g!" he cried
passionately, and drew her closer to him. "Carmen, I conjure you, I
beseech you, not to submit to this shameful custom of your people!"

"No; I would rather die than do it!" she replied, as something of her
old courage returned to her. Now that he stood by her, she felt that
some escape might be possible. She dried her tears, and raised her
pretty head, which had rested so wearily on his shoulder, endeavoring
to free herself from a position which, now that she was calm enough to
think, had become embarrassing to her. As she did so, she gave a
terrified start, for, unheard by either of them, Brother Jonathan with
his cat-like step had drawn near, and she now caught a glimpse of his
hated countenance, distorted with scorn and anger.

"Rather die than be my wife?" he asked mockingly, as he approached
nearer. "A pleasant answer, surely, for me to listen to! This is,
then, the modest, prudish Sister whom I must not presume to touch! She
refuses me, an honest man who loves her, and declines to follow the
rules of her faith, only to throw herself into the arms of a strange
interloper! Do you think we will have a Sister among us who bids
defiance to all the meek love and submission, the decorum and modesty
which is necessary for a member of our community? I, as superintendent
of the Sisters, will now suggest to the Sister in charge that Carmen
Mauer be expelled from our communion."

Carmen seemed not to hear these severe words. She breathed heavily,
but answered not a word, only pressed her hands against her throbbing
heart and raised her pale face to him calmly and indifferently, not
seeming to care for his condemnation and threats.

"Fraulein Carmen," said Alexander, as Jonathan ceased speaking. His
voice chased all fear from her heart, and she turned her gaze, full of
trust and confidence, on him again.

"Fraulein Carmen," he continued, "you once told me that only your
father's or your husband's arm should enfold you. When my arm
supported you just now, you suffered it to do so; was it because you
trusted my honor and love sufficiently to give me the right to protect
you through all time as your husband?"

She gave him a quick glance of glad surprise.

"Yes," she replied with a firm voice, offering him her hand. He
pressed it with passionate warmth.

"Mein Herr," he said coldly, turning to Jonathan, "will you have the
kindness, as superintendent of the Sisters, to inform them that
Fraulein