Meanwhile preparations were afoot for the reception of the Archbishop. Elizabeth, full of grief and determination, supervised the work of the serving-maids, while her father anxiously wondered how he should account to his master for the stolen pieces of gold.
The Archbishop was loudly hailed on his arrival. He greeted his Treasurer kindly and asked after the pretty Elizabeth. When her father presented her he in turn introduced her to his guests, and many a glance of admiration was directed at the gentle maid. One young knight, in particular, was so smitten with her charms that he was dumb the whole evening.
When Elizabeth retired to her chamber her father bade her good-night. Hope had again arisen in his breast.
“To-morrow,” he said, “my troubles will be over.” Elizabeth sighed.
At length the hour of midnight arrived. Taking a lamp, the girl crossed the courtyard to where the alchemist awaited her coming. She was not unseen, however; the young knight had been watching her window, and he observed her pass through the courtyard with surprise. Fearing he knew not what harm to the maid he loved, he followed her to the pilgrim’s apartment, and there watched her through a crack in the door.
The alchemist was bending over a crucible when Elizabeth entered.
“Ah, thou hast come,” he said. “I hope thou art prepared to do as I bid thee? If that is so, I will restore the gold to thy father—his own gold and his master’s. If thou art willing to sacrifice thine honour, thy father’s honour shall be restored; if thy life, he shall have the money he needs.”
“Away, wretch!” cried Elizabeth indignantly. “I will give my life for my father, but I will not suffer insult.” With a shrug of his shoulders the alchemist turned to his crucible.
“As thou wilt,” he said. “Prepare for the sacrifice.”
Suddenly the kneeling maid caught up the alchemist’s dagger and would have plunged it into her heart; but ere she could carry out her purpose the knight burst open the door, rushed into the room, and seized the weapon. Elizabeth, overcome with the relief which his opportune arrival afforded her, fainted in his arms.