do not press him. Pray let him see that I am indifferent to his exculpation or his charges, and hold as little communication with him as possible till my noble friend Count Frederick's return, as I am anxious that aught we may have to say to this notorious culprit should be said by mutual understanding and consent." The priest took the paper, and promised to observe the directions to the letter; and, after having given him a conductor to the Baron's prison, the Count paced up and down his chamber in gloomy expectation. It seemed to him that his envoy was long; he would fain have gone to listen to what passed between him and the captive; but he did not dare; and at length he cast himself down upon a seat, and taking a book from the shelf, affected to read. Scarcely had he done so, when the chaplain returned; and, though the Count's keen eye fixed upon him with an eager and inquiring glance, it could discover nothing in his countenance but the air of a good honest man who had just transacted a piece of ordinary business. "There is the paper signed, noble Count," he said; "the poor man expresses himself all hungered, and asks for meat and drink." "Did he make any difficulty as to signing this?" asked the Count; adding, "I hope you pressed him not." "There was no need, my son," answered the priest, "he signed it at once, and seemed wondrous meek considering all we have heard of him. All he complained of was thirst and hunger; and, good sooth,
  • 15. he should have food, seeing that he says he has not tasted aught since late last night, and it is three of the clock even now." "Three!" exclaimed the Count; "is it three? How the time flies!" "Hasting on towards eternity," replied the priest; "it is well to think of such things." "It is," answered the Lord of Ehrenstein; "he shall have food. Thanks, Father, for your pains; the poor man shall have food:--I had forgot how rapidly time speeds away from us;--thanks." As soon as the chaplain was gone, he read the paper over again, and marked well the scrawl which testified the Baron of Eppenfeld's concurrence in the truth of its contents; and then he somewhat regretted that he had not made them stronger in expression, considering the facility with which it had been signed. But after having carefully locked it in a casket, he turned his thoughts to other subjects, only second in importance to that which had just been discussed and settled. "Now, then, for this strange tale," he said; "I cannot believe it true. He would not dare;--and yet the youth spoke boldly. It may be malice after all: I never saw aught but such reverence as might become one in his station to the daughter of his lord; nor, on her part, aught but kindness--gentle, yet not familiar--such as she shows to all. And yet it is strange she has not come forth to greet her father on his return. She never failed before. Oh, if it be so, my vengeance shall be long remembered in the land;--but no, it is impossible! I will never believe it. This Martin of Dillberg is a proved traitor: the Baron's words condemn him; and he has known that Ferdinand would bring him to the question, and with the common art of half-fledged villany, has taken the poor vantage ground of the first charge. But it must be inquired into--must be refuted. I will call the youth before me:--nay, I will see her first.--But I will not tax her with it: such accusations often plant in the mind the first seeds of
  • 16. deeds to come. I have known many a guiltless heart made guilty by being once suspected." With these thoughts--for it is wonderful how often the same reflexions present themselves to the pure and to the corrupt, only their effects upon action are different--he went forth into the corridor, and opened the door of his daughter's apartments. In the ante-chamber the girl Theresa was sitting alone at her embroidery, and the Count asked, "Where is your mistress? How is it she has not been to greet her father on his return?" "I know not, my good lord," replied the girl, apparently embarrassed by a certain degree of sternness in his tone. "I believe my lady sleeps; I heard her say she had rested ill last night." "Go call her," said the Count. "Sleeps at midday! she must be ill. We must have some physician." The maid did not venture to reply, but went in at once to the lady's chamber; and the moment after Adelaide herself came forth. Her fair face was as pale as death, but yet her air was firm, and she seemed to the eye but little agitated. Her step was slow, however, and showed none of the buoyant joys with which, in former times, she sprang to meet her father. "How now, my child?" said the Count, as soon as he saw her; "what! sleeping at this time of day? You must be ill, Adelaide." "I slept not, father," she answered at once; "I never sleep by day." "Then why came you not, as usual, to meet me?" asked the Count. "In what important task have you been busy that you could not give a moment to greet your father on his return from strife?" "In prayer," she answered, simply.
