GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
BY
MARIE SOPHIE SCHWARTZ.
Ira5inaht from f be simb,4
BY
SELMA BORG AND MARIE A. BROWN.
BOSTON:
LEE AND SHEPARD, PUBLISHERS.
NEW YORK:
LEE, SHEPARD, AND DILLINGHAM.
1871.




Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871,
BY LEE AND SHEPARD,
in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
UNIVERSITY PRESS: WELCH, BIGELOW, & CO.,
CAMBRIDGE.




[BY PERMISSION.]
TO
MLLE. CHRISTINE NILrSSON?
Whose cordial tribute to her countrywoman, MME. MARIE SOPHIE SCHWARTZ,
prepared a warm welcome for her works in America, this rendition of one of
the most charming of them is joyfully inscribed by
THE TRANSLATORS.








GUILT AND INNOCNCNCE.
INTRODUCTION.
"Man returns from beyond the far sea,
But not from the grave-mound."
FINNISH P1tOVERB.
ALREADY, in the beginning of 1780, the weddings were celebrated in the little
city of Uleaborg had increased so consid- city.  A couple of friends who from
erably that it could be regarded as the boyhood had had everything in common
most important in East Bothnia. There now wished that the same minister and
were about three thousand inhabitants, the same hour should enclose them in
two large squares, twenty-three streets, a the bonds of matrimony.
spacious church built in the form of a   One of these was the apothecary Hedcross, and some three hundred and fifty erman, the other the merchant Claes
wooden houses, besides the town-house. Aberney.  Both were men who enjoyed
The city is said to have possessed only public esteem for their worthy character
two houses of stone, one of which was as well as for their enlightened and paon the large square.  Another note- triotic sentiments.
worthy feature was that John Messenius   United in a friendship which began in
lay buried in the church there. Ulea- childhood, they had constantly shared
borg could pride itself upon having a both the dark and bright moments of
beautiful and healthy situation, on the life.
south side of Ulea River, which empties   Hederman had two sisters, Debora and
itself into the sea through a cascade Sara. The latter, youngest of the three,
called "Merekoski."                   was yet a child when her parents died,
The town, built upon an isthmus, with and was adopted by a rich aunt who
the river on one side and Kembele Bay resided in  Sweden.  Debora had the
on the other, enclosed several hills with- charge of her brother's house until
in its area, among which one called Claes Aberney carried her away as a
"Pakkises Hill" was the highest and bride.
afforded a magnificent view.  At the   Hederman married a young Swede,
foot of this hill a " fors " gushed forth, who lived with one of his relatives in the
and from  this point several beautiful capacity of governess.
islands were seen. Beyond- the bay the   Rosa Strom  had at first shown him
tongue of land " Hietasaari " stretched a decided disinclination, but this did not
away to the beautiful cape, where many in the least discourage Hederman. He
stately vessels were always to be seen. thought, " The work begun is work half
Two bridges crossed the so-called city done "; and upon this ground he continriver.                                ued to besiege Rosa, until at last she
This is  about the way Uleaborg relented and gave him a yes. His friend
looked, at the above-mentioned time.    Aberney had from the first most earnestShortly before the war of 1788 two ly dissuaded him from this union.




4                       GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"Do you not see, dear Hederman," he plained aloud over her misfortunes, and
used to say, "that the girl is without could not even in company conceal the
feeling.  If you succeed in obtaining her resentment she felt towards a man whom
hand, you will become decidedly unhappy. she was not able to control and did not
When you have given your heart, you dare to resist.  Debora, however, sucwill receive only coldness and indiffer- ceeded in showing her the wrong  of
ence in exchange; and this you are less exposing to the world what passed beable  than  many  others to  endure. tween them. The result of these remonBesides, you, like me, have unmingled strances was, that Rosa complained only
Finnish blood in your veins, and ought to Debora of the barbarous tyranny to
not to unite yourself to any but a Fin- which she was subjected.
nish girl.  Like children always play   Hederman felt exceedingly unhappy,
best together, -remember that."       becoming every year more overbearing
Such  words never have any effect and hasty towards a wife who did not
when addressed to one in love. Heder- understand him  and did all she could
man did not listen to them.  He was to embitter their life together. The love
governed entirely by his attachment, and he had cherished for her changed gradit ended with his and Rosa's wedding ually into coldness and hatred, and he
being celebrated at the same time as sought out of the house the comfort he
Aberney's and Debora's.               could not find at home.
The friendship which united the hus-   Like all selfish men, Hederman had
bands of the two ladies made Debora deeply  desired  that his wife should
try to approach her sister-in-law.  It is present him with a son; but in this also
true, there was no sympathy between the fate disappointed him.  Six years after
two women; but Debora was good and marriage a daughter was born to him.
faithfull  She thought more of the use Aberney had then two sons, Casper and
that her friendship  could be to her Enoch, the elder five and the younger
brother's wife than of the pleasure she three years old.
herself should derive from it.          In the vexation over the child's being
Rosa was beautiful and coquettish, a girl, Hederman christened her Harmen
and entertained no affection for any one, (Indignation).  The next year his wife
least of all for her husband. Hederman, again had a daughter.  He became at
of a hasty and despotic disposition, was this so incensed that he said,not calculated to call forth tender feel-   "This child is to me as if it had not
ings in the heart of the selfish and capri- been born.  I never intend to speak to
cious woman.  She could not see his it or act as if it existed."
good qualities; she only felt the tor-   The little  girl received  from  her
ment of his faults and the weight of his mother the name of Edith. The Aberney
domination.                           family had the same year been increased
The  consequence  was, that while by another son.  Thus Aberney had
Aberney's home was a picture of domes- three boys, while the unhappy Hederman
tic happiness, Hederman's, on the con- had none.
trary, presented a series of stormy scenes   Years elapsed.  The children of the
and violent strifes.  Rosa always defied two friends grew  up.  Already at the
her husband's will, and could not possi- birth of Harmen the parents destined her
bly learn to begin where she must in- and Casper for each other, - an arrangeevitably end, namely, in conforming to ment at that time very common.  Thus
his wishes.                           the old tie of friendship and relationship
In the beginning she cried and cornm- should become still more strongly ce



GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                             5
mented. After this understanding, Cas- bad Edith is. She must be brought up
per became Hederman's great favorite. more strictly than her sister."
It was decided that the boy, if he desired   And this was really her conviction.
it, should succeed him in the apothecary She had got it into her head that Edith
business; and this conduced to make was the image of her father.  Every
Hederman regard him with a tenderness fault of the little girl appeared to the
bordering on weakness, while he treated mother as a perversity which could not
his daughter Harmen with severity, and be punished severely enough.
did not care at all for Edith. The latter   True it is that Edith was a very pecuwas never addressed by her father, and liar child; she was almost ugly, and no
he responded to her morning salute only feature in her face gave promise that she
with a nod of the head.               would ever become good looking, if we
Edith was very portionless in the pa- except a pair of large dark eyes. Small,
rental home.  The mother loved her pale, and delicate, with hair as white as
eldest child passionately; and so exclu- flax, a pug nose, and a marked expression
sively was she attached to her, that she of dulness and wilful defiance, she had
had no affection left for the younger.    something repulsive at the first glance.
Hederman had, after Edith's birth, Through the severity with which she
become still more severe towards his wife; was treated she had acquired a shy look,
and this made Rosa, in her lack of judg- though her whole behavior testified that
ment, regard the child as the cause of she was not precisely timid.  She was
the increase of her unhappiness, and very disobedient and broke continually
upon this ground she nourished actual the thousand small commands that were
dislike to the little girl.           daily given, and this in spite of the punTreated by the father as if she did not ishments which she received every time
exist, and by the mother with an unre- she forgot or infringed any of them.
strained violence, it could be said that  IHarmen and Edith had had the same
Edith's early childhood was very sad. nurse, who remained in the house after
When the father burst out in  anger they grew up.  She conceived for Edith
against the mother, Edith always had to a motherly affection, and tried in every
bear the consequences of Rosa's resent- way with prayers and persuasions to get
ment, which she did not dare to show the child to be gentle and obedient, but
her husband. Edith was often punished, was always answered, —
simply because Rosa must have some   " Mamma beats me if I am ever so good,
one, in her turn, to tyrannize over.  and so I would rather be disobedient."
Harmen was inseparable from  her   Neither the prayers of her nurse nor
mother; in all pleasures and entertain- the chastisements from her mother could
ments she was always with her.  Edith prevail upon her to utter the word "papa."
seldom left the home.  The only place She called her father he or herr.  Abshe was allowed to visit was Aberney's, erney, on the contrary, she always called
and this for the reason that Rosa, from  father. Aunt Aberney and Papa Aberney
respect for Debora, did not dare to show were ideals for Edith, and, with the exthe unnatural feeling she entertained for ception of the nurse, they were the only
her youngest child.  If Aberney and ones towards whom she cared to be good
Debora ever expressed to her their dis- and obedient.
approval of the partiality she displayed   Fru Aberney became apprised through
in the treatment of the girls, her answer the nurse of Edith's unhappy position in
was, -                                the home, and she pondered a good deal
"Ah, my friends, you do not know how upon how she could change it, especially




6                       GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
as Edith was now nine years old and had movements and her whole manner which
not yet begun to share in her sister's in- makes the child, girl, or woman who posstruction. All that she had learned was sesses it a captivating creature. With her
limited to what her nurse had taught dark curly hair, her large beaming eyes
her. Debora had often said to Rosa that and rosy complexion, she was a lovely
she did wrong so to neglect the child; bud, which promised one day to become
but Rosa always replied, that she desired a magnificent rose. Lively, impetuous,
to bring up her children without the in- passionate, and domineering in character,
termeddling of others, and that Debora this child would have awakened many
should not concern herself in her affairs, apprehensions in the mind of a judicious
especially as she never remarked how and sensible mother, because her whole
Debora fulfilled her duties as a mother. future direction depended upon the care
Debora as well as Aberney had tried to with which she was trained in childhood,
awaken Hederman's attention to Edith's what habits and example she then cultineglected condition in the home, but vated. With a weak mother, who was
without success. He answered his sis- blind to her faults, and knew only one
ter,-                                 law, her child's will, Harmen, although
"My dear Debora, take care of your endowed with a rich intellect and a heart
children, and do not meddle with mine." capable of great sacrifices, could only beTo Aberney he expressed himself in come a willing slave to her selfish desires.
these terms,-                         Where these might possibly lead her, as
"When I see that nothing is wanting she had never learned to restrain them,
either for her or her sister, I ought to be was impossible to calculate beforehand;
able to leave the rest to her mother's but it was easy to foresee that through
care.  The welfare of a child cannot them she might plunge herself and others
be in better hands than those of the into perdition. She had a quick commnother."                             prehension and great love for study. A
That this mother cared poorly for her skilful governess from  Stockholm  had
child, Hederman did not trouble himself been engaged quite early for her instructo notice; and as he had become with tion.  She made surprising progress, and
years a very hard husband, Aberney was at ten years of age a little wonder of
lacked all desire to inform  him  how talent. She danced like an angel, played
wretchedly Rosa attended to her mother- with uncommon skill, drew  charming
ly duties. He feared to make the condi- little landscapes, embroidered the prettions still worse between the two. An- tiest flowers in worsted, and spoke some
other means must be discovered by which French phrases. In short, the ten-yearsto improve the poor child's position. old Harmen was a genius; andwhen papa
Debora and her husband had just re- had gone out in the evening in company
solved to persuade Rosa and Hederman, with some friends, and mamma had a little
in some way, to let them take the little tea-party, then Harmen would play'somegirl, when chance, through a circumstance thing from the " Queen of Golconda," or
insignificant in itself, effected a complete dance a gavotte.  The ladies then exrevolution in Edith's life.           claimed in chorus,Before we give an account of it, we   "0, how smart the little girl is!"
will say a word about Harmen.           But Nature, who had been so liberal
She was as much favored by nature as toward the pretty Harmen, had denied
Edith seemed to have been neglected. her one gift, namely, a voice.  Harmen
Even as a child she possessed uncommon had a good musical ear, but could not
beauty, and that natural grace in all her sing a note. This deeply grieved both




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                             7
her and her mother, especially as Edith, slowly as I have a mind to, and you
destitute of all other advantages, pos- have got to be satisfied with it."
sessed just this one.  Harmen knew of   "Fie, how ugly you are," said Enoch,
nothing which more irritated her than hastily; "do you not see that it torments
when Edith, in clear and beautiful tones, Harmen."
sang some of the melodies which she   "What do I care for that. " answered
played.  Edith would also wait upon Edith with a laugh, and shook the bag.
her sister with a song whenever they   "Now draw, without aify more tricks,"
were alone, although she knew that Har- commanded Casper.  "When one is as
men then ran crying to her mother, who homely as you are, she ought at least to
in her turn punished Edith for her be good."
wickedness  towards  the  gentle  and   Edith now drew  up her hand and
inoffensive Harmen.                   said, —
Every Wednesday and Sunday evening   " See, here is the number; but which
the Aberneys were at Hederman's, or one! You have got to guess."  She
vice versa.  It was Wednesday evening held up her closed hand, adding: "I
and Hederman's turn  to receive his will sing a song for you while you are
friends.  Debora had determined this waiting."
very evening to wind about in a delicate   "Edith!"  cried  Harmen, and flew
way with Rosa relative to taking Edith, up perfectly frantic with  anger; "if
and with this intention she began to you sing, then I will tell mamma immnedispeak of the void of not having any ately."
daughter.                                "0, you will not do that while aunt is
Hederman and Aberney played check- here."   With these words Edith sprang
ers. The three young Aberneys and the to the door which led into the saloon.
Misses Hederman were gathered in the Before any of the other children knew
so-called sitting-room, where they amused what she was about she opened it, and
themselves playing lottery.           standing on the threshold she sang with
Casper was then a lad of fifteen, with full voice a "people's song" then very
a very ordinary appearance. Enoch, two popular.
years younger, had a lively and genial   The two mothers were seated on a
countenance.  Placed between the two sofa, and the gentlemen sat before one
brothers sat Harmen, beautiful and smil- of the windows playing checkers. At
ing as the spring.  Opposite them  sat the sound of the child's clear and beautiEdith and the youngest Aberney, Vic- ful voice, Hederman turned quickly.  It
tor.                                  was the first time he had heard it, and
It was Edith's turn to draw.        yet Edith was nine years old.
"Mercy, Edith, how slow you are in   Rosa became pale and then purple
calling the numbers," said Casper.    with anger; she threw an enraged look
"Edith does it on purpose," replied at her daughter.  The little girl, on her
Harmen; " she wants to plague us. part, looked at her mother with a chalSee how mean she looks."              lenging expression.
The two boys turned their eyes upon   Harmen hid her face in her hands and
their little  vis-a-vis, and  could  not cried without restraint.  Casper and
deny that Harmen was right.  Edith sat Enoch tried. to comfort her, while little
with her hand in the bag where the Victor, with a malicious smile, whispered
numbers lay, and looked at her sister to the disconsolate Harmen,
with an irritating mien as she said,-   "That tastes like salt in sore eyes, hi,
"Yes, you see, I draw  now just as hi, hi!"




3                       GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
The song ceased, and the sound of a question.  When they went to supper,
slap which Casper applied very energet- Edith was ordered to  remain.  Her
ically upon Victor's ear made up the nurse brought this command from her
final chord. Victor screamed with all mother, and stroked her hair caressingly,
his might, and now papa was obliged to adding,
find out what was the matter.           "Poor little headstrong creature, you
"Are you not ashamed, boys," said will be beaten again to-night."
Aberney, "to rnake such a noise when   "Well, what then, am I not used to
you are visiting 3"                   it 3" answered the child and smiled de" It was Casper who struck me!" fiantly; "and so I will sing another song,
exclaimed the much-abused child.      as I cannot have my supper anyhow."
"Are you fifteen years old and yet   "For mercy's sakle, do not do it," imcan so forget yourself? " said Aberney, plored the nurse, quite frightened.
with a frowning brow.                   Edith did not listen to the warning,
"He behaved badly towards Harmen but began a new  song. At the first
and made fun of her because she cried," tones the door of the saloon opened, and
answered Casper, a little ashamed over Hederman appeared on the threshold.
his loss of temper.                   With an indifferent air Edith looked at
"Yes, papa, and I did right, for Har- her father, and continued to sing the
men cried from  envy because Edith song to the end.
sung," Herr Victor dared to say quite   When she finished he said, " Come out,
boldly.                               child! " This was the first time he had ad"You must go home both of you. dressed Edith. She remained motionless.
Such gentlemen as you cannot be out   "Do you hear what I say " repeated he.
*visiting when you do not know how to   "Mamma has forbidden me to go out,":behave properly," declared Aberney in answered the child, without changing,.so decided a tone that there was clear- position.
ly no appeal to be made. Aberney and    "See here, little Edith, obey now,"
Hederman resumed their places at the whispered the nurse, frightened at the
table, and the two young gentlemen thought that her darling should irritate
n:marched home.                        the gentlenzan; but to her great surprise
A  singularly inharmonious condition Hederman went to Edith, saying in an:ec.sued.  Hederman, usually lively and unusually gentle voice,
impetuousiin play, sat silent and thought-   "I absolve you from the punishment
ful. Rosa.was so deeply provoked with your mother imposed upon you; now
Edith, that. he could scarcely control her come."
anger.                                  He took hold of her arm. Edith rose,
JItuthe other room Enoch tried to con- looked up astonished into her father's
sole Harmen and bring her to good-hu- face, and followed him.
mor, but this was not so easy, for she   If Fru Rosa had been witness to an
complained bitterly that the boys on ac- earthquake, it could not have caused her
count of Edith's meanness had to go greater consternation than the sight of
home, and that the whole pleasure of Edith holding her father's hand; and
the evening was spoiled.              when she heard him say to the servant,
Edith had crept down upon a footstool "Why is there no place for Edith?" she
before the fire, and looked into it with was ready to sink to the ground, but prean expression of repentance.  She was ferred to take her seat in all haste at the
sorry for Victor. She was indifferent to table, so as to prevent all such catasth  onthers. Ally play was out of the trophes.




GUILT AND, INNOCENCE.
It was in the good old time when they Rosa snappishly.  "For the rest, a child
sat round the table and ate their supper, is no wonder because she can sing."
instead of taking it standing as we now    "That does not belong here, and I
do.                                   wish to be excused from all unnecessary
Rosa was so agitated that she spilled words. You know that I cannot bear
the milk on the table-cloth, and com- your declarations." Hederman went into
mitted so many blunders, that her hus- the bedroom, slamming the door after him.
band finally exclaimed, quite impatient-   "The wicked young one, what has she
ly, -                                 not managed to do," thought Rosa, when
"What are you thinking of, Rosa? she soon after went in to her husband.
You have given me pepper for my mush." She saw that he was in a very bad huAt last they separated.  The Aberneys mor, and therefore found it best not to
went home. Harmen kissed her father's irritate him further.
hand and said, -                        The next morning, before Hederman
" Good night, dear papa!"          went to his store, he said to his wife,
"Good night! " answered Hederman,   "Tell the children to come in!"
harshly.                                "What in God's name has come over
Edith was silent as usual and said you? You have never been accustomed to
nothing.                              trouble yourself about them!"
" Will you not kiss your father's   "Which does not hinder me from wishhand 1" asked Hederman, reaching it to ing to be obeyed," answered Hederman,
her. The child obeyed the injunction in bruskly.
silence.                               "' It is terrible, what a tone you have
"Well, why do you not wish me a in your home. First, years go by in
good night? "                        which you do not inquire after the chilShe looked at him for a moment, as if dren, and during which time you only
to discover what expression his features address Harmen in a commanding tone;
bore; then-she said,-                 then you quite suddenly take the notion
"Good night, papa!"               that you cannot go down to the shop
It was the first time that these words without seeing them."
had been uttered by her, and God alone   Rosa said this with a precipitancy
knows what moved within the little girl's which made the words fly over her lips.
soul; but in the same moment they Poor woman, who always believed that
passed over her lips, tears streamed down she ought to oppose her husband, who
her cheeks, and without saying a word still forced her to obey his authority,
to her mother, she ran out into the sit- after she had first called forth a matriting-room, which was at the same time the monial quarrel.  So even now. Hederchildren's sleeping-apartment. There she man became angry, said words both bitthrew herself upon her little bed and ter and merciless, and the result was that
sobbed aloud, while Harmen scolded her. Rosa, upon his passionate command, was
obliged to call in the children.
Harmen entered with a light and dancing step, smiling, blooming, and dressed
"Why have I not been told that the like a doll. Edith came after her slowly,
child has a voice?  You know that I am  with a clouded brow and a shy look,
very fond of singing," said Hederman to dressed in clean but extremely plain
his dear half when they were alone.   clothes, lacking all the elegance and care' Because you have never wished to with which the mother's love had adorned
know  anything about her," answered the handsome daughter.




10                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
Hederman's glance rested upon Edith; ilederman had crossed the floor, Victor
he scarcely looked at Harmen.  When had sprung forward and pulled open the
the girls saluted him they looked with door. The boy's whole appearance was
astonishment upon the father, who for distracted.  With a bound he was upon
the eldest had only been a severe mas- Fru Hederman, who in a full blast of
ter, and for the youngest an almost un- passion was in the act of chastising
known personage.  Hederman said to Edith with a large birch rod.  Instantly
Edith, -                              the whip was wrested from her hand,
"I suppose you have already begun to and in a voice trembling with agitation
take music-lessons. "                and tears the boy exclaimed,
"No, I neither read nor play," an-   "Now Aunt shall no longer beat the
swered the child.                     poor Edith."
Hederman's eyebrows contracted, and   In his childish anger Victor broke the
he then remembered that Aberney had rod to pieces and threw the twigs at
several times brought the conversation Fru Rosa's feet, who looked at him quite
upon the child, and reproached him for stupefied. Her back was turned to the
his complete indifference towards her.   door, so that she did not observe her
"Does not Edith take part in Mad- husband's presence before he asked,
emoiselle E-'s instruction " asked   "Why do you beat the child."
he of his wife.                         Edith, who had that day received more
"Not yet," answered Rosa.  "Edith blows than usual, quite vaguely surmisis so slow of comprehension."        ing that she should now find in her
Hederman said nothing'; but the swol- father a protector, answered  through
len veins in his forehead showed that he violent sobs,
was much offended.                      "I have been whipped because I can
" Youl shall sing the little song for me sing."  She seized her father's hand, addwhich you sang last evening," he re- ing with childish despair, " Take me
sumed, turning to Edith.  The child away from here. I am bad because they
seemed to hesitate a moment.  The are so cruel towards me."
mother's eyes actually flashed fire; but   "You see yourself what a vicious child
after having considered a second, Edith she is," shrieked Fru Hederman; but she
sang the little " Finnish People's Song." could not say more, for her husband inNone but Hederman knew what child- terrupted her with ahood memory was in it; we know only   " Silence, woman, or -"  He took the
that when the song ceased, he patted little daughter in his arms and went
the child's head, and said kindly, "You out.
sing very sweetly."  Then he hastily   "What in the world does he intend to
left the room and took the way to the do? " thought Rosa, who heard him cross
apothecary shop.  Half an hour later the floor of the saloon and go down the
Yictor Aberney came rushing into the stairs. The gate opened and swung to
shop, screaming,-                     again. Fru Rosa sprang to the window
"Aunt Rosa is beating Edith so dread- and saw her husband cross the street to
fully, and that only because she has dared Aberney's with his daughter in his arms.
to sing. Come, come, else it will never When, an hour later, he returned home
go well," and the boy grasped Heder- he was alone. Edith had been left with
man's arm with an expression of despair Aunt Debora.
and dragged him along. Reaching the   The explanation that followed between
saloon, they heard from the children's the two gave Rosa to understand, in a
room  stifled moans and sobs.  Before terrible manner, that she had now for



GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            11
ever lost the affection she once pos- they forgot everything except that they
sessed.                               possessed each other's hearts.  It was
Some weeks afterwards Hederman's then as always, when human beings allow
sister Sara came to Uleaborg on a visit. themselves to be governed by the intoxiShe had lost her relatives in Sweden, cation of the moment, the awakening was
and therefore wished to see her brother bitter; for reality then appears quite
and sister again, whom she had not met unmerciful, and smiles in scornful mocksince childhood. She was unmarried and ery at the fleeting moment's felicity.
possessed a very considerable fortune.  Had not Harmen's father decided that
After spending the summer in Ulea- her betrothal to Casper should take place
borg, she returned in the fall to Sweden, in eight days l  The remembrance of this
taking Edith with her, whom  she had drove the blood in a wild course through
resolved to educate and make her heiress. Harmen's veins, when alone at night in
She had said to her brother and sis- her room she reflected upon what had
ter, —'                               passed. The young girl's feelings were
"You have other children and can vehement and passionate.  A denial was
just as well give up Edith to me.  I something which she had not learned to
have no one to live for, let me therefore understand. It seemed to her impossible
have her."                            to refrain from her love for Enoch. As
Hederman gave his consent.          early as she could remember he had been
her dearest friend, every good and beautiful feeling she had experienced had
been awakened by him; and now, after
Years elapsed after these events with- she knew that they were both attached
out anything occurring worthy of note. to each other with the same strong and
Harmen grew up and became a charming warm  feelings, there came a marriage
girl, anll object for Casper Aberney's admi- made by the father and placed in the
ration, and also for the young student way of their future happiness. No, she
Enoch's.  When Harmen had reached would not engage herself to Casper.
her seventeenth year, her father decided What did it concern her that she was
that she and Casper should exchange loved by him, when she could only give
rings.                                her heart to Enoch 1 She decided to tell
Enoch just then finished his studies in her father the following day that she
Abo, and was soon to repair to Stock- could not become Casper's wife. With
holm  to enter the Superior Court of this resolution she went to sleep, but
Justice.                              was troubled with unquiet and feverish
He was to spend his summer vacations dreams.  It seemed to her as if some
in Ulegborg with his parents.  He was one whispered in her ears, "You have
twenty, lively, warm-hearted, and hand- now seen the sun of your happiness go
some. He saw Harmen daily, and it was down!"  The wildest and most horrible
not to be wondered at that, in the whirl fancies tortured her the whole night, and
of youth, he forgot that she was destined when she awoke in the morning the
for his brother.  In short, one day when nurse stood before her with a letter in
Enoch and Harmen sat in Aberney's gar- her hand.  The young girl experienced
den, he confessed to her how deeply she a peculiarly unpleasant emotion at the
was beloved, and also learned that - he sight of it.  She could not explain why,
was far more dear to her than Casper. but she divined that it contained someToo happy then to consider the falseness thing distressing.
they were guilty of towards the latter,   "It is dreadful, dear heart, how long




12                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
you sleep to-day," said the nurse, who brothers.  In short, Enoch appeared to
now, since Edith had been taken from  himself as one who had betrayed Casper,
her, had transferred all her affection to and felt that he could not look him in
Harmen.                              the face. Could it be he, Casper's broth"What letter have you there." asked er, who should destroy his happiness! a
Harmen, and drew a deep breath.  She happiness which since childhood had been
felt herself strangely oppressed.     placed before him as the object of all his
"O, it is of no account.  Enoch dreams!
Aberney told me to give it to you. He   When Casper finally left Enoch, the
went away a couple of hours since."    latter wrote to Harmen. He told her
"Went away!" exclaimed Harmen, all that his honest and uncorrupted heart
and sat up hastily in bed.  "Where?"   had experienced, and that, however much
"I do not know. He only said that he thought of her, he would rather die
he should depart, and I saw Patron Aber- than purchase an hour's happiness at the
ney and him set off about seven o'clock." expense of his brother's peace of mind.
Harmen reached out her hand and He prayed Harmen to forget him, and to
took the letter.  She thought, "They transfer her love to him who was destined
must have gone to  Uncle's country to become her mate. The following
place."  Now she broke the seal. The morning when she received his letter, he
epistle was long, and Harmen's eyes had already left Uleaborg, and should
flew over the lines; but the longer she not return until he knew that Casper
read the more clouded became her brow and she were happy.
and the paler her cheeks, and when she   Fate also favored Enoch's decision;
had finished she threw herself back upon for the next morning his father had to
the pillow and burst into a wild and go to Abo on business, and Enoch profited
passionate fit of weeping, while she by the opportunity to go with him.
pressed the letter together convulsively.   When Aberney returned, the  day
The nurse had left the room, so that she before Harmen's betrothal, he was alone.
could freely abandon herself to the first Enoch had travelled from Abo to Stockoutbreak of her grief. What then was it holm.
in this letter that called it forth   It
was Enoch's reason and right feeling
which had now awoke.                    Pale, as if she was to be betrothed to
When Harmen and Enoch had separ- death, was Harmen the day when she and
ated, the preceding evening, Casper came Casper exchanged rings, - a day which
over to his brother and sat talking with was celebrated by both fathers with great
him  far into the night. Casper had jubilee, but which was regarded by the
spoken of his attachment for Harmen, mothers with quite different eyes.
and his hopes of felicity at her side. He    Fru  Aberney,  the  tender-hearted
had spoken with so much reliance about mother, sighed,
the future, that Enoch felt a stinging   "My poor Casper, I fear that Harmen
pain when he remembered what had will not be a wife to make him happy."
taken place between him and Harmen.     Fru Hederman, again, thought,
Educated by religious and moral par-   "Surely my beautiful and courted
ents in stern ideas of honor and duty, Harmen could have made a better match
Aberney's  sons had  from  childhood than to become, like me, an apothecary's
learned to revere the rights of others and wife."
their owen moral obligations. Besides, a   Casper looked as happy a's it befits a
true affection existed between the two betrothed lover to be.




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            13
Victor Aberney had just become a one with her but Edith.  It was as if the
student, and was at the betrothal ball a sister had become indispensable to the
true cavalier, at least in his own eyes.   proud and capricious Harmen, after her
One year later the wedding took place. illness, - to her who in childhood could
On that occasion Aunt Sara and Edith not bear Edith, and who during the years
also came to Finland.  The latter was they had been separated had scarcely
now sixteen; and although by no means ever written to her. Was Edith then
a beauty, she was a very pretty and her confidante? No, Harmen had no
lovely girl. All seemed surprised at the confidante and did not desire ally. Aladvantageous change she had undergone. though the mother loved this child to an
Her father and sister received her with unparalleled excess, this love had never
friendliness and cordiality, but her moth- been able to awaken the daughter's coner showed her complete indifference.  fidence. Fru. Hederman's variable, parOn the wedding-day Harmnen looked tial, and intolerant character was not calso suffering, that Edith several times culated to inspire either respect or trust.
asked her if she was sick, but was Harmen was fond of her mother, because
answered in the negative.  Enoch had she had been the only one who had loved
not come to celebrate his brother's wed- her in childhood; but this affection started
ding.  Hlarmen was during the ceremony from pure selfishness and created no deso violently agitated, that she could with sire for the mother's advice, or any longing
difficulty get the words over her lips; for a comforting word from her lips in
and in the same moment that the minis- life's bitter moments. No, Harmen had
ter said Amen, she staggered, and fell no desire to speak either of her feelings
fainting in Casper's arms.  When she or sufferings to a mother whom she rereturned to consciousness she had a high garded as incapable of understanding her
fever and could not show herself to the in this matter.  Besides, Harmen had
guests, but was obliged to take her bed.  one of those obscure and reticent natures
It was a sad ending for such a day, which resemble darkness; one never
and it actually looked as if Harmen knows what they conceal, but one has
intended to leave this life.  She was always reason to fear them.
attacked by a severe inflammation. For   The reason why Harmen preferred
several weeks her mother and her hus- Edith's company, and could get along
band watched in the most painful anxiety only with her, was simply because the
for signs of her recovery.            sister had during the last year been daily
It was a strange peculiarity, that dur- with Enoch, who resided with Aunt Sara
ing her whole sickness she could not bear in Stockholm.  The result of this was
any one at her side, except Edith; and that Edith used to talk about their
however deeply this pained her mother cousin.  She described how he spent his
and husband, they were nevertheless evenings, what pleasures and occupations
obliged to submit to it, because the doc- he had, how good, right-minded, and untor had declared that they must not common he was, and so on. Harmen
oppose her wishes. Edith thus became listened attentively to every word, as if
her especial nurse.                   she was afraid of losing a single one of
When Harmen tossed about on her them. She often made Edith relate the
couch in physical and mental pain, it same thing over and over again, without
was Edith's song alone which could calm  Edith's perceiving that it was for Enoch's
her.                                  sake. Harnen gave her desire the apAfter six weeks she was convalescent, pearance of wishing to know just how
and could lie dressed, but still wished no they lived in the capital.




14                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
Enoch had a fine voice, and all the too happy at seeing her return to life to
songs that he used to sing, Edith sang torment her with any questions about
also. It was a comfort for the poor her remarkable change, especially as he
Harmen to hear them.  The amount of regarded it as a consequence of the sickit was, that she wanted Edith absolutely ness. When she still continued to be
to-remain with her; this the father and silent, submissive, and mild, he found
Aunt Sara firmly refused, because Edith that she was much more pleasing and
should return to Stockholm to finish her lovable as such than as she had been
studies in languages and music.       during their time of betrothal, a period
When Harmen, after the lapse of two in which she had continually tortured
months, was again well, Edith and Aunt him with her whims and her quick temSara returned to Sweden; and now she per. Happily for Casper, he had from
felt herself so terribly alone, that she childhood taken it for granted that Harlooked  with  weariness into  the  fu- men was attached to him most of all, and
ture.                                 that he was the object of all her thoughts
The marriage of the young pair, which and dreams, - a pleasant self-delusion
began so sadly, appeared however to the which made the young apothecary believe
superficial observer very happy.  The that Harmen's apparent change was a relively and fiery Harmen had, after this sult of her love for him. In short, the
sickness, entirely disappeared, and had young married couple were regarded by all
become silent, quiet, and dreamy.  She as being extremely happy. It was everywas very rarely hasty, and there was no where spoken of how ennobled Harmen
trace left of the wilful and domineering had become, what a nice and domestic
caprices which characterized her before wife she was to live by preference in her
she was married.  It was as if a cloud home, and so seldom to visit any place
had spread over the sunlight of her soul. of amusement.
Harmen  appeared, nevertheless, more   Two years passed thus, when Edith
charming and lovely than ever. In the again made a visit home. The sight of
large dark eyes burned a dim flame which her seemed to fill Harmen with joy, and
made them still more magical; and around she embraced her sister with a heartiness
the pale, beautiful face waved the dark that made a deep impression on Edith.
curls like silent passions, embracing the This time Aunt Sara had not come.
thoughtful brow of the young woman.    Edith remained at home a month, when
Married without love, but with a heart she was to return to Sweden.
full of it for another, perverse and re-   One evening before her departure, Hedserved in her character, the first years erman proposed that they should take a
of her marriage was for Harmen only a walk out through Liming's Gates towards
series of endlessly tedious days.  Far Lbtan.  It wai a beautiful evening in the
from placing, like her mother, an eternal last of June.  The two sisters walked arm
opposition against the will of a husband in arm.
who did not possess her heart, Harmen   Edith talked about Stockholm, and
remained passive.   She did whatever Harmen went musing at her side. ArCasper asked her, never contradicting rived at Ldtan, where a great number of
him, and manifesting as little impatience the city boys were seen in the field, Haror ill feeling as tenderness or warmth.   men seated herself on a little knoll which
Casper Aberney, of a calm and serious was shaded by some trees.  She took off
disposition, loved his wife, but had no the simple summer hat and said suddenromantic claims upon her affection. Di- ly, interrupting Edith, -
rectly after her illness, he was altogether   "It is now over two years since I was




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            15
married; how changed have I not be- by this expression of grief, Edith promcome! "                               ised to arrange it so that Harmen could
"Yes, very much," replied Edith with go with her to the capital.
vivacity, "but to your advantage."       "Dear Harmen," said Edith, "you can
"So you think."  Harmen smiled bit- consider it as settled that you shall go;
terly.  "This change, however, comes for when I resolve upon a thing, it is
from the fact that I am now perfectly sure to go through.  I am not a Finnish
passive."  She seized Edith by the arm  girl for nothing."
and added with vehemence: "Say, have   "It is on you that all my hope is
you any true affection for me 32"     fixed; although you, like me, are not of
"Yes, certainly. Ever since your ill- pure Finnish blood, yet - "
ness I have thought a good deal of you;   "God wills what woman wills," said
but, Harmen, why do you ask such a Edith, jestingly.
question 3 "
"' Beciuse you must give me a proof of
your affection.  Listen to me; ever
since I was sick, I have had a burning   One evening towards the end of July
desire to go to Stockholm and there con- an  older gentleman  and two  young
sult a physician.  I am consumed by an ladies promenaded in Djurgarden.* One
inner suffering."  She became silent and of these young ladies possessed a beauthought, " God alone knows that I now ty  so rare, that wherever she went
speak the truth."                     she attracted. attention, and  people
"Why do you not speak of this to whispered,Casper 3" asked Edith, and looked anx-   "What a beautiful face!"
iously at her sister.                   When they had promenaded for a
"He would only become uneasy, and while, and, the beautiful lady, with an
then mamma would torment me with her expression of disquietude, had let her
everlasting questions.  No, Edith, it is eyes searchingly  follow  the  heaving
better that it should be as it is; and yet, crowd, the elderly gentleman said,
if I could only go to the capital, I should   " Now it is time to go to the Opera.
certainly recover."  Harmen added with There we shall certainly meet Enoch.  I
an anxious, supplicating voice: "Edith, cannot understand why we have not seen
help me to get my wish gratified; it is him."
more than my life that I ask of you at   " Assessor P's dinner has probably
this moment!"                        lasted longer than usual," said the less
Edith felt troubled when she looked handsome of the ladies, who was no other
at her sister's agitated face; but she than Edith.
smiled kindly at her, declaring that she   "Possibly," replied her escort, in
would do all that she could to fulfil whom  we recognize the older Aberney.
her desire, if she only knew how to pro- " I was just rejoicing at the anticipaceed.                                 tion of how surprised he will be to meet
" Speak to papa; Casper conforms to Harmen. When I saw him last evening
him in all things, and you have so much as I accompanied Edith to my sister-ininfluence over papa.   0 Edith, Edith, law's, I did not tell either Enoch or Sara
how thankful I shall be!"  Harmen that Harmen was with us. I wanted to
leaned against her sister and wept.   surprise them  to-day when we should
Tears were something so unusual with meet here."
Harmen, that Edith could not remember   They now  took their way to the
when she had last seen her cry. Moved        * A magnificent public park.




