UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS UoKARY ftT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN BOOKSTACKS JULIE; OE, LOVE AND DUTY. EMILIE FLYGARE CARLEN, ATTTHOE OF "THE EOSE OF TISLETON," ETC. LONDON: RICHARD BENTLEY, NEW BURLINGTON STREET. 1854. PRINTED BY HARRISOH AND SONS, LONDON GAZETTE OFFICE, ST. MATITIN'S LANPJ. CONTENTS. CHAPTER PAGE I. THE DOCTOR'S VISIT 1 II. REFLECTIONS — ARRANGEMENTS FOR, AND COM- MENCEMENT OF, A PARTY OF PLEASURE . 13 III. THE MEETING — THE BALL . . 27 IV. HIOBSSTATION — FRUSTRATED HOPES THE LAST WILL ..... 45 V. EXCHANGING RINGS ... 59 VI. NEW ACQUAINTANCES AND CRITICAL NEWS . 73 VII. THE RETURN, AND ITS NECESSARY CONSE- QUENCES . . . . .93 VIII. JULIE — FATE — FRIGHT AND CONFUSION . Ill IX. STATE OF AFFAIRS IN THE HOUSE, AND THE CAPTAIN'S INTRODUCTION . . . 128 X. WE RETURN AGAIN TO WALDEMAR, AND ACCOM- PANY HIM TO A SOIREE AT THE HOUSE OF THE BURGOMASTER . . .145 XI. POTPOURRI .... 162 XII. AN INCONVENIENT SURPRISE . . . 175 XIII. THE DRIVE TO THE WEDDING — FIRST ACT 188 XIV. THE SECOND ACT OF THE MARRIAGE . . 202 CONTENTS. CHAPTER PAGE XV. THE MORNING AFTER THE WEDDING ; OR THE THIRD ACT, IN WHICH THE REVOLUTION BREAKS OUT .... 219 XVI. HURRAH ! HURRAH ! WAVE HATS IN THE AIR 236 XVII. THE EXAMINATION .... 248 XVIII. REFLECTION, JOY, SURPRISE, SORROW, DIFFI- CULTIES, AND ALL SORTS OF GOOD AND EVIL, WHICH HAPPEN IN THIS WORLD . . 264 XIX. RETROSPECT .... 280 XX. CONTINUATION OF THE ABOVE . . 296 XXI. A FAMILY SCENE — MEETING — AND CONCLUSION 315 JULIE; OR, LOVE AND DUTY. CHAPTER I. THE DOCTOR'S VISIT. Outside the northern gate of the town of W stands a small house, painted yellow, and surrounded by a pretty shrubbery. One evening, about the end of January 1828, Widow von Horst, the owner of this house, sat in her comfortable armchair before the blazing fire. Her feet rested upon a stuffed stool, and upon her knees lay, in the happiest union, her work-box, spectacles, and knitting. The room was not what one would now call elegant, the painting on the walls was faded, and the furniture appeared to have B 2 julie; OR, seen its best days, some eighteen or twenty years before ; however the chairs and sofas were all stuffed, according to the good old fashion, with horsehair, and covered with damask. Those who attentively examined the fine material of the curtains might easily see that what, at a hasty survey, appeared to be new flowers upon old stuff, was simply the holes caused by increasing age, which were skilfully joined and hidden. Between two large mirrors, under which stood gilded console tables with marble slabs, hung the portrait of the late Captain von Horst, and also those of his two deceased sons. Everything here spoke of better days, long passed away ; but there pervaded over the whole a tone of order and quiet cheerful- ness, which made this residence extremely comfortable for the few friends with whom Mrs. von Horst associated. Mrs. von Horst was a lady who knew how to retain, even in her days of adversity, a certain dignity of demeanour which well became her; and many asserted that they could remember that few ladies knew how to LOVE AND DUTY. 3 appear at table, or to enter a drawing-room, with more grace than Mrs. von Horst at the time when she and her husband mixed in the gay world. But for more than ten years she had led her present quiet life. This change of fortune had tried Mrs. von Horst in the highest degree. The death of her husband and of her two sons followed close upon each other. Her husband had not left his affairs in a good state, and a scanty pension, with the small house and grounds, were all that remained to her. She was, however, cheerful under her afflictions, for she had still one child left. This one treasure was an amiable daughter of eighteen years of age, who now constituted her pride and her hope. " Marie," said the mother, again taking up her knitting, and casting a glance at the side of the room where the engaging girl — the sweetest and most lovely of beings — sat at a table, with her small head resting upon one hand, whilst with the other she thoughtfully turned over the leaves of a book, from which she was reading aloud. At the well-known voice she raised her beautiful dark blue eyes, B 2 4 julie; OK, but, as if by an involuntary impulse, they glided over the clock before they reached her mother. Hastily she cast them down, and whispered scarcely audibly— " Did you call, mamma V " Yes, my child/' continued Mrs. von Horst. " I wished to ask you why you read so indis- tinctly this evening. I think you had better sit nearer to me." " Oh ! it is impossible for me to read near the stove, on account of the hea,t," answered Marie, quickly, and recommencing her occu- pation with a slight cough in order to clear her voice. She continued reading until nearly a quarter to six o'clock, but then closed the book, and exclaimed in an uneasy tone, as she rose — " How very strange it is ! Klein generally comes at five o'clock, and it is now a quarter to six !" "What do you find so strange in this, Marie V asked her mother, in that quiet and indifferent tone which, whether it be natural or assumed, so well restores the equilibrium in the train of thought of her who, upon the LOVE AND DUTY. 5 impulse of the moment, gives utterance to something which she would rather should not be understood. But Marie was too inexpe- rienced, and too innocent, to be able to avail herself of this ; she became embarrassed at her sudden agitation, and it was only after she had resumed her seat, that she answered as calmly as she could — " The Doctor is generally very exact to his time \" It is an uncontested truth, that all should, from various causes, be exact as to time ; but Mrs. von Horst had too much tact on this occasion either to see or to wish to see more than what she displayed to Marie. "I should not be in the least surprised," said she, "if Klein, who, on account of his enlarged practice, must economise his time very much, discontinues his visits to us, as it is now several weeks since he declared me out of all danger. To come here three evenings in the week is a kindness which he cannot continue much longer, and which we also should be asking too much to desire. 