As autumn approached, and Frank’s dark curls again began to cluster about his brows, he became anxious to depart, for his thoughts were all directed towards the friend he was to meet on the bridge over the Weser, and who was to make his fortune. When he was ready to go away, the landlord delivered to him a fine horse, and a well filled purse, which were presents from the owner of the castle, who begged of Frank to accept them, as proofs of his gratitude, for the signal service he had rendered him. Frank returned, therefore, to his native city on horseback, and in as good a condition as he had left it a twelvemonth before. He returned to his old quarters in the narrow street, and remained there very quiet and retired; merely inquiring secretly concerning the fair Mela, he learnt that she was stiil unmarried, aud enjoyed good health, which, for the present, was sufficient for him, as he would not venture to appear before her till his fate was decided, nor even to let her know his arrival.
With the greatest anxiety he looked forward