  • 17. "In prayer!" he repeated;--"why in prayer at this hour to-day?" "At this hour and day in every year I am in prayer," she answered; "for it is the hour and day my mother left me." A deep shade fell upon her father's face: "True--I forgot," he said; "the busy occupation of the last few hours has driven from my mind things I am wont to remember: but now sit down beside me, my dear child. This foolish girl, Theresa, says you rested ill." "She says true," answered Adelaide, taking the place to which her father pointed; "I slept but little." "And where did you ramble in your waking thoughts?" asked the Count. "Far and wide," was her reply; but as she answered, she bent down her head, the colour rose into her cheek, and there was a confession in her whole air which made her father's heart beat quick and fiercely. Nearly in vain he strove to master himself, and in a hurried, yet bitter tone, he said: "Perchance, as far as the chapel in the wood." His daughter remained silent. "And not without a companion," he added. "Base, wretched girl, what have you done? Is this your maiden modesty?--is this your purity and innocence of heart?--are these the lessons that your mother taught you?" Suddenly Adelaide raised her head, and though with a crimson cheek and brow, she answered, "Yes! Nothing, my lord,--neither deep, true love, nor human persuasion, nor girl-like folly, nor one idle dream of fancy--would have made me do what I have done, had I not been sure that duty--ay, duty even to you, required me to forget all other things, the fears of my weak nature, the habits of my station, all the regards of which I have been ever careful,--my very name and fame, if it must be so, and do as I have done." "Duty to me!" exclaimed the Count, vehemently. "I thought you wise as well as good. You are a fool, weak girl, and have suffered a
  • 18. treacherous knave to impose upon you by some idle tale:--but he shall dearly rue it. Time for prayer and shrift is all that he shall have 'twixt now and eternity." "He is my husband," answered Adelaide; "and--" "Go, make your widow's weeds then," cried her father; "for no husband will you have after to-morrow's dawn." "Yet, listen," she said, in an imploring tone; "condemn not before you have heard. He is guiltless of having deceived me, if I have been deceived: he told me no false tale, for all he said was that he loved me--and that he does; he pleaded no excuse of duty--" "Who, then?" demanded her father; "who then, I say? Ah! I can guess right well; that false priest, who has always been the bitterest enemy of me and mine. Is it so, girl?--Answer, is it so?" "If you mean Father George," replied Adelaide, slowly, "you are right. He bade me tell you the fact, if it became absolutely necessary to do so; but oh, my father! you do him wrong. He is not an enemy to you and yours--far, very far--" "Out upon you, wretched girl!" exclaimed the Count, growing more and more furious every moment. "I know him but too well; and for what he has done I will have bitter retribution. I will lay his abbey in smoking ruins for his sake; but first he shall see the results of his dark intrigues on those he has attempted to force into high stations. He shall see the blood of his beggar brother's child stain the axe, as he has well deserved--ay, and he shall have notice that if he would ever see his face again it must be ere to-morrow. He may come to shrive him for the block, if he will; but I swear, by all I hold holy! that daring traitor shall never see another sun set than that which has this day arisen." "Hold, hold, my father!" cried Adelaide; "first, for your daughter's sake; for, did you do the act you threaten, the blow must fall on her,
  • 19. not him alone. Be sure that she would not survive him long. Nay, look not scornful, for it is too true; but, if not for her sake, for your own, pause but three days, both to give your better spirit time to act, and to allow yourself to judge with better knowledge. Oh, pause, my father! Bring not on your head the weight of such a crime; think what men will say of you--think how the eye of God will judge you--think what torture your own heart will inflict--how memory will ever show the spirit of the dead reproaching you, and calling you to judgment--think what it will seem in your own eyes, when passion has passed away, to know that you have murdered in your own stronghold your daughter's husband, and, with the same blow, your own child too." "Adelaide," said the Count, in a tone less vehement, but more stern, "what I have sworn, I will do. You have chosen your own course, the consequences be on your own head. It is you who slay him, not I; but murder!--no, there shall be no murder. He shall be judged as he deserves, this very night. We have laws and customs amongst us which will touch his case--ay, and your own too, were it needful, but that I am tender of you. However, keep your pleadings for yourself, for you yet may have need of them. As to him, his fate is sealed." "Be his and mine together," answered Adelaide, raising her head, and gazing at her father mildly but firmly. "Let the same judgment pass on me as on him. Spare not your own child, when she is as guilty, if there be guilt, as he is. With him did I hope to live; with him I am content to die. You cannot, and you shall not, separate us." "Girl, you will drive me mad!" exclaimed the Count. "Cannot separate you! You shall soon see that. Never shall your eyes behold him again. He dies at dawn to-morrow; and, in the mean time, hence to your chamber. There, as a prisoner, shall you remain till all is over. What further punishment I may inflict, you shall know in time; but think not to escape. Doubtless these women are sharers in your crime, or, at least, aiders of your disobedience;" and he turned
  • 20. a fierce glance on the girl Theresa, who stood pale and trembling near the door. "Oh no, noble lord!" she exclaimed, casting herself at his knees; "I never dreamt of such a thing--the lady knows right well." "It shall be inquired into," said the Count. "Hence to your chamber, disobedient child; and I will put you under safer guard than this. But delude yourself with no false hopes; you have seen the last of him whom you call husband, for I will grant him not another hour beyond the rise of sun to-morrow. Hark! there are Count Frederick's trumpets--that suits well. He shall be judged at once. Away, I say! Why linger you? To your chamber--to your chamber; but I will see that it is secure." With a slow step Adelaide entered her own room, followed by her father. There was before her a little desk for prayer, an open book, a cross, and the picture of a lady very like herself, and, kneeling down, she bent her head upon the book,--it might be to weep, it might be to pray. The Count's eye rested for an instant on the portrait, and then on his child. His cheek grew very pale, and, with a hasty glance around the room, he retired, securing the door behind him. CHAPTER XXIV. Ferdinand of Altenburg would have given much for a good horse, a few words in Adelaide's ear, and a free passage over the
  • 21. drawbridge. They were the only three wishes he would have formed, at that moment, if any good fairy would have granted them, but none of those benignant beings came to his help, and he saw that he must abide his fate, whatever it might be. For a time he bent down his eyes in deep despondency, after seeing what he conceived to be Bertha's figure turn away from the chapel in the wood; but then, again, he gazed round him, with an anxious glance, looking to the east and to the west, as if in the vague hope of some help appearing. The hills which stretched in a wavy line from the old ruined castle opposite, beyond the abbey in the valley, till they fell in with the mountains that formed the basin of the Rhine, were clothed, as we have seen, with wood; but yet every here and there the forest trees would break away, and leave a patch of meadow or cultivated ground; and in various other places the different roads that cut direct over the summits of the hills, left a small spot vacant of trees, like the entrance of a garden between two walls. Suddenly, at the point where the road leading towards Eppenfeld crossed the higher ground, the eye of the young gentleman saw something pass rapidly across, as if a band of spearmen were proceeding at a quick pace along the road above. The distance was more than two miles, and he could not be certain that he was right in his conjecture; but at somewhat less than half a mile distant from the spot where he had seen this passing object, and nearer to the castle, a patch of vines, nestling into the bosom of the sheltering wood, exposed the higher road again, and Ferdinand stopped in his walk upon the battlements, and gazed for several minutes till once more the head of a long line of horsemen appeared, with banners and lances, and glittering arms, which caught and reflected a stray gleam of sunshine, that poured through the clouds gathering overhead. "It is Count Frederick," said the young gentleman to himself. "I am glad of that, for he is kind and noble, and if this charge, whatever it may be, rests alone upon the testimony of Martin of Dillberg, I may shake that if I have a fair hearing."
