silent influence, I was enabled to refine my manners, to cultivate my
mind, and to fit myself for the freedom which bounteous Heaven had in
store for me."

"Yes, yes!" replied Anna. "You have made yourself all that can render
a woman happy. There is not a noble in the land who can boast of
accomplishments like yours; and you are beautiful as a virgin's dream
of angels."

"These are flattering _words_, lady."

"They come from the heart, Michael."

"You have told me what I am, lady. Now hear what I require in the
woman I would wed. She must be beautiful, for beauty should ever mate
with beauty; high born, for the lowly of birth are aspiring, and never
wed their equals; yet above all, gentle, womanly, kind, forgiving,
affectionate. No unsexed Semiramis or Zenobia for me."

"I will make myself all that you desire, Michael."

"We cannot change our natures," replied Michael, coldly.

"But you will forgive me?"

"I am not now in a condition to answer you. Smarting with indignation
I can ill suppress, I cannot command the calmness requisite to reply
in fit terms to the generous confidence of a high-born lady. Retire to
your apartment, lady, for your father is expected momently, and I must
see him first alone."

Anna kissed the hand of the slave, and retired slowly. A few moments
afterwards the gallop of a horse was heard entering the court yard,
and this sound was followed by the appearance of Count Alexis, who
threw himself into the arms of Michael, and pressed him to his heart.

"Joy, joy, Michael!" he exclaimed. "You are now free--as free as air!
Here are the documents; my slave no longer--my friend always. And as
soon as you choose to join the service, you can lead a troop of the
royal cavaliers."

Michael poured out his thanks to his generous master.

"And now," said the count, "to touch upon a matter nearer still to my
heart. Since the adventure in the forest, I have loved you as a son.
To make you such in reality would be to crown my old age with
happiness. My daughters are acknowledged to be beautiful, fitting
mates for the proudest of the land. I offer you the hand of her you
can love the best; make your election, and I doubt not her heart will
second my wishes and yours."

"My noble friend," said Michael, "I accept your offer gratefully. You
have made me the happiest of men. You will pardon me, I know, when I
confess that I have dared to raise my eyes to one of your daughters.
Without your consent t