The bridegroom listened to this tale with profound attention. He
kept his eyes steadily fixed on the baron, and, as the story drew
to a close, began gradually to rise from his seat, growing taller
and taller, until in the baron's entranced eye he seemed almost
to tower into a giant. The moment the tale was finished he heaved
a deep sigh and took a solemn farewell of the company. They were
all amazement. The baron was perfectly thunderstruck.
"What! going to leave the castle at midnight? Why, everything was
prepared for his reception; a chamber was ready for him if he
wished to retire."
The stranger shook his head mournfully and mysteriously: "I must
lay my head in a different chamber to-night."
There was something in this reply and the tone in which it was
uttered that made the baron's heart misgive him; but he rallied
his forces and repeated his hospitable entreaties.
The stranger shook his head silently, but positively, at every
offer, and, waving his farewell to the company, stalked slowly
out of the hall. The maiden aunts were absolutely petrified; the
bride hung her head and a tear stole to her eye.
The baron followed the stranger to the great court of the castle,
where the black charger stood pawing the earth and snorting with
impatience.
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