e all very proper in the royal council, and yet not with
so clear and honorable a Swedish mind as yours. Therefore, short and
round, you are the right man for my Christine,--you or none.'

'I, dear uncle!' answered Arwed, laughing. 'The commencement of our
renewed acquaintance did not seem like it.'

'That indeed, I observed with regret,' confessed the uncle. 'But who
regards women's humors, which change as quickly as the fashion of their
garments. Bucephalus was a wild and vicious horse, and yet he found his
man who knew how to manage him.'

'That was the great Alexander, however,' replied Arwed, continuing the
jest. 'I have not vanity enough to put myself on a par with that hero;
and, even if I were compelled to attempt the one or the other, I should
rather undertake the taming of Bucephalus than of my fair cousin.'

'She is headstrong,' sighed the uncle; 'that, alas! I must myself
acknowledge; I, her father, who have permitted her to grow up without
proper restraints. But, nevertheless, I believe you would succeed in
rendering her submissive. You have, to-day, said such things to her as
she has not been accustomed to hear. Because she is handsome, every one
who has seen has flattered and indulged her caprices, and, in that way,
she has been spoiled. You will let nothing pass without its just
comment, I see plainly. She will consequently at first fear, and then
respect you, and, after that, between people of your stamp, love will
find its way of itself.'

'It occasions me much regret,' said Arwed with sudden earnestness,
'that I am compelled to interpose an insurmountable obstacle to the
accomplishment of a hope which, in the fulness of parental love, you so
feelingly express. But, in this case, unreserved candor is the holiest
duty. My heart is no longer free, good uncle, and my choice is made for
life.'

'Your father has already made me acquainted with that affair,' answered
the uncle fretfully; 'but I did not suppose that foolish passion, which
can hardly endure long, could reasonably interpose any obstacle. The
daughter of an executed criminal....'

'An innocent offering at the shrine of contemptible party interests,'
said Arwed, with great vehemence, interrupting him; 'truly a martyr to
his honesty and to the gigantic plans of his king.'

'And as your father says,' continued the uncle, 'the maiden has herself
given you up and bidden an eternal farewell to Sweden.'

'She was compelled by the necessity of