  • 22. It is true, that when Ferdinand said, in speaking of the charge, "whatever it may be," a voice from within told him quite plainly what that charge really was; but ere the last horseman of the train had passed across the aperture, he heard the sound of footfalls at the other end of the battlement, and turning in that direction, perceived old Karl von Mosbach and two of the soldiers advancing towards him. Now the character of Mosbach, though there was a general resemblance between all the old ritters of his day, differed considerably from that of Seckendorf. He was less frank and free, and though, perhaps, not so full of the active marauding spirit of his companion, was of a more suspicious and less generous nature. Neither had he ever shown that sort of warm and paternal friendliness for Ferdinand of Altenburg which the other old knight had always displayed towards the youth whom he had seen grow up from boyhood. These circumstances, and a knowledge of the task of watching him, which the Count had assigned to Karl von Mosbach, did not render his approach particularly agreeable to Ferdinand, and the first word of the old knight showed that his errand was as unpleasant as it well could be. "Come, Master Ferdinand," he said, "you must end your walk. I have the Count's orders to arrest you, and put you in the cell under the little hall." "What for, Mosbach," asked Ferdinand, anxious to obtain any precise information that he could get. "Nay, that is no business of mine," replied the old ritter, "you will soon hear from the Count himself, I dare say. My business is to obey his orders, so come along." Ferdinand felt no disposition to resist, where he knew that resistance would be in vain, and therefore, without further comment, he walked slowly on with Mosbach, followed by the two soldiers, and fearing that the next moment his arms might be taken from him. The old soldier, however, did not seem to think of such a precaution,
  • 23. but contented himself with leading him to the cell, shutting him in, and barring and bolting the door. Ferdinand was now left, if not in utter darkness--for there was one small loophole high up, which afforded air and a slight glimmering of light to the interior--at least in such a degree of obscurity, that for several minutes he could see none of the objects around, and though with his arms crossed upon his chest, and his teeth hard set, he strove vigorously to bear his fate with firmness, if not tranquillity, the gloom of the place seemed to sink into his heart, and overcome for the time all the strongly resisting powers of youth. There was something in his present situation which depressed him much more than the imprisonment he had so lately undergone at Eppenfeld. There he knew right well, indeed, that a few hours might terminate his existence, and now the worst that could befall him was the same fate; but the difference was in the causes which might lead to such an end. At Eppenfeld, he knew that if he died, he died without reproach, in the bold execution of a duty; now, if he fell, it was under a grave and heavy charge, from which, notwithstanding all the assurances he had received from the priest, he could not wholly exculpate himself even to his own heart. He felt that passion had lent too ready an aid to the promises of others, and although he had every confidence in the truth and honesty of him with whom his early years had been spent, yet he could hardly bring himself to believe that Father George had not both deluded and been deluded himself. As he thus stood and mused, the sound of trumpets was borne from without through the little loophole above, and a momentary gleam of hope, he knew not why, came to cheer his heart. But the sounds of the trumpet soon ceased, the trampling of horses was heard as they crossed the drawbridge, and then many voices in the court-yard, first laughing and talking loud, then growing fewer and fainter, till at length they ceased; and no other sounds arose but the occasional call of one servant to another, or the heavy tramp of a soldier's foot, as he crossed the courts, or threaded the passages. Hope and expectation died away again, and the captive sat himself down to meditate bitterly over the passing away of all those bright
  • 24. dreams we have so lately seen him indulging. Where was the joy of the night before? Where was the sunshiny aspect of life that love, and youth, and imagination afforded? Where was the glowing future, with its hopes and its ambitions--ambitions, the fiery strength of which was all softened and sweetened by tenderness and love? Where was the ecstasy of gratified affection? Where all the splendid pageantry with which fancy decorates the gratification of every desire to the eager early heart? All, all had passed away--the bubble had burst, the vision had faded, and nothing was left but dark despondency, akin to despair. He could have wept, but then the stubborn heart of man, the touch of the sin which hurled the powers from on high, the pride of hardy resistance, came to his support, and he refrained, closing up the sources of his tears, and strengthening himself in the hardness of resolute endurance. "No," he thought,--"I will give up such weak regrets; I will think no more of things that only unman me; I will consider how I may best meet this charge--what I am to do, what I am to say; and I can say much in my defence. Who could resist such love as I have felt for her? Who could help feeling that love who was with her as I have been? Then, again, Father George, the guardian of my youth, whose counsel and directions I have ever been taught to follow, he directed, he guided, he counselled me to act as I have acted, even when I myself hesitated and doubted. He authorized me, too, to lay the deed on him, and promised to come forward and support it. The Count may indeed condemn me, may put me to death, but still I shall die without a stain." The more he thus reasoned, however, the more Ferdinand felt that his own case was a perilous one, that although some excuse might be found for what he had done in the extenuating circumstances over which he pondered, yet that excuse would be but little available to save him from destruction. He knew the Count too well, not to be sure that some victim he would have to assuage his wrath, and that, as against Father George his hand would be powerless, protected as the priest would be sure to be by the arm of
