for him,' commanded the
father, moving to lead his daughter to Arwed's arms. She tore herself
from him. 'I cannot! by heaven, I cannot!' shrieked the despairing
girl.

'You cannot?' asked the governor, angrily. 'And that you are in
earnest, is confirmed by your looks. Now, then, my daughter, give your
father a reason why you cannot obey his will, which was never swayed by
warmer affection than at this moment. I may bear the contradiction if
it be supported upon reasonable grounds, but I am not disposed to
become the plaything of your caprice and obstinacy. Therefore answer,
what have you against this union?'

Christine remained silently sobbing and wringing her hands.

'This silence answers me more clearly than you may wish,' said the
governor with grave significancy. 'It is an acknowledgment that you are
ashamed of the cause of your refusal, and clearly explains many things
which have hitherto appeared dark to me. These tears confess your
conviction that your foolish wishes can never be realized, and save me
the trouble of proving it to you. I spare you the reproaches your
conduct merits. Let the past be buried in oblivion. Render yourself
worthy of this kindness by obedience. Give your hand to Arwed, my
daughter.'

Christine gave Arwed an imploring look, but neither moved nor spoke.

The old man knit his eye-brows. His eyes flashed, and he angrily lifted
up his hands. 'Shall I curse my disobedient child?' he thundered in her
ears.

'Father!' groaned Christine, sinking to his feet.

'No further, my uncle!' cried Arwed, with generous anger. 'I should not
deserve the name of a man if I could permit a noble maiden to be forced
into my arms by a father's curse. The first severe word addressed to
your daughter on my account, banishes me forever from Gyllensten. You
have my word of honor for it!'

'Can you withstand such generosity, my daughter?' asked the governor,
bending over Christine with mingled anger, love and anxiety.

'God is my witness,' cried the maiden, 'how willingly my heart would
reconcile itself with your desire. Grant me a short respite for
reflection. In the morning you shall know my determination.'

'Grant her the respite,' earnestly begged Arwed. 'Overhastening is a
species of compulsion.'

The governor raised his daughter and looked sharply into her eyes.
'Does no artifice lie hidden in this request?' asked he with emphasis.
'Will you really explain yourself in the morning, openly and hones