ew title, he would
send the daughter to the house of correction, and punish her according
to the law. But he will leave her to the reproaches of conscience, and
let the weight of the law fall upon her partner in guilt, Philip Moritz.
He is rightly sentenced to ten years in the house of correction, and he
will not be released one year or one day from the same, as he is guilty
of a great crime, and his sentence is just."

"Just!" shrieked Marie, in anguish--"ten years just?"

The director continued to read: "His majesty will propose a last
opportunity to the obstinate and inconsiderate young lady to reinstate
her own honor, and release at the same time Conrector Moritz. His
majesty has personal knowledge of the latter, and respects his scholarly
attainments and capability and would bring an end to this affair for the
general good. If mademoiselle, as becomes an honorable young woman,
and an obedient daughter, follows the wishes of her father, and without
delay marries Herr Ebenstreit, and leads a respectable life with him,
the same hour of the ceremony Conrector Moritz shall be released, and a
fit position be created for him. This is the final decision of the king.
If the daughter does not submit in perfect obedience, she will burden
her conscience with a great crime, and thank herself for Moritz's
unfortunate fate. His majesty will be immediately informed of her
decision. If she listens to reason, to morality, and affection, she will
submit to the proposition which Director Gedicke is commissioned to make
known to her, and announce to her parents in his presence that she will
obediently follow their commands, Conrector Moritz will be at once set
at liberty; otherwise he will be sent to Brandenburg to the house of
correction. This is the unalterable will of the king. Signed, in the
name of the king, FREDERICK."

"Now decide, my child," continued the director, after a solemn pause. "I
know nothing to add to this royal writing. If it has not itself spoken
to your heart, your reason and your honor, words are useless."

"O God, it is cruel--it is terrible!" cried Marie. "Shall I break my
oath of constancy, becoming faithless, and suffer him to curse me, for
he will never pardon me, but despise me!"

She sprang up like a tigress, with her eyes flashing. "Oh," cried she,
"he may even believe that I have been enticed by riches, by a brilliant
future! No--no! I cannot consent! May God have mercy on me if the king
will not! I