  • 25. the church, the whole weight of his indignation would fall upon him. Thus he thought for some time; but yet, though his considerations were eager and full of interest, they were not sufficient to make the passing of the time seem quick. Hour by hour went by, various sounds succeeded each other in the castle, each marking some particular epoch in the passing of the day, to the ear of one who, like Ferdinand of Altenburg, knew well the stated periods of the daily life within; every moment he expected to be called to judgment and to doom; but still the time fled and no summons came, till darkness covered the face of the earth, and he heard the sound of revelry above. Oh! how dissonant, how painful, how unlike it had ever been before, was the merry voice and the gay laugh, and the cheerful noise of the banquet! He thought it a cruelty in the Count to place him there, a mute and sorrowful ear-witness of happy life, in which he was no more to partake; and bending down his head, he covered his eyes with his hands, but it must have been to shut out the sights that fancy offered, for in the profound gloom around him no other object was to be discerned. While he thus sat, he suddenly heard a sound, as if of the clanking of an iron chain, and then a voice spoke, apparently close beside him. "Fear not, youth," it said; "be thy heart bold, be thy words true, be thy faith pure, and fear not!" Ferdinand started up and listened, almost fancying that his imagination had deceived him. The sounds had seemed to come from the opposite side to that on which the door was placed, and they were clear and distinct. It was a voice, too, that he knew not. That of Father George he would have recognised anywhere; but it was not his. The tones were deep and firm, like those of a man; and yet there was a sad and solemn sound in them, which filled Ferdinand's mind with doubt and awe. "Who is it that speaks?" he said; and instantly the voice answered, "It matters not. It is one who knows. Hast thou not seen enough to make thee believe?"
  • 26. "I have," answered Ferdinand; "and I do." But the voice replied not again; and all was silent. The sounds above had by this time changed their character. Laughter had ceased, the merriment and the revel seemed over; and though voices were heard speaking, the tones of some were stern and grave, the tones of another low and apparently suppliant. For many minutes, Ferdinand's ear listened eagerly, as the speakers continued; but then steps were heard coming down the stairs, and through the sort of wide vestibule that separated the cell in which he was confined from the great hall. An instant after, the key was turned in the lock, the bolts were drawn back, and the door opened. CHAPTER XXV. While such had been the fate of the lover, what was the situation of Adelaide of Ehrenstein? She, too, had suffered; but not so deeply as he had. There was something in her heart that supported her; a conscious innocence of purpose; a degree of faith and trust which man seldom, if ever, can attain; a readiness for the worst, whatever it might be; a full assurance that she could not, and that she would not, survive him whom she loved, if death were to be his fate; and a fearlessness of death itself, very different from man's bold daring. In her love there was, as is almost always the case in woman's first early attachment, a great difference from the passion of her lover. It was less of the earth than his; and though Ferdinand's was pure, and true, and bright,--though he would willingly have sacrificed life, and all that life can give, for her sake,--yet hers was purer and holier still. He dreamt of long days of joy and happiness with her, in the
  • 27. midst of the fair scenes and warm blessings of this earth. She might have such visions also, but they were not so vivid, and they went beyond. She thought of happiness eternal with the chosen of her heart--of joy, and peace, and sweet communion with the spirit of her husband, in that union which could know no change, and never see an end. It might be hard to cast off all the tender bonds of mortal affection, to give away the love and bliss we know even for the promises of eternity. She might feel a longing to spend with him the ordinary days of existence here, and to pass with him from the affections of this earth, calmly and peacefully to the brighter fate of the good beyond the tomb. But yet the thought--ever present, ever distinct--that existence here is but a brief portion of an endless being, and that, though the passage may be sharp and full of grief, it leads to compensation and reward hereafter, was sweet and consolatory to her in her sorrow, and gave her strength to endure in contemplation all that might follow. She had time enough for thought, and for tears, and for prayer; for during the whole evening, from the time that her father left her in anger, till the shades of night crept over the sky, her solitude was only interrupted twice. Once a heavy footfall came to the door, the key was turned, and there was heard a sharp knock. On saying "Come in," the form of a common soldier presented itself, bearing some provisions, and having set his burden down upon the table, he retired without a word, again locking the door behind him. The second time another soldier came, affording admission for a few minutes to the girl, Theresa, who could give her mistress no information, and who was still drowned in tears of apprehension for herself. Adelaide questioned her but little, for she had never much trusted her; and there was an undefined feeling of suspicion in regard to the girl's attachment to her, which she blamed herself for entertaining, yet could not banish. All the girl knew was, that Count Frederick of Leiningen had arrived, and that he and her lord were about to sit down to supper in the smaller hall; that Ferdinand of Altenburg had been arrested, and was confined in one of the dungeons; and that all in the castle were busily talking over the
