her examination, Fraulein
von Rudenskjoeld was most cruelly treated, and the words of the
correspondence were distorted, with infamous subtlety, into
whatever construction best suited her accusers. Sparre twisted his
physiognomy, which in character partook of that of the dog and the
serpent, into a thoughtful expression, and regretted that,
according to the Swedish laws, the offence of which Miss
Rudenskjoeld was found guilty, could not be punished by the lash.
The pillory, and imprisonment in the Zuchthaus, the place of
confinement for the most guilty and abandoned of her sex, formed
the scarce milder sentence pronounced upon the unfortunate victim.

"It was early on an autumn morning--a thick canopy of grey clouds
overspread the heavens--and the dismal half-light which prevailed
in the streets of Stockholm made it difficult to decide whether or
not the sun had yet risen. A cold wind blew across from Lake
Maeler, and caused the few persons who had as yet left their houses
to hasten their steps along the deserted pavement. Suddenly a
detachment of soldiers arrived upon the square in front of the
Ritterhaus, and took up their station beside the pillory. The
officer commanding the party was a slender young man of agreeable
countenance; but he was pale as death, and his voice trembled as he
gave the words of command. The prison-gate now opened, and Miss
Rudenskjoeld came forth, escorted by several jailers. Her cheeks
were whiter than the snow-white dress she wore; her limbs trembled;
her long hair hung in wild dishevelment over her shoulders, and yet
was she beautiful--beautiful as a fading rose. They led her up the
steps of the pillory, and the executioner's hand was already
stretched out to bind her to the ignominious post, when she cast a
despairing glance upon the bystanders, as though seeking aid. As
she did so, a shrill scream of agony burst from her lips. She had
recognised in the young officer her own dearly-loved brother, who,
by a devilish refinement of cruelty, had been appointed to command
the guard that was to attend at her punishment.

"Strong in her innocence, the delicate and gently-nurtured girl had
borne up against all her previous sufferings; but this was too
much. Her senses left her, and she fell fainting to the ground. Her