16                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
theatre which they entered. They had give evidence of capriciousness. Enoch
scarcely taken their seats before a young was towards Harmen just as he was to
man, with beautiful, noble, and intel- Edith, and nothing gave her occasion to
ligent features, came in, accompanied suppose that his feeling for her was of
by an elderly lady.  His eyes fell inmme- any other nature.  It became a' bitter
diately upon Aberney, Edith, and Har- conflict for the proud woman. When
men. His surprise at the sight of the she felt fully convinced that she was no
latter was so great, that he stopped longer loved, she desired with a feverish
motionless within the door, and God impatience to return  home, a desire
alone knows how long he would have which  everything  favored.  Aberney,
remained there, had  not Aunt Sara who had accompanied Edith and Harforced him to follow her to the seats men to Stockholm because he had some
reserved beside the travellers.       business to transact there, was ready to
Harmen  had immediately  observed return after three weeks, and Harmen
Eihoch, and her emotion was still more showed herself perfectly satisfied to go
violent than his.  It was fortunate for back with him. In short, the journey
the preservation of her secret, that Edith was decided upon, and but a short time
and Aberney were also looking at the remained of her visit in Stockholm.,door, and that their  attention  was   A couple of days before the departure,,directed to those who  entered; else Aunt Sara had persuaded her relatives
Edith could easily have detected  the to make an excursion to her little country
cause of Harmen's especial suffering. place, where she had invited some friends.
Now she had time to recover herself   Harmen was beautiful.  The young
before Edith's eyes again fell upon her. married woman received much attention
Aberney saluted his sister-in-law  and from  the gentlemen who were invited.
son, after which the turn came to Har- All competed to obtain from her a smile
men.  A-unt Sara smiled  pleasantly, or a glance.  With an exquisite tact
whispered,some heartfelt words to her Harmen knew how to be polite, without
niece, and, seated herself beside Aberney. encouraging.  Her conversation was cul~'"What, alpleasure it is, Harmen, to tivated, sometimes  animated,  but a
see you once more," uttered Enoch in an heavy veil rested over her whole being,
uncertain-voice, and took his place next behind which one seemed to see a fire
to her.                               blaze; but it was not a fire which
" It is a very long tinme since we met," inspired any hope in these butterflies,
stammered Harmen, and laid her hand but one which said, " Not for you."
in his. But after a light pressure he   Enoch  was  unusually  silent and
released it, and  began  with  much thoughtful.  His eyes rested steadily upinterest to ask about Casper and the on IHarmen, without her remarking it,
folks at home.                        however, for she had not once turned
hers to him.
Harmen's proud heart could not endure that he should think she loved him,
During two weeks' time Harmen was now that he had ceased to care for her.
daily with Enoch; but not a glance nor   The company took a walk in the gara trembling of the voice indicated that den.  One of the Children plucked a
any of the former attachment for her white rose and gave it to Harmen.  She
remained.   This behavior of Enoch's fastened it in her belt. At the same
called  forth something  changeable in moment she happened to look up and
Harmoen's manner, which made her often was quite surprised to find Enoch stand



GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                              17
iug before her.  A  dark flush spread feelings, and therefore it is best not to be
over her cheeks, brow, and neck when she severe when we judge others."
met his eyes.  There was something in    "With man as with woman, honor and
that look which in a flash transported her duty ought to govern, else he is to be
to the past, but it was a revelation which despised."
in the next second had disappeared, for   " Take care; fate can so revenge, that
Enoch immediately turned his head away you yourself may give way to your feeland said in an indifferent voice, -    ings."
" That is a beautiful flower."         "No, Harmen, that can never hap"Yes, the white rose pleases me more pen."
than the red," answered Harmon.           A long pause followed.  lHarmen then
She could not gain the same command spoke  of indifferent things; but her
over her voice as he.                  cheeks were as white as the leaves of
The rest of the company commenced a the rose in her belt.
long discussion upon white and red roses,   When they all returned to the house,
and when they at the same moment came they had some music.  Edith sang, and
to a narrow path, Enoch said, smiling to in such a manner that she transported
Harmen,-                               all.  Harmen sat leaning back in a fau-' My dear sister-in-law, will you not teuil in a cabinet adjoining the saloon.
take my arm for support? "            She did not hear the song, being so enHarmen took the proffered arm.  It grossed by thoughts of Enoch, and how
was the first time he had offered her such she should be assured as to his look
a familiar politeness.  Was it a delusion whether it was really a reflection of his
or a reality    IIarmen fancied that a feelings or only an illusion.
thrill passed through Enoch's arm, when   Enoch stood directly before the door
she laid her hand upon it.  They were of the cabinet, with his back turned to
soon, without Harmen's knowing pre- Harmen, and seemingly entirely absorbed
cisely how, a good distance ahead of the in the song. When it ended he turned
others.                                round; at the same moment Htarmen rose
"From  whence proceeds your prefer- to go out into the saloon.  At this moveeonce for white roses 3." asked Enoch.  ment the white rose dropped from  her
" God knows, I have never been able belt.  Feigning not to see Enoch, she
to account for it."                    passed by him  and went to one of the
"Then I am  more fortunate, for I open glass doors, where she stood conknow why they please me."              versing with Edith.  Where she now was
"Let me hear it! I am curious to she could' see into the cabinet, and perknow it."                              ceived very well that Enoch went in there
" I never see a white rose without im- some moments after she left.  Concealed
agining that it is the image of woman's by the curtains before the glass door, she
heart.  It must be in thought and feel- turned her head and threw a look after
ing as pure as the leaves of the rose.  I him. She saw Enoch with a hasty moalso consider the man contemptible who tion pick up the flower, carry it to his
so poorly understands what conscience lips, and hide it in his breast.
dictates, that he exposes the woman he   "Now I can die happy," thought Harholds dear to temptations which could men, in the excess of her feelings.  "I
cast the smallest shadow upon her purity know that he still loves me."
of soul."                                 The remainder of the evening she was
"But, Enoch, man's reason  cannot the very embodiment of felicity.  Shb
always stand as a watchman over his jested and smiled, but without address



18-                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
ing her words to Enoch. His brow, on   "Such a fear, dear Enoch, appears to
the contrary, grew more and more cloudy, me inexplicable.  Did you not believe
and during the journey home he was so that she knew a wife's duty. "
gloomy, that even Aberney and Edith re-   " Harmen, hear me," exclaimed Enoch,
marked it.                            with vivacity.  "When they wrote me
The following morning the event with that you were taken ill on the weddingthe flower was not enough for Harmen's day, the bitter thought arose in my
heart.  She asked for one thing more, mind, that - that-"
and that was the assurance whether she   "That it was a sudden indisposition,"
was loved or' not. She had only two interrupted  Harmen, coldly.  "There
days before her departure, and she found was no reason to attach such great imit impossible to leave Stockholm before portance to that, and to my childhood's
Enoch's words had confirmed what the fancy.'.'
look and the action with the flower had   "Childhood's fancy," repeated Enoch,
given her to understand.  She was gov- seriously.  "I know full well that my
erned the whole day by a feverish anxiety. feeling for you was of a deeper nawhich became extremely painful when ture."
Enoch did not appear.  Aberney was   "If you speak of our friendship, then
away; Edith had gone out with some ac- I hope it will always remain that of a
quaintances. Harmen had declared that brother and sister," replied Harmen, with
she felt ill and was not able to go with a friendly smile; "but those follies
them. Aunt Sara was very busy with which made you leave Uleaborg ought
preparations for their journey, so that not to have kept you from visiting us,
Harmen did not see her at all.       for on the whole we could laugh  at
Towards evening Enoch came home them."  She reached him  her hand.
and found Harmen alone in the parlor. Enoch took it.
Wxcithout seeming in the least affected by   "Harmen, you are a grand and noble
it, he began to speak of how much en- woman, such as you have always stood
gaged he had been, and then the conver- before my imagination, and as I love to
sation passed over to other subjects. remember you.  Thanks, a thousand
Enoch spoke of home, and how much he thanks, my first and only love, that I
longed to see his brothers and mother again find you to be such!" He kissed
again. His unembarrassed manner had her hand. A shiver went through Haran influence upon Harmen, so that she men's whole being, and she closed her
again became at ease.                 eyes to preserve her outer calmness.
"'Do you not intend to come to Fin-   "For my sake, you shall no longer fly
land next summer." asked she.       from your home and your relatives."
"Yes, most assuredly. I have not   "Not for your sake, but -"
dared the experiment before," added he,   "Not any. buts; for your brother's
with a melancholy smile.              wife cannot possibly be dangerous to
" And Awhy not 3 "                 your peace."  Harmen smiled so sisterly
" Because I distrusted my own strength at Enoch.  "Let us forget the past and
and perhaps also another's.  I should remain good relatives and friends."
have been very unhappy if I had awa-   "You are happy, you -"
kened in her a weakness which would   "Yes, I am very happy," assured HIarhave been prejudicial to the duties she men.
had taken upon herself."  Enoch seemed   " Harmen, let us no longer continue
agitated.  Harmen again appeared per- this conversation.  I have through it
fectly calm.                          learned to know the whole of my weak



GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            19
ness.  In this moment I wish that I had grief.  It was her body, not her soul,
never seen you again."                that returned home.
He rose and went up and down the   Uninterested in the outer world, she
room  several times.  Harmen leaned received with perfect indifference the
against the sofa and thought, -       intelligence that her husband had taken
"I would willingly give nly life to be a youth, a foreigner, a German as it was
allowed to say how deeply, how exclu- said, to his house.  Board was paid for
sively I love him; but a single word the young Ivano at Casper's, so that he
which  indicated what my heart feels could in the mean time employ himself
would forever rob me of his esteem and in the laboratory.  He intended to beat the same time of his love."  She come a chemist.
pressed her hand hard against her breast   Absorbed in a feeling of immeasurable
and  sighed.  At this  sound  Enoch regret and disgust with all that surroundstopped.                              ed her, Harmen paid very little attention
"You sigh, Harmen," said he.  "Is it to the young lad, and seldom or never
possible that you also -"             addressed him, although Casper often
" Long for my home and my husband, entreated her to do so. When her husyes."  Harmen's eyes rested searchingly band thus reminded her, she would someon Enoch. She saw him  change color, times say a few words to the youth, as
and added: "I cannot without anxiety he came in to his meals, or spent a part
think how Casper must miss me."       of the evening with the family; other" He loves you still as deeply as ever? " wise she was as if he had not existed.
"Yes, he surely does."                Ivano, on his part, could not drop Har"And how could it well be otherwise?  men from  sight from  the moment he
You do not belong to those whom one entered the room until he left it. She
can forget. Ah, Harmen, you will never was too beautiful not to become an obunderstand how I have loved you and ject of the admiration of the youth, who
shall.love you until my death."       was of equal age with her.
A  pause ensued.  Harmen had not   Some weeks after Harmen's return an
strength to reply.  Aunt Sara's arrival event occurred which drew her somewhat
broke off all further conversation.   from the indifferent state into which she
Two days later Harmen had left Stock- was plunged. Debora Aberney died after
holm.                                  a short illness, leaving her husband and
sons in the deepest sorrow.  Harmen
mourned for the departed, because she
Casper greeted his wife with a glact knew how deeply the loss of the beloved
and hearty welcome, which ought to mother would affect Enoch, especially as
have made an agreeable impression upon he had not seen her for three years, and
Harmen, to see that she was still so could now nevermore view those features
much loved by her husband; but she so dear from childhood.
became indifferent, and did not seek in    One year had rolled over Debora's
his affection a solace and a recompense grave, when Fru Hederman followed her
for what duty bade her forsake. The sister-in-law to the tomb. Harmen, after
young woman had not yet learned that her mother's death, was more silent and
there is a comfort in this life for all that reserved, without Casper's observing it.
we suffer and sacrifice, nanmely, that of He was one of those men who consider
duities fltfilled.  Harmen cast away all it silly to be continually occupying themthat could mitigate her inward sorrow, selves with their wives; especially as
and found enjoyment in revelling in her there was a certain something in Har



20                       3UILT AND INNOCENCE.
men's continually passive and unresisting door of the case.  It was not done quickmanner which became exceedingly mo- ly enough, however, for the girl caught
notonous, and made him very often find her motion.
his beautiful wife tedious.  To all that   "Patron Aberney wishes to speak to
he said she always replied affirmatively, you," said the servant, and threw a curiand never entered into any discussion. ous look around the room. "Well, what
This gave Casper occasion to say to his can my mistress have to do with those
friends, -                             bottles," thought she.  "Herr Aberney
"My wife is so in love that, for fear of has so expressly forbidden any one to
displeasing me, she never has any other touch them."
opinion than mine."                       Harmen received some commissions
Poor Casper, how blind he was when from her father-in-law, which obliged her
he could not see in Harmen's whole de- to go down town, and through which the
meanor an obvious weariness of life, whole day was taken up.  In the evenan absolute indifference for everything! ing the two old friends were together in
Had Harmen possessed a friend, some the saloon, smoking their pipes.  Harconfidante to whom she could have spoken men had had some household matters
of her feelings and her sufferings, then which kept her in the kitchen.  As she
the direction of her soul would perhaps was about entering the saloon she heard
not have taken so fearful a character as Aberney say,
was now the case.                         " You see, Hederman, that I did right
One day Casper had come from the from the beginning when I tried to disapothecary shop, bringing' with him  a suade you from marrying Rosa; but you
flask which he put in a case in his room  were obstinate."
where he kept drugs.  He then said, -     " And I had to suffer for it.  My max"Our life is a very frail thing; a few riage was so unhappy that many times
drops of this liquid, and the lamp of life since I have been a widower I have
is instantly extinguished."            thanked God for delivering me from the
" Is it poison? " asked Haarnen.    heavy yoke."
"Yes, and besides, one which kills di-   "I, on the other hand, shall never
rectly."                               cease to regret Debora," sighed Aberney.
Casper locked the case and put the    "That is natural; for where there is
key in his table drawer. When he had mutual love, there is also true happi:
left the room, Harmen took the key and ness; but where that is lackinlg, death
opened the case.  She took down the is the only deliverer one can hope for."
bottle and looked at it, while she il   Harmen stood motionless a long time
thought repeated her husband's words, — without hearing  anything further of the
"A few drops of this, and the lamp of conversation.  She repeated,
life is extinguished; and I could thus   1 "Where love is lacking, death is the
deliver myself from an existence which only deliverer that remains.  Best then
seems unendurable. Who would regret to die 1 " These last words she had, withme. No one.  Some weeks after my out knowing it, uttered almost aloud.
death I should be forgotten.  I have no    "Not at all," answered  a friendly
children, and consequently no ties which voice, and she felt a pair of arms seize her
bind me to life."                      around the waist.  It was Victor, who
She brought her hand to the glass had arrived from Abo, to pass some weeks;
stopper which was bound over, but just at home.  He was preparing to graduate.
then a servant came in.  Harmen put   From that day Harmen became restthe bottle away hastily, and shut the less and uneven in her manner.  It was




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            21
as if some hard struggle was going on another circumstance caused her to be
within her.                           strongly suspected, and that was, that
Victor soon discovered that Harmen suf- upon the handkerchief which she had
fered from some grief; but was this then used that day some prussic acid had
so wonderful? Had she not, in the course been spilled. The process of the invesof a year and a half, lost her mother and tigation had an exciting effect upon all.
mother-in-law?  With Victor, however, the Harmen, however, displayed through it a
suspicion arose that Harmen did not love calmness and a dignity which impressed
her husband, but was consumed by a even the judge.
secret attachment.                       Scarcely was the trial commenced beOne day, six weeks after Victor's re- fore Enoch suddenly appeared in Ule'aturn to Uleaborg, Aberney and Victor borg, after an absence of five years.  He
sat at the dinner-table at Hederman's, had been apprised by letter of his brothwhen one of Casper's servants came rush- er's terrible death and the shadow of
ing in, crying,-                      suspicion which fell upon Harmen, and
"Herr Aberney has fallen dead from  had hastened home to assist her in his
his chair, after drinking a glass of wine." capacity of advocate.
The two old men and Victor hurried   The meeting between them was painacross the street and up to Casper's ful in the highest degree.  Harmen's
rooms. They found him  lying on his whole exterior showed how ravaged her
back on the floor, and Harmen, more like soul was by this bitter suffering that
a statue than a living creature, leaning had befallen her.  She had become so
over him.                             pale and so wasted, that she appeared
Physicians were called, and at the like a shadow of her former self. She
examination of the dead it was declared was very much agitated during their
that Casper Aberney had died from the first conversation; but at the next she
effects of an instantly fatal poison.  The was, on the contrary, perfectly composed.
remainder of the wine and the food left They then spoke of all that had transfrom  dinner were examined, but were pired upon the day that Casper died.
found not to contain anything of the WVith perfect clearness Harmen described
kind.  The glass which  Casper had everything, from the least to the greatest.
drank from lay broken beside him.     Enoch took it down; then he spoke
A thorough search now followed, with with both his own and Harmen's father,
the result, that among the drugs which who testified that from the beginning to
Casper kept it was seen that a bottle the end of her marriage she had been in
containing prussic acid had been opened. every respect a good wife, a testimony
A servant told that she had one day which was also given her by all the
seen Fru Aberney put just that'bottle household.  The servants had  never
back in the case. As no persons besides heard  any altercation between them;
the servant and Harmen had been in Harmen had always been compliant and
the room during dinner-time, and as the friendly towards her husband; but all
latter had poured the wine from which agreed that she was very silent and lowCasper died, an examination was insti- spirited.
tuted, at which suspicion plainly fell   After all these questions, and the most
upon Harmen of having poisoned her persevering interrogation of the boys and
husband; a suspicion, however, from  dispensers at the store, Ivano remembered
which the general voice fully acquitted that the same forenoon Casper died he
her. Was it not known that the married had been in the room of the departed
pair had lived very happily together? But and had then seen a wineglass on the




22                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
table.  Casper had held a black bottle have in silence adored and admired you
in his hand while he spoke with Ivano. has made me to-day render a declaration
This information gave occasion for new before the court which gives your husresearches as to where the glass which band's death the appearance of an acciCasper drank out of had been taken from. dent, and frees you from all suspicion;
The housekeeper declared that she had but, Madame, it was not for your sake,
taken it from the sideboard, but when but for -my own.  I did not wish that
Enoch asked if she had not that day name branded by a terrible suspicion,
carried any glass from Casper's room, it which I had once revered and loved,
was admitted that she had placed such although my feelings are now the reverse
a one on the sideboard, which had of what they were."
stood upon her master's table, because it   " I do not understand you," said Harlooked perfectly clean. Now the matter men, haughtily, and looked darkly at
seemed clear.  Casper had used the Ivano.  "If what you have related
glass and poured prussic acid in it; the. before my brother-in-law and the jury is
girl had afterwards put it by his place not true, who has asked you to appear
at table, and thus he had been poi- with a false story "
soned.                                   "My former weakness for you has made
In the afternoon, when this information me do it."
had been given at that day's examination,   Ivano rose and whispered some words
and Harmen had been almost entirely in Harmen's ear.  The young widow's
exonerated from suspicion, she sat alone pale face became paler still.  She stared
in her home when Ivano came in.       at Ivano, who added, while he bowed:
"Excuse me, Niadame," said he in "The grave and I are equally silent.
French, " for disturbing you; but I Farewell!"
come to bid you adieu. A letter from    He hastened from the room, and Harmy guardian calls me immediately to men leaned, shivering, against the sofa.
St. Petersburg."                        Somewhat later in the afternoon the post
Harmen replied in some general terms. arrived, bringing with it two pieces of
When she ceased, Ivano took a chair and unfortunate intelligence, one private, the
seated himself beside her.            other public.
" You expect that I shall now take my   The latter contained an order to Finnish
departure; but before I leave this house, regiments to place themselves as quickly
in which I have received so much hospi- as possible upon a war footing; the other
tality from your deceased husband, and was from Aunt Sara.  She communicated
so much cold politeness from you, I have to Hederman, in terms of the deepest
a few words to say. You are an uncom- despair, that his daughter Edith had
monly beautiful woman; one cannot see disappeared, and according to a letter
you without admiring in you one of the which she left behind her to Aunt Sara,
Creator's masterpieces. I am young, and had gone with a Russian to St. P'etersburg.
no wonder then that your beauty has made   These two Job's communications affecton me a deep impression; yet that is ed Hederman so violently that he died
now over. At your husband's death you in a few days of paralysis.
ceased to be beautiful in my eyes," added   His decease, the investigation concernhe with emphasis.  "You had for a long ing Casper's death, and Edith's flight,
time been an object of my warmest feel- were all events which were forgotten in
ings. Your whole being was calculated the general anxiety occasioned by the
to awaken in a youth's breast dreams thought of the war which stood at Finwhich till then had slumbered.  That I land's door.  Public attention was so




GUILT AND INNOCENCE,                             23
exclusively directed to it, that all private peace which tore thee from the Swedish
events were left aside.                mother heart, that shall never cease to
In February, 1808, the Russian troops, mourn, the loss of this child, of which she
under the command of General Buxhdv- has been so proud.  Faithful and strong
den, crossed the frontier.  Upon  the as the rock, thou hast for centuries braved
ground of the Russian proclamation, it the ravages of war, fought and conquered
was hoped that the opened hostilities for thy freedom with a courage and selfwould have a happy issue; but alas! Gus- denial which renders thy people one
tavus Adolphus IV. was too stubborn to of the most remarkable.  This the last
calculate his force with wisdom, and the war, so unhappy for Sweden, best proves.
consequence was he cast aside all rea- Adolf Ivar Arvidson has the following
sonable advice and warnings, placed the with reference to it:welfare of the country at stake, and    "Thus ended this campaign, which
opened its gates to all the devastations always was to the Finnish soldier so rich
of war.                               in glory, although not always successful.
Finland, which for some time had been Almost without support from  Sweden,
allowed to recruit after the innumerable the Finnish army sustained a very unwars which had swept over it, saw with equal conflict against a superior enemy,
a hopeful heart the general well-being having at times a surprising success and
begin to flourish upon the soil which had gaining on the whole more victories than
drank the blood of so many of its sons.  in the preceding wars, even in conjuncAt the outbreak of the war of 1808, tion with the combined forces of Sweden.
Finland was prospering in both a mate- It could be foreseen, from the great disrial and intellectual respect.  Its popu- proportion in the strength of the two
lation had annually increased consider- armies, that the little Finnish force would
ably, and with this the products of the finally succumb; but as there are viccountry were also more abundant.  It tories without honzor, so there are defeats
had also advanced in scientific culture, which insure can immortal fcame;  and
and the Abo University  ranlied with the such were those of the Finnish army.
Swedish.  In silence a line of men was At the recollection of all the heroism
formed whose names shall forever be an which the war of 1808 presents, one feels
honor to their century.  Names such as tempted to curse the traitor who dared
Parthan, Calonius, Menander, Tengstrim, to betray such a people."
Gadolin, and Hillstrdm  shall be preserved with distinguished honor in the
history of learning, and bear witness of
vigor and perseverance, - qualities that         SIX YEARS LATER.
have an effect even upon intellectual   In a smiling region in the middle of
superiority, making  it more  fruitful. Sweden  lies  Sirnis, the  remarkably
Proud of her country and her sons, Fin- beautiful abode of the Superior Judge.
land dreamed of a continued progress, A new judge and his wife had now ocwhen the storms of war came to prove cupied it for a year.
the instability of fortune.              Enoch Aberney was very young for
O Finland! What Swede can think of the office he occupied; but he had obthe 17th of September, 1809, without tained this rapid promotion through his
pain l It was then that peace was pro- uncommon knowledge and his great
claimed between Sweden and Russia, - a   q' It will be remembered that, the strong fort
* Now the University of Finland is at the of Sveaborg was given up to the Russians by a
Capital, Helsingfors.                  foreign traitor.




24                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
ability and integrity, -all qualities which oned her husband.  The first day of the
more or less distinguish the educated trial, when Enoch came from the court,
Finn. For two years he had been mar- he was pale, and for the first time during
ried to his brother's widow, Harmen. three years of marriage there was an exThey had spent the first year of their pression of darkness upon his face. Harmarriage in Stockholm, after which Enoch men asked him what it was, and he
obtained the jurisdiction and established replied, -
himself at Siirnis.                     "Ah, my beloved Harmen, it someHarmen had thus become the wife of times seems very painful to be a judge,
Enoch, he whom she had loved so ex- for then we see humanity in its deepest
elusively from  childhood. Enoch now degradation.  The sight of crime always
possessed as his wife this woman, who disturbs our inner peace."
united in her person all the high and   At dinner Enoch was silent, and his
noble attributes that he adored in the look rested on Harmen with a painful
sex. These two were thus very happy?  expression. One of the notaries said durYes, Enoch was so truly; but how Har- ing the meal,men felt it was difficult to decide. When   " Have you heard, Madam, what a horshe had Enoch at her side she forgot rible case we have had before us to-day?."
everything in the joy of the moment;   "No," replied Harmen; "but from
but it was not that fresh, smiling, and Aberney's gloomy countenance I conclude
peaceful form of deep felicity which an that it must have been something uninward satisfaction generates, but was usual."
something unquiet and  feverish, over   "It is a quite young peasant woman,
which a veil of sorrow lay spread. The who has been accused of taking her husrosy joy of love was enveloped in clouds band's life with poison," answered the
or disturbed by uneasy and silent dreams. notary.
A shadow was thrown over Harmen's   Harmen grew pale, and a shiver passed
inner world which never left it.      through her whole frame. At the same
"lffemory is that which torments me," time she looked at her husband. He
she used to answer Enoch, when he asked was looking at her with an uneasy and
her with tenderness why the cloud con- searching glance.
tinually lingered on her pale brow.     "Strange," said Enoch, contemplatEnoch loved her doubly in these mo- ing his wife; "I shall undoubtedly have
ments. She would not have been his to condemn the poor woman to death,
sensitive Harmen, could  the present and yet it may be possible that she is
happiness have made her lightly forget innocent."
the dark forms of the past.              "Impossible, Judge," returned  the
Two years after marriage Harmen be- notary; "there are too many proofs
came a mother, and the dark shadows against her."
now seemed almost blown away. She   "Nothing is impossible," replied Enocli,
appeared actually happy, and Enoch's and rose from the table. When he kissed
felicity was complete.  Life smiled upon Harmen he took her head between his
him full of promise, when an incident hands and looked deep into her eyes;
from without came and drove away his then he whispered in an agitated voice,happiness.                             I "Poor child  "
At the second autumn after Enoch   Harmen spent the time that Enoch
entered upon his administration, a terri- was at court shut up in her room, allegble case of criminality occurred. A peas- ing that she suffered from headache.  In
ant woman was accused of having pois- the evening when Enoch came to her,




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           25
her eyes bore traces of tears, and one which dwelt in her soul, she went to
could see plainly that she had been weep- meet Enoch when he entered, and reached
ing very much. Enoch was now friendly, him her lips to kiss. Enoch remained
cordial, and glad as usual. He talked standing right before the door.   His
cheerfully and caressed Harmen; but glance fell on the table, on which a winewhen he drew her to him and called her bottle stood; and as if this sight had
by the tenderest of names, she again be- called forth some terrible recollection, he
gan to weep.                         passed his hand over his brow and drew
The next day Harmen appeared calm, a deep sigh. When he afterwards turned
though a certain melancholy rested upon his face to Harmen, it was stern, but
her countenance. The trial of the ac- softened when he met her loving look.
cused peasant woman continued the whole They seated themselves. Harmen did
forenoon, and Enoch at dinner was again her best to be lovely.
thoughtful.  The suit with the criminal   Chance, that inexplicable and secret
woman made the cloud darker and darker power, would have it that they should
on Enoch's brow.  He was kind to have poultry that day, a dish that HarHarmen, sometimes passionately tender, men did not like to see on her table, bebut there were but few words exchanged cause it was the last that Casper ate bebetween them.  It was as if he had fore he drained the fatal glass of wine.
avoided speaking with her. The last When Enoch had eaten his portion, Harcourt day, before he went to pronounce men took the wine-bottle and filled a glass
the sentence over the murderess, he came for him, but without taking any herself.
in to Harmen. She sat by the cradle of   "Do you not drink wine." asked
the sleeping child. Enoch regarded both Enoch, in a tone utterly unlike the one in
a long time; then he kissed Harmen which he was accustomed to address her.
upon the brow, saying mildly,-           "No, Enoch, you know that I am
"She only who has been unhappy, never in the habit of doing it," replied
but not guilty, can dare to enjoy the Harmen.
delight of being a mother. Is it not   "Yes, that is true, you never drinlk
true, my beloved."  Without waiting wine; you only present it to your husfor her answer, he kissed her, adding, band."
"At noon the case is ended, and then,   The voice was harsh. He took the
Harmen, you shall meet me with a beau- glass, adding,
tiful smile on your lips, so that I may   "Six years ago, just this very day, you
forget all that has troubled me. We filled a glass of wine for your first huswill dine alone. All those engaged in band."
the suit are invited to the pastor's, but I   Enoch poured out the wine slowly,
have declined the invitation."       almost drop by drop into his plate, conWhen Harmen was alone, she sank tinuing in a smothered voice, -
down on her knees by the cradle of her   "I will see if there is not also some
child, and faltered through violent sobs, -  poison at the bottom of this."
"Only she who is not guilty can dare   His penetrating look was fixed upon
to enjoy the delight of being a mother! his wife's deadly pale countenance. When
O Jesus Christ, have mercy upon my in- he uttered the last words, Harmen started
nocent child!"                      up and exclaimed in despair, --
Harmen arranged an almost festive   "Pardon, mercy! "
dinner. The elegant table stood spread   She threw herself upon her knees bein the middle of the floor. With a smile, fore Enoch, and would have seized his
behind which she concealed all the pain hand. He drew it away and, supported




26                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
his head with it, all the while fixedly re-   Enoch rose and literally pulled Harmen
garding the kneeling woman.           up from her kneeling position, crying,"In the husband's cabinet was a case;   " Unfortunate, you deceived me, you
this case contained bottles of poison. were not innocent, you have murdered
One day, just the same day as this, six my brother, and I — "  He flung her far
years ago, his wife went into this room, from him, ran his hands through his hair,
she took a black bottle and stole out into and exclaimed in a tone of despair,
the dining-room where the table was set. "and I, I have married my brother's
In her husband's glass she poured a few murderess!"
drops of the colorless liquid, after which   Harmen sank down upon her knees.
she returned the bottle to its place, hav- She was not able to stand, but dragged
ing wiped it with her handkerchief. Some herself to her husband's feet, sobbing,moments later she meets her husband   "Hear me, before you curse!"
with the sweetest of smiles.  She serves   " Follow me!" was all that he anhim with the dishes he most likes, and swered, and went into his office, bolting
finally she presents him with a glass of the door after them.
wine, and asks him to drink. He drinks"   The following morning there came a
(Enoch grasped her arm with convulsive message to the parsonage with the horeagerness) "and after having emptied this rible  intelligence, that Judge  Enoch
glass, which she with such perfidious Aberney had shot himself in the night,
friendliness offered him, he falls dead at and that his lovely wife had become deher feet."                            ranged through grief.
PAIRT I.
IN the folds of its mantle Time had in the University at Abo, where he rebrought with it ten years.  Ten winters sided. He never visited Uleaborg.
had snowed over Enoch Aberney's grave,   The slpring term of 1825 in Abo was
and forsixteen years had Sweden mourned ended.  Professors and students went
the loss of Finland; it looked still with away to enjoy the summer and recruit
pain and regret after the lost one, and themselves after well-sustained fatigue.
from  Finland's faithful heart was sent Professor Aberney was one of those who
many a sigh to the Swedish shores.    left the city.  He removed to a little
One would have sought in vain in country place which he had just purUleaborg for any of Hederman's and chased, and whichwas located some miles
Aberney's descendants.  The apothecary from Abo. It had a solitary situation.
shop was in possession of a stranger, and The Professor intended to spend the sumAberney's house had been a prey to the mer there, accompanied only by Aunt
flames. Of Aberney's three hopeful sons Sara, who took care of his house. Aberonly the youngest, Victor, remained, and ney was a bachelor.  He had passed the
he no longer resided in his native town.  previous summers in a little place that
What had become of Hederman's two he rented; but as he could not enjoy undaughters. No one knew.              disturbed peace there, he had gone farVictor Aberney had become a professor ther away.




