oking at Jonathan again; it seemed as if this new trouble
must, in some way, have originated with him; and every pure, womanly
instinct of her nature felt insulted. Gently unclasping her arms from
Agatha's neck, she left the room. It was not possible to remain longer
in the house; something impelled her to get out into the fresh air, by
that means to throw off, if possible, some subtle influence which
seemed to be weaving a spell over her.

As she hurried along, dark clouds began to scud across the sky
overhead, and the low mutterings of thunder came from the distance. It
may have been the thunderings of nature, or of war--she did not heed
them; her heart was filled with bitter, rebellious thoughts, and her
flying feet seemed to skim over the road; nor did she check her hasty
steps until she was about to enter her father's room. Mauer sat in his
arm-chair, absorbed in thought. She threw herself down on her knees
beside him, and flung her arms about his waist. Pressing her head
against his breast, she said half breathlessly: "Father, protect me!"

He looked at his daughter with a bewildered air. Only one hour ago so
gay and light-hearted, and now so utterly unnerved, crouching in
despair at his feet! Raising her up, he gazed into her pale
countenance.

"Heavens above! what has befallen you, my child?"

"Father, they have cast lots for your child!"

"Cast lots?"

"Yes; cast lots, as for a thing that does not live and feel--a toy,
that has no will of its own, no self-respect; given as a prize to a man
who is nothing to me. And it is all done in the name of religion!
Father, protect me!"

"Cast lots!" the old man repeated, as if his brain could not grasp what
his ear heard. "No! Heaven forbid that such a misfortune, should
befall you! It is enough that one of us has suffered and lived through
such an ordeal. No, Carmen, be at rest, my darling. Your father will
tell the elders that he cannot do without his child."

The faintest shadow of a smile appeared again on Carmen's lips as she
listened to his comforting words, and she breathed more freely.

"I knew you would help me, my own dear father! I rejected the choice,
and hastened to you for support."

"But for whom have they selected you as a wife?" asked Mauer, gently
stroking her cheek.

"For Daniel Becker, the missionary who, six months ago, went to the
land of the Caffres. Oh, father, you will not let me go from you? We
will remain together;