1 ' As Marie did not answer, she continued — 6 JULIE; OR, "And besides I don't wish it; and to say the truth, I am very happy to be at last able to settle accounts with our good Doctor." " It appears to me, dear mamma, that he would feel offended if you were to offer him money for the tender care which he took of you during your illness," stammered Marie, troubled at her audacity at saying a word in objection to her mother's determination. " I don't see anything insulting in it, my child. Such false shame on the part of the patient would be of little benefit to the phy- sician ; and according to my ideas, it is only " Here Mrs. von Horst stopped short, for in the anteroom a step was heard, and the well-known sound of taking off galoshes, warned them quickly to change the conversation. " Prepare the tea, Marie ! I have some- thing to say to the Doctor." The daughter had hardly received this short command and withdrawn by one door, when another opened, and Doctor Klein, whom we have the honour to announce as our hero, entered. LOVE AND DUTY. 7 He was a tall man of interesting appear- ance and dignified demeanour, with mild pleasant features, and an expression of serious- ness and kindness upon his open brow. " Good evening, mj dear madam," said he, with the familiar cordiality of an intimate acquaintance, as after a slight but respectful salutation, he took a chair near the hostess. " I am late this evening ; but the arrange- ments for a pleasure party which has been fixed for to-morrow detained me. I hope your health is improving." A speaking glance at the empty place by the little table was just as good as a question ; but Mrs. von Horst seemed not to have observed it, and eagerly answered the first inquiry. " Yes, thanks to God and your care, Doctor, I may say that I have not felt myself so well for many years, and therefore I really hope you will allow me to leave off all medi- cine." "Do you then class my continued visits under the head of medicine V said Klein jestingly, "you have already ceased several 8 JULIE \ OR, weeks ago taking what I prescribed for you/' u Oh ! Doctor Klein," she answered in some embarrassment ; " I mean the Peruvian bark which I still take." " That you may leave off as soon as your strength is quite restored. But forgive me the question, is the young lady not visible this evening V "She is occupied with some little house- hold affairs," was the mamma's excuse. "Marie will soon be here. In the meantime I have something to say to you." The Doctor, who was just about to repair to the other end of the room, was obliged to reseat himself at this invitation. Mrs. von Horst coughed two or three times, then rising, she went to a writing-desk, took something out of it, and returned to her seat. " My good Doctor," she began, with the most marked expression of gratitude in her tone, " I am ashamed that I have not sooner been able to pay that part of my debt, which ought long ago to have been in your hands. As to the other part, my gratitude for what LOVE AND DUTY. 9 you have done for us during this trying time, I know that this never can be repaid, nor even expressed, but only felt." After this preparatory introduction, which according to Mrs. von Horst's way of thinking was a non plus ultra of delicacy, she delivered over to Klein a folded paper, with the cer- tainty that he would find the sum which it contained very liberal for her circumstances; and therefore she cast her eyes down in order that she might not see his surprise. But as the Doctor stretched out his hand to take up something at her side, she could not resist looking up, and the glance which there met hers, expressed almost everything else but satisfaction. A long unpleasant silence succeeded. Klein distinctly saw that Mrs. von Horst wished to make use of the Doctor's fee only as a convenient pretext to let him know he might discontinue his visits. He required a few minutes to recover himself after such a surprise. He had opened the paper with uneasiness and astonishment, but when the bank notes B 3 10 JULIE ; OR, met his view, he let the in fall upon the ground, amazed; and it was at this moment that he and Mrs. von Horst saw deeper into each other's thoughts and motives of action than before. She, on her part, found by the single glance which they exchanged that she had committed a great mistake ; and that it would have been better to have let the affair take its own course, " but," replied the mo- therly foresight, " who can venture to risk the happiness of an only and beloved child upon the possibility of such uncertain hopes ? I am curious to see how it will end; this silence must be broken at last." " Gracious lady ! I cannot for two reasons take this money. First, because my attention during, and after your illness, was not of that kind for which a physician will receive a fee as requital for his trouble ; secondly, because I perceive that you intend in this way to gain an end, for which, excuse my frankness, you might have chosen a less mortifying means." He made a cold, stiff bow, and took his hat. "But what in the world are you thinking LOVE AND DUTY. 11 of, my dear Doctor!" cried Mrs. von Horst, with such a natural air of astonishment that Klein could not help putting his hand in the one offered to him. " We must not separate in this manner," said she kindly, " although I do not quite understand the delicacy of the young people of the present time, yet I will not speak again about the money. I perceive that Marie was right when she said, an hour ago, that I should give you offence by offering it." " Did she really say so V asked Klein, who could not resist pressing the hand which he held in his. "Yes, she understood the matter better," continued the mamma ; " and you, Doctor, if you will remain in future, as up to this time, a friend to our poor house, permit me to go and tell Marie to make haste with the tea." Klein reflected a few moments, and too much inclined to the reconciliation himself, he said — " Well, I will forget all, for I feel that I cannot resist the agreeable entree to your house." 