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            27
Victor Aberney's occupation during his great care and nicety, without there bestay in Junta was to plunge into his ing anything " set off" in her apparel.
studies and his musical meditations. The cap of exceedingly fine and beautiful
On these summer trips he took with him  lace was plain, neat, and dazzlingly white.
a whole library and some music, and The face which it surrounded had quite
loved to spend the days either lying out- certainly been beautiful some thirty or
stretched in the woods reading some of forty years back. Now it was small and
his favorite authors, or in roaming around shrunken.  The features were fine and
the neighborhood with a book for a com- regular. The deep-set brown eyes were
panion; or he could forget the whole extremely lively, and had a mixed exouter world with his violin or at his pression of sharpness and friendliness.
piano, holding solitude dear, and never Her whole person bore the stamp of an
voluntarily seeking any other companion- unceasing activity.  When with a light
ship than nature, his books, and music. and rapid step she ha'd come up to
At this period he had not yet completed Aberney, she said in a short, quick
his fortieth year.  He was tall and voice,strongly built; he had a free and open   "Dear Victor, it is not right of you to
brow, upon which intellectual and moral run away from me; you ought to have
superiority was enthroned, and a marked known me well enough to understand
expression of firmness of character in that I should find you, as I had made up.every feature.  He had the appearance my mind to have a talk with you."
of a genuine Finn, upright, sensible, and   Aunt Sara spread her handkerchief
determined.  For the rest he was a upon the ground, smoothed her dress, and
thoroughly learned man, who had never seated herself at a little distance from
loved anything but his books, a gifted Victor.
composer who had never been enthusias-   "It is no easy matter to get away
tic over anything but music, and a man from me, I can tell you," added Sara, with
of integrity who wished to live for his a self-satisfied manner.
country.                                 "So I perceive," sighed Victor, and
He withdrew as much as possible from  closed his book, adding: "well, why do
social life, but when he participated in it, you pursue me so obstinately 3 "
it was not as a half-foolish, abstracted   "0, that you know very well!" said
book-worm, whose manner excited ridi- Sara, and very carefully smoothed out a
cule, but as a cultivated and agreeable crease in her apron.  " Had you not surman of society.                       mised what it was, you would not have
It was towards the end of May, one run away so soon."
week after Aberney's arrival at Junta.' Dear Aunt, if it is to read me that letWVith some books under his arm, the ter, then," — Victor's brows contracted, -
Professor started for one of his favorite "then I assure you that it is not worth
places in the wood. He had scarcely had while.  I ask you quite obligingly to retime to stretch himself upon the tender frain from  speaking to me about that
carpet of grass, when a voice cried, -  matter."
" Victor, Victor!"                   "After this warning you have soothed
"Well, there comes Aunt Sara. WVhat your conscience for what may come to
can the old lady want of me  " thought pass between you and me in the case we
the Professor, and looked quite provoked. should happen to take each other by the
At the  same instant the figure of a hair. But I will inform you that Aunt
woman appeared among the trees.  It Sara is not much afraid for herself, and
was a little, thin woman, attired with therefore-"




28                      GUILT AND. INNOCENCE.
She drew  a letter from her pocket.   "I desire something to eat."
Victor was instantly on his feet.        " 0 yes, you desire to have your food,
" Therefore there is an end of my pa- and I must stand ready to serve your
tienee," exclaimedhe. "I assureyou,Aunt wishes; but when I have something to
Sara, that I will not come home to din- talk with you about, then you run away
ner if a word more is said upon this sub- and say you would rather go without
jet."        -your dinner than to listen to me.  I
With this Victor took a few long' and declare if it is not- "
hasty steps, so that he made quite a dis-   "See here, dear Aunt, do not be angTy.
tance from  Aunt Sara.  She remained You know  there is but one subject
sitting and looked after him. When she that I never want to hear spoken of."
had lost him from sight, she muttered, -  "And so you believe that I shall be
" Run away, my boy, but it is of no use, mute. You think I shall allow myself
or do you believe that your old aunt is to be commanded to silence."  Aunt
such a simpleton that she cannot vindi- Sara was real angry.
cate the right because you take to flight.   "I think that you should be good and
We will see. As sure as a man ought to give me some dinner," returned Victor,
stand by his word and an ox byhis plough, laughing.
so sure is it that when a woman wants   Aunt Sara rose, grumbling a little, and
anything it will go through, were there went into the kitchen.
even ten men to cross her.  Now I want   " Now I can be sure to be treated with
you to take the boy, because it is right hash," thought Victor, and seated himand reasonable, and it shall be done."    self upon the porch.  In a little while
With this hopeful premise, Aunt Sara Aunt Sara's voice was heard, -
rose and tripped up to the house.  She   " Now you can go in and eat."
seated herself on the front stoop with her   Victor went into  the dining-room.
sewing, and threw a glance now and then The table was set only for one.
at the men to see that they were work-   "Well, what does this mean?  Do
ing. They were busy arranging flower- you not dine with me, Aunt 3."
beds.                                    " No, I am not lungry."
Towards dinner-time  Aberney came   Sara cleared out to the kitchen, and
home. When he saw Aunt Sara sitting' Victor seated himself, muttering,in the porch, he stopped at the gate, as   "The old lady is angry.  It is dreadthough undecided whether he ought to ful with women, that they should be so
go in; but when she continued to sew cross."
without heeding him, Aberney took his   The Professor lifted one of the covers,
choice and continued his way. When he fully persuaded that it contained hash,
stepped upon the stoop he said, -     to which he was by no means partial,
"Good day, dear Aunt; is dinner ready but he was mistaken.  It was steak.
soon "                                When the dinner was eaten with a vig"Dinner!" exclaimed Sara.  "Did orous appetite, the Professor went out on
you not say that you should not come the steps to.smoke his pipe, and pet his
home to dinner."                     large hunting dog. Aunt Sara did not
"Hm!"  Aberney said nothing more, become visible, but a servant brought in
but went into the hall.  Aunt Sara the coffee. Aberney was so accustomed
remained and sewed quite desperately. to listen to Sara's chat for a while after
Victor walked back and forth upon the dinner, that it seemed to him quite lonefloor. After a while he came out to some. He soon fell into thought, but
Sz aa.                               I this must have been of a singular kind,




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                             29
for cloud after cloud passed over his face. taking his way to  the  front porch.
He forgot to  smoke, and the coffee- There was no one there, and, glad to
cup stood untouched.  Suddenly  the escape meeting  Sara, Victor  walked
silence around him  was broken by a across the yard and through the woods
clear and beautiful child's voice, which until he came to the sea-shore.  lie
sang a Finnish "people's song."  Aber- threw himself on the grass, took off his
ney started at the sound of these tones, hat and let the evening breeze play
which came from the woods.  It was the caressingly over his brow, while he folsame song Edith had sung the first time lowed with his eyes the motion of the
her father heard her.  In Victor's soul water.
these tones recalled very many bitter   The birds called to each other, and
memories.  He listened  with  intense seemed to enjoy the glorious evening.
interest to the melody, which brought Aberney lay  at the foot of a rock,
back images of his dear paternal home entirely concealed by the thick bushes.
and all those he had loved.  When the The learned man was roused from his
song died away, he still sat with his reflections by a rustling sound from the
head leaning on his hand, absorbed in top of the rock, and some stones which
reveries.                             rolled down falling directly beside him.
"It was a voice just  like hers," Before he had time to rise to see what it
thought he, and did not perceive that he was that had occasioned these effects, he
expressed this thought aloud, until Aunt heard an uncommonly strong and ringSara uttered,-                         ing child's voice sing an old song, belong"And yet those who are related to her ing to the very oldest "people's melodies,"
are left to poverty, when you could -"  one of those which Aberney had heard
"Aunt!"  exclaimed Victor hastily, in his childhood.  The voice sang every
and rose.  "What is it that you are verse twice, and with such a musical conplotting  "                            ception  that it awakened  Aberney's
"You can amuse yourself with plot- whole interest.
ting, or perhaps you believe that it was   When the tones at last died away, he
through my management that that song sprang up to see the singer.
was sung 3 "                             Upon the rock sat a little girl.  Her
"Yes, I do believe it.  Who was it head was turned away, for her eyes were
that sung3"                            upon the water. Aberney could only
"Probably some of the neighbors' chil- see her profile; but this possessed a regdren.  That matter is perfectly indiffer- ular beauty rarely  seen.  The whole
ent, and I only came to -"             contour of this charming little head was
Sara was not allowed to continue beautiful, and it was easy to guess that
further.  Aberney rose immediately and she must possess upon a nearer view
with hasty steps took his way to his uncommon loveliness.   She was still in
room, the door of which he closed and her childhood, and could at the most be
locked.                                ten or eleven years of age.
"What a bull-head," muttered Aunt   Aberney regarded the girl a long time
Sara.                                  with close attention; at last she turned
her head and saw him. She rose immediately and intended to leave the rock.
The evening was  unusually  mild.   "My child, follow this path here," said
The sun was hiding itself in the west- Aberney, " then you avoid climbing."
ern ocean; when Aberney's door again   The little girl nodded affirmatively,
opened, and he  entered  the saloon, glided down light as a spirit, and in a few




30                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
minutes stood before Aberney, whom she was to go there.  I did it to-day at
greeted with a peculiarly open and fear- dinner-time; but there were people in
less look.                            the yard who were at work, so I did not
"How do you dare to go alone here trouble myself to go any farther.  How
in the woods." asked he, captivated by provoking! I have not been able to
her appearance.                       throw a good stone this long while. It
" Why should I not dare to do it?  I is surely you who have evil eyes."  She
am entirely alone, and I am so used to looked at Aberney.
the woods, where I sing my songs for the   "Ah, no, it is because you have chosen
birds, who listen to them, and I love too heavy stones," replied he, finding
the rocks and the trees; and though I himself much entertained by the girl's
have many times wished that Ajattera?'~ manner. " But tell me, why has Annika
would reveal herself and lead me astray, said that I was dangerous?."
still it has never happened."            "I do not know; but yesterday when
"Do you live in the neighborhood "   I came home from one of my rambles,
"Certainly.  I am the widow's daugh- she said just so:' Listen, Skuldfrid, you
ter, as they call me. My home is at Ek- must not go to Junta; a gentleman lives
torp.  But who are you?  I have never there who is ill-disposed towards all little
seen you before."                     girls, to you especially.' When the old
The little girl looked at the tall man, woman said that, she looked terribly
whose appearance inspired her confi- frightened, which made me decide to go
denuce.  With children the first impres- to Junta."
sion is absolutely decisive.  It is not   " You are not very obedient," said
reflection, reason, or intellect which Aberney.
speaks at that age, but pure instinct.   "I do not trouble myself to obey AnThe child seated herself on a stone by nika.  0 no, when she says anything,
the shore while she talked, and began to I always do just the contrary."
throw  skipping - stones with small fiat   "Who then do you obey? "
pebbles which she took up from  the    "I obey mamma," answered the little
sand.                                 girl, quite seriously.
"You want to know who I am,", an-   "What is your name. "
swered Aberney, smiling, and  seated   "Skuldfrid Smidt," said the child, ani
himself also on a stone.  "I am the new got up, adding: "now I cannot talk
owiler of Junta."                     any longer with you, for I must go home.
"Ah, now I know, that beautiful place Come here to-morrow evening, and I will
there away in the woods. Old Annika come and sing my songs for you."  She
said that a gentleman had moved there nodded to him and sped away, light and
whom I ought to be very much afraid quick as a little bird.
of."  The little girl began to laugh.   Aberney lookedafterher and thought, -
"You do not look very dangerous.  Do   "An uncommon fresh and uncorrupted
you know what I thought when Annika child. A little savage.  I wonder who
told me that I could not go to that her parents are."
house? "
"C Let me hear!"
"That the first thing I ought to do
While the Professor was absent, a
* Is according to the Finnish people's belief a young boy about fourteen had arrived a
spirit of the woods belonging to the female sex,
and who is accustomed to lead people astray in Junta.  He inquired for Mademoiselle
the woods.                            Sara Hederman, was embraced by her




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            31
and kissed and caressed through tears.   To Aberney's great surprise, Sara did
The old lady was so deeply affected at not speak a word either during or after
the sight of him, that she could not the supper about anything but the garspeak for a long while, but held the boy den, the improvements which ought to
pressed close to her breast, sobbing like be made, etc. When Victor had finished
a child.  When the first violent emotion eating, he remained sitting a long time
had subsided, a multitude of questions and smoked.  Sara kept him  company,
followed. Aunt Sara had much that she while she knit as usual upon her stockwanted to know.                       ing.
When her curiosity was somewhat sat-   "Aunt Sara, you ruin your eyes to sit
isfied, she said, -                   and knit after dark," said Aberney, rising.
"Now, dear child, I will go with you The pipe was smoked out.
up to your room, where you will have to   "Ah, don't you know that I never
stay this evening. I must speak to Vic- look at my knitting!  but now it must be
tor before I show you to him."        time to go to rest.  Good night!"  The
Sara treated the boy to the best her old lady looked down at her apron, nodpantry had to bestow; then she took him  ded to Aberney, and went to her room.
to a little chamber in the upper story.   "She will certainly not live much
Wihen he was regularly installed there, longer. I have never seen her like this,"
the old lady tripped down and reached thought Aberney, and called his servant
the porch just as Victor came home.   Anders, who was the Professor's valet,
Sara, who had not yet had time to see lackey, and helpmate; he had served in
clearly how she should prepare Aberney the house of Victor's parents.  When
for the arrival of the uninvited guest, Anders came out from  the Professor's
and who had not at all devised her plan room, he met Sara in the hall. She inof attack, looked quite surprised at the quired if his master had retired.
sight of her nephew.                     "Yes indeed, that he has, Mamsell,"
"Well, of all things, you home again answered Anders.
already," said she, with an unusually   "Were you able to keep silent about
gentle voice.                         the company that, has arrived here "
"Do you think I come too soon l" asked Sara.
asked Aberney, smiling good-humoredly.   "0 Jemini, how  you talk, Mamsell.
"It is ten o'clock."                  Have I not promised you not to say a
"_Is it so late? "  Sara's tone was ex- word about it? "
tremely tender.  "It is high time that   "That is right, Anders; now go to
you should have a little supper."      bed."  Sara went into the saloon, and
Sara hurried out to the kitchen, and directly afterwards to Aberney in his
in a short time a dainty little supper- bedroom.
table was spread in the porch, with fresh   Anders thought, while he was crossing
eggs and several of Aberney's favorite the yard, -
dishes.  While all these good things   "I can venture my life upon it, that
rained upon him from Sara's otherwise that was Harmen's boy who came here.
parsimonious store-room, he thought, -   He certainly had her black eyes. Let us
" I wonder what has come over the see now how the Professor likes the arold lady. She does not usually treat me rangement.  Well, well, we shall soon
in this way when I do not fall in with know."
her plans. She has certainly some mo- While Anders came to these conclusions,
tive in serving me with such a splendid Aberney, with no little astonishment,
supper."                              had seen Aunt Sara enter his room, and




32                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
that after he had gone to rest, - some- Now the question concerns an innocent
thing which the modest old maid did not child, whom she has so beseechingly conconsider in accordance with propriety.   fided into our hands; and if you close
"What can be the matter that Aunt your heart to the poor mother's prayer,
Sara comes in at this time 1 " exclaimed then I shall not." The old lady smoothed
he, and found himself caught just like a her apron with great zeal, and was so
rat in a trap.  What the old lady now violently excited, that her head shook
came to say he had to listen to, for with a peculiar nervous trembling.
there was no means of retreat possible.  "No, Aunt Sara, you shall not take
t"  Ah, you see, dear Victor, as I have care of her child, you who have spent the
not for the whole day been able to speak most of your property upon your brothwith you, I suppose I must conquer my er's and sister's children. I will give the
natural repugnance to calling on you boy a yearly allowance until he can proafter you have retired, in order to say vide for himself, but with the express
what I have to communicate. You are condition that he may never place his
now, in your turn, obliged to listen to foot over my threshold or in any manme. You cannot very well spring from  ner try to come in contact with my peryour bed, I should think. It is your son. I leave it to you to decide the
stubbornness that has compelled me to amount that he may need for his studies,, employ this resource."               and then I desire that his name may not
"I do not perceive the necessity of be mentioned between us."
this course of action," answered Aberney,   "  ell, I dare say you think that all
Erathfully.                         that is required is to throw a pittance to
"',Do you not?  But I do, and that is the boy, and then leave him  to the
su'Eicient, I should presume. Now I ask mercy of the world," screamed Sara in
you earnestly and decidedly: will you a perfect gust of rage, and in her veheor will you not take the boy and educate ment efforts to smooth the apron, wrinkhim;'                                led it all up; "but you see, it was not
The blood rushed up to Aberney's this that she entreated of you. I will
head as he. answered with passion,-   tell you that I have for ten years taken
"Aunt, I will have nothing to do with care of him, and shall certainly do it
the criminal woman's son; this I have hereafter without your assistance, if
firmly  declared  once  before, and  I money had been the only concern; but
thought that you understood my charac- it is a father, a home, a protector, that
ter sufficiently to know  that I never the boy needs and that he shall have.'break my word."                      As to the condition, that he should not
"If you remain firm to an act so un- cross your threshold, it comes somewhat
just as to leave the child without assist- too late. The boy already sleeps under:
ance because the mother has been guilty, your roof."
then I consider it my duty to leave your   "Aunt! " exclaimed Aberney, and sat
house and share with him the remainder up in his bed.  "You have not -"
of my small means. It shall never be   "Dared to let him come here    Yes
said  about Sara iederman, that she indeed I have, and either he shall stay
abandoned  the one she could  have here or we will both leave the house,
helped. What matters it if Tage's moth- where a cold egotism and an unreasonable
er has committed never so many faults, hatred to the mother reaches the child.
the child is not to be blamed for that! Now I have spoken to the end. Either
Besides, my dear Victor, she, poor crea- you adopt her son or I shall share with
ture, has had to suffer enough for them. him the crumbs I possess.  Let us see




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            33
if you reap any blessing from your con-   "I should like to see him," replied
duct."                                Aberney in a short voice.
Sara set off to the door, without turn-   " Open the door and go in," snubbed
ing or throwing a glance at Aberney. Sara; "but do not hinder me; I must go
Just as she laid her hand on the latch, down and give orders to have the horses
he said with a suppressed voice,-     harnessed, before the men go to their
"Will you be so good as to stop a work."
moment. I ought certainly to have the   "It is unnecessary for you to depart."
right to ask how that boy came here."    "Am I not going. Well, you will see.
"Upon my solicitation, because I be- Have I made myself known as such a
lieved that I possessed a nephew with a weather-vane, that I change my resoluheart.  I have deceived myself; so it tion. No, my dear nephew, what I have
only remains to pack up my things and once said is said for good."
leave the place. Alone with your impla-   "If you will be so kind, Aunt Sara, as
cability, I hope you will one day under- to remain here only a few minutes, we
stand how wrongly you have acted; but will continue the conversation which you
then it will be too late to make amends." began last night."
The latch turned, and Aunt Sara dis-   Sara looked at her nephew and then
appeared through the door, without Aber- went to one of the bureau-drawers. Abney's calling her back..             erney, who concluded from this motion
That night neither he nor Sara slept. that she intended to wait for his return,
The latter was busy pulling  all her went out again and took his way to the
clothes from  the drawers and packing guest-chamber, the door of which he
them in trunks, which she without help opened very carefully.
dragged down from the garret.  She was   In the bed, surrounded by light curso heartily provoked, that she cried every tains, rested n. young boy.  He slept
little while. She packed and repacked. that deep ancaquiet sleep which is so
She put the contents of the drawers all peculiar to youth. Aberney stole with
topsy-turvy. She had been put completely noiseless steps to the bed..  e stopped
out of balance.  The starched apron was and fastened his gaze upon the sleeper,
dreadfully wrinkled, and she did not once who was  an  uncommonly handsome
think of smoothing it out. When the youth, with a profusion of light brown
working-bell was heard in the morning, hair, which curled in disorder around a
and Sara put the finishing touch to her high  and open forehead.  Upon the
packing, the door opened and Victor parted lips played a defiant smile, probcame in. Aberney was unusually pale, ably called forth by his dreams.
and from his disturbed appearance one   Aberney looked at him a long time;
could easily discover that he had been then he turned quickly upon his heel,
awake the whole night.                and left the room with as noiseless steps
"Aunt Sara, where have you lodged as he had entered'it.  He went directly
him?" asked he.                       to Aunt Sara's door, opened it, and
"In the yellow  guest-chamber," was said,
the answer.                             "I will keep the boy in my house, and
"I suppose he is still asleep."  l  shall adopt him as my son. All depart"Well, what then! You certainly can- ure is thus unnecessary.".'
not mean to have me tear him from his   The door closed'again, and Aberney
bed, and start off with him in the middle went to shut himself up in his own room.
of the night "   The old lady looked   Aunt Sara, who had remained standmightily enraged                      ing by the bureau where Aberney left




34                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
her, swung round at his words; but when He reached Tage his hand.  "I hope
the door closed as quickly as it had that we shall be satisfied with each other."
opened, she clasped her hands together   Tage took the offered hand, and carried
and dropped upon a chair, so amazed was it to his lips, stammering,
she. She did not long abandon herself   "As long back as I can remember,
to surprise.  When the first impression they have told me to love the name of
of it had subsided, she whispered in great Aberney."
haste a prayer of gratitude to God, who   " THey," repeated Aberney, but did not
had permitted her to win such a victory, continue. He made a sign to Tage to
and then a terrible flurry ensued to un- follow him into the dining-room, where
pack all the things, and to obliterate all dinner and Aunt Sara met them.
traces of the intended journey. The   Sara had a bran-new starched apron,
servants ought not (of course) to get any- and that in spite of its being in the midthing to talk about. The old lady worked die of the week. She generally calcaso'hard that she was all overdone, when lated one apron per week. A clean cap
Lisa came up at seven o'clock to see if also surrounded the little meagre face; for
her mistress was ill, as she had not been the other one had, during the excitment
visible. Sara found it expedient to say of the  night, been totally destroyed.
that she had been a little indisposed.    Sara would not have believed that she
Aberney was not seen for the whole should be allowed to enter the kingdom
forenoon, and no one dared to knock at of heaven, if she had shown herself in a
his door when he had shut himself in. wrinkled apron and in a cap that was
That was a plain sign that he wished to not as white as snow. The old lady had
be alone and undisturbed.             now resumed her usual appearance.
The newly arrived guest, young Tage,   Aberney generally spoke very little,
had breakfasted with Aunt Sara, and then and was at this dinner more silent than
taken a little walk around the garden usual.  He asked Tage some questions
with her.                             about what he knew, and to what school
he had gone in Helsingfors, etc. Not a
single inquiry was made which had refThe dinner-bell sounded clear and erence to his parents or his earlier life.
called Junta's people from work to the   What especially pleased Aberney in.
repast, and then Aberney opened his door his nephew was his open look, the freeand entered the room where the table domr and unconstraint of his movements
was set; but no person was visible.  He and speech. Tage was with Aunt Sara
went out on the front stoop, and told and Aberney just as if he had known
Anders, who was raking the garden, to themu all his life, and yet he now saw
ask Tage to come down, if he was in the them both for the first time.
guest-chamber.                          After the meal the Professor called all
The next moment the boy stood before the household together, and said to them,
Aberney.                              pointing to Tage, -
"Has Aunt Sara told you that my   "Here you see my son, Tage Aberney."
home will henceforth be yours. that you   When Aunt Sara and Victor were left
from this day shall regard me as your alone, the old lady exclaimed, while she
father!" asked Aberney, with a voice embraced him, -
that sounded somewhat harsh.            "You are still my own boy, with a
"Yes, Aunt Sara has told me so," re- heart like a true Aberney. It was fine
plied the boy.                        and noble to adopt her child and give
"Good, then I have nothing to add." him your name."




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            35
"Dear Aunt, one must do either all or captivated by it, because it is dictated
nothing."                             entirely by the impulse of the moment.
Towards evening Aberney took a stroll Besides, there was something so original
down to the shore; but not a usual one, about her, that she excited interest unwithout any definite aim.  He went di- avoidably, even had she been less beautirectly to the place where he had met the ful.
little girl the preceding evening. When    "Shall I sing for you some Finnish
he arrived at the spot, he found her al- songs 3" she asked.  "Do you like Finready there. She sat on the same stone, as land,"
at their first meeting, and cried to him, -  "Yes, very much. It is my native
"It was nice that you came. I began land."
to think that you would not be here.   With a voice strong and clear the
Then I should certainly have cried."    little girl sang two songs, more than fa" Then you wanted to see me again." mliliar to Aberney; one of them Edith
" Yes, very, very much." She jumped had sung in her childhood, the other was
down from the stone, ran to Aberney, one of his first compositions.  While
took his hand and drew him to the green, Skuldfrid sang, Aberney closed his eyes,
grassy carpet that lay spread at the foot and he fancied himself carried back to
of the rock.  "Sit down here, and I will the happy years of childhood, when Fintell you why I should have felt bad if land was yet under Sweden, and when
you had not come."                    sorrow and grief were yet strangers to
Aberney threw himself on the grass. his heart.  Tears stole involuntarily from
The child took her place beside him, and the strong man's eyes and ran slowly
laying her clasped hands upon his shoul- down his cheeks at the thought of the
der, she resumed, -                   many losses he had suffered.
"When I returned home last evening,   Skuldfrid, who had fastened her eyes
I thought until I went to sleep about upon him, ceased abruptly when she saw
how I should sing some of my songs for tears on his cheeks. She exclaimed hasyou to-night.  This was something so tily,
new, that I just enjoyed myself over it."    "What, do you weep! Has my song
"Why did it seem to you so entertain- made you sad? And I who thought that
ing "                                 you would like it."
"Hm!" Skuldfrid leaned her head to   "It was for Finland that I wept,"
one side and pondered a moment. "That answered Aberney.  "My beloved, my
I cannot tell; but you must know that, precious Finland! Sing away, your songs
besides mamma, Annika, and the game- are dear to me."
keeper, I have not sungt for any one but   Skuldfrid finished her interrupted song,
the birds, and they cannot praise me, and then another. Aberney patted and
but you can. Besides, I thought that we praised her, at which she smiled so
might be a couple of good friends.  I pleased; but when he asked her to sing
shall certainly like you very much."  one more, she answered laughing,It was perfectly impossible for Aberney   "No, sir, not to-night.  We must keep
not to smile at Skuldfrid's artless words. something for to-morrow.  Now I shall
He assured her that he was her friend go home."
already. Who should not have felt drawn   Aberney rose, saying, -
to this fresh and charming child of Na-   "I will go with you."
ture! Although friendship at her age is   Skuldfrid laid her finger upon her lips,
for the most part very transitory, it has and stood thinking; then she raised her
still something so attractive, that we are head and replied, -




36                       GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"Well, you can do so; but you must   At Ektorp, or the widow's house, as
not go as far as the house, for then Anni- Fru Smidt's little place was generally
ka might see you, and after that I should called, we will make a little visit, sonme
certainly not be allowed to go outside moments before Skuldfrid returns.
the garden for a long time."            The building itself stood between a
"And why so 2."                     yard filled with large trees and a garden
"Annika does not want me to talk which extended to the lake, and was
with any of the neighbors, except the enclosed with an unusually high fence.
country people."                      The place was surrounded by a tall and
Skuldfrid took Aberney's hand, and sombre pine forest.  The garden, situated
they started homeward, through woods by the lake-shore, was remarkably well
and thickets.                         taken care of, and provided with small'" You speak constantly of Annika, and arbors and a little summer-house. The
never of your mother; how is that "    latter, during warm  weather, was Fru
"_My mother is so good, so pious, that Smidt's favorite place.  She sat there in
I sometimes think that she is a saint.  I the forenoon with her little daughter and
do not speak of her willingly because -  instructed her. In the afternoon, when
because -I am so fond of mamma and the merry child enjoyed her freedom and
yet - yet - I have such a respect for made her excursions, Fru Smidt remained
her, that I scarcely ever dare to laugh in there alone, working, weeping, and looking
her presence."'  drearily out into space. She spent day
"You are perhaps seldom with your after day in this summer-house, without
mother? "                            any interruption in her habits.
"O no, sir, that is not so at all. The   Fru Smidt had lived six years in Ekwhole day long I read, sew, play, write, torp.  The ground was in the care of an
and draw for mamma.  It is only in leis- overseer, and Annika was the housekeeper.
ure moments that I am away from her. The revenue of the property was small,
Then I love to run around in the woods." and Fru Smidt's means limited, which
" With whom of the neighbors does rendered great economy necessary in the
your mother associate?"               widow's house.  She worked at times
" Mercy, how ridiculous you talk! We very diligently; what she then did redo not know any of the neighbors. Mam-  mained a secret between her and Annia;
ma never goes out except to church, but there were other times when ishe
where I am allowed to go with her."   sank into melancholy, and for several
"Have you no playmates? "          weeks did nothing but read with Skuld" O, yes, I have a very handsome cat frid. Between times she wandered back
and a great many doves."              and forth in her room  or in the large
With similar chat they pursued their garden path, as if pursued by some inner
way, and when they came to the end of anguish.
the wood, Skuldfrid asked Aberney to   On the above-mentioned evening she
leave her.' She threw a kiss to him in sat in the summer-house, busily occupied
farewell, and then ran, light and joyous with a piece of embroidery.  She was
as a gazelle, down a crooked lane which dressed entirely in black, even to the
led from the path through the woods to cap, which surrounded a pale face and
the little solitary house, which had an in- silver-white hair.  She seemed to be
describably charming and romantic situa- about forty years of age, this woman,
tion on the shore of a lake.          over whose brow sorrow but not time
had spread the snow of old age.  It was
still and quiet all around her.  The onlyl




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                          37
sounds heard were the dashing of the promised to sing for him, and he came.
waves upon the beach, and the song of Ndw he has promised to like me, and
the birds in the branches. Suddenly a that we shall meet often. Annika, who
shrill female voice was heard in full dis- saw that he came with me, says that I
pute with fresh, childish tones.     have done something wrong, and that
"Yes, I tell you what, Skuldfrid, this mamma will feel very bad about it;
time I will certainly complain to your but I do not believe it."  Skuldfrid took
mother!" screamed the shrill voice.  her mother's hand, adding: "Beloved
"That you shall not, for I can tell mamma, you must not let Annika shut
mamma all about it myself," answered me up within this garden fence, but you
the child's voice.                   must let me go and sing my songs in the
Fru Smidt raised her head, and saw evening to my friend. I shall be all the
Skuldfrid running along the broad walk more industrious in the daytime."
down. to the summer-house, the glass   "What is the name of your friend?"
door of which stood open. When the   "I do not know."
little girl was near it, she slackened her   "But I do," muttered Annika, yet so
pace, and when she reached the door she low that neither mother nor daughter
walked quite properly and becomingly to heard what she said.
her mother. She took her hand and   Fru Smidt remained silent for a few
kissed it saying, -                  moments; then she patted the child on
"Good evening, dear mamma."  At the head and said very kindly,the same time she turned her head, and   "You have so little joy, my poor child,
saw Annika coming panting along the that I certainly do not wish to deny you
path and steering her course towards the the one you now have. You may go
summer-house. At this sight Skuldfrid and sing your songs for your new friend."
hastened to add, before Fru Smidt had   "No, mistress, that the child must
put any questions,                   not do," broke in Annika.
"' Mamma, Annika intends to tell tales   "And why not " Fru Smidt looked
of me; but I would rather tell you my- at the old woman.
self what I have done."                " The owner of Junta is called Victor
"So should I, my child," replied the Aberney."
mother, and a loving smile lighted up   A shiver ran through Fru Smidt's
the sombre features.                frame. She sat a long while motionless;
"1 Well, it is so, that —"        then she Pose, kissed Skuldfrid on the
"' Skuldfrid runs around to the neigh- brow, and left the summer-house. Skuldbors," interrupted Annika, mounting the frid looked inquiringly at her mother;
steps of the summer-house.           but as she appeared to be outwardly
"Let Skuldfrid speak for herself," said calm, the child could not imagine that
Fru Smidt. "You know that I do not this calmness concealed an inward agitalike to have you go to the neighbors; tion. With that happy heedlessness that
why then do you do it? "             belongs to her age, Skuldfrid did not
"Manmma, I have not been to any- attach any significance to her mother's
body's," answered the little girl.  "My leaving the summer-house so hastily.
whole fault is, that yesterday at the east She was too much accustomed to the
point I met my friend, the owner of peculiarities of her disposition to reflect
Junta. I sat on the rock and sang. He that the name of her friend might have
called to me to come down, which I did, been the cause of this sudden departure.
and so we became real good friends. I When she was left alone with Annika,
asked him  to come again to-day and who looked quite sorrowfully after the




38                       GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
retreating one, Skuldfrid said with child- is up in the house except us two."  Anish presumption, -                     nika took Fru Smidt's hand, adding, "Do
" Well, Annika, what did you gain for as the old woman wants you to and drink
wishing to tell of me?  Have I been a little coffee; after a night without
scolded. Was I forbidden to go to the sleep and spent under the open sky, it
beach and meet my friend 3 "           is quite necessary.  Think of little Skuld"Hush, dear child, you do not ima- frid and take care of her mamma."
gine how much pain your childishness has   Annika's wrinkled face showed so much
caused," answered Annika, and left her.  tenderness, that the sight of it could not
"Now  the old woman  is angry," but do good to the heart; something like
thought Skuldfrid, and went singing mer- a friendly smile also glided over Fru
rily to water the flowers and feed the Smidt's features, and she silently took
doves, her usual evening occupation.   her way to the saloon. When she had
taken a cup of coffee, which Annika
served to her with much satisfaction, she
sat a while absorbed in thought, then
Early the next morning Fru Smidt turned to the old servant, saying,
was seen walking unquietly up and down   "Is Victor Aberney actually my nearone of the most remote paths in the gar- est neighbor. "
den.  Her face was so sombre, that one   "Yes, and therefore I scolded Skuldfrid
seemed to read a hopeless despair in for talking with him.  Did I not know
every feature, which had fastened its that —"
talons upon her heart, lacerating it with-   "That I carefully avoided him, you
out mercy.  She pressed her clasped mean.  That is true, and so will it conhands to her breast as if to keep her tinue eternally.  He and I cannot meet.
grief within those silent walls, so that no Yet, it is quite otherwise with Skuldfrid.
sound of complaint should find its way She is free from all guilt, and how well
over her colorless lips.               it would be if she found a friend in VicThe ashy pale face, the eyes red from  tor, perhaps a support for the future.
sleeplessness, told of agonies which had   "But Victor's disposition of mind is
driven all slumber and peace from her not friendly."
couch during the past night.             "Towards me, no; but an interval of
Annika stood a long time in the open ten years has elapsed since then.  What
door of the saloon, which led out to the matters it, he does not know Skuldfrid's
terrace, and looked at the restless wander- mother, and never will. Ma/ay his interer. At last she drew a deep sigh, and est only concern the child destiny has
murmured, "Poor child, when will her brought in his way. Besides, Annika,
grief become less 3 " She went down the what right have I to separate Skuldfirid
terrace to the path where Fru Smidt was entirely from other people 3 "
walking with an uneven step.             "That I will not say; but I believe
"How are you to-day 3." asked Annika she is happiest so long as she remains
in the voice of a mother who is anxious separated from the world."
about her child.                         "So have I thought; but everything
"' Ah, is that you, Annika 3" Fru Smidt has a limit, and therefore when she wishstopped and cast an inquiring look at es for something which can cheer her
the servant.                           lonely life, I desire that she shall have it.
"Now  be good and come into the What is the object of my existence?
saloon; I have hot coffee there ready To live for her happiness, so that she
for you. It is just five o'clock, so no one shall see only the bright side of life, with



GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           39
out ever imagining that it has a dark one. yourself. I have thought much about
Therefore place no restrictions upon my you since yesterday.
little summer bird; may she fly around   " I have done the same," replied Skuldfreely in woods and dales, and enjoy all frid, and seated herself beside him, relatthat gives her pleasure."            ing that Annika had been angry because
A glad voice was now heard, singing a she had seen Skuldfrid with Aberney.
merry air, and light steps on the stairs When she had finished this account, the
which led to the upper story. In the Professor asked,next minute the door opened, and Skuld-   " What was your father 3 "
frid, blooming and smiling as the clear   "My father is dead, and one must
spring morning, tripped into the room. never speak of him. I must have been
At the sight of Fru Smidt her walk very little when he died, so Annika says;
assumed a more orderly character, and but I cannot remember that she said
she approached her with that stamp of what he was. I will ask her."
respect which always distinguished her   " Were you born in this place 3"
manner towards her mother.              "0, no, that I was not, for I remember
That day she read more assiduously very well to have been in a place where
than usual. Mother and daughter worked there were very, very large houses,
zealously until the dinner-bell sounded. many people, and much driving, and
~With a, "Now it is ended for to-day," that everybody spoke a language differSkuldfrid closed the book and kissed her ent from the one we speak; but it was
mother's hand; then she hurried from the neither German nor French."
summer-house to the dining-room to help   " Have they never told you what place
Annika set the table, something which it was 3"
Skuldfrid always did when she thought   " No; when I have asked Annika about
she had annoyed the old servant.     it, she has answered, the child must not
The little girl was all attention and think of that time, but forget it, else she
good-will. Annika could not help placing will give her mother trouble, and that is
some cream and preserves for the child, something which I am very much afraid
as a reward for her good behavior. After of doing."
the repast Skuldfrid took her hat, threw    "How  old were you when you left
a roguish look at Annika and an inquir- that place? Do you know 3 "
ing one at her mother, while she said, -    "Four years, for I am now  eleven,
"Now I am going to my doves, and and we have lived in Ektorp  seven
afterwards to the beach to meet my years.  I remember so well when we
friend."                              went away from that large city, where I
Annika frowned, Fru Smidt nodded an could go out but very little.  We drove
assent, and in the next moment the bird over broad streets and places where
was out of the cage.                 fine churches and statues stood. Then
we came to other places, which were
also called cities; but they were small,
and at last one evening we came here.
That day Aberney was first at the Since then I have not been anywhere
place of meeting, so that Skuldfrid found else, with the exception of three times a
him lying at the foot of the rock. When year when we go to church."
he caught sight of the little girl he extend-   "W Vell, would you not like to go once
ed his hand to her, saying,-          more to the large fine city? "' Now come and sit here by me, and   "No, I certainly would not. There I
tell me a little about your parents and could seldom go out, and never without




40                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.,
Annika's attending me. Here I can run daughter's  companion  in  instruction
around in the woods, row on the lake, and her playmate in leisure moments.
and be free and glad. Do you not think Skuldfrid is now of that age when she
it is very pleasant to live here?"    needs a companion who can share her
Aberney smiled, and, instead of reply- childish joys and with whom she can
ing, he asked her to sing one of the songs speak of her plays. We older people canthat she had sung the day before.     not be to so young a mind what one of
"And why just that one. " asked equal age is, and I believe that association
Skuldfrid.                            with my son would be to her both
"That you shall know afterwards."    useful and pleasant.  In short, I desire
When the song was ended, Aberney to  undertake her general education,
said, -                               as well as the entire direction of her
"Do you know who composed the musical studies.
music for that song?"                   "You are perhaps astonished at my
" No! "                           proposition; but I will give you my
" I did."                          motives by telling you who I am.
" You!" exclaimed the  child, and   " I am what is called a learned man,
threw her arms quite delighted around with  all the peculiarities of a bookhis neck, while she poured out her sur- worm;  that is to say, I am  a sworn
prise and admiration in the most artless enemy to society, and a lover of solitude
and ingenuous words, accompanied by and my books. I am interested in all
childish caresses.                    that is uncommon, and therefore in
This evening Aberney again attended your daughter.  My old aunt takes care
her a part of the way home. The origi- of my house.
nal child had actually captivated the   "If you accept my proposition, a carlearned man, and the next day Fru riage shall bring Skuldfrid to  Junta
Smidt received a letter from him with every afternoon.  I await your reply.
the following contents:-                    "With respect,
" VTICTOR ABERNEY."
"MADAME: Although an entire stranger, I take the liberty of writing to you.   The messenger brought back the folYou have a daughter, an uncommon and lowing answer from Fru Smidt: --
richly  endowed  child.   Chance has
brought her and me together.   You   "With  gratitude your proposal is
know in what manner. I am aware that accepted by
you do not receive visits, and that you            " SKULDFRID'S MOTHER."
never make them. Very well, I respect
your solitude, and will not disturb it by   The following afternoon a little droschforcing a visit upon you; but, on the ka stopped  at the gates of Ektorp.
other hand, your little daughter inter- Some minutes afterwards Skuldfrid sat
ests me too much for me to refrain from glad and smiling beside the Professor's
making you a proposition, namely, that Anders, who gave the horses a touch
I may share with you the care of her and away they went.
instruction, and that you will grant me   "Mercy, such notions as the man
the joy of developing her rare intellect has," muttered Aunt Sara when Anders
and musical talent. I believe myself drove off to bring Skuldfrid. " What is he
capable in both respects of being of no now going to do with that young one?
slight use to your daughter.  I have He had hard work to prevail upon himmyself a son, who would become your self to take the boy."




