ccident?' cried Arwed apprehensively.
'I will mount my horse again and seek her.'

'Do not trouble yourself,' said his uncle smilingly, and holding him
back. 'She is no timid maiden, who needs protection. She is a virago,
who can take care of herself in every exigence. Beasts of prey and
robbers fear her, not she them. Besides, she is not alone. A military
comrade of your's accompanies her.'

'A military comrade of mine?' asked Arwed with astonishment. 'Who can
it be?'

'That I may the better enjoy your surprise, I shall not name him to
you. He is a good soldier,--so much I will say for him,--and especially
valued by me as a witness of the heroism of our king. We made his
acquaintance when I was at the coronation at Upsala with Christine.
Appearing to feel an interest for the maiden, he has availed himself of
the short truce to obtain a furlough, and will spend some weeks with
us. You will be much pleased to meet him. He speaks of you with great
respect, and has related to us your warlike deeds in so vivid a manner
that we feel as though we had been present during their performance.'

'Singular!' said Arwed,--and at that moment the rapid footsteps of a
horse resounded in the court. He hastened to the window. A slender
maiden, almost as tall as Arwed himself, in a dark green riding-habit,
her face partly concealed by a plumed casque, was just then reining in
her foaming courser.

'Send to the wolf den in the cluster of fir-trees to the left of the
road, and bring the venison which lies there,' said she to the groom
who was running to meet her; then, throwing herself from the saddle
with the grace of a riding-master, and with her hand wafting a greeting
up to the windows of the hall, she hastened into the castle.

'You will hardly recognise the girl,' said the uncle. 'She has much
changed, and not altogether according to my wishes. Men are incapable
of rearing and educating women properly, as I have learned too late.'

The amazon now entered the hall. The removal of her casque, which she
held in her hand, permitted a full view of a blooming face of classic
beauty, which her rich golden locks surrounded like a glory. A bold
spirit flashed from her magnificent blue eyes, and her cheeks glowed
with the heat of violent exercise.

Without noticing Arwed she strode hastily past him, and, precipitating
herself upon her father's bosom, impetuously embraced him.

'Madcap girl!' said the latter with evident pleasure, to h