  • 28. events which had taken place. A bright colour came into Adelaide's cheek as she heard that her own conduct was the subject of discussion amongst her father's followers and his guest's; and very mingled emotions brought tears into her eyes; but she asked no further questions, and gave no orders, although it was for the purpose of rendering her any ordinary service that the girl had been admitted for a short time to her chamber. The soldier who had remained without soon grew impatient, and called to Theresa to come away; and Adelaide once more remained alone while the shadows of gloomy thought came darkening over her mind as those of the evening crept over the sky. She sat and read the holy book before her, pausing every now and then to think, as long as there was any light left. But at length all was darkness; for neither lamp nor taper was brought her, and she passed the hours in meditation, in tears, and in listening to the various sounds that stirred in the castle, till all was silent. Though striving hard to banish painful images, yet fancy would present to her eyes scenes which might be passing very near the spot where she sat, without her knowing them or their results. She pictured to herself the short, brief trial which was all that was likely to be afforded to him she loved; she saw him standing before his judges; she heard them pronounce sentence upon him; she beheld him dragged back to his cell, only to await execution on the following morning, and her heart sank--oh, how sorrowfully it sank!--at the thought that she had no power to help him. Her eyes overflowed with tears again, and, kneeling before the place where the crucifix stood, she once more had recourse to prayer. All had seemed silent in the castle for near half an hour, but she was still upon her knees, with her head bent down, when her father's well-known step sounded in the neighbouring chamber; and the next instant he entered with a light. Touched, perhaps, a little, he might be, at the sight of his daughter's grief and desolation, but still his frown was not relaxed, and no kindlier feelings shone upon his lip.
  • 29. "What! have they not brought thee a lamp?" he said, as she rose on his entrance. "Take this, and go to bed and sleep, for thou must rise betimes to-morrow. I came to tell thee thy fate--his is sealed. At early dawn, under the guard of a party of men-at-arms thou goest to Würtzburg; there to pass the days of thy widowhood in the convent of the Black Nuns, and to learn, I trust, in penitence and prayer, the duty and obedience of a daughter." "The days will be few," answered Adelaide, in an absent tone. "Can nothing move you, my father?" she continued. "I ask you not to spare me--I ask you to spare him, to spare yourself; for bitterly, till the last hour of life, will you regret it if you injure him. Nay, hear, my father, for I am as calm as you are--but wait a few hours, give no way to hasty passion, see and hear him who counselled us in what we have done, and judge not till you have heard." "I have judged," answered the Count, turning away from her; "and others have judged who are moved by no hasty passion. Give me no more words, girl. His doom is fixed, I say. He shall not die till thou art beyond the hills; but yet to-morrow's sun shall not be one hour old before he pays with his head for the crime he has committed. No words, no words;" and, leaving her the lamp he carried, he retired, and closed the door. It is with difficulty that a kind and gentle heart realizes in imagination acts of severity and harshness of which it is itself incapable. Though Adelaide had feared, and trembled throughout the day, with vague apprehensions of her father carrying his menaces into effect; though she knew him to be stern and hard; though through life fear had mingled with affection, yet she loved him too well to know him thoroughly; for love has always a power of transfusing, as it were, the life-blood of our own character into the object of our affection; and when she was so gentle, she could not believe that he was so cruel. The words he spoke, however, before he left her, the air and manner in which they were uttered; the deep depression of her mind, from long hours of grief and anxiety; the
  • 30. still and gloomy time of night; all tended to give the vivid semblance of reality to the deed which he announced to her. Could it be possible? she asked herself. Could he really imbrue his hands in the blood of him she loved--of one so kind, so good, so brave, so true? Should she never see him more? Oh, no, no; it was too horrible to think of. It was impossible. Her father would never do it. But as she thus stood on the same spot where he had left her, gazing earnestly on the ground which she did not see, there was a light knock at the door, and she started, but without replying. The knock was repeated, and she said "Come in." A low, woman's voice, however, answered, "I cannot, lady, the door is locked. Put down your ear to the keyhole." Mechanically she did as she was told, asking, "What is it?" "They have condemned him, lady," said the voice. "I heard them say myself, 'Worthy of death,' and then they hurried him away. I cannot stay for fear some one should come," and a retreating step immediately announced that the speaker had departed. It was true then--too true. He was judged--he was to die--to die for love of her--to die for an act in which she had taken willing part; which she had not only shared, but encouraged. And did her father expect that she would survive him; that she would see the lover of her youth, the husband of a night, thus perish for her sake? that she would live on in the cold world that he had left? Did he expect her to mingle in its gaieties, to take part in its pageants, to taste its enjoyments, to laugh with the merry, and sing with the light of heart? "He knows me not," she said; "he knows me not. The blow that takes my husband's life, takes mine also. It was unkindness, I do believe, that brought my mother slowly to her grave, and this cruelty will be more pitiful in bringing me speedily to mine."