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            41
Aunt Sara was actually ill disposed wealthy Finnish girl of noble descent,
towards Skuldfrid; and when the carriage and with her had received some considreturned and the little girl jumped from  erable estates in Finland.  When he
it, Sara intended to go up to her room  abandoned his country he had a wife and
without greeting the child; but Skuld- two sons.  The wife, however, soon sank
frid, who did not exactly understand under the sorrow of seeing her husband
such piques in the way of politeness, ran in the service of Sweden's oldest enemy.
after her with brisk steps, and looked so She died shortly after in Finland at
winsome when she courtesied before the Kronobro, an estate of hers.
old lady, that her face immediately   After his wife's death he brought his
brightened.  She received the child with sons to Russia, and educated them  to
a kindly smile. Aberney stood in the become subjects of that country.
door of the saloon. As soon as Skuld-   In the war of 1788, Canitz and his
frid caught sight of him she hurried for- eldest son stood in the Russian ranks
ward and took his hand, which she against their countrymen, and were rekissed with great vivacity.           warded for the bravery with which they
Young Tage had thrown himself down distinguished themselves.  Shortly after
by one of the windows, regarding the the peace of 1789 Canitz died.  The
new-comer with curious looks while he eldest son, then captain in a Russian
thought, -                            regiment, married a noble and wealthy
" That girl moves as if she were a Russian lady, in the following year. An
boy. It may be real pleasant to have adverse destiny ordained that this marher for a companion."                 riage should be childless for several years.
Pleasant it also became; for in less It really looked as if the new Barons
than half an hour the Skuldfrid of eleven Canitz would die out with the two sons
and the Tage of fourteen years were the of the father who had been a traitor to
best friends in the world. Tage was the his country; for the youngest had refirst one of her own age that Skuldfrid mained unmarried, and lived constantly
had come in contact with, among chil- abroad.  He had chosen a diplomatic
dren of the so-called upper classes.  She career.
had hitherto known only the peasantry,   In the war of 1808 the eldest Canitz
and with them she had never been upon again took part, and stood for the second
any familiar footing.                 time with his hand armed against his
countrymen. His name had become a
dread and an abhorrence to the Finnish
people, because they heard that he was
We must now for some moments leave of Swedish birth. At the conclusion of
the inmates of Junta and Ektorp, to go peace he was made a general, and became
somewhat back in time and speak of father to a son which his wife had just
events which transpired some scores of presented him. This gift cost the mother
years before our story.               her life.
After the revolution of 1778 there   The year after her death General Cawas in Sweden a nobleman belonging to nitz obtained a military position in Finthe " Cap" party, who from bitterness land, and then for the first time he
over political changes abandoned his entered into possession of his mother's
fatherland and went to Russia.  There domain, Kronobro.  The General found
he entered the army, under the assumed it in a neglected and quite dilapidated
name name of Canitz.   Some years condition; but with the means that he
before the revolution he had married a now had at his command, it was easy to




42                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
set the old country seat in order again.   Ten years had elapsed since the GenThe main building was torn down, and eral was recalled from his service in Finupon its site a stately palace was erected. land.  During this period he had been
The former steward was dismissed and a to Kronobro twice, and then only for a
German was sent for, who should improve short time; but he sent his Hlomme cl'ctf'and cultivate the soil. In short, within- faires over every year to examine the
a few years Kronobro was one of the accounts, and see that the estate was
finest estates in the whole district, es- well cared for.
pecially as the General was constantly   In April of the same year that Aberney
adding to the grounds and thus extend- moved to Junta, the steward of Kronobro
ing his domain.                       received direction to put the place in
The General's little son, Lothard Con- order and arrange it with the greatest
stantin, had been brought to Finland, magnificence for the General and his son,
and while the father remained there, the who with a great number of guests were
boy was educated at home by a middle- to arrive there at midsummer, and reaged German lady of good family. When main over the season.
the heir of the princely estate was seven   The large saloons, all the guest-chamyears of age, he was sent to a German bers, and the young Baron's apartments
institution of learning, attended by a were newly furnished and fitted up with
young Pole as tutor.                   a fabulous magnificence.  The whole
What had become of the General's neighborhood, even the inmates of the
younger brother was not known.  He smallest shanty, told of the fine things
was as if lost, and the General's whole that had been brought to Kronobro.
appearance at Kronobro indicated that   Ektorp's and Junta's residents were
he regarded himself as the sole owner of the only ones who did not speak about
his mother's estate.                  it, although the former was but a few
Of the few who had known the two miles distant from  Kronobro, and the
brothers in their childhood, when their latter yet nearer. The reason certainly
parents were established  in Finland, was not that they lived in ignorance of
there were none who felt disposed to ap- these important doings, for all the
proach the man who had fought against reports about them were given in conhis countrymen, and thus the General fidence by the overseer Ivar to Annika,
was delivered from all questions concern- but remained with her, without }leing
ing his brother.                      communicated either to Skuldfrid or Fru
The stern, gloomy, and proud warrior Smidt. It was the same with Aunt Sara.
was little disposed to renew the acquaint- The old lady was very much interested
ance with those he had known in youth, in small gossip and news, but she never
but showed an icy haughtiness towards communicated anything of this to her
all who were Finns or Swedes. Having nephew, because she knew he detested
become a Russian in all his sympathies, all such things.  The consequence was
he entertained a manifest aversion for that the chief persons lived in complete
everything which reminded of Sweden. ignorance of that which was the subject
Perhaps at these remembrances some of conversation for the whole parish.
voice within accused him  of the evil   The day before midsummer eve the
which he had helped to occasion his General arrived at Kronobro with his son
fatherland.  Surely the brother's blood and the expected guests.  The domain,
that he had shed cried for revenge when so long forsaken, swarmed with people.
he met with countrymen, and so he Beautifill ladies, stately cavaliers in brilavoided all contact with them.        liant uniforms, and star-decorated old




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                             43
men filled the rooms. The young heir's land," interrupted  Constantin  smiling
return from  the German institute was scornfully.  "Be calm, my father, I shall
celebrated with all possible festivity.  not forget it."
Lothard Constantin Canitz was then a   The General contracted his eyebrows,
youth of about seventeen, with a fine, without saying anything to his son, but
intelligent, pale, and remarkable counte- sent for his tutor instead, Dr. Wagner.
nance; but a supercilious smile and a In sharp words the General reproached
stamp of scornful contempt disfigured the Doctor for the false direction his
the otherwise regular features. It seemed son's mind seemed to have taken.
that passions too soon aroused had met   "I charged you to educate him into
in conflict with his heart's nobler in- a well-bred youth and a good Russian
stincts, and had produced a chaos within nobleman; but to my surprise I find him
him, from which self-love and contempt neither the one nor the other, according
for others were engendered.            to my expectations.  Could your Polish
He was tall and slim, with an almost blood possibly have tempted you to act
sickly appearance, which did not very in opposition to my instructions. If so
well correspond with the fire in his eye, it might happen that —"
or the liveliness and rashness of his   "Herr General," interrupted Wagner,
movements.  At seeing, this youth the with an insinuating smile, "I have tried
question rose involuntarily, whether it to fulfil my duty as tutor conscientiouswas a physical or mental suffering that ly; but Baron Constantin is like a young
had prematurely paled the cheeks and lion, he is not easily tamed and naturally
bent the body, so that the former had takes the opposite direction to the one
lost the freshness of youth and the lat- we desire.  He is however very pruter its elasticity.                    dent, and will never compromise himConstantin had not seen his father self."
Since his seventh year.  Six weeks pre-   "Good, we will see. The responsivious to their arrival at Kronobro, the bility stands with you."
General embraced his son after this long   In the evening of the same day the
separation.  This had made the father a Doctor found himself with his pupil, who
stranger to Constantin, and occasioned lay outstretched on a sofa in an exthe coldness with which he treated the tremely elegant cabinet within his priGeneral at their first meeting.  Perhaps vate apartments.
this was the reason why he showed an   "Ah ha, the old man has given you a
utter lack  of filial affection, and re- lecture, my dear Doctor," said the youth,
sponded to his father's tenderness with " and you have taken it so seriously that
a striking indifference.  At their inter- you are afraid to accompany me in my
view directly after Constantin's arrival in hunt after adventures. Bah! Let him
St. Petersburg, the General expressed the growl. I swear that, whatever happens,
wish that his son should enter the mili- no harm shall befall you.  So away with
tary academy  and fit himself for a all scruples, and let us see if this detestnaval officer.  To which Constantin an- able St. Petersburg can offer play, girls,
swered,-                               and wine."
"0  well, why not.  No matter what I   "Baron, we are no longer in Heidelbecome. A Russian is best fitted for the berg, and therefore I say decidedly, you
office of executioner."                must commit no follies here."
"My son, you ought to remember   "No.  If I commit them by myself,
that -- "                              without company, who shall be able to
" I must be prudent here in this cursed hinder me 3 "




44                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"I:!"                              to go there," answered Skuldfrid with
"In what way?" inquired Constantin, the  shrewdest little  manner in the
springing up.                         world.
"I should then be compelled to tell   "And why not? I intend with the
the General that I have been weak first chance I get to go and see the
enough to act in direct opposition to his stately country seat.  You must know
instructions, and that in place of forming that Anders said that the rooms were to
you into a Russian subject, I have edu- be furnished with chairs and sofas of
cated you into a free-minded man. Yes, gold and silver.  Now there is so much
I should then confess that I had so com- company there from  Russia, that they
pletely disregarded his wishes, and, in give great entertainments every day.  It
spite of his commands, had allowed you would be very pleasant to see all that,
to learn the Swedish language."    i    and I think of going there with Anders
"WVell, what does it matter to me, if one of these days."
you tell him all that? "                 N' o, Tage, that you shall not," et"Not much; but he would have me claimed Skuldfrid, with an expression of
sent to Siberia."                     fear.
"Ah, Wagner, you have a dangerous   " And why not?"
mode of conquering me!'                 " Because,"  Skuldfrid  looked  cauConstantin threw himself down again tiously around and lowered her voice as
on the sofa. In this moment the youth's she continued, " a curse rests upon the
features had a truly noble expression.    whole of Kronobro, which falls upon all
those who enter that unlucky place, so
that some misfortune sooner or later
reaches them."
A whole month had passed over the    "What childish talk  " retorted Tage,
aristocratic company visiting at Krono- with an air of superior discernment.
bro, when one beautiful July evening   "Dear Tage, it is not foolish talk at
Skuldfrid and Tage left Junta together. all, but the pure truth. You must know
The latter was to attend his playmate that General Canitz's father was a traihome, which was usually the order of the tor, that is to say, that he was a Swede
day.                                  and yet went to war against Sweden.
Through the large, tall pine forest, The General himself has done the same.
which lay between Junta and Ektorp, During the war many Swedish and Finran a beautiful wood-path.  By taking nish prisoners were brought to Kronoit the distance was much shortened be- bro, and it is said the General so illtween Aberney's home and the widow's. treated them  that they died of misery.
When the two children had gone about They each and all of them called down a
half-way to the hill, they used to sit curse upon Kronobro, its owner, and all
down and rest, speaking of one thing who came under its roof. Besides, the
and another, or else Skuldfrid sang for General's mother died there of sorrow,
Tage. The evening was unusually warm  because her husband sold himself to the
and. still.  They seated themselves under Russians; and she haunts the place, weepa tall pine, which overshadowed them  ing over her wicked son. The General
with its branches.                    has in Kronobro taken his brother's life,
" Have you ever been to Kronobro? " and buried him in a cellar, so that when
asked Tage.                           it is midnight deep sighs are heard from
" No, I certainly have not, and you the vault.  0, what a terrible place that
mnay be very sure that I never intend country seat is."




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                             45
"Who has told all these stories i"' on the boy's cheeks, and he looked proudasked Tage, looking quite thoughtful.   ly at the stranger.
"Annika has in the winter evenings   "Do you mean to say, you shameless
told me so many strange things about scamp, that I shall request the young
Kronobro and its owner.  One night she one to sing' " exclaimed the youth.
told me how bad the Finnish and Swed-   "Yes, I do," replied Tage, defiantly.
ish prisoners were treated; and while   "My child, it is the young Baron
she was speaking about it my mother Canitz," said the older gentleman, and
came in and heard what she said.  Mam- would have patted the boy on the head;
ma then told her never to mention any- but he pushed away the hand, and only
thing that concerned the General, but grasped Skuldfrid's arm the firmer, rerather to talk of other things. MBy moth- peating with an expression of horror,er laid her hand on my shoulder and   "Canitz! "
added,'Do not occupy your mind with   Both made a motion to go.
Klronobro, but remember that we must   "Stop! " commanded Constantin, and
shun evil even in our thoughts, and all placed himself in their way.  "Do you
is evil that bears the name of Canitz.'"  not understand that I wish to hear that
" I shall certainly speak with papa song over again  "
about that matter," said Tage. "Through    "I will not sing," said Skuldfrid, and
him I shall know if it is true what Anni- cast a look of abhorrence upon Constanka has said."                         tin.  "I never sing for -"
When this resolution was taken, Tage   "A Russian,"  filled in Tage, and took
asked his companion to sing a song for several steps to get away from the place
him. With a clear voice she sang the with Skuldfrid; but Constantin seized
following'-                           her by the arm, and pulled her away
"' My peace I will not sell     from Tage, saying in an angry tone,For all the gold of Spain,       "I have said that you shall sitng, and
Nor discontented dwell         nothing less will do; if you do not obey,
In any idle aim.
I will not dainty eat,        then you may take the consequences, and
Gold's glitter shall not lure,  that protector of yours, who dares to be
If thus from anxious beat      insolent."  Constantin raised his ridingMy heart shall be secure."    whip, as if with the intention of executIn the same moment that the song ing his threat.
ceased, a youth leaped over the ditch be-   " No impetuosity," warned the older
hind them, and  exclaimed  in broken gentleman, but he had not time to say
Swedish,-                              anything more; for when Tage saw Con"Here, girl, sing that song again, it stantin raise the riding-whip over Skuldpleases me; I want to hear it once more." frid, he rushed upon the young Baron
Skuldfrid and Tage got up at the sight and gave him a blow in the face, exclaimof the stranger.  The latter took Skuld- ing, perfectly enraged,
frid by the hand, saying, -              " Let go of Skuldfrid!"
" Come, let us go! "                  With a strong motion of his arm Con" Do first what the Baron has com- stantin flung Tage, who was considerably
manded," said  a gentlemani of about his inferior in stature and strength, far
thirty, who now jumped over the dike in from him, so that he tumbled backwards
his turn, and stood before the children; into a ditch.
his accent had also something foreign.   "Miserable scamp, I will crush you
"Shall Skuldfrid sing upon command? " and your sister for having dared to lay a
asked Tage.  An indignant flush burned hand on me," shrieked Constantin, and




46                       GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
gave Skuldfrid first a blow over the face,   " Quick, away, Baron," said the Doctor.
and then one over the shoulder.  At this " If any one should see you, it might lead
sight Tag'e was again on his feet, and to great difficulties.  Hurry, or, by God,
with a wild fury he threw himself over if you delay a moment longer, I will not
Constantin, who to defend himself was do anything to help the children here."
obliged to let go of Skuldfrid. Some mo-   "But  " stammered Constantin.
ments of terrible struggle ensued, which   "Baron Canitz!" said the Doctor in a
gave Constantin the victory.  He had determined voice, and rose to his full
got Tage under him and lifted his riding- height.  " Absent yourself immediately.
whip to thrash his antagonist right sound- You have already done more than suffily with the handle of it, when Skuldfrid cient evil."
seized the upraised arm, crying in a voice   Constantin jumped over the ditch and
full of anguish, -                     disappeared in the wood.
"You shall not, you must not beat   Tage had recovered enough to be able
Tage!"                               to wipe away with his handkerchief the
Without calculating his movements in blood which ran down over his eyes.  The
the excited condition in which he was, first glance, when he was able to see, fell
Constantin flung Skuldfrid as carelessly upon Skuldfrid.
from him as he had a moment before done   "My God, what has happened! " falwith Tage.  She fell backwards and re- tered he; and holding his handkerchief
mainedlyingmotionless. AtSkuldfrid'sin- before his bleeding brow, he staggered
tervention, Tage had, however, succeeded nup to his little pale playmate, who in the
in freeing himself, and for a few moments same moment drew  a deep sigh and
the two youths tumbled over each other opened her eyes.
like two balls, and then again stood upon    "How are you, my child." asked the
their feet; at the next attack, Constan- Doctor.
tin seized his opponent by the neck, lift-   "Dear, dear Skuldfrid, how is it with
ed him high in the air, and then threw  you?." sobbed Tage, throwing himself on
him face foremost on the ground, after his knees at her side, and with his free
which he gave him some blows, saying, -  hand grasping one of hers.' Shameless wretch of a peasant, now    Skuldfrid looked first at the Doctor,
you shall learn to lower your tone."  then at her playfellow, and afterwards
"For God's sake, Baron, remember that threw herself upon the neck of the latter
we are in Finland " exclaimed Dr. Wag- and burst out weeping, while she murner, who stood bending over the sense- mured,
less Skuldfrid.  "I believe that your   "Tage, Tage, he has beaten us!"
ferocity has cost both children their lives."   She brought her hand to her cheekAt Wagner's words the riding-whip fell bone, over whose fine curve a dark red
from Constantin's hand, and seizing Tage stripe was visible after Constantin's ridaround the waist he lifted him up. The ing-whip.
blood flowed from  the boy's forehead.   In the mean time the carriage came
When he was raised, he drew a deep nearer and nearer, and was soon within
breath, made a feeble effort to get loose sight.  It was a covered travelling-carand stood again upright, but staggered riage.  Just as it was passing by, Wagwhen he would have taken a step to- ner called to the coachman to stop;
wards Constantin, so that he was obliged an order which the latter immediately
to stop and support himself against a obeyed.
tree.  The sound of a carriage was now    "Where are you driving " asked the
heard approaching.                     Doctor.




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            47
"To X's Station," was the an- sad face, with a pair of large and dark
swer.                                 eyes. She was no longer young; but a
"Tell me, children, where are you certain something in these features indifrom?" said Wagner to Tage, who all cated that in her younger years she had
the while held Skuldfrid's hand fast in been prepossessing.  When they had
his. The little girl had received such a reached the crooked and narrow  lane
severe blow in the neck, that she was which led from the main road down to
completely confused.                  Ektorp, the carriage stopped.  The gate
"Skuldfrid lives at Ektorp, right by was opened by Dr. Wagner. After thankhere," said the boy, forgetful of the pain ing the lady to the utmost, he lifted out
that the wound on his brow caused him. Skuldfrid; but when he would have helped
"Can you," resumed-the Doctor, turn- Tage down, the boy pushed away his
ing to the coachman, " ask those for whom  hand and jumped out by himself.  The
you drive, if they are willing to take these next moment the carriage was out of
two children in the carriage to a little sight, and the Doctor had taken his burestate which lies on the road to X-'s den to Ektorp, where he was met by AnStation?  They have fallen and hurt nika, who was almost paralyzed at the
themselves and cannot go home."       sight of the child carried by a strange
" That you have got to ask for your- gentleman, and followed by a boy with a
self, for you see, the lady that I am driv- bloody bandage around his head.
ing does not understand a word I say,"   Wagner succeeded, however, in making
answered the peasant.                 it clear to the old woman that the two
The traveller at the same instant children had been frightened, so that
pushed away the curtains from the car- they fell and hurt themselves, and that
riage window, and the veiled head of a Skuldfrid needed quiet and care. As
woman became visible.                 Wagner spoke with a strong foreign ac"Pardon me, Madame," said the Doc- cent, Annika found it somewhat difficult
tor in French, "for detaining you; but to understand him  right away.  She
I must beg of you to show these children comprehended however the main thing,
the kindness of taking them to an estate which was that Skuldfrid needed rest
near by."                             and care; and therefore it was not long
The lady bowed her head affirmatively before the little girl lay in her room in
and opened the carriage door herself. the upper story. Annika was set by the
Wagner lifted up Skuldfrid and also Tage, Doctor in full activity with mustard-plaswho could scarcely persuade himself to ters, etc. Tage had followed Skuldfrid
let go of her hand for a moment.      faithfully, and with agonized looks re" Stop at the first house to the right," garded his little playmate's confused exsaid the Doctor to the coachman, after pression. While he stood thus leaning
he had thanked the lady.  " I shall be against the sofa, it seemed to him  as
there before you," he added.  The next though the floor moved under his feet,
moment Wagner was over the ditch, and and finally as if he saw Skuldfrid through
had disappeared in the woods.         a mist.  He took hold of the sofa convulOn the way the veiled lady took care sively, but felt himself at the same time
of the two children with much tender- lifted up by a pair of arms, after which
ness.  She had bound her handkerchief all around him disappeared.
around Tage's bleeding brow, and bathed   When Annika returned up.stairs, she
Skuldfrid's temples with cologne. While found Tage lying on the bed, and Skuldshe was absorbed in these little cares, she frid on the sofa.
had lifted the close veil. She had a pale,   "Merciful goodness, is the Professor'a




48                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
boy also down?" exclaimed she.  "God   For four whole days the  boy was
help us!"                             obliged to keep his bed on account of the
After Tage's wound had been dressed pain and fever which the wound caused;
by the Doctor and the boy recalled to but in spite of what he had to endure, he
his senses, Wagner had the horses har- would certainly have gone to Ektorp, had
nessed and sent him home to Junta. He not Aberney forbidden him to leave his
declared that the swoon was only a result room; a command which it is very doubtof loss of blood, and that Tage's condition ful if he would have obeyed, had not
was not at all dangerous.  It was different Aunt Sara or Aberney constantly kept
with Skuldfrid, however; she had received him  company.   Thus there was no
a severe contusion of the head, which had alternative left for Tage but to keep
badly affected the brain.             himself still, something which excited
At the age of eleven, when the body all his impatience.  He thought that the
is healthy, Nature is a powerful physician; pains became worse and worse every day,
this was proven with Skuldfrid.       and in his disquietude at being obliged to
Fru Smidt, who not until the Doctor's remain at Junta, when he wished to be
departure had been apprised by Annika with Skuldfrid, he complained every moof Skuldfrid's condition, immediately took ment and threw himself back and forth
her place at the sick-bed; and in the on the bed. He literally tried the pacourse of a few weeks the child was out tience of those around him. The whole
of all danger.  Dr. Wagner had attended day through he racked his brains to disher with a praiseworthy zeal and a care cover a way to get out of the sick-room
which did the physician honor.        and betake himself to Ektorp.
Fru Smidt, however, carefully avoided   On the fourth day in the evening,
meeting the Doctor, although she watched when Aberney himself had bound a fresh
night and day over her daughter.  As bandage around the boy's forehead, and
soon as Wagner arrived, Fru Smidt went the latter had been very impatient under
into the adjoining room, while Annika the operation, the Professor said, -
received him and took his directions.   "'You are a coward, to make such a
The very next day after the sad occur- fuss over a scratch. What sort of a boy
rence Aberney called at Ektorp.  He was are you to grieve for so little. "
shown into the saloon by a servant, and af-"   O, it is not for that, but because I
ter a moment's waiting a note was handed am  shut up in my room," stammered
him with the following contents:-     Tage.
"So long as Skuldfrid's  condition   "You have had a fever' constantly,
demands that her mother shall watch by and as long as it lasts you must keep
her sick-bed, this mother asks of you your room.  Good night now, my boy,
that you will not visit her daughter. and thank God that you are not as sick
You shall be informed of her state of as little Skuldfrid."  The Professor pathealth every morning."                ted the boy on the head and went away.
Aberney read this strange note twice   How ignorant are the wisest of men
through, when he took his leave. Dur- in judging of the feelings of children
ing Skuldfrid's whole illness, he sent a or young people! They only perceiv~e
messenger twice a day to inquire how the expression, not the motives of them.
she was; but if the Professor, with his So now Aberney only saw the ebullition
high ideas of individual freedom, re- of impatience with Tage, not that which
spected Fru Smidt's desire too much to called it forth; and so he did not conintrude upon her in any way, Tage by sider it out of the way to remind Tage
no means felt disposed to do it.      that his little playmate was sicker than




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            49
he. The result was that Tage would go and awakened him. His head ached vioto Ektorp at any price.               lently, and it was a long time before he
In the evening, after Aunt Sara had was able to lift it up. With a powerful
bidden him good night, and all in Junta effort he at last succeeded. A long while
had gone to rest, Tage got up. True his he sat motionless, and began to consider
head was a little dizzy and his limbs how he should manage to see Skuldfrid.
somewhat weak; but his resolution stood Just then some one opened the window,
firm, he must go Ektorp, even should he which was right above his head. Tage
be obliged to creep there.            looked up but did not see any one. InQuite carefully he stole down the stairs, stead, he discovered behind the hedge an
and had great difficulty in silencing the espalier which went up the side of the
house dog with friendly words, who would house almost to the window. Tage delibfain have opposed the night expedition. erated,At last Tage succeeded in getting out   "If I ask Annika to let me see Skuldinto the woods; and though his strength frid, she will show me away, as she did
was feeble, he walked fearlessly ahead in papa; but if I should climb up this esthe beautiful summer night.  Certainly palier and jump into the room, then I
ten times he was forced to rest, and to could certainly see her, in spite of all
lean his heavy aching head on his hands who might be in there."
for a while to recover strength; but not-   Said and done. Tage began, though
withstanding that both pain and weakness with some difficulty, to climb up the
offered resistance, it did not once enter trellis. When he came up to the winhis mind to desist from continuing his dow, he looked into the room. There
way to Ektorp.  When he had gone three was not a soul there.  To the right stood
fourths of the distance, he fell down, comr- a bed, the curtains of which were carepletely exhausted. He laid his sick head fully drawn together. Yet a couple of
on the turf and thought, -            steps, and the young adventurer found
"I shall go on, I must go on, even if himself in Skuldfrid's chamber.  The
I should die from it.  It is only silliness door of the adjoining room stood a little
that I fancy myself to be so tired; after ajar.  Tage stopped a moment and lisa while I will continue my way, and shall tened, but as everything remained still
not rest until I get to Ektorp."      and quiet, he went softly to the bed and
So great was the power of the boy's pushed aside the curtains.  Here Skuldwill, that after a few moments he con- frid reposed upon the snow-white pillow,
tinued his way to Ektorp without inter- herself pale as a broken lily.  She slumruption.  He went into the court-yard bered. Tage stood immovable and looked
and literally dragged himself to the gable at the dear features with tears in his eyes.
of the house, where he knew that Skuld- She appeared to him as if she had been
frid's window was situated.  How often dead. Thus sonie minutes elapsed, when
had she not shown it to him.  Under Skuldfrid suddenly opened her eyes.
this window, beyond which was the object   "Tage!" exclaimed she in a voice,
dearest to the youth, he seated himself. which, though feeble, still expressed all
It seemed to him  that his heart was the joy she felt.  She twined her arms
lighter, now that he found himself so about his neck, and whispered, "God be
near her.  He lay down on the bench, thanked that you came."
took off his cap which he used for a pil-   At Skuldfrid's cry a movement was
low, folded his hands as in prayer, and heard in the adjoining room. Without
fell asleep from weariness.           either of the children's perceiving it, Fru
The first rays of day fell on the sleeper Smidt's sad form  appeared upon the




50           ~GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
threshold.  At the sight of the boy she   At last, after a month's time, she was
drew  back immediately, and directly entirely recovered, and could, to  her
afterwards the sound of a bell was heard. inexpressible joy, resume her trips to
The next moment Annika entered.      Junta; but it was all over with the
The old woman did not dare to grum- pleasant walks home, for the Professor's
ble, although when she saw Tage she felt Anders drove Skuldfrid both to and from
a great desire to scold; for the Doctor Junta.
had said that Skuldfrid must be kept   Often when Tage and Skuldfrid were
quiet. At the first word to Tage thathe alone, they spoke with deep bitterness
must go away, Skuldfrid became excited, about Constantin Canitz, and then the
and Annika ceased immediately. Skuld- latter would exclaim, with crimson cheeks
frid held Tage's hand fast, and would not and flashing eyes, -
have him leave her. Annika, who did   "If I live a hundred years, I shall
not know how she ought to behave, went never forget the terrible shame that you
in to Fru Smidt, to hear her will. In and I have been beaten by him.. Mamma.
the mean time Skuldfrid seized hold of -has always said that it is an indelible
Tage's arm, saying with vehemence,-    disgrace to be struck; and you see, Tage,
" Tage, you must never speak of our never before has any one touched me with
being beaten. You have not told any a finger, in the intention of striking me.
one about it, have you? "           He, a Canitz, has done that, and I shall
"-No, Skuldfrid, I have not. Before I never forgive him."
have had reparation for you and myself,  She pointed to the scar on Tage's brow,
I shall not speak about it to anybody," adding, -
replied the boy, with a higher color on   "I shall until my death detest the
his cheeks. He now related how he had one who gave you that, and at the sound
stolen away, as well as that he was of his name I shall always feel the pain
obliged to be at home before breakfast.  of the blows.he gave me in the face."
When Annika returned, she brought   Constantin had after the occurrence
permission from Fru Smidt that Tage with the children left Kronobro quite
could come and visit Skuldfrid whenever suddenly, although all the guests and
he wished. Fru Smidt's overseer was the General himself, remained there.
ordered to drive Tage back to Junta.   Dr. Wagner had been appointed the
provincial physician, and so he remained.
All that one knew about Constantin's
sudden departure was, that the same
Upon his arrival home, young Tage evening that the scene in the woods
received a reproof from  Aberney; but occurred he had received a billet, which
this was not dangerous, and was entirely arrived with a messenger from the station.
forgotten when the Professor promised After its perusal he had immediately
that Tage could visit Ektorp the next ridden away, and did not return until
day.                                 the next morning, when he sought the
Two weeks after this, Skuldfrid was General and had a long conversation
considerably better, and spent the after- with him.
noon lying upon a bench in the garden.   On the afternoon of the same day the
She now suffered only from dizziness, a General announced to his guests that
feeling which the Doctor said would for his son was obliged to leave for the
a time trouble her. Tage was with her military school at St. Petersburg.
every afternoon, and then he read aloud
or told stories.




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            51
We will now transport ourselves six proteyge again, and found her developed
years forward in time. To the inhabitants during these last months into a woman.
of Ektorp and Junta these had passed The look that he fastened upon her
without any especially remarkable events. showed that the learned man, although
Every fall Professor Aberney went engrossed in his studies, could yet be
away from  Junta to Abo.  Tage and surprised by an uncommon beauty.
Aunt Sara then accompanied him, and   Aunt Sara, whose especial favorite
during their absence Junta was occupied Skuldfrid had become, treated her to all
only by the overseer and his wife. At the delicacies which the pantry could
Ektorp the winters all passed much after offer in the way of preserves and cakes;
the same manner; Skuldfrid read, prac- and the young girl was yet so much of
tised, worked, drove to church, and visited a child in heart and soul, that she relhere and there a cottage where her gener- ished heartily all the good things Sara
ous hands always left some blessing.  So set before her.
had her life passed from childhood's years,   The first and also the second visit to
and she felt no longing for any other Junta was entirely taken up with acmanner of existence.                  counts of how the winter had passed,
Inl the spring Aberney returned to and all the events of greater or less imJunta, when she again met her good portance, which had deviated  in the
friend Tage and Aunt Sara, and then smallest way from  the  daily  order.
commenced the lessons, walks, games, Seated upon the front steps, she told
and conversations which attached Skuld- her good friend, as she still called Aberfrid more and more to Tage and Aberney. ney, that she had woven a long web;
Three years had thus elapsed.  In the that she had spun so and so much yarn,
spring of the fourth, Aberney and Aunt what books she had read, what music she
Sara came alone. Tage had, according had practised, how many times she had
to Aberney's desire, gone to Sweden to been to church, what beautiful flowers
fit himself at Carlberg for a naval officer. she had raised, and how many more pairs
Thus three years passed without Skuld- of doves she now possessed. When the
frid's seeing the dear friend of her child- account of all these important affairs was
hood.                                 ended, she added,
Skuldfrid was now seventeen.  The   "I have also learned to ride on horsepretty child  had become a beautiful back."
maiden, retaining the same fresh, glad   "To ride on horseback!"  repeated
mind and ingenuous heart. Brought up Sara, and looked up amazed from  her
in complete solitude, she still possessed knitting.  "It is not possible; that does
nothing of the shyness of seclusion or not become a proper young girl.  In my
its melancholy dreaminess.  If she some- youth no one would have thought of
times dreamed when she sang her songs, such a thing. It is only very aristocratic
it was a smiling dream, fresh and natural ladies who can without reproach underas her whole being, or proud and daring take such unwomanly performances."
as her character, but never sickly or   "If an aristocratic lady can ride on
despondent.                           horseback without compromising herself,
Glad as the lark, she hurried to Junta then I can do it too, for what is proper
one beautiful day in the beginning of for one is for another." Skuldfrid looked
May.. She had, through some lines from  at Aunt Sara with a smiling and defiant
Aberney, been apprised of his arrival air.  "Annika there at home," continued
there.  Her good friend was in the high- she, "came near having a stroke when
est degree surprised when he saw his she for the first time saw me on horse



52                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
back.  She ran home to mamma to   Two weeks passed quickly for Skuldcomplain, but gained nothing by it. I frid, who loved her lessons and felt so
obtained full permission of my mother to glad and happy at the side of her fathertumble about on my hag."  Skluldfrid ly friend.  One day Skuldfrid decided to
laughed.                              ride to Junta on horseback. She generAunt Sara smoothed her apron very ally used to walk there. Ivar had told
excitedly, a sign that the old lady was her at dinner-time that Bliisen, the best
in a bad humor.  Aberney took the horse of the three that were at Ektorp,
word with a true Professor's manner.    was at leisure, if Mademoiselle wanted to
" Dear child, it seems to me that you use him.  Of course Skuldfrid wished it,
ought to let that thing entirely alone. and the overseer was commissioned to
To be a horse-woman is something which saddle him.
by no means adorns one of your sex. It   When dinner was over, Skuldfrid went
is not at all pleasant to see a young girl, down to the stable.  She did not wish
like a Cossack, galloping off on her horse. to have Annika know  that she rode,
WTe men love to admire in her a modest because the old woman then began to
and gentle being, who abhors all that is take on about the terror in which Skuldmasculine in her actions."            frid placed her.
"Ah, my good friend, such a modest   Clad in a little short blouse, and trouand gentle being I shall never become," sers of dark home-made cloth, with a
rejoined Skuldfrid. "Fear is to me a round straw hat on her head, Skuldfrid
stranger, and when I do nothing that is was a very simple, but nevertheless a
wrong, I ought to be able to do whatever remarkably beautiful horse-woman. With
I choose. I love motion and freedom. the horse and saddle it was however
These two advantages I have possessed otherwise. Herr Blasen was a light brown
as far back as I can remember; they little peasant scamp, with a white star
have been my treasures, and are so still; on his forehead, a long uncombed mane
therefore I like to fly away on my horse and short ears. His gear consisted of
like a whirlwind.  God grant that I may an old cast-off saddle. which the overseer
have a real riding-horse, but I am not had stumbled upon at some auction, toyet so happy."                        gether with a bridle that had also seen
A little dispute ensued between Skuld- its best days.  The reins were of hemp,
frid and Aberney, in which he was aston- undoubtedly quite new, but very humished at the young girl's truly superior ble.  Yet what did  all this signify.
understanding, the  clearness of her The main thing for Skuldfrid was that
thought, and the readiness with which she could ride: the rest was of no conseshe managed her arguments. This skill, quence. Glad and proud she sat in the
on the whole, was natural, when one'con- saddle, as if her horse had been a splensiders that Skuldfrid, through the direc- did Andalusian courser, and the accoution she had received in the way of trements adorned with gold and precious
knowledge from Aberney, had obtained stones.  It went away briskly, although
a true soul-cultivation, and considerably peasant -like.  When she had gone a
exercised her naturally good brain.   little piece, she held in the horse and
At her third visit, the lessons were brought him  to a walk.  The woods
again resumed.  If Skuldfrid's voice was were Skuldfrid's delight, and she always
fine even in her childhood's years, it had rode slowly through them.
now gained such a strength and clear-   God  knows what the young girl
ness, that it could be said she possessed thought about, while Herr Bliisen wana true nightingale voice.             dered at ease with his burden. Quite




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                             53
suddenly she was roused from her medi- way at the end of the wood," answered
tations by the sound of horse's hoofs Skuldfrid, with a high  color on her
behind her.  Some one came riding at a cheeks, but  otherwise  without any
swift gallop.  Blisen lifted up his head constraint.  She had with her hand
and neighed.  Skuldfrid  turned  and pointed to the two different directions,
waited with no slight degree of curiosity one of which he should pursue.
to see who it could be.  She could not   "Then I prefer the forward course,"
remember to have seen any rider in that replied the young man with a foreign
neighborhood since General Canitz died, accent.  "I do not willingly turn back
three years back.  That it was not a when I have taken a road."
peasant-boy, who rode to pasture, could  "s It is, however, sometimes absolutely
be easily known from the light fall of necessary, for if not we should never
the hoofs.                             return again to the home we have left."
"How  pleasant," thought Skuldfrid,   Skuldfrid said this with her usual
"to see some stranger; it would be a unaffectedness, without being  embarreal epoch."                          rassed by the stranger's clear and beamScarcely was the thought ended, when ing eyes.  She was too ignorant of her
a snow-white steed.came springing up own beauty to observe that his look
the little hill which she had left behind expressed undisguised admiration.  The
her.  The horse bore upon his back a young man did not seem at all disposed
slender rider.                         to continue the way alone, but let his
Without being in the least frightened horse keep even pace with Skuldfrid's,
at the sight of a young man on horse- resuming  the  conversation, which he
back, Skuldfrid allowed Blisen to con- sustained in a lively and original mantinue his moderate peasant pace, and ner that interested irresistibly.  Before
waited impatiently to see the horseman. Skuldfrid was aware of it they had
He was now  quite near.  Again she reached the cross-road.
turned her head.                         "Here our ways separate," she said,
At this *motion of Skuldfrid's, the smiling.  "Kronobro lies to the right."
rider drew in the reins, just at the mo-   "And you, where does your course
ment that his horse would have dashed lead 3 " asked the stranger.
past.  Was it the girl's  uncommon   "To the left, where Junta is situated.
beauty, or was it the peculiar aspect of If you now ride straight ahead, you will
this slender, elegant female figure, clad soon find the main road."  She bowed
in so simple a riding-habit, and upon a her head in adieu.
horse which was destined for a very dif-   "Will you permit me a question? Is it
ferent purpose from the service he now to your home that you are now going 3 "
performed, which made the young man   "No, I am  going to visit a friend.
hold in his horse so suddenly, or was it Farewell "  Skuldfrid again bowed her
actually the reason he pretended, when head.  There was so much dismissal in
he took off his uniform  cap, saying, this motion, that the young man's only
"Excuse me, but allow me to ask, is answer was to take off his cap, thank her
this the right way to Kronobro 3"  His for the pleasure of her company, and
eyes were fastened on the young girl gallop away.
with an expression of the greatest sur-   Thoughtfully Skuldfrid continued her
prise.                -way.  The stranger's fine and handsome
"No, you have entirely left it, and features, his proud and yet easy bearing,
must now ride on either to the cross- his deep and penetrating eyes, all had
road to Junta, or back to the great high- made a lively impression upon Skuldfrid,




54                       GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
especially as there was a certain some- to Uncle Aberney of the meeting with
thing in this face that seemed to her the stranger.  She could not understand
familiar.                              why she had not, and was almost on the
"Probably he is like some image of point of turning back to correct this
my dreams," thought Skuldfrid, smiling; fault, when her attention was directed to
"for in reality I have not seen any other an object at the cross-road.  It was a
people than peasants, the pastor, Aber- white horse, which stood tied to a tree.
ney, Tage, and Aunt Sara, besides the She recognized it immediately.
folks at home."                          "Has he not continued his way to
That day it went unusually ill with Kronobro,"' asked  Skuldfrid mentally,
the lessons.  Skuldfrid was not atten-' or why has he left the horse here 3 "
tive to her good friend's expounding of   A manly figure now rose.  He had
natural history, but interrupted him con- lain hidden by the bushes at the foot of
tinually with questions about entirely the tree where the horse stood.
different subjects.  Finally  she  said,   Before Skuldfrid had arrived at the
laughing, -                            spot, he had swung himself into the sad" To-day it would, I think, be more die and was waiting for her.
entertaining to  hear something about   "Are you angry at my boldness in
Finland and the last war.  Ah, my good waiting  for you 3" asked he with a
friend, the heat is so oppressive that I polite bow and an obliging smile.
cannot think."                           "Did  you  not  intend  to  go  to
Aberney looked out of humor, as he Kronobro 2"
had been ever since Skuldfrid's arrival;   "Yes; but upon further reflection I
it was so disagreeable to him to see her concluded to take the other road you
on horseback.  At this lack of interest pointed out to me."
he became yet more  so.   Skuldfrid   "Was it because you could thus ride
immediately observed the cloud on his double the distance 3 "
brow, and, leaning her head to one side,   " Yes, there are actually moments in
said smiling, -                        our life when we wish to hold time fast
"' Uncle, you must not look gloomy if and double the way we have to travel."
I am now and then inattentive; it comes   " You said, however, that you did not
from the fact that I am seized at times willingly turn back."
with a longing to speak of this land that   " That is true, but I do not turn back,
has fought and bled in so many conflicts, I only continue my course.  Besides,
and which on this account I love so there is so much in circumstances which
highly, so with my whole heart, that I makes us change conduct.  It is only
can never reconcile myself with -"     principle which should remain."
A  hand was placed over Skuldfrid's   Without waiting for any further perlips: it was Aunt Sara.                mission, he rode beside Skuldfrid.
The cloud had meantime disappeared    "When one first visits Finland," said
from  Aberney's brow, and he began to he in the course of conversation, "its
speak of Finland, which was also dear nature has something appalling in its
and precious to him.  A visit from the deep woods, its marshes, and its rocks;
pastor, however, soon interrupted the it is a country that is not inviting to
conversation; and when Aberney became any but a native.
occupied with his guest, Skuldfrid took   " It is because you do not know this
leave and returned home. While she was land with its wealth of lakes and grand
riding down to the forest road, Skuldfrid scenery.  Ah, in my eyes it is beautiful
wondered to herelf why she had not spoken and dear!"




