I. THE GIFT.
II. UNDER THE EMPEROR'S BUSH.
III. No PROPHET IN HIS OWN COUNTRY.
IV. THE CONDITION.
V. THE FULFILMENT.
[Illustration: "Hans, undaunted, stepped up to her father.">[
THE ARTIST'S MASTERPIECE
CHAPTER I
THE GIFT
A little village with its scattered glimmering lights lay in peaceful dreams. Just as a black swan draws her young under her, so the mighty Cathedral rested in the midst of the low houses, which seemed to creep, like birds, under its wing.