ing labors for
its welfare. If the other party would only think the same! But old Nils
Gyllenstierna will have many and strong objections.'

'So Arwed also thought,' said Georgina sorrowfully.

'Yes, yes,' said Goertz, looking sadly forward: 'I have now in all
Sweden but one only friend, and my sole happiness is that he wears
Sweden's crown.' Thus saying, he rose up and ardently embraced his
daughters 'Retire to rest now, children,' said he: 'go and build
your airy castles, as brightly colored and dazzling as you please. And
if time destroy them, still will you have enjoyed the pleasures of
hope,--and that is much in a world whose joys consist almost entirely
in anticipation and remembrance. Go! I must yet watch and labor for
Sweden and for you. Rewarded by this land with hatred, from your hearts
I expect love and gratitude, and will therewith consider myself
compensated.'

'All will yet end well, dear father,' said Georgina, consolingly.
'Since I have confessed to you my secret, and since you have received
it so kindly, a heavy weight is removed from my breast. I breathe again
with ease and joy, and already feel as if my aim was attained and
nothing more could be wanting in this world.'

The girls retired, and Goertz closed the door after them.

CHAPTER VII.

The afternoon service of the first Advent Sunday had ended in the camp
before Frederickshall. The warriors were dispersing, and, arm in arm
with adjutant Kolbert, Arwed sauntered towards the nearest sutler's
barrack, to play a game of chess. The place was wholly-unoccupied, and
the hostess was standing at the door, waiting for her guests, her
parti-colored holiday dress serving as a sign board. The two friends
sat themselves down, with a flask of Burgundy, to the bloodless battle.
The sleet was lightly drizzling upon the hard frozen ground out of
doors. From the walls of the city and from high Fredericksteen the
heavy artillery sent a dull sound through the storm, whilst, in the
camp, the besieging laborers ceased from work to honor the consecrated
day of rest. The Sabbath stillness was only interrupted now and then by
a crash in the barracks and a cry from the soldiers, when one of the
enemy's balls happened to take effect. But that did not interrupt the
players. They had become so deeply interested in their game that they
did not once perceive how the room gradually became filled with
officers, many of whom placed the