CHAPTER XVIII.
A TREACHEROUS INVITATION AND A PRISON.
A merry peal rang out at Fürstenberg, proclaiming another joy added to the many that blessed the happy and dignified household of the castle. Swift messengers conveyed the tidings; and in a few hours other answering peals from tower and burg proclaimed the congratulations of fortress and village. Cottagers and humble burghers came, and in simple speech expressed the honest felicitations of the communities around. Many flagons of beer were emptied; and would-be topers lingered to resume with fresh arrivals the opportunity of again wishing prosperity, and more of it, to the lady and the young lord. A prosperous and peaceful peasantry, and several more pretentious knights an1 vladykas: all felt a common interest, and a fraternal union in the baronial hall; and its joys spread through every home as from a common heart. Zawis naturally displayed that facile and friendly air, and self-possessed cordiality, that enabled him to consort on most companionable terms with all his retainers. Every girl and boy on his estates knew him, and had a smile and greeting; and the lord on his side knew every family grief, and shared it; and a present from the castle always welcomed every new baby aspirant to the honors of the general company. The peculiar dreamy emotionalism of the Moravian peasantry lent a special tinge of sentiment to the fraternalism that prevailed.
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