He had scarcely uttered these words when the distant sound of church bells struck on the ears of the little party.
"Listen, listen, father!" exclaimed the boys, almost with one voice. "They sound like the bells at Feldsberg, only louder and prettier."
"They are doubtless the bells of Sternfelden church," replied their father, with joy. "Take my arm, dear wife; you can lean on Michael too. We will go to the church, and pray to God to help us, and to incline the Count's heart towards us."
They rested yet awhile, listening to the welcome sound of the bells; and after partaking of the little supply of food given them by the good peasant, Katherine was once more able to proceed, and, taking her husband's arm, soon reached the summit of the mountain, from whence a glorious prospect met their gaze. A rude cross marked the summit. Sternfelden, with its beautiful church, lay at no great distance from them, and near it the princely castle of the Count.
At this welcome sight our little party fell on their knees, and offered their thanks to God for having brought them through so many perils and trials to their journey's end. They knelt, regardless of the snow, their eyes raised to heaven, and their sad, wan faces once more lit up with hope.
[CHAPTER V.]
THE CHRISTENING.
IT was with no common feelings of thankfulness that our little party entered the church of Sternfelden. It was to them as a haven of rest, and they felt more immediately under the protection of the Most High.
So long homeless, they were now in that home from which none could cast them out. So long houseless, they had now entered that house, the doors of which are open to all.
The light, the warmth, the pealing music, all seemed to cheer the weary ones; even the marble pavement felt warm to their feet, benumbed as they were by the snowy paths they had so lately trodden.