  • 31. Casting herself into a seat, she remained in the same position for more than two hours, with her head drooping forward, her beautiful eyes partly closed, her hands clasped together and fallen upon her knee. Not a motion was to be seen in that fair statue. One might have supposed her sleeping or dead. Sleeping, oh, no; sleep was far, far away. It seemed as if such relief would be banished for ever, and that grief--aye waking--would never know cessation. Dead! She longed to be so; but she knew that long suffering must be first. The lamp flickered at first brightly, showing the exquisite features in their still motionless repose, and the graceful line of each symmetrical limb, as it fell in the dull tranquillity of profound grief. From time to time the ray glittered on a tear--not the quick relief-drop of violent emotion rushing plentiful and fast from the eyes like a summer shower no; but the slow, quiet, trickling tear stealing over the cheek, and pausing here and there, but still swelling over as the fresh supply is wrung from the eye by the slow agony of the heart. They fell unheeded. She knew not that she wept. Not a word escaped her, not a sound passed from her lips. There was no sigh, no sob, no mark of bitter passion; but there she sat, silent and motionless, absorbed in the contemplation of the dark reality ever present to her mind. The light of the lamp waxed dim and smoky, as the heavy hours rolled on, but Adelaide sat there still; and in the increasing gloom of the chamber, where the faint rays were absorbed as soon as they touched the dark oak wainscotting, her form, clothed in white garments, seemed like that of a spectre, and all the other objects in the room like the faint unreal phantasms of a confused dream. But who is that who suddenly stands beside her?--An old man in a long grey robe, with sandalled feet, a cowl over his head, and steps so noiseless, that in the terrible apathy of despair she hears them not. She started up the next instant, gazing wildly at him, and thrusting back the glossy masses of neglected curls from off her marble brow.
  • 32. "I have come to save you, my dear child," said Father George. "Be quick, cast something over you, and come with me." The fair girl threw her arms around his neck, and fell upon his bosom, "Ferdinand! Ferdinand!" she murmured. "Save him, Father, save him. Mind not me. I can bear my fate, whatever it is. Oh, save him, save him! They have condemned him to death. If morning dawns, he is lost." "He is safe, daughter," answered Father George. "Safe, and by this time, I trust, far away. I have left him to those who will not, and who cannot fail." "Oh, but is it sure?" demanded Adelaide. "Did you see him go? My father's words were dreadful. He would set a sure guard. He would leave no chance. Are you sure that he is safe?" "As safe as I am," answered Father George, confidently. "The stones of this castle would sooner fall, than one hair of his head under your father's vengeance. Come, my child, come; make no more delay. It is now near daybreak. Take but your mother's picture, and your veil to wrap you in, and come away with speed." Joy was perhaps more overpowering than grief to Adelaide of Ehrenstein. Her hands trembled, her limbs well nigh refused their office; but yet she hurried her brief preparation as much as might be; and then the monk took her by the hand, and blowing out the lamp, led her on. The door of her chamber was open, though she had not heard it unlocked. The antechamber without was vacant, and the last rays of the sinking moon were streaming through the windows against the wall. Everything in the castle was still as death, and in the wide corridor all was vacant and silent, with the carved figures on the stone seats grinning in the pale reflected light that poured from the sky through the small panes. The feet of both the lady and her guide were noiseless, for her step, like her heart, was lightened; and though she trembled still, she hurried on down the
  • 33. wide staircase, and the narrower flight of steps that led from the lesser hall to the old stone vestibule near the greater hall. At the door of the latter, Father George paused, and knocked thrice; and then whispering, "Fear nothing," he opened the door, and led her in. There was a light in the hall, streaming from a single lamp at the farther end. It was faint and dim in the vast space; but Adelaide started, drew back, and uttered a low cry of surprise, as she saw how that hall was tenanted. Seated in the great chair of state, at the end, was a tall and lordly looking man, clothed in arms from head to heel, and down either side, ranged in long line, were other forms in armour, some with their swords bare, and some with banners in their hands, which seemed to her terrified eye the same as those which usually hung from the vaulted roof above. Every man had his visor down, and all was profoundly silent; but the stern array daunted the poor girl's heart, and she turned an eager glance to the countenance of her companion. "Fear not," said Father George, in a low voice; "fear not, only come on quickly," and supporting her shaking steps with his arm, he led her on through that dark avenue towards the door at the farther end. None spoke, none moved, as she passed along nearly to the close of the line; but then the seated figure rose, and bowed his head without a sound. Hurrying her on towards the door, the monk opened it, and led her into the stone passage through which she had before passed. There was a lamp burning on the floor; and quitting his hold of her arm, Father George whispered, "Stay for me one moment," and then returned into the hall. Turning a timid glance back, Adelaide saw him approach the chair of state and speak for a few moments, in a low voice, to its mailed occupant. He seemed to receive no answer; and then clasping his hands together, in the attitude of vehement entreaty, the old man said aloud, "I beseech, I adjure you! By all that is sacred! In the name of Christ, forbear."
