s beloved sitting at a table and with streaming eyes
reading the note in which he had warned her of her father's danger. Her
right hand supported her drooping head,--her left had been taken
possession of by the little Magdalena, who was endeavoring to
administer friendly and childlike consolation.

'Heaven be praised!' said Arwed. 'Thou hast received my letter in time,
and thy father is saved!'--

'Would to God it were so!' cried Georgina, with a sorrow so deep that
it left no room in her heart for joy at again seeing her lover. 'My
father departed yesterday for Frederickshall. He is accustomed to
travel with rapidity, and before my courier can overtake him he will be
already in the hands of his enemies.'

'That depends upon who the courier is,' said Arwed encouragingly. 'I
have determined to save the father of my beloved, and to spare my
country the commission of a crime. I will set forth, and should a
couple of horses fall dead under me it will be a small matter. I am
only held back for the moment by my concern for thee. This palace will
soon be occupied, and thy father's property confiscated. What a scene
will await thee if thou remainest without a protector in the desolated
house!'

'Be not anxious for me,' said Georgina, ringing the bell. 'I will
immediately repair, with my sister, to the count Dernath's, where we
are certain of a right friendly reception.

'Dernath and all thy father's friends will be arrested this night!'
cried Arwed, in deep anguish.

'I nevertheless can find some place of refuge in Stockholm,' answered
Georgina; 'and thou canst with confidence devote thyself to the
discharge of a duty to which thy heart impels thee.'

Meanwhile the governess of Georgina entered, clasping her hands in
astonishment at finding a strange young officer in the bed-room of her
pupil.

'Do not alarm yourself respecting my companion, dear governess!' cried
Georgina. 'Your attention is now required by affairs of more
importance. Instantly call the women and the two Holstein, lacqueys.
Let some of the best of mine and Magdalena's things be packed up, and
send the steward to provide a boat. We will immediately repair to
Blasius Holm, to the old invalid post-captain who was, three years ago,
ransomed at Ystad by my father.'

'Accompanied by this cavalier?' cried the terrified governess. 'This
looks like an elopement, baroness!'

'Would to God it were!' said Georgina sorrowfully. 'But this cavalier's
way lies i