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                             50
"You were born and educated here. long unhappily to those few who do not
If Finland was never so ugly it has recognize any country."
still the right to be proud of its beauti-   "I pity you," said Skuldfrid, and gave
ful daughters."                        her horse a slight cut with the willow
"Say rather of its brave sons. Its branch which she used for a riding-whip.
men are like the rocks with which they   Blisen trotted off a little faster.
have grown, strong and courageous."      "Why do you ride so poor a horse  " exThe young man smiled when he claimed the stranger involuntarily, when
answered,-                             he contemplated Blisen's peasant gallop.
"So we all think of our countrymen.   "For the simple reason that I do not
Every nation considers itself the best."   possess any better," answered Skuldfrid,
"Possibly; but it is history that in laughing and without the least embarthis respect pronounces the verdict. A rassment.
people who have fought and conquered    "Who has taught you to ride 3"
heroically for independence are in char-   "Our overseer and I myself.  You
acter a great people."                think undoubtedly that I am a very poor
"Such as the Finns,' said the stran- horse-woman; but that is of little conseger almost ironically.                 quence, as I ride only because I find it
"Yes, the Finnish people are great in amusing.  Ah, I should like to fly like
character," replied Skuldfrid with flam- the wind 3"
ing cheeks, and looked proudly at the   "Indeed! And yet you ride so slowly."
stranger.                                "Through  the woods, yes! Here I
" I do not know your people, but I wish to listen to the sigh of the forestwillingly believe what such beautiful lips maidens, which rustles through the trees,
say, especially when it is uttered with so and to the song of the birds; it is so
much enthusiasm.  You ought not to good for me to be here."
forget, however, that Finland is now a   A little pause ensued.  Skuldfrid had
Russian principality.  It has not always again allowed her horse to walk, and
issued victorious from the strife."    seemed for some moments to forget that
" It was not conquered, but betrayed. she was not alone.  The stranger broke
Against force the Finns would have fought the silence.
to the last man; but against guile and   "You reside here in the vicinity 3"
treason no heroism canl prevail."        "Yes, I was brought up here."
" So young, and already so at home in   They were now upon a little eminence,
serious subjects, that you defend your and through an opening in the woods
nation warmly."                        was seen a beautiful lake, and on its
The stranger's interest had consider- banks a country place. Skuldfrid pointed
ably increased.                        to the latter, adding, -
"Is it actually necessary to be old   "There is my home, Ektorp."
and to have great knowledge in order to   " Ah!"  A slight cloud passed over
love one's native land   Every peasant the stranger's broad and clear brow, as if
cherishes the same feeling.  The love of an unpleasant recollection forced itself
country is innate with us."            upon him.
"Possibly, but it is an instinct which   "You are probably a traveller who
all do not possess.  I know men who re- visits Finland for the first time 3" regard the whole world as their country."  sumed Skuldfrid, without remarking the
" These must be very few."          change in his countenance.
"Do you think so 3" said the stranger,   "Yes,  I am a stranger and am stayand smiled in a peculiar manner. "I be- ing for the present at Kronobro."




56                      GGUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"At Kronobro! The owner has then accompany you on foot. You see that
returned q He has, God be thanked, not it is impossible for you to walk."
been here for several years."            "Well, then I prefer to use your horse.
"Why do you say, God be thanked?"  You are more than kind to offer it so
"Because - because he is a Russian," chivalrously."  Skuldfrid smiled.
answered Skuldfrid.  "I thank God for   "But you must not remain here longevery such one that is not in Finland."  er, for your foot requires speedy help,
The stranger's countenance darkened, and before I can go to Kronobro for theand there was a peculiar tone in his voice physician, there will be yet more dewhen he replied, -                     lay."
"You are inconsiderate, and forget en-   "Physician!"  exclaimed  Skuldfrid,
tirely that I am a stranger."          frightened.  "No, for God's sake, do not
"Ah no; but of what use can it be to send for any doctor.  They will take
you to put an ill construction upon my care of me at home without him."
words?  I have only said what I think,   The word "physician" recalled to her
and that can never be a crime."        remembrance the only time she had, been
" Sometimes; for example, if I were a under the care of one.
Russian."                                "And make it worse.  As probably
"You!"                             they would."
Skuldfrid drew in her horse so sudden-   He bent down to lift up Skuldfrid, but
ly, that Herr Bl[isen, utterly unused to she pushed back his arm gently, saying, -
such motions, gave a quick start sideways -  " I have many times been sprained and
and threw his rider from the saddle. The made myself ill, but only once~ have I
stranger immediately jumped  to  the been in need of a doctor; promise thereground, and bent to lift up Skuldfrid. fore not to send one to me."
Bliisen, who felt himlself free, followed his   "I promise nothing; but I say decidlong'ingg after the stable, and set off home- edly, you must not stay here longer."
Tward at full speed.  The stranger's horse,   Before Skuldfrid had time to make any
on the contrary, stood as still as a lamb, fuirther objections, she was lifted from the
while his master raised up Skuldfrid.    ground upon the back of the horse.
"How are you, have you injured your-   "Does the foot pain you  badly!"
self? " asked he with syrmpathy.       asked he.
A strange play of fate had so willed it   Skuldfrid  was not able to speak a
that they were now upon the samte place word, the pain was so violent; neither
where Constantin, six years before, had ill- did he wait for any answer, but took
treated Tage and Skuldfrid.            the horse by the reins, and thus brought
"I cannot step with one foot, I must the poor girl to Ektorp.  Not a word
have sprained it," answered Skuldfrid, was exchanged between them.  At the
~ who upon attempting to stand became gate  Skuldfrid  asked  him  to  stop
deadly pale from pain.                 and help her down from  the saddle.
" With a strong arm the stranger car- She seated herself upon a little bench
ried Skuldfrid to a grassy bank, where which stood there, saying', when he would
he seated her.                         have assisted her across the yard,"This mischance of yours I shall have   "No, let me stay here.  When you
upon my conscience," said he.  "'How is are gone, I will call for assistance."
it with the foot." added he gently.   " Why do you not allow me to sup"Will you not remain here until I can port you across the yard?.'
ride to your home and get a carriage; or   "My mother does not love to see
if you can mount my horse, I will then strangers," answered Skuldfrid.




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                             57
He looked at her for several minutes, they should avoid saying anything to
as if hesitating whether to obey or not. Fru Smidt, at least that night.  In spite
Then he took off his cap, made a respect- of all Annika's laudable efforts, the foot
ful bow, and took leave with the words, ached worse and worse, and she became
"Adieu, may your foot soon be well!" perfectly inconsolable when she could not
And before Skuldfrid had time to stam- put it in place.
mer forth any thanks, he had sprung    "I suppose it is best, dear heart, for
upon his horse and hurried away at wild Ivar or Peter to ride to Kronobro for
speed.  She looked after him  with a the Doctor," said Annika.  Just then a
mournfull glance.  It seemed to her as carriage was heard which stopped at the
if the bulfinch that sat twittering in gate.  This was something so extraordithe tree over her head had been relating nary, that Annika, in spite of her anxiety,
all manner of sorrowful things. A strange, ran from  the afflicted Skuldfrid to the
uneasy, and anxious feeling filled Skuld- window.
frid's otherwise so calm  breast, and a   " A  strange gentleman, and that in
sad foreboding whispered to her that the the midst of this misery! " exclaimed she
accident with the foot was an unlucky and hastened out.  In the hall she met
omen.  At length, when she no longer the new  arrival, a middle-aged man
saw the retreating rider, she began to with a very prepossessing appearance.
call, and in a moment Annika was seen Annika immediately recognized Dr. Wag'in the door of the kitchen.  As a high lner.
lilac-bush hid Skuldfrid's seat, the old   "I have been told that Mademoiselle
servant could not find her, and it was only Smidt has sprained her ankle," said the
after repeated cries that she found the Doctor.
place from whence the sounds proceeded.   Annika stared at him, and in her head
"What has come over you, to scream  arose ghostly ideas of forest spirits, who
so dreadfully?." muttered Annika.      must have served as messengers.  Who
"Dear Annika, I have sprained my else could have sent for the Doctor, and
foot, and I cannot stir a step," answered how explain naturally that he came just
Skuldfrid.                             as she desired his aid.  When she did
" Lord, my Creator, what is that you not answer, Wagner resumed, -
say. Have you hurt yourself?  And    "Is it possible that some one has
how you look! Trigged out like a vaga- played a joke on me, and that Mademoibond. Now I understand, you have been selle Smidt is not in need of my asoff riding. That girl, that girl, she never sistance. "
will give up until she is ruined."  Here   "Yes, that she certainly is; but it is
Annika broke off abruptly, for Skuldfrid's so strange, it is, it is." Annika courtesied
cheeks grew pale.                      and courtesied, and at last conducted
"Peter, Peter," screamed Annika to a the Doctor up to Skuldfrid.
man-servant who just then came up;   He saluted his patient with exquisite
" carry up Mamsell, she has ruined her politeness, who at the  sight of him
foot."'                                changed color.  The Doctor examined
Annika went ahead, grumbling to her- the injured foot, which was found to be
self, and Peter followed after with Skuld- entirely out of joint.  He asked Skuldfrid, whom he carried up to her chain- frid to excuse him for being obliged to
her, at Annika's command.              pain her.  Skuldfrid however endured
The foot was bared and found to be the pain with wonderful fortitude, and
swollen. Annika bathed it with brandy, without a word of complaint.  The Doewhile she and Skuldfrid deliberated how tor then ordered some wet bandages.




58                       GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
When the physician's carriage rolled actual palace.  The largest saloon of the
away, Fru Smidt came walking slowly first floor, situated in the middle of the
from the garden.  The six years which building and extending through it, with
had fled had still more deeply imprinted windows to the floor and glass doors
the marks of sorrow on her features. opening upon the balcony, can serve as
Her whole countenance seemed petrified a specimen of the arrangement of the
with grief.  When she entered the porch whole. The hangings were of gray damshe called to Annika, who came down at ask silk, with flowers inwoven in crimson
once from Skuldfrid's room.            and silver.  The mirrors between the
"It seemed to me that I heard the windows were framed in silver, inlaid
sound of a carriage," said Fru Smidt. with the most beautiful crystals and
"Has any stranger been here "          other stones.  The furniture, also sil"Yes, the Doctor from Kronobro," re- vered, was covered with the same mateplied Annika, quite boldly.            rial as the hangings; one large and four
"What did he come here for?"       smaller silver chandeliers, with red glass,
" Why you see, Skuldfrid - "        were suspended from the ceiling; and in
"Skuldfrid, Skuldfrid," repeated Fru each corner of the saloon stood marble
Smidt, and took a step towards Annika, groups, bearing silver candelabras.
"what has happened to her.?"            Upon the same evening that Skuldfrid
"She has sprained her foot.  It is had met the stranger, the young owner
nothing dangerous, the Doctor has now of Kronobro lay on one of the many
put it in place."                      small sofas in the saloon.  The glass
Without hearing anything  further, doors stood open and the balmy fragrance
Fru Smidt went up to her daughter. from the garden was wafted in.
Annika murmured,-                        Lothard Constantin Canitz was at this
"God be thanked that she did not time about twenty-two, with an exceedask how the Doctor came here, for that ingly  advantageous appearance.  The
I could not have told her."            high, broad forehead was so free and
open, that it seemd as if it could not be
shadowed by any cloud.  The large,
deep-set dark eyes had a blended expresWe will now  visit Kronobro.  The sion of intelligence, mildness, fire, passion,
great mansion has been deserted ever and daring.  The form of his face was a
since the General died there three years pure oval, the nose finely formed, the
ago.  Constantin, at the time of his mouth small with dazzlingly white teeth;
father's death, was on a naval expedition. dark hair and whiskers enclosed the face
After an interval of six years, the young as in a frame.
owner arrived quite suddenly at his pa-   For the moment Constantin seemed to
ternal estate, accompanied by two Rus- be tormented by unpleasant thoughts.
sian noblemen, who were passionately Now and then he looked at his watch;
fond of hunting.                       and finally, as this could not divert him,
The main structure at Kronobro con- he seized a silver bell from a little marble
sisted of a square building with two stand near him  and rang violently.  A
large wings.  General Canitz had the servant in green and red livery immedirooms fitted up and furnished with prince- ately appeared.
ly magnificence.  There was heaped all   "Has the Doctor returned? " inquired
the luxury which marked the taste of Constantin, in Russian.
the rich Russian. The house, with its   "[No, not yet," was the answer, given in
marble pillars and balconies, formed an the same language.




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                             59
"Tell him as soon as he comes that countrymen I dare assert can be said of
I am waiting."  The same question and all.  In some corner of our nature there
direction waNs uttered now for the sixth are always seeds to be found of which a
time since the Doctor had left Kronobro. rascal can be formed. It depends entirely
WVhen the servant, after a deep bow, had upon the condition, whether the rascal
left the room, Constantin began to pace or the honest man shall prevail."
the floor in a visibly impatient state of   " Or if they shall go hand in hand, as
mind. At last he stopped by one of the with you."
open glass doors and looked out into    " Precisely; but now I must leave you."
space. Far in the distance was seen the The Doctor made a deep bow.  Constansea.  The sun leaned his glowing cheek tin held out his hand, saying with a
against its cool, fresh bosom.         smile, —
Whatever were the reflections which    "Ah, do not think to escape so easily.
filled the young man's soul, they were Gurtzskow and Brunskowirtz are off huntsoon disturbed by a person's entrance. ing.  I am consequently alone and desire
Constantin turned immediately, and Dr. your company this evening.  I have one
Wagner came towards him.               thing and another to speak to you about;
"Well, Doctor, how  is it? " asked it is now a long time since we conversed
Constantin, in French.                 confidentially.  You will be my society
"I have now replaced the joint, but for the rest of the day."
she must keep quiet for two or three    "With the greatest pleasure," answered
weeks without moving at all," said the the Doctor politely, laying aside his hat.
Doctor with a conciliating smile.      He then pushed an easy-chair forward,
"I promised you as large a compensa- intending to seat himself, when Constantion as you could wish, if you would only tin said,cure it quickly."                        "Be so kind as to ring.  We cannot
"Herr Baron, my art can only assist possibly talk without wine and cigars."
nature.  We physicians are not gods."    When the Doctor pulled the bell-cord,
" No, that I am well aware of; and he cast a dark look upon the young man,
truly I cannot see what your art is good who treated him with such careless supefor, when nature has to do the greatest riority.
part."  Constantin threw  himself on a   Some moments afterwards we find the
little sofa, which he had pushed up to physician and the owner of Kronobro
the open glass door.                   smoking their cigars and sipping from
" It serves to put a sprained foot in their glasses some very noble juice of the
joint, to splinter an arm that has been grape.  A long silence had intervened.
broken, to heal wounds which one has The Doctor seemed entirely absorbed in
received, to -"                        contemplating his unusually small feet.'Ah ha! you have a good memory, I Constantin looked thoughtfully at the
perceive. Do you know, Doctor, you are rings of smoke.  His thoughtfulness was
a strange combination of slyness and genuine, but the Doctor's admiration for
boldness, of humble creeping and daring his boots was entirely feigned, for he
frankness.  You are, like all your coun- often threw a lurking glance at Constantrymen, a strange mixture of the rascal tin.  Finally the latter broke the silence.
and the honest man."                   He fastened his penetrating eyes on the
Over the Doctor's smiling countenance Doctor, saying,flew  a threatening expression, but so   "Have you nothing to relate about
quickly that it left no trace.         your new patient  "'"What you say about me and my   "I have already informed you of her




60                        GUILT AND  INNOCEINCE.
state of health," replied the Doctor, quite child when she lay senseless, and you
indifferently, without seeming to under- forced rne to fly."
stand that Constantin wanted him  to    "Further, I know  that the mother
speak of her.                           lives a completely isolated  life.  She
" See here, do not play simple. Should associates with no one, never goes out
Waagner's penetration  be so  at fault except to church, which occurs three
that -"                                 times a year, and receives no visits be"He did not surmise that quite other sides the pastor's.  In this seclusion she
feelings than compassion dictated your has educated her beautiful daughter who
solicitude for the young girl's misfortune, has been allowed to grow up without any
you mean to stay.  0, no, I comprehend restraint, in habit and manner a child of
your desires perfectly as well now as nature, but in soul-culture superior to
formerly, but I am now silent for the most persons of her age.  Besides this, I
moment, and wait for you to tell me that know, what you perhaps are not aware of,
y6u found the girl not only beautiful, but namely, that Fru Smidt has rented Ekirresistibly charming.  She is like a mag- torp of the General, your father, for
nificent rose, which with its beauty and twelve years, and that this lease must
its fragrance can tempt even a saint to now be renewed, or the widow must rewish to pluck it.  And from this comes move.  That matter of course becomes
your interest."                          an affair between your steward and the
"So." Constantin smiled almost scorn. old lady."  The Doctor's eyes rested on
fully.  "You then believe me unable to Constantin with an almost malevolent
feel pity, unless it has its source in my expression.
selfishness."                              "0 well, that is a perfectly indifferent
"Belief, Herr Baron, does not come matter," rejoined the latter.
in question.  I am  fully convinced that   "May be; but who knows to what a
it is so; yet it was not of this that you knowledge of this may serve in future.
desired to speak with me, but of the It is always well to know on what footbeautiful maiden down there at Ektorp." ing we stand with persons for whom we
"You are right.  What I am, how interest ourselves.  One's own advantage
much good or evil there is within me, no is the mother of all bonds of affc —
one yet knows, not even I myself, and tion."
least of all you."                         "What an abominable philosophy!"
A pause ensued.                          "Possibly, but yet it is the one we
"Did  you see the girl's mother'" all subscribe to in our actions."
asked Constantin.                          Constantin made a disdainful motion
" No, only the old servant."          of the shoulders, as if he would indicate
"Do you know  anything about the that he did not care to reply to this
inmates of Ektorp?"                     remark.
"0  yes, as much as of all others in    "Of whom has the girl obtained the
this vicinity, and perhaps a little more. unusual education you speak of!?"
So, for instance, I know that this girl, who    " Partly from her mot-her, partly from
has captivated you through her beauty, a neighbor, Professor Aberney, the owner
is the same child that you abused six of Junta."
years ago."                                "The father of the boy who so stub"Indeed! In truth I feared it."  Con- borrly tried to defend the girl on that
stantin looked troubled.  "And, more- abominable day?."
over, I thought that I recognized  in   "The foster-father.  The Professor is
those beautiful features the face of the a bachelor between forty and fifty, stately




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            61
in his appearance, and a true Finn in his interview. Finally, I wanted to tell you
nature."                              of my desire to know their pecuniary
"I understand, a bull-head."        condition, and that you should inform
"Yes, if you so please to term the im- her that he who occasioned her the pain
movable firmness, the integrity, and the of the sprained foot has now left the
warm feeling for country, which distin- region.  All this, upon my faith and
guish the Finnish people."            honor, was what I intended to do."
"When did you, Doctor, become such   "In that case there is yet time to
an admirer of this'plodding and stiff- accomplish your laudable and romantic
necked people'"                      purpose."
"With your permission, Baron, I do   Constantin again took a turn in the
not admire, I only speak of a fact."  room, in an apparently disturbed state of
"Good! Will you now listen to what mind. The Doctor's glance followed him.
I desire with regard to the girl 3"      "I wonder," resumed Constantin, stop"Do you really need to tell me that? ping at the open glass door, "if my faI think it entirely superfluous.  In the ther did not commit a terrible mistake
first place, you desire that she should not when he made you my tutor.  You were
know  that you are Constantin Canitz. the man I loved even to adoration. You
She may willingly believe you to be possessed an unlimited power over me;
Gurtzskow, or any one else, only not the and with your superior intelligence you
owner of Kronobro; further, you desire could easily have withheld me from evil,
through me to bring about a correspond- and yet there is scarcely any dissolute or
ence; and lastly, that I shall reconnoitre wrong act of my youth which has not
the ground, so that you can find out how  sprung from the seeds you have sown."
you can come in contact with the girl."  "If that is so, how can you then call
Constantin sprang up from the sofa, me an honorable man?"
swallowed a whole glass of wine, took a   "In your relation to me as teacher I
turn round the room, and then stopped have never called you honorable; it is
before the Doctor, with his arms crossed just there that you are a rascal."
upon his breast, saying slowly,-         "'And yet it was you who procured
"Have you read the'Story' of'how me the place I now occupy."
the Devil recruits Souls'."             "I procured it for you for two reasons.
G" No, I never read stories."       First, because you as my tutor had spent'"That is too bad. You would have time which you might have turned to
recognized yourself in it; for he does better advantage.  I stood in a great
precisely as you do. He takes a person's debt to you, which could not easily be
most beautiful intentions and turns them  requited.  The income that you received
into an evil.  This is brought about as my tutor was not sufficient to recomthus: the moment a good resolution is pense you for what I cost you. It was
taken, he presents to the human weakness my duty to arrange a position for you
all possible ways to obtain the satisfac- corresponding to your qualifications."
tion of its passions. So is it with you.   "As you consider the one I now occupy
When I left the young girl, I determined to be? Why not as well that which
never to see her again. I sent you there, your father would have procured me at
so that she might be helped immediately, Princess -   "
as I considered myself the cause of the   " Because you would then have resided
misfortune.  I desired to remain un- in Russia, with a Russian woman, surknown, so that she might not have any rounded by all that was most calculated
disagreeable remembrance of our short to excite your feeling of hate towards




62                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
Poland's  oppressors.  In  Russia the   "Herr Baron, you are excited and see
trace of every better instinct would have everything in a wrong light, or you
been effhced. But here, in a land whose would perceive that I have only acted
people were strangers to the sufferings according to the views which I hold.  I
which have befallen yours, there was noth- am a stranger to all those prejudices
ing which could arouse the slumbering which are laws to the masses, and in my
bitterness in your soul. It was Wagner, treatment of you I have not allowed these
the honorable man, for whom I procured to intervene. I hold the conviction that
through my father the post of physician a young man should possess the knowlof the district, fully convinced that here edge of all conditions of life, in order to
was a sufficient field for your activity and obtain a true view of life itself. He must
philanthropy.  These years have shown taste of pleasure's foaming cup, to learn
me that I have not judged you wrongly. his weakness and his strength.   My
You are liked and respected by all, both philosophy is this, that we should enjoy
poor and rich. You have been the friend our existence.  If this view is not right,
of the former, the helper of the latter, and you may pity, but not accuse me; it is
filled your place conscientiously as a phy- mine, and any other I could not teach."
sician and an individual."              " Your life is not by any means a series
"And yet you just now called me a of intoxicating joys, but exceedingly irrerascal," said the Doctor, with his plastic proachable."
smile.                                  "WhyS Because my enjoyments are
"Yes, and I do it still; for the life- of a different order from those of other
philosophy you inculcate is that of a people.  I love wine, but only in moderrascal.  The skill with which you have ation.  I have not yet found any woman
played upon the strings of my inner na- who is to me enticing. The result of
ture, so that you aroused my passions this is, that I do not abandon myself to
prematurely, has been that of a villain; the pleasures of either wine or love. I
-and if I am not to-day a completely ruined have one master passion, that is my
young man, with a heart grown dry studies.  To them I devote myself, and
through dissipation, no credit is due you; enjoy them with full draughts. My callthe honor must be ascribed to my natural ing of physician is dear to me. This is
qualities, as well as to the circumstance the reason why I cultivate it with care.
that for several years I have lived apart If it did not give me joy, I should be
from the sneaking, poisonous influence of careless and indifferent; for we only do
your teachings."  Constantin ceased.    well that which pleases us. I yield withDr. Wagner did not seem disposed to out restraint to everything that can make
continue the conversation.  He smoked life agreeable.  The fault, Herr Baron, is
his cigar quite indifferently, and let the not mine that Nature has given me fewer
young Baron remain undisturbed in the means of enjoyment than she has bemeditations into which he was plunged. stowed upon you."
Suddenly Constantin turned round to the   A short silence again ensued, when the
Doctor.                               Doctor changed the subject and managed
"Why have you wished to make of me so as to engage Constantin's interest, and
a morally miserable man l Why have he seemed to have forgotten their previyou with every temptation pointed out ous conversation.
the means by which I could satisfy my   Few persons possess a greater capacity
ignoble desires l You have done every- of interesting and fascinating with their
thing to make me give way."  Constan- eloquence than Dr. W~agner, and just
tin's voice was irritated.            this made him so dangerous when he ad



GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                             63
vanced  sophisms highly pernicious to within me, which has hitherto marked
mind and morals.                       my character.  I, the rich and powerful
The two gentlemen took a light sup- Canitz, am truly pooir and to be pitied,
per.  It was past midnight when the for at twenty-two years of age I am tired
Doctor took his hat to go home.  He of life and possess nothing but a fortune,
occupied the left wing, which in itself with which I can purchase everything
was a stately mansion.                 except true friends, parents, a country,
Constantin  reached the Doctor his and happiness. Affluence can procure
hand in farewell, and the latter had gone excitements and afford an opportunity of
nearly to the door without Constantin's gratifying our capricesj but cannot give
uttering a word about his visit to Skuld- us a single moment's felicity."
frid the following day. The Doctor took
good care not to drop a syllable upon the
subject. Just as he laid his hand on the
knob, Constantin said with affected in-   The next morning, while the Doctor
difference, -                          was drinking his coffee, Constantin en"At what time to-morrow do you visit tered his pleasant and elegant abode.
your young patient?"                   Wagner was sitting in- a large library,
" Quite early in the morning," was the whose walls were covered with bookcases
answer.  Another bow, a turning of the well filled. At seeing Constantin he rose
knob, and the Doctor had disappeared.   immediately, and greeted him  with exConstantin remained standing in the quisite politeness, saying, "To what am
middle of the floor, looking towards the I indebted for so early a visit from the
door. He muttered to himself, -        Baron? " Within himself he thought, "I
"'What satanic thoughts and desires was sure that he would be here before
has not that demon awakened in my my departure, and I can venture my
breast! Ah, what a miserable tool shall life upon it, that he brings a letter with
I not become in the hands of that man u  him and a commission to give it to the
But am I actually then the weak charac- girl."
ter who allows himself to be ruled by the   "I wished to see you, Doctor, before
passions which another excites?  Ah! I you drove to Ektorp, to invite you to
do not know myself what I am before dine with  me to-day," said Constansome strong and powerful feeling takes tin.
possession of my soul and grasps my   "For this invitation, I am particularly
heart-strings. Hitherto I have not ex- grateful.  As soon as I come home from
perienced any of those inner forces which my visits to the sick, I shall have the
make us mortals either great or paltry. honor to present myself."
I have never had parents, never a home,   Constantin spoke of some indifferent
have never known love either for father matters, and took his departure, to the
or mother; never had a friend, and, what no little surprise of the Doctor, who exis still worse, never a fatherland. With pected a confidential charge.
a father who was recreant to his country,   "What was his actual intention in
and a mother whom I never knew, my this visit?" Wagner queried to himself.
very blood is mixed; and not even in- "His invitations to dinner are generally
stinct holds me by preference either to delivered by some of the servants; concountry or home.  I belong to a nation sequently this was but a pretext. Could
that I despise; I serve a monarch that I he, the wealthy and proud Canitz, come
abhor; my whole position is calculated to Wagner in person merely to bring an
to call forth this chaos of good and evil invitation S  Impossible."  The Doctor




64                       GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
hlaughed in scorn, and resumed his place   A quarter of an hour afterwards the
sat the breakfast-table.  When he took Doctor's carriage rolled away to Ektorp.
the coffee-cup, he observed a letter which
lay near. It was addressed to him.
"Aha!" said the Doctor, with a sardonic smile.  "Now  his politeness is   Upon the sofa., which stood opposite
explained."  He weighed the letter in the window in Skuldfrid's room, lay the
his hand, and held the following mono- young girl, gazing sadly at the leaves of
logue in thought,-                    the trees which nodded in the wind, and
"What can this contain l  Let us the waves of the lake rolling slowly away
think upon it: yes, some phrases to the from  the shore.  Both windows were
effect that my words have aroused his open, and the light summer breeze came
lower nature, etc.; and so at last he asks into the young maiden's bower, laden
me to carry a greeting or a billet to the with perfumes.
girl whom  I am  tending.  Bah!. The   Fru Smidt had spent the whole night
poor fellow has not even strength enough with her daughter, but in the morning
in his soul to be a profligate wretch, with- left her, because Annika expected the
out blaming others for it." The Doctor's Doctor, and the shy widow did not wish
smile changed  suddenly, and took  a to meet any stranger.
stamp of implacable hate, while he con-   Annika had fussed about the child,
tinued, "You deceive yourself, effem- brought in flowers, adorned the sofa with
inate youth, when you think that I fresh boughs, and did everything she could,
only wish to throw you into the arms so that her little savage should not sufof dissipation. No, I desire your ruin; fer too much from her imprisonment.
I wish to make of your life a chain of   Skuldfrid was extremely absent, and
afflictions and crimes, which shall lacer- gave no heed to these thousand small
ate your soul with the tortures of remorse, attentions through which the old servant
when your proud heart awakes to the displayed her affection for her.  It was
consciousness of having degraded your- plain to be seen that something troubled
self.  What is there that you might her. Finally, Annika could not refrain
suffer that. could be compared to the from asking,evil which your family has heaped upon   "But good Lord, dear child, does the
mine! "                              foot pain you so badly, or what is the.He rose hastily and broke the seal of matter with you?  It is just as if you
the letter.  It contained a little note lay with your head in an ant-hill, so do
addressed to Mademoiselle Smidt,'and you turn and twist it, and you do not
these lines to Wagner, -              see how!~icely I have dressed the room.
"You have offered to be my letter- Tell me now what it is that makes the
carrier. Therefore, my dear Doctor, I do child so uneasy." Annika patted Skuldnot wound you with the commission. frid's cheek with her brown and horny
Leave the enclosed letter with its owner, hand.
but in such a way that she does not find   "O, dear Annika, it is not the pain
it until you are gone."               in my foot that troubles me, but it is the
"No accusations?" murmured the annoyance of not being able to see my
Doctor.  " So much the better." He put good friend Uncle Aberney. I should
the letter in his pocket.  " I knew your like so much to send a letter to him, but
weak mind too well not to be aware that I do not know how to manage it. This
you would fasten upon the hook I threw  disturbs my mind."
out."                                   "Hm! hml!" said Annika, but had




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                             65
not time to continue, for now the Doc- "Who can this be from?  And how has
tor arrived.  Wagner's visit was longer it come here."  Her heart beat quite
this time than the day previous, and his anxiously, anc~ the letter was again laid
manner was less ceremonious and more back.  "You must not open it," said reacordial.  He talked about the country, son.  "What harm can there be in it 2"
about Finland and the Finnish people, whispered curiosity.   The letter was
and succeeded with his agreeable man- again taken up, turned, examined, and
her and ease of expression in inspiring finally, without Skuldfrid's really knowSkuldfrid with  more confidence than ing how it came about, it was opened.
hitherto.  When he rose to take leave, The curious and eager eyes read the folhe said, -                             lowing:"Now I have chatted away a whole   "When I left you yesterday it was my
hour with you, but my conscience is not firm intention never to see you again, betroubled by it.  While your foot keeps cause I accused myself of having been
you confined to your couch, you have the cause of the accident that occurred.
sufficient time left for meditation."  And moreover, I saw in this mischance a
Almika followed him  out.  When in warning sign of destiny, which has certhe hall she said, courtesying,        tainly appointed me to occasion you some'I beg, your pardon, Herr Doctor, but pain or sorrow.  This I wanted to preI would like to ask you a question."   vent, by avoiding all contact with the one
"; Willingly."                     -who even upon our first acquaintance ex"How did you learn that Skuldfrid perienced suffering.  In spite of all these
had sprained her foot 3."        indications, you receive this letter from' That matter is very simple. I was on me. My resolution of yesterday has thus
my way home, when a young man hailed tumbled to-day.  And yet I do not know
me and said that the young lady at Ek- how myself; I only know that I should
torp had hurt herself, whereupon I im- be thankful all my life if I could obtain
mediately rode here."                  your forgiveness for the annoyance I have
"Ah! Then it was actually a direc- caused by intruding myself upon you."
tion of Providence," said Annika.        Skuldfrid read this note over and over
"Or of the powers of darkness," mut- again, which was without any signature.
tered the Doctor, as he stepped into his What was there in its contents that fascarriage.                              cinated and affected her so agreeably? 
On the table near Skuld-frid lay a book She could not have told herself; but
which she had been reading.  When the away went all restlessness and impatience;
Doctor was gone, she took it up again. and when Annika again came into the
At this motion the book opened of itself, room, she was quite surprised at Skuldand behold, there lay an elegant note ad- frid's calm and smiling appearance.
dressed to Mademoiselle Smidt. At this   "Why, how pleasant you look! Well,
sight, a deep blush spread over Skuld- well, I also come with good news. Your
frid's cheeks, and she closed the book in- mother has given Ivar permission to ride
voluntarily.  Just then Annika entered, over to Junta, and tell the Professor that
inquiring if Skuldfrid needed anything, you have sprained your ankle."
otherwise she would go and talk to her   Skuldfrid made such a sudden motion
mistress about a matter of importance. in her joy, that her foot began to ache;.When the young girl was again alone, but that did not prevent her from hugshe opened the book quite slowly, and ging and embracing Annika so heartily,
turned the letter over and over with that the old servant smiled good-humoran undecided air, while she thought, -  edly upon her.




