the summer noon
Otho was returning home to the neighbouring tower of Sternfels ; but not alone . He brought back with him a Greek bride of surprising beauty , and dowered with almost regal wealth . Leoline was the first to discredit the rumour ; Leoline was soon the only one who disbelieved . Bright in the summer noon flashed the array of horsemen ; far up the steep ascent wound the gorgeous cavalcade ; the lonely towers of Liebenstein heard the echo of many a laugh and peal of merriment . Otho bore home his bride to the hall of Sternfels . That night there was a great banquet in Otho 's castle ; the lights shone from every casement , and music swelled loud and ceaselessly within . By the side of Otho , glittering with the prodigal jewels of the East , sat the Greek .