satisfying her own conscience;
but that cannot release _me_ from the performance of my duty. So long
as Georgina lives, so long shall I continue to hope, and truly will I
keep my troth.'

'Such troth is senseless,' answered the uncle, suppressing his emotion.
'However, there is something in your constancy which pleases me. Do as
you will. I hope at any rate, you will place so much confidence in me
as to believe that I would not urge my daughter upon you, in opposition
to your feelings. I am firmly persuaded, however, that the affair will
gradually work itself right. Rank, figure, affinity, wealth, all
fitting. By heaven! you were created for each other or no couple ever
were. Sleep before you determine. As for the rest, what has been said
upon these matters must remain within the walls of this room--to that
promise give me your hand.'

Arwed gave the required pledge. The governor rang for his attendants,
bade Arwed good night, and was rolled to his sleeping room.

'This is a strange entanglement in which I shall henceforth be obliged
to act!' said Arwed to himself, while the servants were waiting at the
door, with branched silver candlesticks, to show him to his room;
'Georgina and myself--I and my uncle, and Christine--and Christine and
Megret--and Mac Donalbain and Christine!--and this Megret and Mac
Donalbain, who again appear to stand in hostile constellations; and I,
who, as I already foresee, shall at some future time be compelled to
encounter both of them--this Mac Donalbain who spears to me like the
serpent in paradise endeavoring to seduce the poor innocent, foolish
mother of mankind. This Megret!--ah, this Megret! I will go to bed. God
preserve me from wicked dreams.'

CHAPTER XXXI.

The hunting bugle-call and the baying of hounds awoke Arwed from his
morning slumbers. As he opened his eyes they were greeted by the imaged
orb with which the rays of the morning sun announced its rising,
glowingly and tremblingly reflected from the bosom of the sea. Arwed
sprang from his bed, threw his cloak over his shoulders, and raised the
window to enjoy the beauty of awakening nature. In the court below, the
huntsmen, horses and hounds were moving about with loud and joyous
tumult, and old Knut, who had saddled Arwed's black charger, was now
leading him from the stable.

'By whose command is this?' asked Arwed of the man below.

'The countess Christine!' cried Knut.

'Lead him b