12 JULIE ; OR, Mrs. von Horst nodded kindly to her guest, and disappeared. "Woman — woman! artful as you are," he murmured to himself, "I have seen through you. Well! that was a trying hour, but it is better as it now is I" LOVE AND DUTY. 13 CHAPTER II. REFLECTIONS — ARRANGEMENTS FOR, AND COMMENCEMENT OF, A PARTY OF PLEASURE. The door was now opened and a little maiden, holding a tray, entered. She set it on the table, made a curtsy to the Doctor, and after snuffing the candles and wiping off some spots on the table with her apron, she left the room, enraged that the Doctor had not once noticed her little person. Scarcely a minute later Marie appeared in her simple, but tasteful morning dress, in which she always looked to Klein's eyes, much more lovely, than if she had made the most recherche toilet. She greeted him with a friendly smile ; 14 JULIE ; OR, but as he, instead of making her as usual, a slight bow at a few steps distance, approached, took her hand, and for the first time, raised it to his lips, with a look which made hers sink to the ground, she felt an unusual oppression, and the change from red to white betrayed in the highest degree her inward emotion. " Dear Marie," said Klein, in an expressive tone which went to the heart, " I thank you for not misunderstanding my honest intentions, and for having judged me better than your mother." These words restored Marie again to her usual tranquillity of mind. " Oh ! indeed Doctor Klein," she said with the most unaffected simplicity, " it was quite natural that I should understand you better than Mamma ; believe me, I am so happy that you did not go away in anger." This answer, which delighted Klein, had also the effect of making him gayer than usual, so that he tried to joke Marie a little about her candour. " And why then was it so natural, my dear Mademoiselle, that you should be able to LOVE AND DUTY. 15 judge ine better V he asked with a significant smile. " In truth, Doctor Klein/' answered she casting a look of displeasure upon him, " I cannot answer this question ; and I cannot conceive/' she added half angrily, " why you ask, what I do not know." " Forgive me, sweet Marie/' whispered Klein, pressing her hand with deep emotion, " I will never question you so again, I hope you are not really angry with me ?" " No, certainly not/' said she, taking her place, however, between the sofa and the tea table, and motioning the Doctor to take a seat opposite. " Do you know, Doctor/' said she sweetly, " I have got a little reward for you ; you shall see it by-and-by " At this moment Mrs. von Horst entered, and they spent together, one of the three happy evenings of the week, without which, the Doctor could not endure the other four. When they were about to separate, Klein said — " Well, dear Miss von Horst, what about your promise'?" 16 JULIE; OR, Marie hastened away and soon returned with a paper, which she spread out on the table before the astonished eyes of her mother and the Doctor. It was a painting by her own hand, representing her mother's sick chamber. A feeble lamp lighted the room, Mrs. von Horst reclined upon a couch, pale, and, as it seemed, in the last decisive moment. At her feet sat Marie upon a stool, with her head leaning against the side of the bed ; Klein stood near the invalid and felt her pulse with one hand, while he held a watch in the other, from which he appeared to be counting the moments. His countenance expressed uneasiness and pity. The features were so correctly given upon the paper, that the Doctor and Mrs. von Horst could not sufficiently admire Marie's well-executed work. " Indeed, Marie/' said her mother, who spoke as a judge of the art in which she her- self had formerly excelled, " you deserve great praise. For whom is the picture ? w " In case Mamma has no objection, I thought 99 she hesitated, on purpose. LOYE AND DUTY. 17 " Well, speak out, my dear child ! I guess beforehand/' " It is for you/' said Marie, handing it to Klein—" if you do not despise it." " Oh ! Miss von Horst ! you make me infi- nitely happy !" exclaimed the Doctor, receiving the precious gift. " And if you will extend your kindness still further, and allow me to have the pleasure of driving you, at the sledg- ing party to-morrow, I can only say, that fortune will have chosen me for her favourite this evening/' Marie looked towards her mother with joyful surprise, " That you may promise at once, my dear ; it is very necessary for you to go out some- times/' Marie nodded her head slightly to Klein, which was as good as an answer, and he then took his leave. From easily conceived reasons, neither the mother nor daughter spoke one word on what had just passed. Mrs. Von Horst considered that the matter stood upon what is called " a proper footing." She had gained the end she 18 JULIE; OR, wished, and certain about that which had dis- quieted her, she went to her bedroom, without touching upon the subject again. Klein, on the contrary, spoke a great deal. It was his custom to commune with himself. As soon as he was at home and in his room, he threw off his coat, lit a cigar, sat down before the low fire, and began half aloud — " Well, I have proved enough ! I did not wish to be deceived in what regards the hap- piness of my life ; and therefore, like a sensible man, I have not run after the first girl, at the sight of whose pretty face my heart beat faster than usual. Heaven be praised that I did not hastily fall into Julie St. Hal's net ! No, it is my good star which has led Marie across my path. Worthy Faye ! if he had not made over his practice to me during his absence, and if Mrs. von Horst had not been one of his patients, I should never have become ac- quainted with her. Marie stands every test — her heart is pure gold ; she is beautiful and innocent as an angel ! I still hear her childish