'

'To have had the desire and to have made an effort to save your
country, is deserving of honor!' cried the uncle, extending his hand.
'Therefore once again welcome, my young hero.'

Arwed gave him his left hand, and the awkwardness with which he did it,
drew the attention of his uncle to the fact.

'Why do you withhold from me the hand which has wielded the sword in
defence of Sweden?' he asked with surprise.

'The impossibility of using it must be my excuse,' answered Arwed with
a sorrowful glance towards his right arm, which was concealed under his
coat.

'What is this?' cried the governor aghast. 'Are you wounded in the
arm?'

'A Russian canister-shot shattered my hand in the last engagement,'
answered Arwed, 'and I was compelled to have it taken off at the
wrist.'

'My poor son!' exclaimed the sympathizing uncle. 'That is a great
misfortune. The laurels of victory are some compensation for wounds
received in battle; but to be crippled in a miserable unimportant
skirmish, is the most dreadful thing imaginable.'

'It is indeed, uncle!' cried Arwed; 'and I can now say with the king of
France at Pavia, that I have lost every thing but honor!'

'You are right,' replied the old man with a tremulous voice, his
thoughts recurring to his fugitive daughter. 'Happy they who can say as
much!' and with a deep sigh his white head sank upon his laboring
bosom.

New footsteps in the court yard interrupted the sad pause, and
immediately afterwards Megret entered the hall, with a face yet more
gloomy than Arwed's.

'I have returned once more,' said he, in a singular tone, as he greeted
the uncle and nephew.

'I am glad to see you, colonel,' answered the governor. 'Gyllensten has
become very lonesome and desolate, and I am glad you have once more
obtained a furlough in these warlike times.'

'The queen's grace has given me leave of absence forever,' answered
Megret with bitterness. 'I am dismissed the service.'

'Dismissed the service!' repeated the governor. 'It must be as major
general then. I congratulate you.'

'I cannot accept your congratulations,' said Megret.

'I have received my dismission unwished for, without advancement, and
without pension.'

'You jest!' cried the governor; 'how could it be possible?'

'I know no other reason,' answered Megret, 'than the obligations under
which I have laid the queen and her husband. Great obligations! It has
cost me much to serve them, very much! perhaps too mu