ll be
to place the crown upon Ulrika's head at Upsala, should not plead
entirely in vain. A full pardon was not, indeed, to be thought of. Yet
have I succeeded so far in the business, that she has left the
designation of your punishment to her husband. To him I shall now lead
you; and what he thinks proper to inflict, must be received by you with
humility and thankfulness.'

'If consistent with honor,' answered Arwed, taking his hat; 'otherwise
I shall demand a court martial.'

They went forth together. In the entrance-hall they were joined by two
officers of the guards, who, with them, entered a carriage which was
waiting at the door. They soon arrived at the palace upon the
Ritterholm. The two Gyllenstiernas, with their companions, ascended the
steps to the apartments of the prince of Hesse, who came forward to
meet them with a sealed paper in his hand. Only lieutenant general Rank
was with him, who gave an encouraging wink to Arwed.

'You have deeply erred, captain Gyllenstierna,' said the prince,
earnestly. 'The severe letter of the law must inevitably crush you,
were not the hand of mercy interposed. But my wife wishes to convince
the nobles of the land that her royal heart gladly inclines to mercy,
willingly pardoning when it is in her power to do so, and she also
wishes to evince her respect for your worthy father, by even undeserved
kindness towards his son. Yet must you be informed, that a man who has
declared open war against the state through his audacious acts,
cannot remain in his country's service, and that the government
must be secured from any repetition of his offences. Therefore receive
from me your dismission from the Swedish army. You may thank your
heroism before Frederickshall, and the distinction of which my royal
brother-in-law thought you worthy, that this dismissal is united with
the title of major, which you will henceforth be entitled to bear. Yet
your crime must not go entirely unpunished. Wherefore the queen
banishes you forever from the limits of the capital, and exacts from
you a promise that you will never pass the frontier of the nation, and
that you will never again meddle with the political affairs of this
kingdom, under pain of death. Your father will receive your promise,
and will determine your future place of residence. May time make you
wiser!'

Handing to the youth the paper containing his discharge from the
service, he departed and was followed by Rank. 'God bless your ro