  • 34. The figure bowed its armed head: and, exclaiming, "Well," Father George turned away, and hurried to her side again. CHAPTER XXVI. As soon as Father George had rejoined Adelaide of Ehrenstein, he hurried her rapidly on through the passage, and down the well staircase, towards the vaults; but in pushing back the door which opened into the serfs' burial-place, a sharp gust of wind blew out the lamp, and they were both left in utter darkness. "I cannot go back for a light," said the priest; "but hold by my gown; and fear not, daughter." The sights she had seen, however, in that place, and all the awful mementoes of mortality which it contained, recurred at once to the mind of Adelaide, and a chilly shuddering sensation crept over her as she followed Father George, holding his robe with her right hand, and feeling the way with her left. Scarcely had they taken a step, however, when a voice demanded aloud, "Who is it comes hither?" "It is I," answered the priest, without pausing; "give way to the holy cross." No farther sounds succeeded, except the shriek of a screech-owl, as it flitted past; but the moment after, the out- stretched hand of Adelaide came upon something cold, and round, and damp, which she instantly perceived to be a mouldering human skull, and, drawing her arms suddenly back, the movement was succeeded by a rattling noise, as if a pile of bones had fallen down, one striking upon the other. Then came a loud laugh, and a
  • 35. whispering through the arches, and the poor girl faltered on her way, and drew back. "Fear not, fear not," said Father George, hurrying her on again. "All depends upon speed; let us lose no time. Where is that other door? It should be here.--There is nothing but the wall. We must have got astray amongst the arches?" Adelaide's heart sank with fear, and, leaning against the damp stone-work of the vault, she supported herself with difficulty, while the priest felt with his hand in order to discover which way the door lay. Even he seemed puzzled and alarmed, as he proceeded slowly, saying in broken, muttered sentences, "This is very unlucky. It must be this way, surely. Keep close by me, daughter, and hold fast by my robe. It is no jest to lose one's self here. Nay, this is the other wall; we must have gone wrong again. Stay, I must have recourse to other means--do not be alarmed." And, raising his voice, he added, in a loud tone, "Let the chapel door be opened!" There was a pause, and then a slight rustling sound, and then the creaking of a heavy door upon a rusty hinge, and the moment after, at some distance from them on the left, a faint light, which would not have deserved the name but from the more profound gloom of the vaults, showed where the door was placed. "Now, quick, quick, my child;" said Father George. "Lean upon my arm; there is no need of terror. 'Tis but that I would fain avoid bringing about hasty deeds that can never be recalled. Day must be coming fast, by that light; but we shall yet have time." And, hurrying her through the door into the crypt, he took his way onward toward the arch which led out upon the side of the hill. No farther obstruction presented itself, no living object was seen, and, hastening after her old guide, Adelaide soon felt the fresh chilly air, which in most countries precedes the dawn of day, breathing cold upon her cheek. Not a streak was yet to be seen in the eastern
  • 36. sky, the light clouds above were untouched with the rays of the coming sun, and the stars were seen peeping through them here and there, but yet there was a silvery greyness mingling with the darkness of the night, and showing plainly that morning was at hand. "Now, my child, all is safe, I trust," said the priest, as they issued forth. "Take heart, take heart, for you must still walk down to the chapel, I could not have the horses brought up here." "Is Ferdinand there?" asked Adelaide, anxiously. "Nay, nay; he's farther than that by this time, I trust," answered Father George; "but you shall soon join him, where there will be more safety for both." Thus saying, he led her on; endeavouring to while away the time, and cheer her spirits, with kindly words and assurances; but Adelaide felt deeply depressed; and neither to feel herself free from the threatened danger, nor to hear the monk's assurances of her husband's safety, could rouse her from the dread and apprehension that still hung upon her. When they were about half way down the hill, and the twilight had so far increased that they could see the faint outline of the little chapel from a point of the rock, Father George paused, and looked down towards it with a somewhat anxious gaze. "It is very odd," he muttered to himself; "they must have put them on the other side, I suppose, to keep them out of sight;" and with a still quicker step he hurried on down the hill, and soon, with his fair companion, reached the chapel-door. "Go in, my child, and say an Ave and a Paternoster," he said, "while I look for the horses round here;" and as he spoke he pulled open the door of the chapel for the lady to go in. He then went quite round the little building, and, returning to the door of the priest's lodging-chamber, shook it, exclaiming, "Brother Geoffrey, brother Geoffrey!" No answer was returned, and, entering the chapel, he
  • 37. said, in a tone of some alarm, though he strove hard to conceal it, "The horses have not come, my child, though they should have been here an hour ago; but you will be quite safe here. Come with me into the cell. You can take some refreshment there while I go and seek them." "Oh! do not leave me," cried Adelaide; "I shall die with fear, if I am left alone." "No, no--not so," answered the priest; "I will show you in a moment that you are quite safe;" and, drawing a key from under his gown, he opened the door which led from the little chapel to the lodging-chamber at its side, and entered with the lady. The cell was quite vacant; but on a shelf at one side stood a bottle of wine and some provisions, which the priest soon placed before Adelaide, and insisted upon her partaking thereof, though appetite she had none. "Now, I will go and see for the horses," he said, as soon as he had made her swallow a morsel, and taste the wine. "But first I must show you--Hark! they are coming, I think. Did you not hear a sound?" "It is from the other side--it is from the castle," cried Adelaide, starting up in terror; and the monk instantly crossed to a little lancet-shaped window which looked up the hill, saying, at the same time, in a confident tone, "No fear if it be, my child." The next instant he turned round, nodded his head significantly, and locked the door into the chapel; then advancing to the spot where his pallet lay, with the crucifix at the head, he put his hand upon one of the large blocks of stone which formed the wall of the building, and pressed against it with no great effort. It instantly gave way, however, rolling back, as a door, upon a strong perpendicular bar of iron run through the angle of the block,[2] and disclosing the lower steps of a little staircase, to which he motioned his fair companion. "Quick; go in, my child," he said, in a low tone, while
