open; but, as the party was now far more numerous,
and was made more comprehensive in point of rank, in order to include all who
were involved in the conspiracy which had been some time maturing in
Klosterheim, fresh suites of rooms were judged necessary, on the pretext of
giving fuller effect to the princely hospitalities of the Landgrave. And, on
this occasion, according to an old privilege conceded in the case of coronations
or galas of magnificence by the Lady Abbess of St. Agnes, the partition walls
were removed between the great hall of the schloss and the refectory of that
immense convent; so that the two vast establishments, which on one side were
contiguous to each other, were thus laid into one.
    The company had now continued to pour in for two hours. The palace and the
refectory of the convent were now overflowing with lights and splendid masques;
the avenues and corridors rang with music; and, though every heart was throbbing
with fear and suspense, no outward expression was wanting of joy and festal
pleasure. For the present, all was calm around the slumbering volcano.
    Suddenly the Count St. Aldenheim, who was standing with arms folded, and
surveying the brilliant scene, felt some one touch his hand, in the way
concerted amongst the conspirators as a private signal of recognition. He
turned, and recognised his friend, the Baron Adelort, who saluted him with three
emphatic words - »We are betrayed!« - Then, after a pause, »Follow me.«
    St. Aldenheim made his way through the glittering crowds, and pressed after
his conductor into one of the most private corridors.
    »Fear not,« said the other, »that we shall be watched. Vigilance is no
longer necessary to our crafty enemy. He has already triumphed. Every avenue of
escape is barred and secured against us: every outlet of the palace is occupied
by the Landgrave's troops. Not a man of us will return alive.«
    »Heaven forbid we should prove ourselves such gulls! You are but jesting, my
friend.«
    »Would to God I were! my information is but too certain. Something I have
overheard by accident; something has been told me; and something I have seen.
Come you also, Count, and see what I will show you: then judge for yourself.«
    So saying, he led St. Aldenheim by a little circuit of passages to a
doorway, through which they passed into a hall of vast proportions; to judge by
the catafalques, and mural monuments, scattered at intervals along the vast
expanse of its