and ingenuous answer; and then the painting! — I may certainly hope, for without some LOVE AND DUTY. 19 feeling for me, she would never have drawn niy features so exactly ! Oh, you dear one, how happy will I not try to make you ! my whole life and soul shall belong to you ! I will not be silent any longer. But how shall I find a convenient opportunity of declaring myself?" After a pause he exclaimed — * That was a happy thought ! To-morrow, in returning from the sledging party. Oh, that will be excellent ! Nothing can be better ! To-morrow, then, I shall be — please God — an engaged man; and at Midsummer, I shall travel, with my beautiful bride, to Briin- kenos to receive my father's blessing. I re- member when I was at home last summer, how my father tried several times to bring Julie St. Hal and myself together. He promised, also, T believe, to use his interest with Mr. St. Hal for me. Now, heaven be praised ! I will let him know by the next post, that I shall not trouble him in that quarter. But it is high time to retire to rest, so that I may not look to-morrow morning as if I had been up the whole night/' £0 JULIE; OR, The Doctor was quickly wrapped in the imagery of dreams. They did not appear, however, to be of the same nature as those with which he had fallen asleep ; for as he awoke in the morning, his first words were, " Oh awful \" — But after he had gazed around him for some time, he cried, in order at once to dispel the disagreeable remembrance of his night's dream — "Pooh! I am no fool, no old wife, to believe in dreams \" He got up, drank his coffee, dressed himself very carefully, and took his usual morning round ; after which he dined at the best hotel of the town in com- pany with some merry companions, and thus, with clinking of glasses and lively conversa- tion, he renewed his remembrances of the pre- vious evening, and his hopes for that which was coming. At three o'clock in the afternoon the mar- ket-place of the town of W was the rendezvous for the young and elegant world. The sledges of different sorts arrived, the bells, rung, the horses neighed, the whips cracked, gentlemen gave their commands, postilions grumbled, arrangements were made to the LOYE AND DUTY. 21 right and left, all life and bustle. At length the last sledge drove up. " Why zounds, Klein! have you no lady V ex- claimed bass and tenor voices from different sides. " I shall soon procure one," answered he, " whilst you parade through the streets of the tow r n, I will go and see about one." " Ah \" said a stout gentleman, enveloped in wolfs fur, jokingly, " Klein is not of my opinion about the comforts of travelling alone. If I could loosen the ladies' tongues as well as I can their mantles and veils, w r e should soon learn how r long a certain little lady outside the town will yet be wanting." " Well guessed!" said Klein, "with your per- mission I will now seek the only lady missing." And now all the sledges were put in motion. They were to meet at the northern gate. Klein drove off beforehand with his good steed. " Step out, step out, my good racer, let us see if you are of Sleipner's* blood !" cried he gaily as he dashed round into Mrs. von Horst's courtyard. * Odin's horse, described in the Scandinavian Mythology, as being the fleetest in the world, and having eight feet. 22 JULIE; OR, Marie stood already there, equipped for the journey; and her mamma put the last shawl to rights with many exhortations to take care of the night air, as the Doctor showed himself at the door. " Excellent ! so soon ready, my dear young lady! The sledges will all be here imme- diately/' Mrs. von Horst wished above all things to accompany them into the court, but Klein persuaded her from it, saying eagerly, " It is by no means necessary, my good madam, your health will not permit you to remain in the cold air. I have already made every pro- vision for the young lady's comfort ;" and with the most winning smile in the world, Klein closed the door after him, and taking Marie's hand, he led her to the sledge ; but here our Doctor was so long occupied in but- toning and tucking in the sledge covering, that the whole caravan had passed long before he had finished. " Make haste, dear Doctor Klein ; we shall be far behind all the others." " There is no danger of that, dear Marie ! LOVE AND DUTY. 23 If you choose we will soon be before them all and quick as lightning they were off, and before Marie could take breath, they had passed half the sledges. " Now you see that we have not remained behind !" were Klein's first words to his neighbour. " Oh ! you have a most excellent trotter ; but who is yon gentleman driving alone in that double-seated sledge ?" " Your old friend Doctor Faye. He is, however, so surrounded by cloaks, that one can hardly see his worthy self." The stout gentleman now turned round. " Listen/' said he to Klein. " Your new racer is certainly a good one, but he will not be able to keep pace with mine ; so at least, I believe old D 1 said the other day. Are you inclined for a bet ? The lake is only half a mile long, and the one that loses shall pay a bowl of punch, which we will drink on our return to the town." Klein bent down to Marie, and said, "If you are afraid of such a rapid drive, I will decline it V 24 julie; OR, " Oh no, no, not in the least, if you are my driver," she answered, with much confidence. " Well ! what do you say ?" cried Faje. They were now on the margin of the lake. " Done !" cried Klein, and the two sledges started at once, at first in a common trot, which, however, became more and more rapid; until at last they only appeared like a rising vapour floating over the lake. The one was not a hair breadth before the other. How- ever, as they approached the end of the lake, Klein became the winner ; his horse breathed three or four times before the other came up. " Zounds ! I have lost the bowl," laughed Faye. " Well, well, it can't be helped !" " You do not feel yourself unwell, I hope ?" asked Klein, anxiously, as he saw that Marie held her hand to her