Carmen Mauer and her betrothed husband, Captain von Trautenau,
have gone to her father's apartments; that this lady, on account of her
betrothal to me, declines the destiny chosen for her by lot; and will,
moreover, be obliged to leave the community and follow her husband?
This may perhaps prevent any unpleasant misunderstanding." He bowed
stiffly to the astounded Jonathan, drew Carmen's hand through his arm,
and turned away.

Carmen had listened to his words in such a confused state of mind that
she was powerless to resist even had she wished to. What he had said
almost took away her breath; but as the strength of his arm, so that of
his will, held her captive, and she would have followed him blindly to
the end of the world. But now, when she was about to return to her
father, she was torn with anguish for the poor sufferer who tarried
alone in his room. He must be cared for at once; so, pausing a moment,
she turned towards Jonathan. The threat he had hurled at her showed
the point where she might gain the victory over him, and render him
powerless to harm her father.

"Brother Jonathan," she said, "you told me that if I was affianced to
some other man, the validity of the lot would be annulled. You now see
that the threat against me is vain, but I would like to relate a little
occurrence to the Brothers and Sisters which would not tend to increase
the holy reputation which the pious Brother Jonathan Fricke now enjoys.
You have been kind to my father up to this time; I beg that you will
continue to be so in future, for your own sake. I would not willingly
inflict any injury upon you; but the slightest hint from him will
compel me--I think you understand."

Jonathan stood as if turned to stone as Alexander led Carmen away,
saying:

"Let us go to your father."

When they reached the house, he opened the door and passed in with her.

"Wait a moment," he said, as they stood in the hall. "I was too hasty;
the intense desire to save you dictated my impulsive question, and your
prompt answer was called forth by the rashness of a man who, in all the
heat of his fervent love, sought to avert an impending danger. But you
shall not be compelled thus to resign your freedom. Tell me now calmly
if you can love me a little; if otherwise, take back your hastily-given
word, and after a while, when you can do so with perfect safety to
yourself, let the world know that our engagement has ceased. Let my
love shield you