and retain the garb which brings me
nearer to him, and in which I am allowed to love him.'

'Has it gone so far with you, cousin? Then indeed must this masquerade
have some secret object, and you were at least willing to try, how it
would become you against the time when it may be adopted for life.
There is too much meaning in this, and I should but discharge the duty
of a guest and kinsman by informing your father of the affair.'

Christine gave the youth a piercing glance, and sprung upon a rock
which jutted out far over the stream. 'Give me your word of honor,
Arwed,' cried she from her place of refuge, 'that you will remain
silent to every one upon this matter, or I will instantly throw myself
into the stream.'

'What madness!' cried Arwed, advancing to take her from her dangerous
situation.

'Back!' screamed she wildly. 'The first step you take toward me shall
plunge me in a cold and watery grave. By my mother's ashes, I will keep
my word! In any event life has henceforth no joy for me.'

'Well, come down!' cried Arwed, angrily; 'by my honor I will be
silent.'

'Thanks, thanks!' said Christine descending; 'you are a Gyllenstierna
and will keep your word. And now, nothing more upon this unpleasant
subject. Let us return to our companions. My disguise is a jest I
played off upon you. Do you understand me, Arwed?'

'Perfectly!' answered the latter; and, troubled by the cloud hanging
over the maiden's fate, as well as vexed that he had taken upon himself
the thankless office of confidant, he gave his arm to the beauteous
Finlander, and they proceeded back to the house in moody silence.

CHAPTER XXXVI.

At ten o'clock in the evening, which, however, was no evening there,
the whole party found themselves assembled in the church of Tornea. The
governor was standing near the altar in earnest contemplation of a
suspended tablet which narrated in golden letters how Charles XI had
observed the midnight sun from the tower of that church, in the year
1694. At the same time the pastor of the church, a venerable old man,
was calling the attention of Christine to a medal which had been struck
upon that occasion. Looking over her shoulder Arwed read the
inscription: _Soli inocciduo sol obvius alter_,--and asked if this
metaphor were not too much in the oriental style for Charles XI.

'Charles XI,' answered Megret, approaching the group, 'left to his son
a throne well supported at home