head. " Nothing particular," answered she ; " how- ever, I will confess that I am no heroine, and that I am very glad the race is over " " My dear Marie, why did you not say so before? I would willingly have stopped at any moment. It vexes me extremely to have caused you uneasiness." LOVE AND DUTY. 25 " Oh ! indeed, Doctor Klein, it is all right again. Could I, because I am rather childish, have deprived you of the pleasure of saving the honour of jour horse, which Doctor Faje wished to attack." " Ah, my dear Miss von Horst, what is such a conquest to me, if I thereby cause you even a moment's pain? You must promise me you will always be candid with me, otherwise my good spirits will not return again to-day/ 7 " Oh, yes, yes, always !" answered Marie, and as a confirmation, she ventured slightly to return the Doctor's pressure of the hand, as he helped her out of the sledge. In the middle of the great saloon at Halle- berg, where the company had now arrived, stood a large round table with a smoking coffee pot and the necessary appurtenances^ thereunto belonging. A bright fire blazed in the large chimney; the ladies, with the gen- tlemen's help, had soon taken off their cloaks, and shaken the hoarfrost from their hair, and were now occupied with the enviable pleasure of helping themselves and their cavaliers from o 26 julie; OR, the handsome shining coffee pot, to its excel- lent contents. They had seated themselves in a wide circle round the table, and all the town and country news, of course, as usual, exaggerated and improved, passed rapidly around. Whilst they thus enjoyed themselves, the gentlemen amateurs conveyed some violins, flutes, &c, into the next room, and began to play for dancing. LOVE AND DUTY. 27 CHAPTER III. THE MEETING — THE BALL. On the same day and at the same time at which the company mentioned in the preceding chapter were assembled in a happy circle round the coffee table, two sledges had nearly driven against each other before the Inn of Ingelstadt in Smaaland, so that the gentlemen who sat in them, from the violent shaking of the sledge shafts, had almost embraced a tree. The driver s firm foot, which, from old praise- worthy custom, hung far out, rested at the right time upon the ground, and thus, to the great satisfaction of both parties, the balance was again restored. c 2 28 JULIE ' OR, From one sledge sprang a tall handsome man, by whose easy and proud bearing, one could quickly recognize a gentleman of good birth. The small black moustache, and the cockade upon his travelling cap, showed that he was military. With one bound he was in the parlour, and whilst he rubbed his hands, which seemed to require it (for he was scarcely protected from the severe cold by a light blue mantle, and a green neckcloth), he began a conversation with the innkeeper, in which he discussed the important question as to whether his own horses were able to go on, so as not to be obliged to wait for a relay. In the mean time the gentleman in the other sledge had so far extricated himself from his covering of bearskins, wolf's furs, and mantles, that he could give his orders. He was clothed in a closely fitting travelling dress and overshoes. " Attend to what I tell you ! " cried a voice which seemed to brook no contradiction. " Take the bottles out of the box, then lift up that case of flasks there to the left ; be cautious — not so violently, you lubber ! Take LOVE AND DUTY. 29 care ! Now then, that glass ; if you break anything, you understand ? " The speaker at the same time raised a pretty little whip which he held in his hand. " You shall have a taste of this/' " Eh ! What I " answered the postilion offended. u I should think I had carried many a bottle and little box before now." These words did not, however, reach the ear of the traveller, for by this time he stood at the door of the parlour, and greeted the host with a tolerably friendly — " Good day, mine host ; is there a chamber for mef " Certainly, Sir, if I may say so, although it is not yet heated," answered he. The gentleman in the cloak now turned round. " What the devil, comrade, is that you ! " The travellers shook hands, and after a hearty embrace, followed questions and answers by thousands. " Now truly, this is a piece of fortune for which I thank my good stars. More than one day has flown by since we separated eight years ago in Upsala." "Yes, that is true," answered the officer. 30 JULIE ; OR, " but we must drink a glass of wine upon our meeting. Ho there ! mine host ! Have you got anything fit to drink %" " I fear," said the innkeeper with a rueful look, " I fear my ale is sour. You have not brewed since Christmas, have you, Martha ? " "Ha, ha, ha!" laughed the owner of the mines. " It appears my friend Von K — — is not accustomed to travel backwards and for- wards between the inns of Smaaland, other- wise he would not ask after nectar here. But you see, my dear fellow," he added with proud self-satisfaction, " I know how to help you in this matter. I never travel without being provided with all those requisites which can enliven even the most disagreeable journey." " Oh, Sir," began the host, who now under- stood what kind of drink the gentlemen meant, " there is not every where such scarcity and dearth as here ; and if you go past L y this evening, I can assure you that you will there find more punch and wine than you could drink in the whole of your life." " How so, landlord ? " asked the gentlemen, amused at his eagerness. LOVE AND DUTY. 31 " Well, you must know that there is a large ball there this evening ; and if you, gentlemen, set off again soon (my horses are at your ser- vice), I am convinced that you will arrive there in very good time." " By Jove ! the proposition is not bad," said Baron von K . "It is a pity St. Hal, that for two reasons I cannot be at it ; first, because my way does not lead there, as I am going to visit some relations in the neighbour- hood of Triikossing ; and the second and most important reason is, because my treasury, to be frank, is not in such a