theim, as we remarked the zeal of his steward, “and such haste would not be shown to repair it, so powerful is the superstition of the lower orders regarding this particular tower. Indeed, with the preservation of it, according to their belief, Heaven only knows what is not connected!—the existence of myself and my family at the very least. What has given rise to this idea no one can tell; and the traditions with regard to it are of the most extravagant and fabulous kind. It is strange, however, that in spite of all this care the tower continually meets with all sorts of accidents. At one time, it sinks of its own accord; at another, a storm shakes it to its very foundation; so that the constant necessity for repairing it costs me, I assure you, very large sums. But, I should greatly and permanently offend my dependents, if I withheld this expense: such is the unequalled importance of that tottering old building in their eyes.”
Shortly afterwards both officers received an order to join the army, and left us, to Bentheim’s great joy; as their avowal of their determination to make another attempt to fathom the secrets of the Silver Lady, had given offence to him, though he had evidently no reason to apprehend any disagreeable discovery.
When we were alone, Adelaide asked me again, whether no mysterious circumstance had occurred to me in the dreadful chamber? and she shuddered herself, while she questioned me. I assured her that I had met with nothing, either supernatural or alarming; that, on the contrary, the fairest images and dreams had hovered round me, and that, if the Baron would permit me to follow my own inclinations, I would even gladly choose the famed chamber for my own sleeping apartment.
Adelaide eagerly entreated me to abandon this rash desire; that I had already sufficiently tempted fortune, and that a second trial might be productive of a far different result. The
