therefore we have
given our consent. The king has approved our choice, and permits the
rich banker Ludwig Ebenstreit to become our son-in-law, and take our
name. The king has in this communication, which lies upon the table, and
which Marie has heard read, given his assurance to ennoble Ebenstreit
upon two conditions: first, that the banker should give up his business,
and live upon his income; and, secondly, that the marriage should not
take place until the papers of nobility are made out and published, so
that the daughter of General von Werrig should not make a misalliance.
You know all now, and you will at last understand that there is but one
thing for you to do--conquer your foolish presumption, and beg to be
excused for your unheard-of boldness in forcing yourself into our
house, and then withdraw quickly. If my ear does not deceive me, your
accomplice has opened the doors. I think I heard rightly, if my heart
has no ears, my head possesses better. We have finished. I would again
enjoin upon you the duty of begging for pardon, and then I close this
unrefreshing scene with the same words with which it opened--there is
the door--go out!"

"Yes, there is the door--go out of it! I want to be quiet--go! My
daughter is the betrothed of the rich banker Herr Ebenstreit; she will
be his wife as soon as the papers are made out and published.--Go!"
cried the general.

The young couple still stood there, hand in hand, looking at the
general, until now their eyes met, beaming with tenderest affection for
each other. "Is it true, Marie? Speak, my beloved, is it true, will you
be the wife of this rich man whom your parents have chosen for you?"

"No, Philip," she calmly and firmly replied. "No, I will not, for I do
not love him, I love only you; and here, in the presence of God and
my parents, I swear to you that I will be constant to death! They can
prevent my becoming your wife, but they cannot force me to wed another.
I swear, then, that if I cannot be yours, I will never marry!"

"I receive your oath, and God has heard it also!" said Moritz, solemnly.

"I have also heard it, and I tell you," said Frau von Werrig, "that this
romantic heroine will become a perjurer, for I will find means to make
her break her silly oath."

"We will, perhaps, find means to delay the marriage," said Moritz
proudly, "or, much more, prevent the marriage ceremony."

"I am very curious to know the means," said Frau von Werrig. "From this
ho