brilliant condition as to be able to bear an extra journey." "Oh! if that be all," rejoined St. Hal jokingly, " I hope Baron von K will do me the honour to look upon my purse now, as in old times, as quite at his disposal. My way takes me past L y, and we can there spend a very jolly evening." " So let it be, comrade," gaily answered the Baron, " I can never refuse a friend such an urgent request." " It is agreed then," said St. Hal, as he filled the glasses with the frothing champagne. " Let 32 JULIE ; OR, us drink to each other, my good friend, and then be off, or else we shall not arrive in time/' A quarter of an hour later the horses were harnessed, and the two gentlemen in one sledge, flew through the streets towards L y. "Well," began St. Hal, after they had duly put themselves to right. " You wrote Captain in the visitor's book ; explain to your old friend how that came about V 9 " In this way. You remember that my uncle, the Colonel, procured me a Cornet's commission in the S Dragoons. After I was once appointed, it became my own affair to win the good will of my superiors by the most scrupulous conduct. On all occasions I was extremely attentive to the old grumbler ; during the day I was the charge d'affaires for all, and in the evening I played with them, made myself agreeable and polite to their wives and daughters at balls and parties. Thus I became every where welcome, and after a few years I was made Lieutenant. I still con- tinued my old life, and when two years subse- LOVE AND DUTY. quently a captain in my regiment had reached the age at which he could take his leave, with the certainty, as a military man, of being pre- ferred to a dozen clerks at the post office, where a droll genius had undertaken to carry on the affairs for half the fees ; the matter was arranged through my uncle's acquaintances. The Captain, tired of riding, and with the prospect of a comfortable old age, longed just as much to jump from the saddle as I did to seat myself more firmly in it. The purchase- money was procured by a loan from a certain fund, and so I am now, with your leave, Captain." " Good, I am heartily glad of it, but what about the payment of the above-named fund 1" " Half of the sum is already paid ; as far as regards the other half, which becomes due in another year, I speculate upon some advan- tageous marriage. But now you must allow me also to inquire why I hear you called Master of the Mines, instead of seeing you announced as the appointed judge in the High Court of Justice V " That has come to pass after the good and c 3 34 JULIE ; OR, well known maxim ' Shoemaker, remain witl your last/ I said to myself, why shall he who has peasants enough upon his own pro- perties, with whom he can quarrel, burden himself with the disputes of a whole district ? I should be happy if I were able to prevent those that I have. My father is getting old, and requires my help. It is not in his power to look after two mines ; it is just as useful to go home as to run to college every day and pay visits to the professors. So said, so done ! After I had studied for a few years at the University for my own pleasure, I went home, and took over, upon my own account, one of my honoured father's mines. But as my health had always been delicate, I determined to take the warm baths in Germany ; and after roving about for a couple of years, I returned again to the paternal roof, rich in happy recollec- tions, but without being particularly improved in health. Now I attend with much profit to my business, and undertake only the smaller journeys. 1 am going at present to Halmstadt, and after that I shall spend two or three months in Copenhagen." LOVE AND DUTY. 35 " Oh, you happy man ! " sighed the Cap- tain ; " but tell me, though, how is it that you, with so many marks of fortune's favour, do not also long to have a sweet and amiable wife?" " Ah ! you see," replied St. Hal jokingly, " I am too vain, I have not yet found a woman to whom I should like to sacrifice my liberty. Perhaps we may see this evening, among the beauties of L y a pretty girl who may fetter us with her rosy chains." " Your humble servant ! For such chains I thank you kindly," said the Baron, " but those which can fetter me must be of pure gold." " So you are speculating in this lottery ; but believe me, von K , if only a breath of the spirit of true love had touched you, you would not look so much after the gold which in every case, as soon as it is drawn into account, profanes the feeling." " Why ! what do I hear ! " exclaimed the Captain. " Is this like the confessions of a man who has never found a woman to whom he would care to sacrifice his freedom ? If 36 JULIE ; OR, you had not experienced this yourself, you could not give such a pathetic account of it." "I allow that I know a girl" — here a slight tinge of colour passed over St. Hal's pale countenance, and his voice, which usually was rough and imperious, now became so soft that it made the Baron, who was no lover of such emotion, quite alarmed. " Yes, I do know one — one whose image I have carried in my heart for many years ; but to know, and to have obtained, are very different things — time alone can accomplish the latter." " Pooh ! " exclaimed the Captain, whose views on this point were not of the strictest. " I should think that that could not be the question with you. What girl would be likely to refuse, or not be glad to accept the hand of the rich proprietor of mines ?" " Here the question is neither of accepting nor refusing," added Gustavus St. Hal, drily; "I have not made a proposal to any one, nor have I the intention of so doing." " Well, well ! you were always a little peculiar, and if I have struck a wrong chord LOVE AND DUTY. 37 you must forgive me, my good fellow/' said the Baron, laughing wickedly at his friend's annoyance. After they had proceeded for some time, on the long and well used road to L — -y, .St. Hal cried — " See there, now we have arrived at the place. What do you say ? shall we have a little dinner before it becomes too late % The supper will not be before two or three o'clock in the morning/' The Captain had nothing to say against the proposition. They drove up to the gate, which was quite blocked up with the crowd. After the Baron had broken through the throng, with the help of his elbows, he found a servant-maid, who procured him, upon double payment, a separate apartment. The enlivening tone of the music sounded from the dancing-room, and our travellers made as much haste as possible to strengthen them- selves by some refreshment after their cold and rapid drive ; and having dressed them- selves, they repaired to the ball-room. The first dance was just over and the 38 JULIE ; OK, L y beauties were seated on long white- varnished benches. Our friends made use not only of their natural, but also of their artificial eyes, to find out which way they were to bend their steps. At both ends of the saloon were folding doors leading into other rooms. The travellers betook themselves to one end, but found the outlet blocked up, notwithstanding that the two doors had been taken away. Here, in a little ante-room, which led to the cloak-room, seats had been raised for the musicians, who consisted of eight men from the band of the 0 Regiment. Here then also there was no standing room. With the help of their eye-glasses they at length discovered a room, which seemed to be the centre of attraction for the gentlemen. They strolled to it, and arrived safely among the group of old and young men, who were regaling themselves with punch, tobacco, and pipes. St. Hal here met some acquaintances, who undertook to introduce them to the ladies. LOVE AND DUTY. 93 In order to be better able to make their choice, they placed themselves in the doorway and cast their eyes upon a voyage of discovery round the above - mentioned rows. They had scarcely looked half way round when the door of the large drawing-room opened, and a lady, without doubt a lady of consequence, followed by three graces, en- tered. The lady's costume was, after the fashion of the day, extremely handsome ; it consisted of a splendid silk dress, a la Walter Scott, and a Turkish shawl, which did not cover a very youthful form ; upon her head she wore a red and white crepe turban, with white feathers, which waved gracefully back- wards and forwards, as she bent her head stiffly to the guests, who bowed to her to the light and left. The graces were dressed in white crepe, and had roses in their hair. They all four went to the side of the saloon where our travellers stood. As soon as they were seated a whole crowd of gentlemen ap- proached; but before they had reached the ladies a girl, with the tea-tray, placed herself 40 JULIE ; OR, between them and the object, which they had so eagerly sought from the other end of the room. Next to the maid-servant stood a tall gentleman with epaulettes, who appeared to be waiting impatiently for her to take herself off. The officer stood with his side to the girl, and as she raised herself from her stoop- ing position, she knocked her head against his shoulder, and a very pretty little wig, with its long braid of hair (for the poor girl had just lost all her hair in a nervous fever), remained hanging to the officer's epaulette. Now this was too much for a servant girl ; she let the whole tray fall into her ladyship's lap and hastened out. The shipwreck in the gracious lady's lap surpassed all description ; tea cups, bowls of crystal, slices of citron, pieces of sugar, biscuits, and cakes, all swam together in one wave of scalding hot tea and cream. The lookers-on were almost choked with laughing. Every pocket-handkerchief was nearly bitten to pieces, in order to suppress this outburst, until an officer, with a new order upon his breast, gave the lady his arm ; but upon her rising there followed such a crash, that no- LOVE AND DUTY. 41 body was any longer able to keep down their laughter. After the servants had cleared away the pieces of broken china, and tran- quillity was again restored, the music began afresh. "My dear Pastor/' demanded St. Hal and the Captain, almost at the same moment, of their friend, who had promised to be their cicerone, " who are these ladies % " " The Baroness von H d and the Miss S zs." " Will you be so good as to introduce us to those who sit next to us % " That was soon done, and immediately after they were whirling round in a lively waltz with them. " Well/' said the Captain, a couple of hours later, to his friend, "what do you say to it?" "That there is nothing to be seen more comical than the first act ; and, therefore, I am now going to lie down/' answered St. Hal. " I shall soon join you," said the Captain, hastily trying to get into conversation with the pastor. 42 JULIE ; OR, "An extremely agreeable girl, the young lady yonder ! Do you know the family % " "Yes, certainly j her father, Major S z, is a worthy man, but poor in all things, except children. Dagboholm is a little farm, and " " Pardon me, my dear sir/' interrupted the Captain, who had now heard more than enough, " I perceive that my friend, St. Hal, has already retired ; I have the honour to thank you for the pleasure of your acquaint- ance/' and with a slight bow, the Baron dis- appeared. The next morning when the gentlemen awoke they heard, with astonishment, from below, the mingled noises of merry singing, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. They descended, and found the whole company as- sembled at breakfast. The two travellers screwed up their mouths compassionately, as they became aware, on entering the ladies' room, of the change which the daylight made in their dresses, as well as in their faces. In a chamber, upon the other side, the gentlemen were drinking punch, and LOVE AND DUTY. 43 making a great noise. Several ladies stood at the door, and gave the sign with their handkerchiefs for departure, in vain. It was one o'clock in the afternoon before our friends had time to think of travelling or taking leave. " I have a plan to propose," began St. Hal, as he and his friend were sitting together on the sofa, both out of spirits at the idea of the approaching separation, "if you will accompany me upon my journey, it shall not be without interest for you. You might pass a couple of months at Copenhagen free of expense ; and you can always be at home in time so as to spend a few days at Knapergaard, with my family, before the exercising commences. If you have leisure and inclination, you can, on our return, make the acquaintance of my hos- pitable old father and my sister, a splendid Rose." The Captain was silent from astonishment, but as he had leave of absence, and as such a journey was, in every way, more interesting than that which he had intended, he hastily 44 julie; OR, wrote a letter, full of excuses, to his relations, and, before two hours were over the two gentlemen were again seated together in the sledge ; where we now leave them for the present. LOVE AND DUTY". 