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 heretic who at that time was the porter of Hlohov, and so an aunt to the present porter. Of course, the porter’s family did not tell me; they never talk about it, but when I came here with my husband the gardener’s wife, who is now dead, confided the secret to me. She saw the beheading, and told me all about it. As far as I am concerned, I don’t much believe in that family, anyhow—and you really will not eat? Had I known that I should spoil your appetite, of course I would have kept quiet.”

“Show me my room,” the harper shortly broke off her apology, and his eyes again turned to the old Castle. He was now so stern and determined that she dared not say another word, but quietly proceeded to obey him.

Inwardly thanking God that she always kept the spare chambers in good order, and that she could now take her guest to one of them without hesitation, she lighted the earthen lamp, and requesting the harper to follow, started with him to the first story.