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 what you say, you have in your heart completely cut yourself off from the Lord’s mercy and our faith, and therefore it is better that things should be as they are, for you must not play the hypocrite—­anything is preferable to that.  You would destroy yourself and be of no benefit to us.”  She laid her hand gently on Carmen’s head, and added:  “Go now, dear Sister, and tread the new path you have chosen for yourself; and Heaven grant it may not lead to misery!  If, however, happiness deserts you, and your heart yearns after us, like the thirsty wayfarer in the desert, then return to the people of the Lord, that we may help you to return to Him.”

She tenderly kissed the maiden’s brow, pressed her to her bosom again and again, and let her go.  She followed Carmen’s lovely form with her eyes as she passed through the doorway and left the room; then, folding her hands in prayer, she said:  “Lord, forgive the child.  A soul which was entrusted to me by Thee, which I knew not how to guide aright, has been taken from me.  If she goes astray, let mine be the blame, for it was my fault; but if she seeks Thee in another path of life, then give her Thy peace.  Ah, how much I have still to correct in myself!  Yet I would fain do my utmost for the souls Thou hast committed to my charge.  I praise Thee, and would not think of my trials, if only I am counted worthy to suffer for Thy sake.”

So Carmen was freed from the fetters she had unwillingly worn for so long.  Alexander had arranged with her and her father that she should go to his mother at Wollmershain; but the separation from her father was a severe trial to her loving heart.  Fate had scarcely united them, and already they must part and, knowing what misery it was to the old man, it seemed almost more than she could bear.  And yet it must be.  She promised to visit her father twice every week, and would be quick and diligent in her home duties, so as to make her visits longer.