  • 38. the horses' feet came clattering down the hill; and with breathless haste Adelaide darted forward, and ran some way up the steps. Father George followed, pushed back the block of stone, and secured it with a bolt. "Go on, daughter," he said; and, feeling her way up; for the stairs were quite in darkness, she soon came to a door-way leading into the belfry over the little chapel. Father George followed her, and reached the belfry just as two armed horsemen checked their beasts at the door. One of them, springing down, entered the chapel in haste, but returned immediately, exclaiming aloud, "He's not in there; and that door's locked." "Try the other," cried his companion; and the man who had dismounted going up to the door of the cell, shook it as if he would have forced it off its hinges, exclaiming aloud, "Father George, Father George!" The good priest smiled, but replied not, and the next moment the man without, exclaiming, with an oath, "I will see if he's within or not," dashed his gauntleted hand through the lower part of the window, which was dim with dust and age, and, holding by the stone-work, looked into the cell. "There's no one there," he said at length. "Where, in the fiend's name, can the monk be?" "Gone to the devil, I suppose," answered the other man, "who has got more of his companions than they suspect at the abbey, I fancy. But, at all events, we must go back as fast as may be. The Count won't catch him in a hurry, I should think." While he had been speaking, his companion remounted, and they rode off together towards the castle. "Now, my child, you will not be afraid to stay here," said the priest, turning to Adelaide, as soon as the men were gone. "I will not be long ere I am back, and no harm can happen to you."
  • 39. "I shall have less fear," replied the lady; "but yet I shall be afraid. Day is breaking--how shall I ever escape? But look," she continued, pointing towards the wood, as she stood with her face to the arch over the bell, "there is a horse coming up that path, and another behind." "Brother Geoffrey at last!" exclaimed Father George. "What can have detained him so long?" "But it is already day," answered Adelaide, in a desponding tone. "We shall be pursued, and overtaken." "No fear, daughter; no fear," answered the good priest. "See you not that you go well guarded?" and he pointed to a number of horsemen, habited like the serving brothers of the abbey, who were now coming out of the path which they had been following, into the small open space before the chapel. "Alas!" said the lady; "what could these good men do against my father's soldiers?" "There are more who watch for you than you know," said the priest; "and if these were not enough, there are others on the road ready and careful; but each of these, daughter, is equal at any time to a man-at-arms, and not unpractised either. However, I will go with you till you are beyond all danger, and you may be well assured that I will do my best to avoid all risk of strife. Now, come with me, and rely upon my counsels, nor doubt that they will guide you to safety at last, though I warned you from the first that there were dangers and sorrows to be encountered." While he had been speaking, Adelaide's eye had been resting upon the brake through which the cavalcade was advancing; and at length, to her joy and surprise, she saw a woman's figure appear amongst the rest. Father George remarked the expression of satisfaction that passed over her face; and though she spoke not, he replied to her thoughts, saying, "It is your girl, Bertha: they have
  • 40. thrown a nun's gown over her and a veil, which is not quite right, perhaps; but the end justifies the means." The good priest's maxim is undoubtedly an immoral one, though Father George, with some small faults, was a moral and conscientious man; but that maxim was, and is, and probably ever will be, a favourite one with the church to which he belonged. Leading Adelaide down, then, and feeling quite secure in the numbers which now surrounded the chapel, he threw open the door of his cell; and--while Bertha, with joy, embraced her fair mistress, asked a thousand questions which there was but little time to answer, and told how she had not dared to return to the castle, but had found protection and shelter in the village beside the Abbey--the monk conversed with a brother of the order who came with the train, and heard the various impediments which had prevented their appearance sooner. Their conversation was short, however, for day had already dawned; and Adelaide was speedily mounted upon a horse, which had been brought thither for her service, and covered with the habit of a nun, which Bertha carried with her. Father Geoffrey dismounted from the mule he rode to take the place of his brother priest at the chapel; and Father George got into the saddle to lead and direct the party. By narrow and circuitous paths through the wood, avoiding as far as possible every spot where they could be seen from the walls of the castle, the monk and his companions wound their way round to the stream, taking care to approach it as if they were coming from the side of the abbey. Adelaide, as they went along, conversed for some time with Bertha, in an under tone, turning quickly every now and then to gaze around, as the terrors, which she could not shake off, recurred again and again to her mind. When they approached the river, however, renewed apprehensions for him she loved seemed to take possession of her, from something that Bertha had said; and approaching closer to the side of the priest, she once more inquired, in an eager and anxious tone, "Are you sure he is safe-- quite sure?"
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