noon
Father Ambrose bade her good-night , and left the room with the languid air of one thoroughly tired . As the young Countess stood there watching his retreat and disappearance , her dainty little fist clenched , and her eyebrows came together , bringing to her handsome face the determined expression which marked the countenances of some of her Crusader ancestors whose portraits decorated the walls . `` If ever I get that ruffian Prince Roland into my power , '' she said to herself , `` I will make him regret his treatment of so tolerant and forbearing a man as Father Ambrose . '' It was high noon when that great Prince of the Church , the Archbishop of Cologne , arrived at Castle Sayn , with a very inconsiderable following , which seemed to indicate that he traveled on no affair of State , for on such occasions he led a small army . The lovely young Countess awaited him at the top of the Castle steps , and he greeted her with the courtesy of a polished man of the world , rather than with the more austere consideration of a great Churchman . Indeed , it seemed to the quick apprehension of the girl that as he raised her fair hand to his lips his obeisance was lower , more deferential , than their differing stations in life justified . He shook hands with Father Ambrose in the manner of old friend accosting old friend , and nothing in his salutation indicated displeasure of any sort in the background .