66                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
Skuldfrid wrote the letter and Ivar set sitting so far away from me, as if the
off with it. When Fru Smidt came in distance between us was infinite."
to her da-ughter, the latter stretched out   Fru Smidt got up and took a seat by
both arms towards her, saying with the her daughter.  She passed her hand
vivacity of her age,-                 caressingly over the beautiful head, say"You good, you beloved mamma, to ing with  her indescribably  sorrowful
let me send to  Junta.  Now  Uncle smile,Aberney will certainly write some word   " The distance between you and me is
to me. 0, how thankful I am!"         indeed immense. You are the fresh and
Fru Smidt smiled in her mournful smiling spring, which knows not of the
way, patted the young girl's head, and autumn's storms.  I "- she pressed her
seated herself by the window without. daughter's head to her breast —" am the
uttering a word.   She was so placed winter.  My life is the night, while
that Skuldfrid saw her face in profile. yours is a bright and sunny spring
With her head bent over her work, it morning. Ah, may it always continue
seemed as if her features had been cut so! May no shadow of my dark fate fall
in marble, so lifeless did they appear. upon the path of your life!"  Fru Smidt
The sallow complexion, the silver-white kissed her daughter's brow.
hair, the straight nose, and the tightly   "Then your life, mother, has been
compressed  lips, all had  an  almost very unhappy'"  Skuldfrid looked at
ghostly aspect.  She plied her needle her mother with a peculiarly timid and
quite mechanically, without once looking yet searching glance.  The latter's counup.  An unspeakable  oppression fell tenance grew dark, and she replied in a
upon Skuldfrid's mind just now so joy- gloomy tone, -
ous, and a deep compassion filled her   "Child, never try to search into your
heart.  She thought, -                mother's past life. It would be death to
"What grief is it that has furrowed me and misfortune to yourself."  She.
my mother's countenance so ineffaceably? rose to leave her daughter, but Skuldfrid
What dark and bitter memories can detained her.
there be that hold her soul in an eternal  (" Forgive me if I have grieved you;
sorrow. 0 my God, how painful it is but you do not imagine how I feel when
to contemplate this face, and read in it my eyes rest on your face, and I reflect
sufferings which can never be mitigated. that as long backc as I can remember it
Is there then no joy for this woman who has been just so sad; that it has never
is so good, so tender, so worthy of admi- been brightened by any smile of happiration?  She resembles a martyr, and, ness or satisfaction.  0  my  beloved
like such, she almost inspires reverence. mother, I am  your child, let me now
One feels that an immeasurable,distance become your friend, the one who shall
lies between her and all others, and just share the burden of your sorrows; they
for this reason none dare approach her." will then surely become less heavy."
Skuldfrid sighed so deeply, that Fru   Skuldfrid twined her arms around her
Smidt raised  her  head quickly  and mother's neck, and looked at her with a
looked at her.                        tender and  beseeching glance.   Fru
"What is the matter my child, do you Smidt pressed the young girl to her
suffer pain? " asked she.            bosom, and said with an unusually clear
" 0 no, mamma, it was something that and calm voice,
troubled me."  Skuldfrid extended her   "Yes, you are my Skculdfrid (guilthands to her mother.  "Come and sit peace), and therefore do I desire that the
here.  It seems to me when I see you dark sides of life shall remain unknown




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                             67
to you.  Do you see the flower in the   When Ivar returned from Junta, he
window, how beautifully it blooms, how  brought a message that the Professor
rich its colors, and how luxuriant the intended to come over in the afternoon.
leaves that surround it?  Well, the soil, At this intelligence Skuldfrid cried aloud
its mother, is black; but the flower does with joy; but a moment after, she looked
not ask why it wears mourning.  Do you quite anxiously at Annika, as if she exlikewise.  Enjoy  the  sunbeams,  the pected  to learn of her how  it could
western breeze, and all that can glad- possibly  take place that a  stranger
den. and rejoice your young  heart; should pay a visit to Ektorp.
but do not ask why your mother's   "Ah, dear child, you must understand
hair has turned gray prematurely, and that I managed that affair when I got
her cheeks become furrowed by grief, your mother's permission to  send to
or why her happiness has fled. These Junta."
inquiries would change the morning of   "WVhat affair?." asked Skuldfrid, who
your life into a sombre night."        did not in the least believe in Annika's
There was something solemnly and capacity to guess her thoughts.
yet affectionately warning in her voice.   "Why, what nonsense you talk! I see
A  pause  succeeded.   Skuldfrid  had well enouglh, that you are afraid your
become so strangely impressed, that she mother will take it ill when the Professor
did not venture to interrupt the silence comes."
by a word. Fru Smidt resumed, after a   "Yes, that is true.  I am  afraid
long pause, -                          that -"
"When your eyes rest on my gloomy   "You are a little goose to think that
countenance, then think that God, who Annika has no more judgment than a
reads the heart, is also just, and that he sparrow.  But be easy, your dear Prodoes not allow grief to consume any life, fessor shall be allowed to come in; that
unless the one who suffers is deserving matter I have attended to."
of it.  Do not let your innocent eyes   Annika went out, and Skuldfrid was
dwell on my sombre face, but lift them  seized with an actual respect for her
to the heavens.  Whatever my inner judgment, - a thing which she had never
griefs are, I still possess one trecasure, before recognized that Annika possessed.
I hacve you.  You are my beautiful   Skuldfrid counted the hours until the
flower, which I, like the earth, have nour- afternoon came, and then she listened
ished and fostered in my bosom.  The intently to every sound, until at length
sunlight has caressed  your innocent the rumbling of wheels reached her ear.
cheeks; and God has been merciful to Now it was too hard to be forced to lie
me, as he allowed me to keep you."     still, without hastening to meet the dearly
"Mother, how meek and submissive welcome guest.  At last the door opened,
you are! O, if I could once become and with a glad cry Skuldfrid stretched
so!"                                  her arms towards him who entered.
At these words Fru Smidt started and   An inexpressibly friendly smile played
looked with  trembling anguish at her upon Aberney's lips as he saw the joy
daughter; then she kissed her brow has- which beamed in the young girl's face.
tily and murmured,-                      " I ought to be angry," saidhe jestingly,
" God preserve you, child, from becom- "and you richly merit a reproof for your
ing such as I!"                      temerity.  What did I say to you about
She left the room quickly.          riding 2?"
He took both her hands and pressed
them heartily.




68                       GUILT AND INzNOCENCE.
"No reproofs," exclaimed Skuldfrid, it proper for the physician to be left alone
and carried the hand of her beloved in- with " the child." Wagner did not seem at
structor to her lips.  "Am I not suffi- all disturbed by the old servant's presence,
ciently punished when I must abstain but acted as if she had not existed.  He
from going out, from roaming around, or often brought valuable books with hinm
visiting Junta  Now, I need my friend for Skuldfrid.  At every book he gave
to comfort me. Ah, Uncle, you do not her she blushed, especially when he addknow how much I think of you! How  ed with an engaging smile, "Here is a
the thought of not being able to see you work which ought to interest you."  She
pained me! If you knew that, then you was then certain to find a letter in it or
would understand that the punishment I some written lines that expressed either
endure is much too severe."            anxiety or sympathy.. A  strange feeling moved Aberney's   At Aberney's first visit Skuldfrid had
breast when he heard Skuldfrid's artless firmly resolved to tell him  about her
expression of her affection and regret. meeting with the stranger, and also to
He, who during the whole term of his show him the letter she had received in
manhood had stood so alone, now pos- the morning; but every time she opened
sessed two young warm hearts that were her mouth  to relate  this remarkable
attached to him with true and unfeigned event, the blood rushed to her cheeks,
regard.                                and it became in the highest degree disHowever deep a person  plunges in tasteful to her to speak of it.  When
study, the heart still craves its nourish- Skuldfrid, two days after the Doctor's
ment; and there are moments when it first visit, again received a billet, she beseems so desolate to stand alone with all came disturbed.  She felt a great need
one's learning, without a human being to of having some one to confide in, and she
love or be loved by. Aberney at this then resolved to tell her mother all about
moment felt happier and more satisfied it; but when Fru Smidt entered and
than he had been during his whole pre- Skuldfrid saw the melancholy countevious life. Full of emotion he pressed a nance, the same inscrutable feeling of
kiss upon  Skuldfrid's brow  with  the fear seized her that she had experienced
words, -                               ever since childhood.  It was impossible
" Thanks, my child, for the feeling for her to speak freely and confidentially
your heart bestows upon me! Be assured with her mother.  So she again locked
that you will always possess in me a faith- up the occurrence with the stranger, and
ful friend, however destiny may shape then another feeling arose which always
itself for us."                        accompanies a secret: she began to reaFrom that day Aberney came to Ek- son within herself, that there was no
torp every afternoon.  When Skuldfrid harm in a person's writing to her, and
was a little better, he used to carry her that this matter did not concern any one
out into the garden.                   but herself. Never had her mother, AnnIlika, or Aberney, designated as a wrong' the
act of one person's sending a letter to
another.  And had not Tage for several
The Doctor visited his patient every years written to Skuldfrid, and she to
morning, and generally lingered to con- him?  Why then need she feel troubled,
verse with Skuldfrid on subjects which he that the stranger in this way wished to
thought would interest her. Faithful as inform  himself about her health.  The
a sentinel, Annika sat in the room during result of this reasoning was, that Skuldthe Doctor's visits.  She did not consider frid, without any further scruples, recad




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                             69
every line she received, and soon she   Laughing, and gay as a bird that has
longed for them, although the notes often escaped from the cage, Skuldfrid went
contained only these words,-           out through the gate, leaning on Aber"When will your foot allow you to ney's arm.  She walked along with him
walk again l  This is my first question so slowly, that she said at last, with
when I awake, and the last when I retire merry impatience,
to rest."                                " O, this is too much like a turtle's
Or another time, -                   progress, we must go a little faster! "
"I wonder if you are much embittered   " Very well, but then it might happen
against me l"   Or else: "Shall you that your foot would pain you again.
never let a couple of lines from your One who wishes to enjoy life must do it
hand remain in some of the books that with moderation, or else become bankare returned here i "                  rupt."
However poor in contents these billets   "Then you, Uncle, will surely never
were, Skuldfrid yet read them many, many become bankrupt," declared Skuldfrid.
times. There was something inexplicably    "No, and for two reasons."  Aberney
magical, which in a peculiarly agreeable looked thoughtful.
manner charmed  and fascinated  the    "Let me hear them."
young girl's imagination.  But for all   "First, because I have had so little
this, she had never for an instant felt joy; and secondly, because the less one
tempted to send any answer. Her highly has the more sparing he becomes."
original education and complete igno-   Skuldfrid looked at him. They walked
rance of conventional requirements would in silence up the hill. When he had ashave made her answer the letters had sisted her to a seat and stretched himshe felt so disposed, without seeing in it self upon the grass near her, she said,
anything blameworthy.  Now it seemed    "So my friend has also  had  sorto her that she would completely destroy row. "
the enchantment of these written revela-   "The past lies behind us, and I prefer
tions if she wrote a single syllable in to look ahead," said Aberney, with somereply.                                 thing  so decided  in his voice that
Thus two weeks had elapsed.  In the Skuldfrid felt a little frightened.  The
forenoon the Doctor's visit, with the ac- Professor very seldom employed this cold
companying billets, which were always tone to her.
found after the Doctor had left; in the   A long pause succeeded. Aberney's
afternoon Aberney and the lesson with eyes followed the light fleeting clouds,
him; in the evening singing or conversa- which the wind chased over the sky.
tion till eight o'clock, at which time Ab- Skuldfrid's gaze rested  on him.  She
erney left Ektorp and his pupil, as he thought,called Skuldfrid.                        "What a strange being is man! His
In the third week the Doctor said his face is like the covers of a book, on
patient might try to walk with the sup- which one reads the title, but not the
port of Annika's arm and a cane.  When contents.  Whether these are joyful or
Aberney came that day, he found Skuld- serious, the cover gives no indication.  I
frid sitting in the court-yard.        should like right well to throw a glance
"Now, my dear, good friend, I am  into my mother's and my friend's soul."
allowed to begin to walk," she cried to   Just then Aberney turned to her, sayhim.  "Give me your arm, Uncle, and ing with a friendly smile,let us walk outside the gate to the birch   "Why, my happy child, are you so
grove."                                silent  "




70                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"I was thinking of my mother and indifference an expression of grief in a
my uncle."                            face, without wishing to comfort the one
"And what did Skuldfrid think? "   who suffers? If this is the case with our
"That I dare not say."              fellowbeings in general, how much more
"Are you afraid of me?"  He held then with those we love  Ah, Uncle, you
out his hand to her. Skuldfrid laid hers do not know what it is to read from
in his.                               childhood  sorrow  and despair in the
"Yes, the tone of your voice fright- features we hold dear, and yet to stand
ened me."                             as a stranger who is not allowed to share
"Forget it then, and tell me what you the affliction."
were thinking of."                       " My child, you are now thinking of
"Your answer reminds me that I your mother," said Aberney.
stand almost alone in the world."       "Yes."
"You, who have a mother, a friend,   "Tell me, Skuldfrid, why do you
and a young companion, who all three speak so seldom about her to me?  Even
love you."                            as a child, you avoided talking about
"Both my mother and my friend are this person so dear to your heart; and if
strangers to me, when it concerns them- it ever happened, you seemed to say as
selves."                              little as possible.  I have not wanted to
"You are decidedly wrong."          ask you any questions, because - 
"Say not so; think again. Does it   "You have not wished to penetrate
ever happen that you, Uncle, speak to into other's secrets."  Skuldfrid smiled
me about yourself? "                  pensively. "And still I have many times
"And why should I? "  Aberney's wished that you had done so. Sometimes
countenance again became very serious. it has seemed to me as if the anxiety
"You are yet quite young, your heart which troubled me would have disapand mind know of the shadowy sides of peared, had I been able to tell the cause
life only through the descriptions you of it."
have read. You are happy as long as   "But, my child, have you not always
this condition lasts. My life offers noth- been free to open your heart to me. "
ing instructive to  a young girl, and   Aberley patted the little hand he held
scarcely anything for a youth. Mark, in his in quite a fatherly way.
it is only children and old women who   " No, it was impossible for me to speak
need to tell of the past.  A man is about my poor mother without occasion.
sufficient to himself in all that pertains Besides - "
to his private life. Besides, we ought   "Well, why do you stop?"
never to desire to penetrate into anoth-   "I believed that if my friend thought
er's life, since that is a domain which half as much of me as I did of him, he
belongs exclusively to the individual would talk to me more about himself."
himself."                                "You then doubt that I think much
Again a pause ensued.  Skuldfrid's of you. "
hand remained clasped in Aberney's, with-   " No, not exactly that; but your feeling
out either of them seeming to be aware is not as warm as mine.  You are to me
of it. Skuldfrid broke the silence,-  a father, a teacher, a friend; but I am
"You say that we ought never to seek not as dear to you as a daughter."
to penetrate another's life. Perhaps you   "Skuldfrid, you are too much of a
are right, and yet it seems to me imprac- child to understand that a father's affecticable. How do you imagine the heart to tion does not express itself in the same
be constituted, that can behold with manner as a daughter's; else you would




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            71
long ago have perceived, that I hold you I do not know that I have ever ventured
as dear as if you had been my own child; to'laugh in her presence, or allowed
but let us leave this.  I do not like to myself any expression of joy. When as
speak of my feelings."  He again patted a child I was singing merrily, dancing, or
the little hand. "But I love to hear you playing, and my mother came in, I
describe your thoughts and impressions. stopped instantly; my joy had disapIf I have not before asked you to speak peared."
about your mother, it has been for the   "Has your mother been  severe?'
simple reason that I have waited for you asked Aberney.
to do it."                               "[No, far from it. She has never said
Aberney and Skuldfrid were entirely an angry word to me. I cannot rememurnaware that they were watched by two ber that I ever received a reproof from
persons, who were, however, too far from  her.  She has always been very kind,
them to hear what was said.           tender, and affectionate."
One of them  was Fru Smidt. After   "And yet this fear?"
her daughter, supported on Aberney's   "Yes! The cause of it lies probably
arm, had left the house and gone to the in her gloomy, reserved, and sorrow-laden
birch grove, she had stolen along by the character. When I was quite little, she
hedge quite unobserved to a bank, behind spoke very seldom either to me or Anwhich she could see Skuldfrid and her nika.  She used to take me in her lap,
fatherly friend through the leaves.   press me passionately to her heart, and
Fru Smidt's eyes were as if riveted to then burst out into wild weeping, which
Aberney's features, and now and then a became so violent that Annika generally
heavy sigh of anguish heaved her breast. took me away from her, and then it often
The other observer was none other happened that I did not see her for sevthan Constantin.  He lay outstretched eral days. When she again showed herupon the ground behind a bush that self she was silent and gloomy, caressed
stood on the other side of the road, from  me with an expression of grief and dewhence he could see the yard at Ektorp, spair, and afterwards spent several days
and also the hill where Skuldfrid now in arduous work until a new outburst of
sat.  It could be said that from  the sorrow came, and then again there was
moment Aberney took Skuldfrid's hand, quite a while in which she was not seen.
the countenance of the young man had These spells of wild demonstration and
undergone such a great change that it violent grief troubled and frightened me.
would have been difficult to recognize it, I loved, but I feared her. My free and
so wild was the expression of his eye. joyous mind shrunk back from her sorWhen Aberney, whose face was turned row, because I neither understood nor
from  him, caressed  Skuldfrid's hand, was allowed to share it.  If I asked,
Constantin clenched his fist convulsively,'Mamma, why do you cry?' then my
and ground his teeth so violently that question increased her inner suffering,
some drops of blood appeared on his lips. and she hastened away from me.  Then
Skuldfrid resumed, -                Annika would always say,' Darling child,
"As long back as I can remember I you must not ask your mother any quceshave never, until I knew you and Tage, tions.' As I grew up the violent attacks
been attached to more than two persons, became  more rare, and when destiny
my mother and Annika. My feelings for brought you and me together they had
the former were based on such a deep entirely ceased. It was as if the source
reverence, that I have never dared to of her tears had become exhausted, alapproach her with full confidence. Yes, though her sorrow was not alleviated;




72                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
and I believe that my mother's mute and all anxiety  Think thus:'My mother
sombre grief frightened me all the more, has certainly lost the dearest she poswhile her ardor in attending to my edu- sessed through some misfortune, and this
cation, in teaching me the love of God is the wound from which her heart is
and my fellow-creatures, increased my bleeding.  Every touch causes her great
affection.  I was allowed to grow up free suffering.' Let her keep her grief to
and without restraint, and the hours de- herself. You can only soften it by avoidvoted to my instruction were the only ing all mention of it."
ones which I could not dispose of accord-   " Ah, say that to me once more, that
ing to my fancy. Annika was indulgent I may not have cause to reproach mywith me, while she at the same time self for doing nothing to relieve it."
tried to moderate my often extravagant   "You can accomplish nothing with
notions, but without my troubling my- such soul-suffering.  The only thing that
self very much about her words. She was is in your power is to let her see a ray of
inot my confidante, because she scolded comfort in your peace and gladness; and
me when I made excursions.  Though now we will speak no more of this subI did not mind this in the least, it was ject.  See, what a glorious afternoon!
not very pleasant.  As to my mother, I Hear how the birds sing their evening
scarcely ever dared to speak to her, ex- song to the setting sun, and you will
cept when Annika and I occasionally got feel thankful to God."
into difficulty."                       Aberney, in directing Skuldfrid's at"But why did you not dare to speak tention to the beautiful evening, had
to your mother 3  Did it displease her 3 " succeeded completely in diverting her
"I do not know, for she always an- thought from  the subject upon which
swered me kindly and gently; but I they had just been speaking.  He refancied she stood so high above me, that fleeted upon the poetry which we find
I did not wish to annoy her with my even in the material universe.  There
little joys or sorrows. She was and still was always something so profound in
is a saint in my eyes; I have very many Aberney's words, that the listener was
times in thought spoken to her as to a at the same time astonished and carried
higher being. Last year, when I was away by them.  He knew how to dazzle
confirmed, I said that to her; but then with his genius, while he made his ideas
she grew so frightened over it that she clear through the simplicity with which
threw herself onil her knees before me and he presented them, so that they were
exclaimed, sobbing violently,'O  my comprehended by every one who had
child, how shall I dare to meet your thought and feeling.  He spoke long of
eyes when I have so terribly deceived the necessity for our aspiring spirit to
you!' Ever since then I am  seized at seek in all things the ideal of perfection,
times with an acute anxiety, and I fancy in order to approach it.
myself to be an unthankful child, as I   When the sun had disappeared behind
do not seek my mother's confidence, but the wood, Aberney rose, saying,feel more free and happy when I am not   "Now I will conduct you in and then
with her.  0, you do not know  how return home."
submissive she is! I would give any-   In  a few moments the  Professor's
thing to possess the right to comfort chaise rolled away with its owner, and
her and to be the confidante of her grief." at the same time Skuldfrid fancied that
Skuldfrid became silent.              she heard the sound of a horse's hoofs
"Thanks, my child, for what you have passing by. She sat by the open winsaid," replied Aberney; " but put aside dow and turned her head quite suddenly




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            73
to see if she was right.  On the forest plied immediately, without laying aside
road which passed by Ektorp galloped a his book, and as if it concerned the
iman on horseback. Skuldfrid recognized most indifferent matter in the world.
the white steed, and had no difficulty in   "With the exception of myself and
concluding who rode it.  At this dis- Professor Aberney, no one visits that
covery a higher color tinged her cheeks solitary place."
and her heart beat faster.  Why, she   "So, then you are very poorly indid not know herself.                 formed."
"Indeed! I am, however, of a contrary  opinion."  The  Doctor  smiled
agreeably and looked up.
The summer evening was so far ad-   " Every afternoon a man of stately
vanced, that the large saloon at Krono- appearance, in the prime of life, calls
bro was lighted. The brilliantly illumi- there.  He spends the whole afternoon
nated room had no occupant, with the with your patient.  Do you know who
exception  of Dr. Wagner, who was that man is 3"
stretched quite comfortably upon a sofa,   "Professor Aberney."
smoking his cigar and reading a book.   "Did I not tell you that it was a perConstantin stood on the balcony, leaning son in the prime of life, and not an old
over the railing.  He looked out in the man 3 "
half-obscure  summer night as if he   "I beg your pardon," returned the
hoped that its mild and caressing breezes Doctor, smiling. " I have never affirmed
might dispel the tumult in his soul, or that the Professor was an old man."
cool the burning blood.  Finally when   "But he must certainly be between
he had stood motionless a long time, he fifty and sixty 3 "
went into the saloon. At the sound of   "Not at all, he is at the most a little
his step the Doctor'looked up from his over forty."
book, but resumed his reading directly.   " The one I speak of is still younger,"
Constantin took a turn up and down the exclaimed Constantin impatiently.
room, when he said, -                    "He looks younger than he is. I can
"Do you know, Doctor, the persons assure you that the one you speak of is
who visit Ektorp 3 "                  none other than Professor Aberney."
Ever since the Doctor's first visit to   "He seems to be on a very intimate
Skuldfrid, Constantin had not spoken of footing with your patient."
the inmates of the widow's house. Wag-   "Yes; she cherishes an unbounded
ner -informed him, every time he came affection for him."
from  there, how Skuldfrid was getting   The veins swelled on Constantin's brow
along, adding  now  and then a word at the Doctor's words.  He turned upon
about her loveliness and rare attributes. his heel and walked up and down the
Constantin listened to this without inter- room several times. The Doctor resumed
rupting or encouraging him.  When he his reading, after he had followed the
finished, the young man generally began Baron with a long and peculiar glance.
to talk of other things.  His letters to   "You once told me," continued ConSkuldfrid he sent to the Doctor before stantin, after a moment's silence, "somehe started.  It was evident that Con- thing about the Professor. What was
stantin studiously avoided speaking about it 3 "
her, therefore Wagner was surprised when   "I cannot remember what it could
he came out so directly with a question have been, except that he is not conthat had reference to her.  Wagner re- sidered favorably disposed towards Rus



74                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
sia. Some years ago he had the eyes of   " You must in some way manage it so
the Russian authorities upon him. He that I can get an entrance into that
was suspected of political intrigues."  house," said Constantin.
"Yes, yes, now  I remember it all.  "What you now demand is impossible.
So he associates with the retired wid- You have, however, one way, and that
owl "                                 is to send your steward there with the
" Not with the mother, but with the word that you yourself desire to make
daughter.  He has been and is still her out the new lease."
instructor.  Perhaps he will one day   "That would n't answer. My incognito
become something more."               is then destroyed. Will not your patient
"What do you mean? "               soon be well 1 "
"I mean that nothing hinders him    "In a week or so she can be considfrom asking for the hand of his lovely ered perfectly recovered."
pupil. He would not be the first man   "You go there to-morrow at the usual
who brought up a wife for himself."   time? "
"You want to excite my jealousy   "Yes."
against that fellow," said Constantin, in   "Good  night!"   Constantin  went
a smothered voice.                    towards the room at the right.
"Your jealousy?  How could that be   "One word, Herr Baron. Fru Smidt
possible; is n't the girl indifferent to stands in arrears for the last year's rent."
you 2."                                 " Well, what then? "
"You know the contrary."              "You can  claim  it whenever you
"Not at all."                       choose."
" Hush, that fox-play amounts to noth-   " Do you think that I wish to bargain
ing; you only exasperate me with it, about the  girl?"  asked Constantin,
for you know  that the girl interests proudly.
me."                                     "I wish you a good-night," replied the
" Very well, Baron, if that is so, then Doctor, smiling. He made a deep bow and
I say to you be on your guard! Profes- left the saloon.
sor Aberney stands high in the respect   "Infernal spirit," muttered Constantin,,
and affection of this beautiful child. and went to his own room.
Besides, he detests the very name of
Russian."
"So does she," thought Constantin.
"You will never succeed in gaining    The next day the Doctor did not
any foothold in the girl's heart so long as receive a little billet of a few lines, but a
the Professor stands at her side. He letter, together with a set of Schiller's
certainly will not allow you to rob him  Works for Skuldfrid.
of a treasure which he either desires to   When. the Doctor bade her adieu, he
possess himself or for his adopted son."  presented the books with these words, -
" Why did I not follow my impulse to   "Here is,' Don Carlos,' by Schiller,
go far away from this girl, who I felt at which you desired to read.  I hope you
the very first meeting would become will be entertained by it; but allow me to
dangerous to my peace? "              advise you that you no more believe in
"That resource stands always at your beautiful words than in splendid fireworks.
command, and can be employed at any Poets and lovers are rich in 1phrases."
moment."  The Doctor returned to his   The last sentence was pronounced with
reading, and a quarter of an hour elapsed a strong emphasis, and drove the blood
without any words being exchanged.    to Skuldfrid's cheeks. When she was




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            75
left alone, she hastened to examine the world, its false ideas and its ridiculous
contents of the book, and found in it the prejudices; but, on the contrary, gifted
following letter:-                   with a cultivated mind, an innocent heart,
and a poetic soul. In short, you are, to
"You will most assuredly be astonished my understanding, a union of nature,
at what I now write, when you find that truth, and culture, with the happy and
I boldly ask you a question, which I as open character of a child.  There is someboldly require you to answer frankly. thing fascinating to me in thinking of
You smile, and think, - I do not trouble you in this way. I desire nothing more
myself about what he demands.  One than to retain  this beautiful vision.
moment, I pray, and I will prove to you Then comes your manly companion, like
that you must break the silence which a dark shadow, to obscure the bright
you have so far persistently maintained. picture.
"When accident brought you and me   "Yesterday I was told, she is intendtogether, it must have been because fate, ed to become Professor Aberney's bride.
the commander of chance, so determined. Well, what could I have to say against
What influence you are to have on my this?  Nothing. But you were then no
life, I do not know.  I cannot even give longer my charming vision, but a woman
a name or a decided form to the interest who wvill marry.
you have awakened in me. I have only   " What then do I want?  I wish to
one thing clear to me, that it is a joy to obtain from you a confirmation or denial
think of you, to be in your vicinity, or to of this report.  Four words is all I ask
regard you from a distance. I know also of you; and this is very little, if through
that the sight of you, when I have ridden them you can give peace to my disturbed
or passed by your home unobserved, has heart.  It would be cruelty to refuse
been sufficient for me, and that I do not them. Whatever your answer may be,
desire any approach between us.  As I shall always remain at a respectful
certain as this is a truth, so certain is it distance. But if you should preserve
that I have suffered from seeing at your silence, I might attempt to approach
side a person who is neither your father you  in  some way in your mother's
nor your brother.                     home.
"Do not think that I envy this man his   " I am, alas! a peculiar combination of
happiness.  To envy him I should have good and evil qualities. Do not arouse
to hold you dear, and for this I do not the latter through a refusal, I beg of
know you sufficiently; but it has been you. Return'Don Carlos' to-morrow
my pleasure to think you free as a bird; morning, and enclose in it the words I
and it is a torment to me when it is said, desire.'This man is destined to become her   "Yesterday  I  was  several times
mate.'                                tempted to make a call on your mother;
"Would you know why?  Our short but the fear of displeasing you withheld
acquaintance is so singular, and your me.  Should I really have displeased
whole manner so unlike that of all other you by so doing? This question is most
women, that you appear to me like a rose respectfully asked you by
which has been allowed to grow up in                          "LOTHARD."
the midst of a forest, a stranger to the
flower-beds of the garden, the frittering   It was the first time he had signed a
of the butterflies, and the restraint of the name to what he wrote, and Skuldfrid
espalier. You are a child of nature, looked at it as if she could scarcely take
ignorant of all the wickedness of the her eyes from it. Her first thought was,




76                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"I ought to show my good friend this   When Wagner's carriage drew up in
letter, and ask him whether I should Kronobro Court, before the Doctor's
reply."  She began to laugh. right heart- entrance, he was met by Constantin's
ily  when she remembered the words valet, who requested him to go up to the
there, that she should become Aberney's Baron immediately.  When he entered
wife; and she concluded not to say a the saloon, Constantin, or Lothard, as we
word to her friend, but quite simply to will hereafter call our hero, cried out to
reply to the question asked.          him, -
Fifteen quills were cut, tried, and pro-   "Have you brought the book back."
nounced bad.  The sixteenth was con-   "Yes."  The Doctor bowed politely
sidered good enough to write with; but and gave it to him.
now it became a terrible puzzle, whether   Lothard rather snatched than took it
she should answer the question in four from the Doctor's hand, saying,
words, or whether she ought not rather   "You will dine with us to-day, will
to express herself a little more circum- you not? "
stantially. Besides, in the last part of the   " I shall have the honor."
letter was another question which must be   Whether Lothard heard the answer or
answered. At last, after she had scrib- not is uncertain, for he had already left
bled her own name over a whole sheet of the room.
paper to convince herself thoroughly   " My opinion was then perfectly corthat the pen was good, she wrote these rect," thought the Doctor.  "At the
lines-                                very first meeting with the young girl
"One can think very, very much of a he became enamored, though he shrunk
teacher, without being obliged to marry from making her his victim.  Bah! A
him.  Professor Aberney would by no Russian does not entertain such scruples
means wish to have an inexperienced longer than twenty-four hours; but this
child for his wife. I should be very time his desires will meet a violent opposorry if you made a visit to Ektorp. My sition; and if I manage my cards rightly,
mother never receives any stranger.   his passion shall only betray him into
"Farewell, thanks for all your sym- repeated meanness until - until - well,
pathy."                               well, the proud and haughty Canitz shall
Skuldfrid read through her reply a one day repay me for all that his family
dozen times before she folded it; she has done."
then sealed the little billet with a wafer   While hatred played the dictator in
and wrote upon it, "Monsieur Lothard," the Doctor's breast, an entirely opposite
after which she laid it in " Don Carlos."  feeling ruled in Lothard's.  Shut in his
That afternoon Aberney did not come. cabinet, he hastily opened the book and
He had written a few words to Skuldfrid, took the letter from it. He looked at the
saying that he had gone to Abo for. a little folded paper which contained words
few days.                             that had the power to bitterly wound or
In  the morning, when the Doctor highly rejoice the owner of millions.  So
called on Skuldfrid, she was extremely insignificant in its outer appearance, it
embarrassed, and when she handed him  could do him a harm  from  which his
the book, at his departure, she could not gold could not absolve him, or bestow a
look up.  He took it without changing a joy which his wealth could not procure.
muscle of his face or uttering a word of What an incomprehensible enigma life
surprise that the book had been read so is! The person who possesses everything
quickly.'                         in abundance and material prosperity is
often the poorest in actual happiness.




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            77
After Lothard had contemplated the stead of that he remained motionless as
note a long time, he opened it. With if he thus wished to inform Skuldfrid
anxious impatience he glanced through that he left her free to approach him or
the few lines.  How extremely little, and turn back.  After standing a few seconds,
yet how much did they contain!       Skuldfrid continued her way and came
Lively and impetuous in his nature, towards him. At this movement of hers
his impressions changed quickly, although he advanced with hasty steps. When he
his Russian education made him  out- stood before her, he raised his cap rewardly reserved.  The habit of restrain- spectfully, saying,ing every inconsiderate expression had    "I thank you for not turning back
become his second nature, so that Lo- when you saw me. You would have
thard  seldom  allowed  himself those given me to understand that you did
stormy outbursts of anger and joy which not desire to meet me."
were in accordance with his character   "I have the whole day desired that
and distinguished him as a youth.     fate should once more bring our ways toAt the dinner-table he was particularly gether," answered Skuldfrid smiling, and
animated, and jested with his compan- with a warm color on her cheeks.  "In
ions, the two young Russians and the order to help destiny if possible to fulfil
Doctor.  The latter's smooth and smiling my wish, I have to-day for the first time
physiognomy became slightly overcast, come out alone."
when his glance fell upon Lothard's hand-   The artless tone with which this was
some and beaming face.                said threw Lotharid into actual embarrassAfter the repast they all separated. ment.  The flattering effect upon his
The two Russian noblemen intended to self-love in her desiring to meet him was
go hunting, their ruling passion, and entirely lost.  Did she not speak of it as
Lothard, as usual, took his ride on horse- the most natural thing in the world, in
back.  The beautiful, snow-white crea- precisely the same manner as if it had
ture had now for three weeks gone one been the question of a schoolmate or an
and the same way daily, so that of itself old acquaintance 
it took the forest road which led to Ek-   "And yet you stopped  quite  short
torp. At a little distance from the soli- when you saw me," rejoined Lothard, who
tary place, Lothard jumped from  the did not know exactly what to say.
saddle and tied his horse to a tree, after   "That was quite natural.  We were
which he bent his steps through the on the whole so little acquainted, that
wood to his usual place of observation. I was just considering -"   Skuldfrid
He had not time to reach it, however; stopped and. smiled as a child smiles
for as he was about to pass the narrow when it intends to say something mislane which led to Ektorp (the lane at this chievous.
point turned abruptly), he saw some one   " Considering what? How kind you
coming along the road with slow and had been to me to-day?"
careful steps leaning on a cane. He   "0 no, but whether I ought not to be
stopped.  He had recognized the object angry with you."
of his lively interest. Skuldfrid looked   "With me?  And why?"
up, and she also stood still; for though    "Because through  your letters you
they were yet at a considerable distance have placed me in embarrassment."
from each other, she knew the stranger   "I do not understand that. Will you
again. At this movement of hers it might not take my arm?  "
seem natural that Lothard, as an impa-   Skuldfrid looked at him, then shook
tient lover, would rush forward, but in- her beautiful head laughingly and said, -




78                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"' A Finnish girl cannot very well lean once, and since then you have written to
on the arm of a Russian officer. That me almost daily for three weeks.  I
would be a hostile support."          should think that quite sufficient to ex"Do you then consider me as an cite my curiosity.  Consequently, I deenemy?" Lothard regarded these charm- sired to see the person once more who
ing features with a glance which showed had addressed me so assiduously."
that his feelings at least were not hostile.   "This is the second time that you say
" Most certainly, all Russians are my'once more.' Does that signify that you
enemies."                             desire afterwards to be rid of me. "
"Allow me to believe that you are   "I have not thought about that; but
jesting.  It would indeed pain me if you I wish to say to you that- that-"
spoke in earnest. Yes, I even venture Skuldfrid blushed.  Lothard's conceit
to assert that you have to-day proven the took her blush to his own advantage.
contrary."                               "Speak, I pray.  Every wish of yours
"In what manner?"                  is a law for me."
"Through your goodness in -"          " Very well, then I desire that you do
"Answering your letter."            not write to me any more."
"Precisely.  You have thereby done   "Does it displease you2"  Lothard's
a good deed, and proven that a Finnish deep-set eyes widened in a singular mangirl can show mercy to an enemy."     ner as he fixedly regarded her.  HIe
" That is something which we all ought endeavored to discover a shade of embarto do, but which the Russian seldom  rassment at the question, but in vain.
does."                                Skuldfrid looked at him perfectly uncon" Pardon me, but let us leave this sub- strained when she answered,ject. You do not imagine how painful   "Not at all. The letters have given
it is to me."                         me pleasure, but the manner in which
Skuldfrid stopped by a felled tree, they have been sent has troubled me.
which lay just at the edge of the road Besides, you destroyed all the illusion
where it turned into the wood. She when you compelled me to reply; thereseated herself upon it, and said with a fore," Skuldfrid leaned her head a little
friendly look, while she extended her hand sideways and added with  a  smiling
to Lothard, -                         glance, "you must not write any more.
" Excuse me if I have wounded you, I do not desire it."
and do not keep so strict an account of   "Rest assured that you  shall be
my frankness.  I say what I think, with- obeyed."
out intending any harm."                 " Thank you."
"What harm  could you do, which   "But you must now show  yourself
would not be forgotten at the sound of magnanimous."
your voice "  Lothard pressed the ex-   "In what way "
tended hand slightly and then released it.   "You shall now and then, at this same
"You said that you desired to meet time, rest here.  I can then, as to-day,
me," resumed he.  "To what may I as- be able to speak a few words with you.
cribe this happiness?."               Mark, that I leave it to you to give me
" In the first place, I had something this joy sparingly or generously as you
which I have really desired to tell you please, if it be only once during my short
for a long time; and next, it was - curi- stay in this place. Well, do you grant
osity."                               my prayer?"
"Curiosity."                         "Yes, I believe so."
"Yes, decidedly. We have met but   "Promise it to me."




GOUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           79
"Well, I promise."                  I will no longer detain you."  Lothard
"Thank  you."  Lothard bowed in raised his cap, and the next moment he
acknowledgment.                       was gone.
The young people still chatted awhile,   There was a certain something in his
after which Skuldfrid rose to return home. tone and glance that made a disagreea"Am I not allowed to accompany you ble impression on Skuldfrid; she did not
this time either? " asked Lothard. " Has know why, but the recollection of it disnot our short interview been able to turbed her.  She would have liked to
diminish the prejudice against my nation call him back to ask if she had said anyenough for you to take my arm?"       thing that wounded him.  She walked
"How  little you know  my Finnish up the lane with slow steps, wondering
disposition, if you believe that any time why he had left her so hastily. When
or any circumstances can efface a preju- she reached the house she met Annika,
dice that I have once taken.  I am, like who had just returned from her work in
my countrymen, stubborn in good as well the garden.
as ill."                                 "Dear child, where have you been?"
"So you refuse to take my arm? "   inquired the old servant, anxiously. "You
" Yes! "                           have n't walked your foot all out of order,
"You are a very singular girl, with a I hope.  There is a letter for you from
frankness that sometimes startles."   Professor Abernet.  It came just now
" In the name of this frankness I now and is in your room."
bid you adieu."                          The letter announced that Aberney
"Then I cannot attend you?"        had gone to Abo to meet a Swede with
" No!" Skuldfrid rose.  "The reason whom he was to transact some important
is, that I have not spoken of our acquaint- business. He was not to return to Junta
ance to any one; why I have not done before a couple of weeks.  If Skuldfrid
it, I do not understand.  I only know  was uneasy before, then she became still
that it has been impossible for me to get more so at this intelligence.  The postthe fact over my lips, and that in spite script, however, contained the following
of my oft-repeated resolutions to mention lines, which drove away all anxious
it to my friend."                     thoughts: —
"By your friend you probably mean   " When I return to Junta, I will bring
some young companion?"               a guest with me whom it will surely give
"O no, it is —"  Skuldfrid stopped you joy to see again.  I mean Tage."
abruptly.  She remembered Lothard's   Skuldfrid's heart beat fast at the
letter, in which he had asked if Aberney thought of meeting Tage, whom she had
was to be her husband.                not seen for three years.  Those two
"Again you pause; perhaps my ques- weeks would pass quickly, and then,
tion was impertinent? "  Lothard's eyes then what a good time they should have.
flashed.                              Her face now beamed with joy.
"Ah no, it is your last letter that pro-   Bulwer says: "Nature has given a
duces this confusion, and makes me thick fur to those animals that are to
break  down.  My friend is Professor live in a cold climate; and those human
Aberney," added she, with a certain em- beings who during their journey through:
phasis.  "He has been to me a father life are destined to bear sorrow, she has,
and a teacher, and has treated me with endowed with a cheerful and elastic temso much kindness.  I think a very great perament."  So was it with Skuldfrid.
deal of him."                         Brought up in solitude, unacquinted'
"How much he is to be envied; but with humanity, life, reality, and all the




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
bitterness it conceals, she was a good and   Two days had elapsed without Skuldlight-hearted child, who only through frid's leaving the place. She had worked
books knew anything of that which trans- diligently with her mother during the
pired in the world.'What she should whole forenoon of the first day, and had
one day become, how her character would read and translated as usual. She had
develop itself, could only be seen when practised two full hours; but when her
circumstances called into action the pow- mother asked her to sing several new
ers that were now slumbering within her. songs, she had replied,
Nature had given this child, who had   "I cannot sing to-day."
grown up by the side of a gloomy and   In the afternoon Fru Smidt took her
sorrow-laden mother, a fresh and joyous work and withdrew to her own room, and
disposition, and her lonely and isolated Skuldfrid was considering whether to go
childhood was passed in song and merry down to the little building and set hersports. She had a strong and lively soul self to weaving; but Annika declared her
and a warm heart, without these qualities foot could not yet bear to work the treadbeing overshadowed by any sickly fancies les. The result was that Skuldfrid spent
or sentimental longings.  Skuldfrid had the whole afternoon in fixing up the,:dreams it is true, but they were bright flower-beds and pots, in the garden, etc.
and smiling, as her whole being. Her As it grew towards evening her eyes flew
( arly developed intellect had been better over these beds to the forest road which
cultivated and informed by reading than could be seen from the garden; but there
is generally the case with girls of her age; was no living creature visible.  When
but it had not passed over to that pre- Skuldfrid, late in the evening, after all
mature ripeness which makes the soul others had retired, sat by the window
and heart seem old. Like all persons of looking out over theneighborhood, she was
a lively temperament Skuldfrid received astonished to find that for the first time
impressions easily, but these seldom ex- in her life the day seemed long. It cerercised any but a transient influence; tainly must have been the loneliness
and at the present period of her life caused by Aberney's absence; and yet it
it would have been difficult to decide was not the form of the beloved teacher
whether her feelings would be dependent that returned continually to her mind,
on the impulse of the moment, or whether but the handsome and impassioned featthey would be strong, deep, and powerful. ures of the stranger.
Now she could pass instantly from sad to   The second day passed like the first,
joyful thoughts. A trifle could trouble and seemed to Skuldfrid equally long;
or make her glad.  Her disposition was although she was busy with her doves,
naturally joyous, and sad thoughts were birds, and others of the feathered tribe
like light and passing clouds.        that were under her protection, which
The next morning the Doctor declared she had been so long unable to attend to.
that the foot was entirely well, but that In spite of all these occupations, time
she should be careful not to strain it. seemed to loiter, and, what was worse
He added with his affable smile,-     still, she found everything she did tedious.
" My visits as a physician are now un- The evening found her again by the open
necessary; but I hope that you will allow window, with her head leaning on her
me to inform myself occasionally how my hand. She was just asking herself why
patient is getting along."            she had kept so persistently within the
Before Skuldfrid had time to reply, he gates of Ektorp these two days, without
bowed and left the room.              venturing outside. It was undoubtedly
because the Doctor had forbidden her to




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            81
exert herself.  She had arrived thus far frid looked at him with an expression
in her self-examination, when from the that completely scattered the delightful
shore was heard a beautiful male voice illusions self-love had just created.  "I
which sang a very strange air resembling have desired to ask you why you looked
a people's song; it was neither Swedish so displeased when we last separated.  I
nor Finnish, but one which must have should certainly have called you back to
been composed under a more glowing ask you the reason, had you not left me
sky.  Skuldfrid looked in the direction so suddenly.  Now I should like to know
from whence the song came, and she very much what occasioned your change
saw a solitary rower in a boat which of manner."
glided quite slowly over the mirror-like   " Is it actually necessary for me to tell
surface of the water.                 you that?"
" It is he," thought Skuldfrid, and fol-"   Certainly, when I ask you. 
lowed the boat with her eyes. The dis-   "And yet if you reflect upon the subtance was too great to distinguish the ject of our conversation, you ought to
features; but the whole figure indicated find the key to the enigma."  They
that it was none of the country people in walked slowly along the road.
the neighborhood, even if the song had   "No, I truly do not understand what
not already done so.                  could have made you displeased."
Even after the boat had disappeared  "c Not displeased, that is not the right
behind a projecting point, the retreating word; but sad, I felt —  Never mind what
tones still met Skuldfrid's ear; and long I felt. As long as you do not guess the
after they had died away they re-echoed cause, then spare me from telling it."
in her soul.                           1 "As you please. I will not trouble
The following day when the even- you with questions, especially as you now
ing approached, Skuldfrid wandered out seem to be better disposed."
through the gates and toward the forest   "And even if I were the contrary,
road. She had no sooner turned off from  what would you care? "
the lane, than Lothard, with head un-   "Very much.  It would trouble me.
covered, stood before her,            I cannot bear to have any one angry with
"You have been very cruel," said he, me."
"to doom me to such a long waiting. I   " Any one; but if that one is a person
had hoped that your goodness would as wholly indifferent to you as I am?  "
speak in my behalf."                     "You are not indifferent to me."
" But it is only two days since we met,"   "No, I am something far worse, I am
said Skuldfrid, smiling.              a hated Russian."
" Only, do you say?  Well, for you who   Skuldfrid stopped abruptly and looked
have not dared to appear outside the gate at him, saying in a serious voice, -
for fear of meeting me, the time may   "Why remind me of that?  I have
have been short."  The tone was a little during these days completely forgotten
bitter, and the eyes looked darkly upon it."
the young girl.                          " So much the more reason for my re"To speak the truth, I must confess minding you of it."
that these days have appeared to me very   Skuldfrid resumed her walk, and Lolong. I have thought of you a great thard continued in a calm and earnest
deal during this time.".   voice, -
Lothard's brow lightened.             " If you entertain any kind feeling for
"How kind you are to say that."     me, I do not desire that it shall grow up
"And why should I not say it? " Skuld- under forgetfulness of the fact that I be



82                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
long to a hated nation.  I should then visited, and which he described in vivid
always stand in danger of losing it as colors. They had both seated themselves
soon as you remembered what I am. It under a large tree, whose luxuriant crown
would then be the same with me as now. softly shook its foliage above their heads.
You would instantly become dissatisfied, Skuldfrid listened with intense interest
and it is better that you are never other- to the description of Italy.  In an aniwise. I will not win your favor through mated and brilliant manner Lothard
disguise, I value it too highly for that."  spoke of an evening in Venice when he
A pause ensued.  Skuldfrid walked made a trip to the Lagoon, while the
with her eyes cast down, and Lothard gondoliers sang one of those glowing
regarded her attentively.  Finally she songs which characterized the Southern
turned her face toward him, saying, -    people.
"It is true that I heartily detest the   " Then it was there that you learned
Russians; that I should be very unhappy the song you sung last evening," remarked
if'I was obliged to live in Russia, sur- Skuldfrid.
rounded by that people; but that does   This girl was certainly destined to
not prevent one from finding among them  throw Lothard into confusion. He had
persons with whom it is a pleasure to as- from delicacy and to relieve her from any
sociate and who are entitled to respect."  embarrassment refrained from indicating
"Tell me, is your hatred to my coun- by a word that he had seen her; and
traymen national, or has it some private now she spoke of his song precisely as if
cause?"  At this question he examined she had heard it in company.  He reher sharply.                          plied, however, immediately,
" I have imbibed it with my mother's   "Yes it was one of the many gondolier
milk, and as far back as I can remember, songs I heard in Venice."
the word'Russian' has to me signified   "Sing it once more, so that I can hear
evil. When I was twelve years old, a the words."
little personal occurrence strengthened    "They, like the song, are Italian."
my deep-rooted aversion; and all things    "Ah! you mean  perhaps that I
considered, I am actually surprised that I' should not understand them 1 " Skuldfrid
can see and talk with you without re- laughed. "You are wrong, I have learned
pugnance."                            Italian."
"And yet the discovery that I was a   "You?  And  of whom "  Lothard
Russian made such a disagreeable impres- looked at her with surprise.
sion upon you that the result was a   "Of my good friend, Uncle Aberney."
sprained foot. I shall always have upon   "He! " Lothard's countenance changed
my conscience the weeks of pain which instantly, and he said coldly:  "The
you endured in consequence. Do you Professor undoubtedly sings far better
not wish to sit down?  From this hill than I can, and therefore you will excuse
we have a view of the beautiful lake."    me from granting your wish."
He offered Skuldfrid his hand to assist   Skuldfrid looked at him.
her; but she jumped across the ditch   " Now you are again changed."
without his aid.                        Lothard passed his hand over his foreLothard followed her; and when they head.
had stood a moment looking at the lake,   "I desire that you may not observe
which could be seen through an opening how painful certain things are to me."
in the wood, the  conversation passed   "Was it my requesting you to sing
gradually from Finland to other countries, that was painful?  If so, we will speak
which Lothard as a naval officer had of it no more.  I am so accustomed to




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                             83
express all that I desire, that you must separated she had discovered some new
not pay any attention to it.  Your song and lovely quality in him.  True, he
was so wonderfully beautiful, that I seemed at times inexplicably changeable
would gladly have heard it once more."  in his manner.  From being joyous and
"Does Professor Aberney sing.".    sportive, he could  become  dark and
" He sing!" exclaimed Skuldfrid, in a gloomy, and then he spoke with a certone as if he had asked a perfectly use- tain bitter scorn that tormented Skuldfrid.
less or idle question. " He who has such These ebullitions of a changed state of
a fine and powerful voice! Aunt Sara mind occurred always if Skuldfrid hapsays that he has been celebrated for his pened to mention either Aberney's or
compositions and his singing."         Tage's name; otherwise he was brilliant
"That man then possesses all possible and entertaining, and possessed a faculty
talents and  attriibutes,  said Lothard, of comprehending and describing everywith an ironical smile.  "With your thing from a poetic point of view.  In
permission we will not speak about him  his manner he was respectful and someany more."                            times retiring.  It was evident that he
" And why not? I do not understand was afraid to approach her in any familyou."                                 iar manner.  The three weeks Aberney
"So much the better.  Have you al- expected to be away had thus passed
ready forgotten the question in my let- without Skuldfrid's remarking  it, so
ter?"                                 quickly had they flown. It was a beauSkuldfrid could not possibly refrain tiful Saturday afternoon in July when
from laughing as she remembered it, so she walked over to Junta to surprise
ridiculous did it appear to her that any Aunt Sara with some splendid strawberone could think that Aberney, her fa- ries, cultivated and picked by Skuldfrid
therly friend, could become her husband. herself.  As usual, the stranger met her
Skuldfrid's ringing laugh drove away the at the turn of the road.
dark thoughts in Lothard's soul.         "Do you know what I was thinking
" Have I not answered your question? of." asked she.
And besides, it is so extremely ridiculous,   " No, but I hope you will tell me."
that I do not understand how you can    "Well, it is now almost two months
return to it."                         since we first met, and yet I neither
The conversation was soon brought know your name nor who you are. I
back to Italy, and the time flew swiftly have never happened to think of this
by. When thie sun disappeared behind until to-day."
the wood, Skuldfrid bade the stranger   "And why just to-day? 
adieu.                                   "Because I heard Annika mention the
odious name of the owner of Kronobro."
"Odious name, did you say?."
After that day Skuldfrid took a walk   "Yes, it is hateful to me, because it
every afternoon, and soon these rambles revives the memory of an insult.  But
extended as far as Junta to see Aunt do not let us talk about it. My mother
Sara, who now felt exceedingly lonely, as and my spiritual teacher have taught me
she no longer had her dear nephew to'that we ought to forgive and forget all
firet at.  Skuldfrid was especially wel- injuries. This is however somewhat difcome, and the old lady could not treat ficult for me to do, for when I think
her too kindly.  Chance so ordered it, of —"
that the young girl met the stranger in   "Canitz," said Lothard, with a peculiar
all her promenades, and every time they sharpness in his voice.




84                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"Yes! In short, his name reminded memory.  "Yes, now I remember. You
me that you were visiting at Kronobro, have'actually that singular name; that
and that I did not yet know whether name, which sounded so strange to me
you were the guest of the owner or the the first time I heard it."
Doctor."                                 "And when was that 3"
"Do you actually wish to know who   "O, I once heard it called by some
I am 3 "                              one!" answered Lothard. Then he added,
"Yes, most assuredly."             interrupting himself, " For whom do you
"But if I asked to be excused from  intend these berries 2"
telling you for the present, what would   Skuldfrid told him that she had cultiyou then say 3 "                      vated them and was now taking them to
"That I know it already."           Aunt Sara.  The conversation now came
"Indeed!" Lothard could not hinder upon indifferent ground, and turned for
the blood from rushing to his cheeks.    a moment upon flowers. At the cross" I have had a visit from the Doctor road which led to Junta, Lothard stopped.
to-day, and he let me know it.  The Doc- He threw himself on the grass to await
tor told me," continued Skuldfrid, that Skuldfrid's return.  The thoughts which
there were two Russian officers visiting occupied the young manll must have been
at Kronobro.  One of them was named anything but agreeable, for an expresLothard Gurtzskow."  Skuldfrid laughed. sion of deep melancholy rested upon his
" Do you not see, I know all about your features.  At last Skuldfrid again apname 3 "                              peared, beaming with joy. Lothard went
"But remember, in case it should be to meet her.
necessary, that it is not I who told you   " How glad you look! " said he. "Y You
that."  Lothard said this with earnest- certainly must have received some very
ness.                                 agreeable news in exchange for your
"O yes, I will not forget it. But I strawberries."
have read in a book called'Rules of   "You have guessed right.  To-morrow
Good Breeding' that it was impolite not my friend and Tage are coming home.
to be introduced before one addresses a I shall be so glad to see them again! "
lady."                                   Lothard  answered not a word, but
"Yes, in society; but our acquaint- walked silently at her side. Skuldfrid,
ance has been formed under God's open who expected in vain that he would say
sky, and this makes a great difference. something, asked at last, as he continued
If I have committed the impropriety of his silence,not introducing myself to you, then you.' Are you again displeased   Admit
have done precisely the same. You have that you must always be so for a little
never told me who you are."           while during our short meetings?"
"You know."                           "I am' not displeased, and least of all
" True, but not through you. Still I with you; but there are certain things
do not yet know your given name."     which lead me sometimes into painful
"Very well, I will be more polite than thoughts.  So, for example, when youl
you." Skuldfrid stopped and made a deep with eyes beaming with joy speak of your
obeisance before the young man, saying, affection for Professor Aberney and his'I have the honor to present to you son, I think upon myself and my poverty.
Sk.uldfrid Smidt."                    I have no one who rejoices at my arrival
" Skuldfrid, Skuldfrid," repeated Lo- or sorrows at my departure. I have scarcethard, as if the name had struck him, ly a dog who is attached to me with afand at the same time awakened a painful fection. I feel something like envy toward.s




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            85
these happy ones who possess ydur friend- I then feel that life might be beautiful
ship. I too would like to have a friend." even for me. The sight of you has be"Have n't you not any q " asked Skuld- come a need of my nature.  I fancy myfrid with sympathy.                   self to be a better man when I am with
"Allow me to leave myself, it is a you, when I hear the sound of your voice
subject of little interest to talk about. and your ringing laughter.  Do not be
Do not heed the expression of sadness astonished that every object which steps
which is at times upon my countenance between you and me awakens bitterness
when I am reminded that others are so in my soul. You have become dear to
muich to you, and I so very, very little."  me, while I remain indifferent to you, or
Again they walked silently at each at the most a person that'you regard
other's side. Skuldfrid looked serious. with some kind feeling when none of
As they were about to descend a hill, those you love are present, and whom
Lothard said, -                       you will forget as soon as you meet
"Sit down here a moment. You will them."
be so much engaged with your friends,   "I do not know whether you mean
that I shall most probably not have the what you now  say," replied Skuldfrid,
joy of seeing you for a long time."   "but it seems as though you ought to
Skuldfrid seated herself. Lothard took understand that I have friendship for
his place at a little distance from her.   you, when I like to be with you and feel
"In a few weeks I shall leave this regret when I do not see you. Why can
place," said he.                      we not say to each other what we both
"You are then going to St. Peters- know  and feel, that we are friends?"
burg? "  Skuldfrid asked this question Skuldfrid extended her hand to him with
with averted face.                    an inexpressibly gentle smile, adding:
" I do not know; I only know that I " If you have no other friend, then you
cannot stay here."                    at least possess one in me."
"And why not "                        Lothard hesitated to take her hand,
"Canitz is then obliged to leave."  but at last did so.
"And you must go with your friend?"   "I believe you hesitate to take may
"Yes. You call him my friend, and hand as a friend? " said Skuldfrid.
you are right, he is assuredly the only   "Friendship between a Russian and a
one I have."  Lothard smiled bitterly, Finnish girl. Friendship between you
adding: "But even his affection for me and me. You a girl of seventeen, I a
is not worth much."                   man of twenty-three."
"That man probably loves no one but   " Well, what do you wish q I cannot
himself," returned Skuldfrid.         possibly regard you as a Russian, and
"I believe you do him injustice.  He the fact of our both being young does
loves himself least of all, and is, like me, not prevent us from being friends? "
weary of life and himself."              "Almost," murmured Lothard; but
"But just now before we separated you added  directly  with  a  firm  voice,
did not seem to look at life with such "though at this moment it seems to me
weary eyes."                          impossible that I could be your friend, I
" I then forgot life for you. When I will try to make the impossible possible.
walk by your side, talking of indifferent Ah, you smile, and look at me quite asmatters, I forget everything in the pleas- tonished.  You are too little familiar
ure of the moment, and I then desire to with human nature to understand me;
enjoy undisturbed the brief season which but I will -this afternoon tell you someconstitutes the sunbeams in my dull sky. thing which will prove to you that my




86                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
regard has not sprung from an ignoble Wagner and the steward of the estate,
heart.  That I to-day met your offer of Herr Scheindinge.  During  the years
friendship with hesitation and apparent that the young owner of Kronobro had
coldness was because I had made myself been away, Dr. Wagner had been ap
a solemn promise never to use your con- pointed by him to reside there as master
fidence and inexperience to my own ad- of the place.
vantage. You do not imagine the danger   Wagner's well-known disinterested charthat a friendship between a young man acter had induced the General to invest
and a young girl contains for both.  I him during his lifetime with the "rGle
cannot make you understand how pre- of authority " in his absence, because, as
cious yours is to me, and yet I have the he expressed it, one could never count
courage to say, consider well; if you upon a steward's honesty, if he was left
wish to take back the friendly words, do without a watchful eye over him. Alit.  I shall never ask of you anything though Lothard did not trouble himself
but kind feeling.  Mark, to-day I can much about his steward's integrity, he
act as I do, to-morrow it may be impos- had, however, according to the General's
sible."                               once expressed wish, commissioned WagSkuldfrid had never seen him so fine ner to be master in his absence, and to,
and noble as at this moment.  His look see that the dependants had nothing to
rested upon her with an expression so complain of. This was a charge which
serious, and at the same time so tender, -Wagner willingly  accepted,  and  for
that it penetrated her very soul.  Skuld- many reasons. He was by nature proud
frid reached him both hands, saying with and imperious.  These two  qualities,
the enthusiasm of youth, -            which he had been obliged to suppress
"You may care for my friendship or all his life, were now gratified in seeing
not, but it is yours. You may remain all the subjects of the estate, from the
near me or travel far away, but I shall lowest to the steward himself, treat him
still be your friend as long as my heart with the same deference as if he had been
beats."                               the rightful proprietor.  On the other
"Thanks!"  faltered  Lothard.  He hand, there was in this man's singular
pressed her hands and then dropped character an inborn love for the people,
them, murmuring: "God protect you, a true interest in their welfare, and a
you are an angel; and may he assist me sincere desire to render the position of
never to occasion you any grief."     the lower classes more endurable. WagAt the same instant a hoarse grating ner was humane  and  compassionate
laugh was heard above Skuldfrid's head. towards his fellow-creatures so long as
She sprang up frightened, and Lothard his own interests and passions did not
gTew pale, but recovered himself imme- step between.  When nothing excited
diately and said, -                   these, he was an honorable man in the
"It was a magpie, which sung' its full significance of the word, and would
evening song."                        probably have remained such in all his
They now walkedfl-omeward.          dealings, had not a deep-seated hatred to
Russia, and the Canitz family in particular, engendered and nourished from his
youth  upward  a feeling of undying
While Lothard and Skuldfrid were revenge, which set in motion all the
walking between Junta and Ektorp, a demons in his nature.  Endowed with a
tete-a-tete of quite  another  character superior intellect, keen power of observaoccurred  at  Kronobro  between  Dr. tion, and consequently a good under



GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                             87
standing of human character and the place he now occupied, and would not
individual propensities with which he hear of the Doctor's following him  to
came in  contact, he had  during his St. Petersburg.
subordinate position been able to conceal   After this explanation of conditions we
beneath an humble and submissive exte- will return to the conversation between
rior both his wounded pride and his pas- the steward and the Doctor.
sionate hatred.  He had made himself   We find the latter in his elegant lithe confidant of his greatest enemy, and brary reclining in an easy-chair; before
so played his rOle with General Canitz, him on a table lay some accounts.  Herr
that the latter entrusted him with the Scheindinge, a man of about fifty, with a
education of the heir to the princely smiling expression, was seated in a chair
Canitz  estates.   His  influence  over opposite Wagner.  He sat on the extreme
Lothard had been all powerful and was edge, as if he had not dared to seat himso still in all that pertained to outward self fully, for fear of displeasing the allconditions.  If the Doctor said such and powerful physician who at this moment
such changes ought to be made, this or looked anything but mild and gracious.:
that tenant ought to pay a higher or lower   " I have had my secretary go through
rent, etc., then Lothard always replied, your accounts," said the Doctor sharply,'You understand that matter better than "and do not find any mention of that
I do, act as you think best.' And in invoice of grain which was sent to Abo
all these respects the Doctor deserved shortly before the Baron's arrival."
unlimited confidence; but he was not so   " No grain was then sent from Kronoconscientious when  it concerned  the bro to Abo," answered Scheindinge boldly.
young man's moral interests.             "Was there not?  What grain was it
During the time they both stayed at that was sent off on such and such a date?."
the  German  University, Wagner had   The Doctor looked at the steward with
endeavored with a singularly well-studied a sharp glance.
skill to implant the seeds of all possible   " It was Baron F —'s at Umbotrask."
vice in the youth's heart, preaching to    "Ah, indeed! ".
him  the doctrine  of enjoyment and   The Doctor reached out his hand and
deriding his naturally exalted ideas.  In took a letter that lay on the table.  He
the years of youth one prefers pleasure; handed it to the steward, saying,
and as Wagner always knew how to pro-   "Read that aloud to me! "
cure it for him, he actually became more   When Herr Scheindinge opened the
Lothard's friend than his mentor.  Wag- letter and cast his eye at the signature,
ner would certainly have succeeded in he became deadly pale.
making of the fiery, impulsive, and richly    "You grow pale.  Well, Herr Scheingifted boy a dissolute, bad man, had not dinge, how do you think it will go with
an inexplicable chance awakened Lothard your position as steward "
from his blind confidence in the Doctor,   "Herr Doctor, in mercy do not make
and instilled in its stead a deep distrust ime miserable!" exclaimed the trembling
of his former tutor.  This change had steward, clasping his hands.  He had let
been so sudden that the Doctor racked the letter fall on the floor.  The Doctor
his brain in vain to dliscover from whence bent down and picked it up, saying as he
it had originated.  He only knew that slowly folded it, -
Lothard, the next day after the one   "You have thus robbed your master
on which he had maltreated Tage and of a hundred barrels of grain.  That is
Skuldfrid, was unlike himself, and that proven.  I have twice warned you against
he had eagerly procured Wagner the swindling and dishonesty; but you seem




88                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
to have thought you could continue with   "That is true. You shall meantime
impunity; and not enough with this, you remind her of the rent, and ask her when
have now begun to practise your dishon- she can pay it."
esty on a large scale. You ought to have   " Do you wish me to fix any time for
known me better, and to understand that the payment. "
I am not disposed to let my master be   Wagner pondered  a moment.  He
cheated by such a rascal as you any seemed to be calculating what might
longer. Twice before when you were de- transpire, and what moment would be
tected, your wife's intercession made me most fitting to place Fru Smidt in distress.
retain you in your place. I have only Finally he said, -
taken the precaution to have all your   "0 no, drive over there to-morrow
actions closely watched. You know my and give her a polite reminder, asking
sagacity and ought to have been on your her to tell you herself when she can pay
guard."                              it. Remind her besides, that the time
Now followed a scene of prayers and for the renewal of the contract is near
explanations on the steward's part, but at hand."
they were met by the Doctor with a   The Doctor dismissed the steward, who
frigid contempt. The result of it all was left the room, bowing humbly. When
that Scheindinge had to sign an acknowl- he was gone the Doctor touched a handedgment that he had purchased from bell and a little invisible door near a
his master such and such an amount of bookcase opened.  A  man somewhat
grain, which should be charged to his older than the Doctor, with a meagre
account. After this was arranged, the and  scarcely  agreeable  countenance,
Doctor said, as he put the accusing letter showed himself. He was clad entirely
in his pocket, -                      in black, and walked stooping.
"For the present I will not say any-   "What news from  Abo 3" inquired
thing about it to the Baron, but will let Wagner, without turning round.  He
it depend upon how you behave. Mean- knew from the sound that the thin genwhile you are in my power, and unless tleman was in the room. The Doctor
you wish to make yourself perfectly mis- sat with his back turned to the person
erable, take care that I do not find any who had entered. The latter advanced
more proofs against you."             with noisless steps and stood behind
Scheindinge declared that the Doctor's Wagner's chair when he answered,
clemency would change him into an hon-   "They have to-day left Abo and are
est and conscientious man. As his prot- on their way here."
estations did not seem to come to an   "So. And the correspondence 2 "
end, the Doctor interrupted him summa-   "Is exchanged."
rily with the words, -                  "Good! Are they looked upon with
"You need not declare anything, for suspicion 3"
I do not believe you.  I shall have you l"Yes! All letters will hereafter be
watched closely, and at the smallest opened."
delinquency you will be discharged and   "Without any one's surmising from
given up to the law. Now to another whence the denunciation comes 3"
matter.  Has the widow at Ektorp paid   "Without any one's surmising it."
her last year's rent 3"                 "How was the exchange of letters
" No, you ordered me not to demand effected 3 "
it of her, but to await the Baron's arrival,   "Through me."
when you, Herr Doctor, intended to   "Then I am  calm."  The  Doctor
speaok to her about it."              stood up and turned towards the thin




GOUILT AND INNOCENCE.                          89
man clad in black. With his hand resting   "Ah, is that you, Doctor!" exclaimed
on the back of a chair, he regarded him  he.  " But why is it so dark here? Do
while he continued:  "'I believe, my you perchance love to muse in the twidear Worzkow, that the journey to Abo light. "
has made you still leaner than before.   It was something rare to hear Lothard
Have you been able to ascertain why jest, and therefore the Doctor came to
Aberney went there so suddenly?"     the veny just conclusion that he was in
"The occasion is a bankruptcy; the an especial good-humor.
A    ska firm has failed. The Professor   "I have grown beyond the twilight,"
had money invested with this house. He replied Wagner.
loses no inconsiderable amount by them."   Lothard and the Doctor always spoke
" How much should you think?."    French together.
" Half his fortune."                 "In that case I am surprised that you
The Doctor began to pace the floor. have not ordered lights."
After a while he said, -                "Do you wish me to ring? "
" Have a stern and watchful eye upon   "If you please. You will then spare
the steward.  Look thoroughly through me the trouble of doing it. To be frank,
his accounts, and see that he does not I must confess that I am tired." Lothard
extort from the people."             threw himself upon a sofa.  "Do you
Herr Worzkow bowed and glided out know, Doctor, I contemplate taking a
as silently as he had entered.       trip to Abo to-morrow?  "
The Doctor seated himself again at the   The Doctor was just on the point of
table, and began to examine the papers ringing the bell, but at these words he
which lay there, with much attention. put it back upon the table.
He remained thus until the approach of   "I believe you forget to ring," extwilight, when he heard a horse gallop into claimed Lothard, laughing. "My journey
the court-yard. Wagner rose and went seems to excite so great surprise in you,
to the window.                       that it shines right through the darkness.
"Ah ha, he is now home  " muttered What do you find in it so very wonderthe Doctor, whereupon he went into the ful? "
adjoining room, exchanged his wrapper   "Nothing particularly wonderful. The
for a black coat, and arranged his toilet journey comes so suddenly, that's all."
a little.  When this was done he went   "What do you want me to do? It is
up to the saloon, but did not find Lothard tedious here, especially since my two
there. A servant informed the Doctor comrades have decided to leave."
that the Baron had shut himself up in   The servant came in to light the canhis room.                             delabras.  Lothard ordered cigars and
"Could he already have suffered de- wine. He lay stretched out on the sofa,
feats " thought Wagner; "that is. hardly humming a tune. The Doctor had taken
possible. The girl is altogether too lonely, an easy-chair and stared with an indifand he too handsome not to make a ferent air at the ceiling.
favorable impression upon her. It would   "What are you thinking about, my
be stupid, if my skilfully conceived plan dear Doctor? " asked Lothard quite sudshould come to naught, through some denly.
trick of chance."                       " I was thinking of a song that I heard
The Doctor could not continue his to-day; precisely the same air you are
silent monologue, as he stood looking out now humming. It was sung by a voice
of the window, for Lothard came into the whose equal I have never heard."
room.                                   "And how came you to hear it? Here




90                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
in this wilderness it seems quite incredi-   "Nothing more easy.  I intended to
ble that you could have heard this aria. make a call on my patient, and as I went
It must have been sung in your imlagina- down to the gate with that purpose, I
tion," said Lothard, jokingly.        remained standing motionless, for from
"Not at all. It was a young girl, one of the open windows I heard a ravwho with her wonderfully clear and ishingly beautiful voice which sang Anmelodious tones chained me motionless na's aria from  I)on Giovanni.  It was
to the spot. It was an enchanting reve- sung with that ardent expression which
lation."                              carries reason and feeling along with it.
"I congratulate you; but if it is not I could not possibly leave my place bea secret, I should  be most happy to fore the song had ceased; and when I
know who the singer was. Some child met Mademoiselle Smidt, I said to her,
of nature who binds the sheaves in the that such a voice was intended for the
field and sings Mozart's music; those two stage, and - "
things do not go very well together."    "What, Doctor," exclaimed Lothard
"Neither have I affirmed it, although hastily, "you did not actually dare to
it was in fact a child of nature, but not utter to this innocent girl such an abomiengaged in binding sheaves."  The Doc- nable insult as that she should become a
tor smiled in his subtle way.         singer. "
"You look so mysterious, my dear   "In what does the insult consist,
Doctor, that I perceive quite plainly your Herr Baron? "
intention of exciting my curiosity, some-   " In the very thought that she should
thing which you will not succeed in doing sing for money, and before a whole pubto-day."                              lie. She, that simple and pure-hearted
"You mistake, that I wished it. You child of nature, tread the soiled boards
who ride that way so often must cer- of a theatre!"  Lothard began to walk
tainly have heard the same song."     the floor.
"Which way do you mean?."  Lo-   The Doctor answered smilingly, -
thard now turned his head.               " Pure - hearted and uncorrupted we
"Past Ektorp."                      have all been once, but none of us re-'Ah! " Lothard rose half-way. "Does main so until our death."  A  silence
the singer live in that neighborhood? " ensued, which the Doctor broke by say"Yes, at Ektorp."                   ing: "Professor Aberney, who has been
Lothard now sprang up, exclaiming a distinguished singer and is a composer
with animation, -                     of merit, has cultivated his proteyee's
" Who do you mean?"                 beautiful voice, and it would very much
"My former patient.  I thought you astonish me if he did not intend to derive
had guessed it long ago. Have you for- some benefit from  it. It would be a
gotten that you once tried to force her pity to shut up such a voice, and allow
to sing for you!"                    it to be buried here in Finland."
"Ah! I had forgotten the little sing-   Lothard's face, just now  so joyous,
er for -"                             changed  instantly.  The Doctor con"I too had forgotten the cause of the tinned, without paying any heed to it,
scene with the children  until to-day,  "'Aberney is a man who stands above
when I passed by the little place and all petty prejudices, and he has probamy attention was attracted by the capti- bly realized from  the girl's childhood
vating tones."                        that she possessed  a treasure in her
"How  could you so catch them  in voice which might procure her a fortune.
going by?"                           This has induced him  to give her the




