Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1857-04-09
CHAPTER II.
AGNES OF LUXEMBOURG.

CHAPTER
/ AGNES OF LUXEMBOURG.
The Convent of ST. Fulvia was situated within
the precincts of Maulbroun, though some miles
from any other habitation. II was upon small
piece of table land where there were few acres
at for cultivation and this limited piece the Ben
edic times cultivated to so good purpose, that
the inhabitants Of the building seldom had to go
to any other market for the fruits or vegetables.
Within the large ante-room of the convent sat
middle-aged woman, whose garb bespoke her
to be the abbess, or lady superior of the place
She was not far from fifty; stout and rugged and
wore upon her face a look of deep piety and good
ness of heart.
By the side of the abbess sat a maiden, who
could not have seen more than nineteen wears Of
life. She was of medium height; full and plump
! in form, with a skin of almost dazzling purity;
her long floating ringlets, of a deep, golden hue;
and her eyes a mild liquid blue. Her dress was
bespoke her as one Of gentle blood and OF noble
| family. Such was Agnes Won Luxemburg, an
| orphan, and sole heiress to the broad estates of
ther of the abbess And she was accounted the
fairest maiden in Swabia, as she might well be,
| for surely no being of human mould could be
| more beautiful. IL was not so much the faultless
carving of her features, nor yet the voluptuous
| symmetry of her form, for the first was exceeded
/ by the pure and joyous essence of her smiles,
while the latter was over balanced by the atmos-
! phere of stern and lofty virtue that surrounded
! her like halo. Few men had ever seen Agnes
Of Iuxemburg without loving her; and at her
! feet had been laid half the estates Of Swabia
But she had not vet looked with favor upon anv
1 of the aspirantS, though that may be accounted
for upon the TACT that ere her father died he had
| expressed his wish that she should marry with
/ the Count Of Baden.
''Ah-thereit comes,' spoke the abbess, as the
! great drops Of rain began to drive against the
easements II knew it was near at hand and
/ our fire will not be out Of place.
| ''No," returned Agnes, "for IL is already cold
and cherries without. wonder il there are
! travellers among the mountains -
every likely there may be. | suppose YOU are
wondering if the Count Of Baden will come for
you?'
"No-no.' quickly uttered the maiden, with
| shudder.
"Ah, Agnes-I have your secret. You love
! another"
..No, my mother, you are mistaken there"
1 This was spoken in tone which left no room
| for doubt, at least in the mind of one who knew
| the speaker.
''But you do not love the Count Rudolf"
| Agnes hung down her head, and for a moment
! there was a tremulOusness upon her. At length
/ she raised her eyes to her companions face and
! in tone Of afectionate frankness, she said:
You have spoken the truth, lady, love
him. '..
''Nor could ~ rejoined the abbe,s emphati-
cally mot only is the seal of responsiveness set
\ upon his face but he is bad man.
''YOu are right again, lady"
'.Then-of course-yOu will not become his
| wife -
| ssOh, I know not what to do,r the maiden
cried, resting her head upon her companions
shoulder and throwing her arms about her neck
| "Then let me advise yOu," said the abbess.
A
bosom, and speaking in gentle tones: "You are
| young and handsome. Your fathers wish is left
upon record that you should marry with Rudolf
Won Baden-,chen you were ready to wed can
appreciate your feelings, in turning away the
scores of noble knights that have knelt at your
| feet.''
Il did not love them, mother-indeed did
| not.''
| sBut among them all may there not have been
! one whom you would have loved, had you not
been bound by this plan of your father's!i'
4 will nn hAn n
| '.Then come and wed with our sisterhood >,
| The maiden started as though something had
| frightened her. The abbess the movement,
| and she quickly comPrehended its meaning.
Does II make you tremble 30 she asked.
- Oh! ALI not prepared to answer now, / am
not it for communion with your holy sisterhood."
fear your pride prompted that speech"
MY prlde,''
Yes my child; for you must know that you
are among the purest Of our daughters
"Well, well-let it pass now, am not ready to
answer such question"
And yet you know your father bade me to
watch over yOu''
because you were his own sister, and he knew
| you loved mei
AVE added the abbess, imprinting warm
kiss upon the girls fair brow she spoke :. and
/ he knew | should always love you. But-Hark.
! hat sound is that 30
/ In few moments more the old porter appeared
aad announced that two Knights of the Cross
] and their esquires asked for shelter from the
/ storm.
Crusaders, are they"
| 'sThey are.n
And did We leave them at the gate -
| ''I did. -
Out, thick head and lead them in quickly,
| Leave two knights of the Holy Cross in the storm
] with a shelter under their very ewes AWAY
and lead them hither at once and then see their
! horses cared for.''
! The porter retired, and then the abbess turned
/ TO Agnes.
''You will stay, my sweet child and help me
! entertain the noble knights" ?"
Certainly will. Agnes OF Luxemburg holds
/ not her hands nor purse from the brave soldiers
\ Of the Cross
| The maiden's eyes burned with generous glow
! as she spoke, and upon her cheeks arose a rich
| flush of grateful emotion. Her father had made
! one crusade, and from his lips she had learned
| the fearful story Of the dangers and privations
which the devoted Knights Of the Cross had to
| suffer
welcome, noble sirs, and Gods blessing be
upon you," spoke the abbess, as she to greet
the strangers.
| ave thank thee, lady, and will pray Heaven
to bless this house ~ responded the Black
knight.
And your esquires-where are they,''
with the groom, lady, They will find well
come with the porter, think. }"
"As you will. Ii they choose the porter's lodge
/ 50 be it,
| Ere Agnes was introduced, the abbess con-
Quoted her guests to an adjoining apartment,
where they might lay aside their afmor When
they had done this, their noble forms were shown
! to better advantage The Unknown was habted
in a garb Of black velvet throughout, which,
| though il possessed sombre look, vet gave to
his form and features lofty dignity and gran
| deur. Sir Engelbeu's garb was Of less grave
| character, though far from rich gaudy. W hen
they returned TO the large sitting room, even the
ab6ess was startled by the strange beauty Of her
! guests, but more particularly did she fasten her
! eyes upon the face of the Unknown; and IL was
not until he Of Marburg spoke that she recolected
| herself.
Your good convent was placed in the proper
spot TOT US on this particular OCCASION he said.
! :" so hope II may ever be for the good Of noble
| knlsnts IKE you This Is the Convent OF Saint
Fulvla, and am its abbe $50
| = And am called Engelbert of Marburg Ando'
the crusader added, with a smile, {" my compan-
lon you can only know as you see him. He is
| The KHight Of the Eagle. ," :
| How:' cfied the abbers, while Agnes started
with mingled surprise and wonder: Z The noble
| Knight OF the Eagle He Of whom we have
/ hea so much,eThe savior Of Baldwin. of
Louis, Of Bandenburg, and even whole cities ,''
THE same, ladY.U -. "E1 r..