nnot diminish the lustre of
the house of Gyllenstierna, but on the contrary must conduce greatly to
its advantage.'

'Heigh, heigh, Brodin!' exclaimed old Gyllenstierna. 'Have you grown
gray at court and yet understand no better how to make skilful
combinations? Could I forgive this foreigner that he has foisted
himself upon Sweden, that he rules her as tyrannically as her sovereign
himself, and that he would willingly grind her in the dust with his
chimerical experiments--yet would sound policy forbid every connection
with his family. His authority is ephemeral. He stands with the king
and must fall with him. The _living_ Charles might venture to send his
boot to Stockholm to preside in the council instead of himself. The
minister of the _deceased_ Charles will have a difficult task--and will
be compelled to exert himself to save honor and life in the catastrophe
which will doubtless occur.'

'Our royal master is yet but thirty-six years of age,' observed Brodin:
'and is a giant in mental and physical strength.'

'But he daily sets his life upon a cast in the dangerous game of war,'
answered Gyllenstierna. 'Instead of avoiding personal danger, as a
royal commander should, he seeks it more recklessly than the lowliest
soldier of his army. No, that guaranty is very unsafe. It would be
folly to confide in the fortunate star of Goertz, and senselessly bind
myself to him by the ties of blood. Arwed must give up his foolish
love.'

'That,' said Brodin, rubbing his hands, 'will be likely to be rendered
difficult by the headstrong disposition of the young lord.'

'I am aware of it,' said Gyllenstierna. 'Yet when I have the will and
the power, I never suffer an interruption of my course. Arwed has just
now been soliciting leave to join the Norwegian expedition. He shall
set off for Norway this very night, and thus will his attention be
directed to other affairs.'

'But the precious life of the only heir of your noble house?' exclaimed
Brodin sorrowfully.

'A Gyllenstierna must inure himself to the hardships of war,' answered
the senator resolutely. 'All bullets do not hit, and even the worst
that could happen would not be to me so severe an affliction as this
mad connection. See that Arwed's equipments are prepared, and let my
carriage be driven to the door. I will to the vice-regent. Call my son
hither, and prepare for him a letter of introduction to lieutenant
general Armfelt. I will sign it on my return.'

Ominous