as long as it can; but only if you love me do I want
you to marry me."

They had been talking in the dark; but now a faint light shone through
the window and flickered on the girl's little white cap. It seemed
like a halo to Alexander; he gazed at it fixedly, as if it were an omen
of happiness for him.

Carmen had been standing with folded hands; now she raised her arms and
clasped them gently about his neck. "I love you with my whole heart,"
she whispered softly, "and my happiness rests with you alone."

He drew her to his heart with a violent outbreak of passionate love;
and it was almost as if with a sob that the strong man cried, "Carmen,
my love, my darling!" and kissed her with all his heart on his lips.

CHAPTER X.

A faint sound of martial music penetrated to Brother Mauer's room the
next morning, as the troops marched away. The old man sat wrapped in
meditation. A new world of thought had opened to him since last night.
Carmen, the bride of a stranger! How very different from any former
plans or prospects! He had given his free consent to his daughter's
marriage, for Alexander had gained his entire confidence.

The resolution and determined will displayed in the young officer's
bearing reassured him, and dispelled his inward despair and
helplessness. A marriage with this man was the only solution to the
miserable situation; and when Carmen was removed from his immediate
neighborhood, she would still be nearer than if she was a missionary's
wife. But the severance of his child from her faith gave him extreme
anxiety for her; as, according to his ideas, happiness, prosperity, and
peace could be found only among the Moravians, in the strict observance
of their laws and customs. Was it possible Carmen could be willing to
forsake all this for a strange man? He could not grasp the thought.
Yet when, weeping bitterly, she said, "Father, I love Alexander as
deeply as my mother did you," there thrilled through him a memory of
Inez's ardent love, as she clung to him with utter abandon, and found
her world at his side; and he blessed the union of the lovers.

But Carmen had a very trying interview with Sister Agatha, when she
went in the morning and imparted to her what had occurred the night
before, and what decision she had made.

Agatha listened to the girl's words attentively and thoughtfully, and
an expression of deep sorrow filled her countenance.

"Carmen," she said sadly, "judging from wh