“Brother Jonathan,” she said, “you told me that if I was affianced to some other man, the validity of the lot would be annulled.  You now see that the threat against me is vain, but I would like to relate a little occurrence to the Brothers and Sisters which would not tend to increase the holy reputation which the pious Brother Jonathan Fricke now enjoys.  You have been kind to my father up to this time; I beg that you will continue to be so in future, for your own sake.  I would not willingly inflict any injury upon you; but the slightest hint from him will compel me—­I think you understand.”

Jonathan stood as if turned to stone as Alexander led Carmen away, saying: 

“Let us go to your father.”

When they reached the house, he opened the door and passed in with her.

“Wait a moment,” he said, as they stood in the hall.  “I was too hasty; the intense desire to save you dictated my impulsive question, and your prompt answer was called forth by the rashness of a man who, in all the heat of his fervent love, sought to avert an impending danger.  But you shall not be compelled thus to resign your freedom.  Tell me now calmly if you can love me a little; if otherwise, take back your hastily-given word, and after a while, when you can do so with perfect safety to yourself, let the world know that our engagement has ceased.  Let my love shield you 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.