45 CHAPTER IV. HIOBSSTATION — FRUSTRATED HOPES — THE LAST WILL. It is now time to return to Halleberg, to see if the company there thought of the drive home. Of nothing less ! They were standing up for a quadrille. Klein had already danced several times with Marie, and the ladies who, in their quality of chaperones, occupied the sofa, had begun to whisper suspiciously to each other, when a waiter entered, and handed the Doctor a letter. He took it, and retired to one side to read it. Marie's looks followed him ; she saw that the contents of the letter were of a painful nature, for he became as pale as death. After a few minutes he ap- proached Marie ; it evidently cost him pain to 46 JULIE ; OR, speak to her in a formal manner, but he was obliged to do so on account of the surrounding company. "Excuse me, Miss von Horst, I must in- stantly take my departure ! A letter I have just received, acquaints me that my father has had the misfortune to meet with an accident, that he is extremely ill, and that his very life is in danger. I shall hasten to speak to Doctor Faye, and he will, without doubt, have great pleasure in being your protector on the way home." Saying which, Klein bowed respectfully and disappeared. A few minutes later, after he had arranged with his colleague that he should take over his practice during his absence, Klein had an opportunity to whisper to Marie, "I had hoped that this evening would have had a different termination; however, in the mean- time think of me, as I shall always think of you! As soon as my duty permits, I shall return again." After the lapse of an hour he was in the town; and shortly after, he was flying through the streets as fast as it was possible to do LOVE AND DUTY. 47 with fresh horses; and although they go some- times quickly enough, yet I think the reader and I will as gladly take wing like a bird, in order to arrive at the place before the Doctor, to see how matters stand in our hero's paternal mansion. Briinkenas, belonging to his father, the Assessor Klein, is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Smaaland. The dwelling- house is built upon a rising ground on three sides; it is surrounded by a lake, which is covered with the most charming little islands; the fourth, formed by a large courtyard with splendid plantations on either side, leads to an avenue of tall birch trees, and this again car- ries you into the great country road. In this rural paradise, the stillness of death now reigned, in consequence of the dreadful grief which prevailed in the house; and the white pall of winter covered the ground. In the ante-chamber, the servants glided cautiously backwards and forwards. In a large apartment on a level with the ground, that gloomy evil foreboding silence reigned, which occasions one to feel afraid of the noise 48 JULIE ; OR, of one's own steps. The walls of the apart- ment were covered with old fashioned tapestry, and through the green blinds the moon cast its gloomy rays upon a group at the further end of the room. From a large bed, with drawn curtains, one could hear the difficult respiration of the sick person, in uneasy slumbers. Opposite the bed, upon a sofa, an old woman, overcome by sleep and night watching, appeared to have given herself up to the demands of nature. Her head had sunk down upon the cushion in a half reclining position. An old man rose from an arm-chair near the bed, and cautiously spread a handkerchief over the slumberer; he then seated himself again, drew a little table nearer to him, and after he had placed a green shade before the light, he opened the Bible, and read from time to time. The wrinkles upon his brow, as also his white hair, showed that many winters must have passed over his head. His appearance bore the stamp of seriousness and honesty. Light steps approached the place where the old man sat, and a little white hand tapped LOVE AND DUTY. 49 him on the shoulder. As he turned round, his benevolent looks met the anxious eye of a young girl. " How is he now, dear Mr. Inspector ¥' whispered a soft melodious voice. " Just as when you went away, not an hour ago. He has not been awake, and as you know that the Doctor has assured us, he is in no danger to-night, it is not kind of you, Miss Caroline, that you will not take a little rest/' said the old man. " Ah ! it is impossible for me to sleep ! Thank God, Aunt Lisa Greta has laid her head down ! At her age it is too fatiguing to go without sleep; but she is so self-willed, that there was no getting her away from here. But what o'clock is it \ " " Eleven," answered the Inspector. "Oh, heavens!" sighed the girl, "what can delay Waldemar so long ! Do you not think that he ought to have been here by this timer k You are much too impatient, Miss Lina. It takes one not less than twenty-four hours to D 50 JULIE ; OR, go from W to Briinkenas. He will cer- tainly be here in another hour." Caroline now went softly and cautiously towards the bed, and drew the curtains a little aside ; but as her father slept on uninterrupt- edly, she sat down near the Inspector, and took up a volume of " Hours of Devotion," which lay upon the table.