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            91
careful musical education that she has presence, should torment him. Now he
received."  The Doctor became silent.   was obliged to behold quite passively
A servant came in with wine and ci- how they were all to her, while he was
gars.  Lothard filled a glass for himselt nothing.
and emptied it at a single draught.     Whether Wagner waited for Lothard's
"I heard from  the pastor that the excited feelings to appear in full activity,
young Aberney is also very musical," or whether he read their expression in
resumed the Doctor.  "There will be a his face during the long silence that sucgreat musical time at Junta when father ceeded, we do not know; but just at the
and son arrive."                      instant that Lothard was wishing that he
He now began to speak with biting had the power to remove Aberney from
wit about those innocent little musical the object of his desires, the Doctor
arrangements, in which a young man said, —
sings with a young girl until both have   "Professor Aberney is observed with
sung away their peace and their hearts. suspicious eyes by the Russian authoriThen he proceeded to comment upon ties.  His political views are not such
music teachers for young girls, who like that he can hope to remain in Finlland."
Aberney are not yet old men, and who   At, these words Lothard stopped abthrough their fatherly care make them- ruptly.  He regarded Wagner with a
selves half-gods to their pupils.     penetrating glance, while his clouded
"This is a very cunning way to catch brow lighted up.
inexperienced hearts, and become abso-   "For what reason do you happen to
lute rulers over them," said the Doctor. mention this just now? " asked Lothard,
" Thus, for instance, I am fully convinced with a decided shade of suspicion in his
that Mademoiselle Smidt is governed voice.
entirely by her fatherly friend, Professor   " Simply because I have had to-day a
Aberney, and that he has far more influ- letter from Abo, in which I am told that
ence over her than her mother."       Aberney, through  some inconsiderate
Lothard was silent and continued to utterances, has drawn upon himself the
walk back and forth.  The Doctor had attention of the officials.  Apropos of
with much skill succeeded in rousing his Abo, what time do you start to-morrow."
worst feelings and in kindling a wild   "I am not going," was the answer.
jealousy in his breast.  The peaceful and   Somewhat later, when the Doctor went
ineffably delightful impression which the down to his own apartment, he held the
conversation with Skuldfrid had left upon following soliloquy,
him disappeared, and he accused himself   "This is the second time that I snatch
of being a fool, an idiot, not to have him from his fine resolutions and throw
tried with ardor to win her heart, but to him into the whirlpool of wild passions.
have allowed himself to be satisfied with Let us see if I do not at last succeed in
the modest gift of her friendship.  Now taking a brilliant revenge on this despithis Tage and  the detested  Aberney cable Canitz.  If I only knew through
would come and thrust him entirely to what person or cause my former power
one side, and so fill her whole soul that was crushed, and through what this conhe could not even hope to preserve th'e tinual distrust has been awakened!"
place he now occupied. At this moment
Lothard wished he had possessed the
power of the Czar to send Aberney and
his son so far away that not even the   Quite early the next morning, Skuldsound of their names, still less their frid went to Junta.  She had freed her



92                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
self from all work that day, in order to   "What, Skuldfrid, it seems as if my
welcome her good friends. Fru Smidt, appearance frightened you! Do you not,
who very rarely opposed her daughter's like me, feel glad to see the friend of
wishes, willingly gave her consent to this childhood again?"  He offered her his
request. When the young girl, with her hand.
heart beating with joy, stood upon the   "Indeed I do, dear Tage. You are
steps of her friend and teacher's dwelling very welcome, " added she, and laid her
she was met by Aunt Sara.             hand in his.
"Are you here already, my dear   That day was one of festivity at Junta.
child?" said the old lady patting the Aberney relinquished his precious books
blooming cheeks.  "I was just going to and studies to chat away the time with
send Anders after you, so that you could the children.  On his high, clear brow
eat breakfast with us. Ah, dear child, not even a shadow divulged that he was
you cannot believe what a stately and suffering the loss of half his property.
splendid man Tage'has grown to be."    Tage, on his part, never wearied of looking
The old lady spoke with much copious- at Skuldfiid, often exclaiming, -
ness about how beautiful her favorite had   "How beautiful you have grown, dear
become, and how good and excellent he Skuldfrid!"
was, while she was busy setting the   The strong affection that he had contable with Skuldfrid's assistance.  When ceived for her from the very first seemed
the clock struck eight, steps were heard to become yet stronger, now that he saw
on the stairs and the next moment in the her again, and to grow warmer every
saloon.  Skuldfrid could not remain in hour.  In the afternoon Aberney went
her place, but sprang to meet Aberney. to his own room to smoke his pipe and
With childish impetuosity she threw her- take his after-dinner nap. During this
self into his arms, exclaiming,-      time Skuldfrid and Tage sat alone on'Welcome, welcome home again, my the stoop.
good, my beloved Uncle!"                "Have you missed me in these years
"Thanks, my  dear, dear  child!" that we have not seen each other? " asked
Aberney's lips touched the young girl's Tage, and took Skuldfrid's hand.
brow, and he added: "God bless you,   " How can you ask such a question? I
my daughter! "                        have every spring expected to see my
Aberney and Skuldfrid stepped out on chevalier, but in vain; he had deserted
to the front stoop. There stood a young me," answered Skuldfrid, smiling.
man of about twenty-one, with a face so   "Your chevalier I am, and shall rethoroughly honest and good and so pure- main; but how is it with you? Are you
ly Northern, that he was indeed a beau- still the lady of my heart? "
tiful type of the Scandinavian race. At   At this moment the image of the stranthe sight of him Skuldfrid took a step ger appeared before Skuldfrid's soul. She
backward.  When she last saw Tage he did not know why, but she seemed to see
was a stripling of eighteen, thoroughly his look resting upon her quite sorrowboyish and ungainly, with coat and trous- fully.
ers always outgrown, and hair that was   "Well, Skuldfrid, you are silent? "
never in order.  Now, on the contrary,    Ah, dear Tage, I am always the same
he was a fine-looking gentleman clad in childhood's friend; but I amn now too old
the uniform of the Swedish Navy. Skuld- to play the maiden from the Middle Ages,
frid felt quite embarrassed.          as I used to do before, when I was called
Tage went to meet her and said with a the lady of your heart."
smile that reminded of childhood,-      "It was not in play that you gave




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            93
yourself that name, but it was after the   "O God! If I could only see him if
encounter with Canitz, when I gained but for a moment!"
that."  Tage pushed the light hair away   "Good evening!" said a voice behind
from his brow and pointed to a broad her at the same instant.  She started
scar.  "Do you remember the promise and turned round quickly; there stood
you then made, to remain the lady of my Lothard, looking so pale and sorrowful.
heart all your life W"                   "  hy, how pleasant this is I" exclaimed
Skuldfrid felt uneasy in mind when Skuldfrid. The liveliest joy was expressed
Tage reverted to this.  She was soon re- in every feature. At the sight of this
lieved however by Aberney, who came to Lothard's glance grew brighter and he
join the young people, followed by Aunt answered with a melancholy smile, —
Sara, who whispered to her nephew when   "Thank you for these words! Ah, if
her eyes fell upon them,-             you knew how unhappy I have been this
"Good gracious, what a handsome day."  He seated himself by her side.
couple they will one day make "       "Another such day and I would be
The Professor turned to her, saying changed into an actual demon."   He
harshly, —                            took her hand.   "Say this moment
"What silly talk, have you not seen that you truly have friendship for me!
misery enough from  matches made up Ah! yesterday, I would have resigned it,
beforehand "                          but to-day it seems not enough.  How
Towards evening, when Skuldfrid was much one can  change in twenty-four
to return home, Tage was commissioned hours!"  He clasped Skuldfrid's hand
to have the chaise ready and to drive between both his.  "Why does so much
her to Ektorp.  During the ride home- bitterness always mingle in our purest
ward he spoke of the most important joys? Why could I not retain the imevents of the past years. Skuldfrid re- pression of peace which our last converlated to him all that had occurred, with sation left with me. Now it is as if this
the exception of her acquaintance with day, which is past, has been sufficient to
the stranger.                         destroy my calmness, and arouse all the
In the midst of the joy she felt at conflicting elements in my nature.  Say
being with her dear friends, a feeling of therefore some friendly words to me, the
longing stole over her, and she desired to sound of your voice will certainly calm
see Lothard.  The recollection of their my disturbed mind."
last conversation returned continually.   "You must not look so sad," said
She fancied that it was wrong of her not Skuldfrid, casting a warm  and sunny
to feel perfectly contented.          glance upon him.  "If you have wished
At the beginning of the lane, Tage to see me, you as well as I ought now to
jumped from  the chaise and offered be very glad.  I too felt the need of seeSkuldfrid his hand to help her out. As ing you; and now when God has granted
he pressed hers in farewell, he said,-    this wish, I am contented and happy."
"May I come for you to-morrow after-   "Say once more that it makes you
noon? "                              happy! I entreat you, say it once more  "
"Yes, certainly."  Skuldfrid nodded   "That is unnecessary; you ought to
pleasantly and went on. Tage cracked see it."  Skuldfrid smiled, smiled as a
his whip and was soon out of sight, while child smiles at its playmate.
Skuldfrid continued her way till she   "But you were happier still when you
came to a little seat at the foot of a tree. met your young friend?"
There she sat down. She drew a light   "That was in another way. Ah! I
sigh, clasped her hands and thought, -   hae reproached myself the whole day,




94                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
that I could think of you when I was perceived that there was a watchful
with my old friends."                 care in the manner with which AberLothard dropped Skuldfrid's hand and ney attended the young girl.  With
rose from his seat, stammering in a voice every day that passed without her seeing
full of emotion, -                    the stranger, she became more and
"Whatever pain you are to occasion more unquiet, especially as she thought
me, I shall never forget how happy you she had caught a glimpse of the white
have made me this afternoon.  Now I horse twice in the woods. Two weeks
will bid you adieu, thankful for your elapsed.  It was Sunday. Skuldfrid was
words. Some day you will understand to go with Aunt Sara to church, andl
how precious you must be to my heart, Tage came for her quite early in the
when I can leave you just now. Good morning.   His  manner towards his
night and Cod bless you."             young companion had become at once
The next moment he was gone, and more tender and less confidential. That
Skuldfrid walked slowly up to the house. morning he was unusually measured.
A delightful yet troubled feeling filled When they drove through the woods he
her breast, and made her heart beat fast- said,
er than usual.  She was at once happy   "Can you tell me who the young man
and yet not happy. She felt a great need is who rides through Ektorp  woods
of going to her mother, of leaning her head almost every day 3 "  Tage's eyes rested
against her breast, and telling her how searchingly on Skuldfrid, whose face at
incomprehensible she seemed to herself; this question was suffused with a deep
but when morning again dawned and blush.
Skuldfrid stood before her mother, who   "I do not know who he is," answered
was that day paler than usual, it seemed Skuldfrid, confused.
to her quite impossible to speak of her   "Have you never seen him 3"
fresh young impressions.                "Yes, I have."
Fru Smidt kissed her daughter's brow,   "Indeed; and yet you do not know
and Skuldfrid fancied that her lips trem- him further."
bled. The young girl looked up quickly   "Yes, I do know him."
and threw her arms around her, saying   "It would not have been very easy to
in an imploring voice, -              deny the truth, when your blush had
" Mother, speak to me! To-day your already revealed it. But if you know
eye is more sad than usual, and your lips him, you must also know who he is."
tremble with grief. 0, tell me, can I do   " Tage, now  you are unjust," exnothing to relieve your suffering 3"  claimed Skuldfrid, with  sobs in  her
"Yes, always be glad and. happy; throat.  "I never deny the truth, and
that is the only alleviation there is for when I say that I do not know who he
me." Fru Smidt again kissed her daugh- is, I speak the truth.  He has never
ter, and Skuldfrid did not dare to say told me his name."
anything more.                          "He has n't q  And yet you have
In the afternoon Tage came with the spoken to each other 3"
chaise to  take  Skuldfrid to  Junta.   "Yes."   This was all that Skuldfrid
Several days passed in which she did could answer. The tears forced themnot meet the stranger. Either Aberney selves to her eyes.
or Tage came for her every afternoon,   "Why have you made a secret of it,
and in the evening she was generally Skuldfrid 3"
attended home by them  both. A per-   "That I do not know myself; but it
son of experience could easily have has been repugnant to me to speak of it.




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            95
Dear good Tage, do not speak so coldly it pleases me to speak of what I have
to me, but be friendly.  Skuldfrid now accidentally heard, it does not become
began to weep aloud. This was more than children to term what I say uninterestTage could stand.  He bent down to her ing."
and whispered,-                         Aunt Sara was quite offended, and she
"Forgive me, dear Skiuldfrid!"     smoothed and stroked her apparel desJust then the hasty fall of hoofs was perately.
heard behind them, and like a whirlwind   The remainder of the way was contina white horse with -its rider dashed by. ued in silence.  Skuldfrid could have
Skuldfrid's heart contracted with a sin- cried when she thought that she might
gular pain  when he rode past them  not 4be able to say a single farewell word
without even looking at her.          to the stranger.
"It was he," said Tage, setting his   On reaching the church, Tage lifted
teeth.  He touched the horse with his Skuldfrid from  the carriage and whiswhip  and they drove rapidly  ahead. pered, —
Not a word was again exchanged be-   "Forgive me, Skuldfrid, if I have
tween Skuldfrid and him.  The former grieved you.  I will not enter the house
cried, the latter beat off all the leaves of God before you have told me that you
and branches with his whip, as if he had are not angry with Tage."
felt an irresistible need of expending his   Skuldfrid smiled at him kindly.  She
anger upon  something.  When  they pressed his hand heartily and replied,
arrived at Junta, Aunt Sara wondered at   "I shall soon become calm and happy
Skuldfrid's red eyes, and Aberney fas- again in the temple, when I hear the word
tened a long and searching glance, first of God."
upon the young girl and then on Tage,   But Skuldfrid deceived herself.  With
but said nothing.   When they had head bowed down she prayed earnestly
taken their coffee the Professor's carriage and devoutly; but her prayers had not
drove up.  Aunt Sara, Skuldfrid, and the same tranquillizing effect as usual, for
Tage stepped  in.  During the whole she was filled with inquietude.
drive to church Tage sat silent and sullen. He avoided looking at Skuldfrid.
Aunt Sara talked about the neighbors and
much news that she had collected about   The dinner at Junta, after the journey
Kronobro, and among other things that it to church, was silent; general want of
was said that the young owner intended to harmony prevailed. Aunt Sara considstay there through the winter, but that ered that her dignity demanded her to
his guests were to leave soon. Skuld- manifest her displeasure towards Tage.
frid heard this with uneasiness, and Tage Besides several little vexations had ocwith a frowning brow.                 curred, as, for instance, the steak was
"People talk a great deal about the burned, and the pie was not a success, -
young man's peculiarities," said Aunt discoveries which put the old lady out of
Sara.                                 humor. Skuldfrid, contrary to habit, was
"But from whom have you heard all silent and looked sorrowful.   Tage's
this news," interposed Tage.  "I fancy countenance was sombre, like an autumn
that gentleman's peculiarities  cannot sky. Aberney seemed particularly taciinterest any of us."                  turn.  It was very evident that the Pro" Mercy, my boy, how  brusk you fessor's thoughts were not upon the
are. It seems to me entirely out of things around him, but were occupied
place for you to make such remarks.  If with quite different matters.   WThen




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
dinner was over he nodded to Skuldfrid rock. There we can talk without being
and Tage, saying, -                  disturbed, as we have so many times
"You will have to entertain yourselves when we were children.  It seems to me
alone for awhile; I have some writing to that it is just the place to put me in
do."  With this he went into his room.  right condition for what I have to say."
Aunt Sara hurriedly smoothed out a   Skuldfrid took his arm and they walked
wrinkle in her skirt, took her bunch of across the yard to a grassy plat by a rock
keys and trotted off to the kitchen, to which raised itself like a giant in the
let the cook know in a short and appro- midst of the wood. This moss-covered
priate speech what an offence she had granite crag, crested with dwarf pines,
committed  in destroying God's gifts. bent over the little plain, which seemed
Then Sara went to her own room to read to be environed by its arms, and shela little in a religious book, when she tered from  the ravages of the northdropped asleep and it became tea-time.   wind. From the top of the rock a beauSkuldfrid sat on the front steps and tiful view was afforded over the whole
threw peas to a flock of beautiful pigeons, place and the surrounding country.
which hopped about the yard.  Tage   The two young people placed themstood leaning against the door-post, look- selves'on a rustic seat under a hanging
ing at her with a sorrowful expression. birch.
Skuldfrid's face had brightened up while   " Well, Tage," said Skuldfrid, as he
feeding the pigeons, and she spoke to continued to keep silence, " did you not
them in a voice which plainly indicated have something to say. I have waited
that the presence of her favorites had some time for you to begin."
considerably dispelled her bad-humor.   " Do you believe, Skuldfrid, that I am
She threw her last peas to them with the fond of you?" asked the young man.
words, -                                "What a strange question. How can
"lThere, my pets, this enjoyment is you doubt it."
over; now fly away, glad and free! O,   "And still you have no confidence in
if I had wings like you!"  She turned me. I am  not now, as formerly, the
to Tage and gave him her hand, saying friend with whom  you exchange your
with a friendly smile,-              thoughts."
"What is the matter with my friend. "Yes, Tage, you will always be a
Is he still offended with mel "      friend, that I know for certain."
Tage took the proffered hand, saying, -     "And yet you have secrets with me? "
"Everything dark and gloomy disap-   Skuldfrid lowered her head, without
-iears when Skuldfrid smiles; and yet I replying.
would give a good deal this moment if   "You have known that stranger a long
I could speak openly to you."        time, and yet you have not spoken to
Skuldfrid got up and laid her hand me about him."
upon his arm, saying, -                 "Because I have not done so to any
" Why certainly you can. Who should one."
hinder you?"                           "But this behavior is so unlike you."
"Perhaps you would become angry   "Ah yes! I know it, and I cannot
and' out of sorts.'                 explain the reason."
" I might become all'out of sorts,'   A pause ensued. Tage was apparently
but angry with you, Tage, that is impos- struggling with his excited feelings. At
sible."                              last he resumed, -
"Well, we will see. Take my arm    " Tell me how you and he became acand let us go and sit at the foot of the quainted. Will you do that, Skuldfrid. "




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                             97
"Willingly.  I shall certainly become   Tage, with his inexperienced heart and
lighter in heart after it."  Skuldfrid laid the credulity of his years, embraced everyher hand in Tage's and told him all about thing that flattered his desires, without
her first meeting with Lothard as well as questioning whether he was dazzled by a
those that followed.                  false light or not.
Tage's brow grew paler and paler as he   Skuldfrid had said, " If one bade me to
listened to Skuldfrid's words.  It was choose between you and the stranger,
the first really bitter moment of his life. there could be no question about my'When Skuldfrid had finished, he said decision."  What more did Tage need to
slowly,-                               know. What could it avail to torment
" Do you love him 3"                himself and Skuldfrid, now that he had
At this question, so simple in itself, obtained this certainty.  He said also in
and which any other young girl would a voice so kind that it became caressing,have understood  so easily, Skuldfrid    "Skuldfrid, let me once read in your
sprang up and stared at him as if he had eyes that you hold me as dear as in childsaid something perfectly dreadful.     hood i "
"Good God, Tage, what is that you    "I am and shall always remain your
say!" exclaimed she.                   own sister, your friend."
"I ask if you love him; if he is very,   Tage had wanted to add, "And the
very dear to you 3"                   lady of my heart"; but at this moment
"I have never thought about that.  I a whole shower of stones fell down from
like to see and talk with him, but this is the cliff, and one of them nearly struck
the only thing that is clear to me. That Skuldfrid on the head.
I never feel for him the hearty affection   This little occurrence was a startling
that I cherish for you and Uncle Aber- interruption. Skuldfrid, jumped up from
ney is perfectly certain.  No, if I was affright; Tage could not understand what
told,'You have the choice either never had started this strange fall of stones.
to see the stranger or never to see Tage,' Before they had time to recover themthen I should choose without hesitation selves, Aunt Sara appeared at the gate
never to see him."                     and called to them. Aberney stood on the
" God be thanked!" exclaimed Tage, stoop, and when Skuldfrid saw him she
seizing her hands hastily and kissing hastened to obey the summons.  The
them.  At the same moment a stone Professor was now in his usual humor, and
rolled down from the rock and to their Tage was again cheerful and happy. Aunt
very feet. They looked up involuntarily, Sara had slept away her vexation, so that
but there. was no one to be seen.      all, except Skuldfrid, were in a better
"Now, dear Skuldfrid, my heart's lady, state of mind. A leaden weight hung
now I am calm and happy," said Tage, over her soul.  In the midst of this
drawing Skuldfrid down upon the seat depression there was one intense feeling,
beside him.                            longing for the stranger.
Skuldfrid, on her part, was by no means   "What ails my summer-bird to-day l"
calm  and still less happy.  All the in- asked Aberney at length, laying his hand
quietude she had felt during the day on her head.
returned with renewed force, and she   "Ah, I do not know; I feel so strangewas seized with a violent desire to burst ly unquiet," faltered Skuldfrid, and taking
into tears; but she kept them back from  her friend's hand she pressed it to her
the fear that Tage would ask her why she lips.  " I feel that something may have
wept, while she could not herself account happened at home, and so I think it is
for the feeling that so oppressed her.    best for me to return."




98                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"Do you wish to? "               manner, and came to the  conclusion
"Yes."  Again she kissed the hand that, as he was attached to her with the
which so lovingly caressed her.      warmest of feelings, so was she also to
"Have the chaise brought round," said him. How faithful was the look she
Aberney to Tage. When he was alone gave him when she uttered the words,
with Skuldfrid he asked her gently,-    "There could be no question about my
" Has Tage made you feel bad. Has choice," and finally, how slight must not
he been tormenting you, as he used to do the interest have been in the stranger,
when you were children?"            when she did not even endeavor to learn
"0 no, Tage always does right. It is his name. Why had she concealed her
I who am to blame."                  acquaintance with him.   This was a
In a few minutes Skuldfrid and Tage question which reason presented. The
sat in the yellow chaise on their way to heart was immediatly ready with the
Ektorp. Tage spoke of everything which explanation, that it had occurred from the
he thought might interest or amuse usual girlish caprice.  That she had
Skuldfrid, and as a recompense for his talked with the stranger, and even met
laudable efforts he obtained a gentle him frequently, did not prove any fancy
smile. At the little road down to Ektorp for him, but only that it was a diversion
Tage stopped, and when Skuldfrid at the in her uniform  life, something which
same instant jumped out, he said, -  deviated from  the  ordinary routine.
"Give me your hand atd let me thank From this thorough examination, as he
you for this day. Forgive me, if my considered it, of his own feelings and
words have grieved you; but you are Skuldfrid's behavior, he passed over to
very, very dear to me."             those delightful and beautiful dreams of
Skuldfrid extended her hand and nod- youth in which the future is pictured so
ded, after which she hurried away. On smiling. He imagined Skuldfrid as his
the front stoop sat Annika.          wife, and his heart beat at the thought
"How is mamma i." asked Skuldfrid. of the happiness which should then be
"Is she down ill the summer-house'"  theirs. Just as he had reached this Eden
" No, my. child, she has gone to her in his fancy, the sound of hoofs was heard.
room, and told me that she wanted to be Tage started and  listened.  It was
alone; but why do you come home so easy to distinguish from the sound that
early 3 "                            a man on horseback approached; at the
" I was uneasy about mamma." Skuld- turn of the road a white horse was seen.
frid took her way to her own room.   If Tage had let his horse pursue his own
gait before, he now drew the reins quickly,
holding him to a still slower movement.
The advancing horseman seemed to follow
Meanwhile Tage drove back to Junta. the same impulse, and held in his horse
He let the reins lie loose, and the hand as soon as he caught sight of Tage, bringwhich held them rested carelessly on his ing him to a walk.  When they at last
knee. He sat absorbed in thought. He passed each other, one could have said
reviewed the years that he and Skuldfrid that the two young men tried to pierce
had spent together when they were chil- each other with the menacing fire of
dren, calling to mind all the proofs of their glances.
friendship and affection he had received   "I should not have believed that he
from  her as a little girl.  He then was so good looking," thought Tage. "I'examined the weeks that he had been at have seen those features once before; but
home, thought of her equally cordial when and where "




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            99
Lothard thought: "She must love   Lothard again, with all his advantages,
him. He has an appearance that is more had never, during his acquaintance with
than prepossessing."  At this thought, Skuldfrid, thought that she could love
he applied the spur to his horse, and the him. When his own feelings drove him
noble beast sped away with its rider.    to ask of her a kindly regard, it seemed
Tage's bright and pleasant dreams were to him that he had already gone too far,
gone.  The evil powers of unrest and and when Skuldfrid gave him her hand as
doubt again awoke within him; and when a friend, he almost feared  that this
he drove up into the yard, it was clear friendship would nourish thoughts and
to his mind that he ought to speak with desires impossible to be realized.  He
Aberney and tell him how dear Skuldfrid detested everything and everybody that
was to his heart.                     came in her way, because he was afraid
of being entirely forgotten or pushed
aside. He was wildly jealous, because he
continually distrusted his own power of
While Tage resolved to ask Skuldfrid pleasing.  He would have liked to live
of Aberney, as if he had been the young continually as in  those weeks which
girl's father, Lothard had pursued his passed while Aberney was in Abo, having
way to Kronobro.  If Tage's heart was nothing to fear, and without daring to
-uneasy and tormented by doubts, Lo  nourish any desires for himself. Had
thard's soul was stirred by the wildest of Lothard possessed more self-love and less
storms.  The difference between them  distrust, he would not have become so
was, that Tage, through his character unreasonably jealous as he now  was.
and the long-existing friendship between He would not have been troubled about
him and Skuldfrid, cherished the firm  little things, seeing in them irrefragable
conviction that their attachment for each proofs that he was forgotten, nor failed
other was of an identical nature.  He to discover in a thousand small instances
had from the moment of their reunion that he possessed a great influence over
taken for granted that he and she were the young girl's heart.  Without allowdestined by God. to be a pair.  Tage's ing anything resembling a hope to mitifirm character and great regard for him- gate his jealousy, blindness ruled him,
self made him usually little inclined to and something like an infuriated anger
distrust that which promised him happi- took possession of him when he saw Tage
ness. The discovery that Skuldfrid was close by.  His rage was not directed toacquainted with a young man, and accus- ward Skuldfrid, but against Tage and
tomed to walk with him, had in the begin- Aberney.  He would have given half his
ning displeased, but afterwards angered fortune, if with it he could have purhim; especially as she had  not men- chased the right to annihilate these two
tioned the circumstance to him.  When men, whom he detested with his whole
he spoke to Skuldfrid about it, a certain soul.
degree of jealousy had been stirred within   Dripping with foam the horse arrived
him; but when she with her natural at Kronobro, and the beautiful animal
frankness told him about the acquaint- shivered in every muscle when Lothard
ance, and declared that between him and with a violent jerk of the reins forced
Tage there could be no choice, then the him to stop suddenly at the steps. With
old deep-rooted belief in her attachment one spring he was on the ground; he
again revived, and he considered it al- threw the reins to a servant, and said in
most impossible that she should not love a short and commanding tone,him.' Tell the Doctor to come here! "




100                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
His appearance was such that the ser- "You held before my wild passions the
vant was sure that he was sick.        possibility of being freed from their presThe Doctor obeyed the summons im- ence, because you perceived that I would
mediately.  Lothard walked hastily to sooner or later come to detest them.  In
and fro upon the floor.                an excited and incautious moment, I can
" What ails you, Herr Baron?  Are thus, thanks to you, make them  miseryou ill 2" inquired the Doctor, with his able. Ah, that is terrible! "
eyes fastened  upon Lothard's deathly   "Herr Baron, if you were less excited
pale face.                             and more calm, you would not call the
"Yes, I am sick, and you shall help one a villain who had always been your
me," answered Lothard  in an almost friend."
scornfill tone of voice.  "You, who al-   "Friend?'" exclaimed Lothard with a
ways stand in alliance with Satan, must scornful laugh, - "friend   You, who
undoubtedly be the right one to assist me." have always brought me upon the way of
" You do me too great honor, Baron, evil, and with an actual talent roused the
when you consider me to possess so pow- devil in my blood."
erful an ally.  I might, however, without   " Very well, in that case, Herr Baron,
his aid, be able to arrange matters."  let us separate.  I will to-morrow resign
Lothard continued to pace the floor.   my place as physician of this district.
"You have several times told me, You can select a more honorable man, as
probably with some infernal design, that I, like Mephistopheles, make of you the
Aberney was a politically suspected per- miserable tool of low desires.  But I had
son. Is that true?"                   believed that a young man of twenty" You can convince yourself about it, three was too independent to resemble an
if you will seize his papers, or rather his instrument which renders the tone that
correspondence."                      is struck upon it, but remains mute when
"' How do you know that?"          no one touches it. A person who speaks
"Because I know  Aberney and his of others' influence upon his principles
relations in Sweden.  I know how firm  and actions is a child, not a malln.  I am
his desire is to see Finland once more now ready to take my departure."
united with Sweden."                     The Doctor's countenance had lost its
"So, and you are sure that he sustains usual false and smooth expression, and
a correspondence which-"               now bore a stamp of true pride. The
" If it was brought to light, would, as Polish physician had at this moment a
the happiest alternative, compel him to majestic appearance.  He went to the
leave Finland, never to return."       door; but Lothard hastened after him,
" Good! " Lothard stopped before the laid his hand on his shoulder, and said, -
Doctor.  "Why have you intimated sev-   "Stop! You are right; a child, not a
eral times that he was suspected politi- man, allows others to  influence him.
eally."                               Even if you were my evil genius, I shall
"Because I foresaw that this intelli- never forget that you have been my
gence would become of use to you. You teacher, that you belong to an unhappy
are a young manl of great influence; it nation andl a still more unhappy family,
needs only a few lines from your hand and that you may be a man of honor toto the Governor, and you are delivered wards others, even if you have not been
from both Aberney and his son."       so towards me. You cannot leave the
"It is then the villain Wagner who position you now occupy, unless to exshowed me how to get rid of these men." change it for one more brilliant.  ThereHe again began to walk up and down. for- do rnot speak of it, but do not call




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                         101
yourself my friend; that is an unworthy   "Do you know why you have not been
hypocrisy, which does not become either able to meet the young girl!"
you or me."                            "Because she has constantly been acThe Doctor turned away from the door companied by Aberney or his son."
and came back into the room, sayiilg, in   "And why have these two so faithfully
his usual courteous tone,-           attended her? Do you wish me to tell
"Is there anything else that you you?"
wished to say to me 2 "                Lothard made an affirmative motion
" Yes, I desired that you should do me with his head.
a service."  Lothard ceased. It was dis-   "Although Ektorp lies apart from the
tasteful to him to continue.         neighbors, it is not however devoid either
" And that was 3" asked the Doctor, of people or gossiping tongues. Some of
after waiting a moment.              the inhabitants around here have seen
" Tomanage it so that I could meet - " you and Mademoiselle Smidt together;
"My former patient at Ektorp 3."    this has come to Aberney's ears, and he
"Yes!"                           considers it obligatory to watch over her,
A long pause ensued. The Doctor had so that she may not come in contact with
apparently intended not to break it, but you. Especially as -  Yet, what use is it
to force Lothard to speak. The latter for me to tell you the true condition.
threw himself on a sofa, exclaiming with You would only believe that I wished to
passionate impetuosity, -            arouse the devil in your breast, and there" For an hour's conversation with her fore I will be silent."
I would willingly give a part of my for-   With a formidable sagacity the Doctor
tune."  Then he sprang up again, and understood how to excite Lothard's curigoing to one of the open windows stood osity; and in fact the latter exclaimed
there a long time. The Doctor main- with impatience, -
tained a consistent silence. At last Lo-   "What use is it to be reserved, when
thard turned round slowly and said with I require of you frankness. You do much
apparent calmness,-                  more harm with these  half-suppressed
"'Will you undertake to get her to words, than if you spoke openly. Give
stroll to the forest road early to-morrow me whatever explanation you please, if it
morning 3 "                          can only free my soul from the infernally
"Why do you not write and ask her torturing thought that she avoids meetyourself 3"                          ing me."
"I have promised not to write to her.   "Remember, Baron, that you yourself
Consequently I cannot do it. Ah! for solicit me to speak."
two weeks that promise has nearly made   "What a long preparation!"
me insane, because I —"                "Well then, Mademoiselle Smidt is in"Could not see her; and still you tended to become young Aberney's wife,
kept your promise."                  and- "
"Doctor, when did you know me to   "But you told me some time ago
break my word 3"                     that -"
"Never, I must acknowledge; but   "Professor Aberney had educated her
promises seldom remain binding when the for himself 3 "
feelings are in conflict with them."   "Just so."
"You do not know me, if you think that   " That was only a supposition of mine,
passion can drive me to a breach of faith." while the truth of the matter is, that
"We will see how  that will be," young Aberney has been attached to her
thought the Doctor. He said aloud, -   since childhood. There will probably be




102                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
an engagement between them before he fluous," observed the Doctor with an exreturns to Stockholm."                pression as if he was right glad of it.
Lotbard's eyes flashed.  He clenched Lothard looked at him and murmured so
his fists convulsively and uttered in a softly that the Doctor could not hear
smothered voice, -                    what he said, -
"Are you certain of what you say.  "'Believe only what you can prove
Can you prove the truth of it 3"      to be true,' was counsel, which I have
"With the greatest ease."  The Doc- sworn to follow. Very well, I will talk
tor took a letter from his breast-pocket with her."
and handed it smilingly to Lothard, who   "Did you say anything q " inquired the
rather snatched than received it from  Doctor.
him. It was from the pastor of the par-   " Yes, I intended to ask you to arrange
ish and contained the following: -   the meeting to-morrow."  Without awaiting the Doctor's reply, he hastily left the
"'MY WORTHY BROTHER: Though it room.
would give me great pleasure to go to   "This time he creeps very nicely into
Kronobro this evening and play a game the trap," thought the Doctor, as he went
of draughts with you, I must however down to his own apartments.
resign it, because I have promised my
old friend Aberney to drive over to Ektorp and talk with Fru Smidt. Aberney
desires to see his son united to the beau-   When Skuldfrid early the next morntiful Skuldfrid.  If the mother favors ing came down from her room, intending
the match, the sooner the betrothal can to go into the garden and attend to her
take place the better.  I am the only autumn flowers, she met Annika, who
visitor Fru Smidt receives, and therefore handed her a little written slip of paper,
I, who think so much of the young girl, saying, -
have accepted the commission with the   "' Dr. Wagner just drove by; he was
greatest pleasure, for she could scarcely on his way to the forester's wife, who is
make a better match than with young sick, and he told me to give you this bit
Aberney. He is in every respect a splen- of paper."
did young man.                          Skuldfrid blushed when she received
"I hope, my dear brother, you will not the paper from the old servant's hand.
forget, when you are driving this way, to She unfolded it.  There stood in French:
stop and see your faithful friend,    " If you wish to comfort one who is un" ISAK ARBANIUS."   happy, then walk out to the wood road
at eight o'clock." These lines were signed
Lothard remained a long time perfectly with the name of Wagner.
motionless.  He gazed at the letter, as   Skuldfrid's heart beat with agitation
if he desired not to understand it. Final- and joy. It was two hours until the
ly he said, speaking to himself, -    time appointed.  She was just intending
"It is on the mother, only on the to go to the garden, to fill up the time
mother it depends.  They are then al- with her usual occupations, when Annika
ready sure of her consent. Ah! it is called to her from the kitchen.
folly for me to wish to see her again."   " What do you want?" asked SkuldHe crushed the letter and threw it on the frid.
floor.  " The best thing for me is to go   "You must go in to your mother," auto St. Petersburg immediately."       swered Annika.
" My embassy to Ektorp is then super-   "Is mamma up?"




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           103
"Well, I should think so. She told blance to Skuldfrid's.  Under the porme to tell you that she has something to trait hung a man's coat and vest, both
say to you before breakfast."          covered with dark stains.  Two chairs,
Skuldfrid went in to her mother.  It the coverings of which were so worn that
was very seldom  that she crossed the they seemed likely to burst open; an oak
threshold of her private room.  Fru chiffonnier on which was a gold watch
Smidt had not forbidden her to go there, and its case; a stand containing several
but it never entered Skuldfrid's mind to beautiful pipes, a gentleman's toilet-glass
do it.  The little room was to her imagi- and shaving apparatus, a book-shelf full
nation a place where dark and gloomy of old books, and a rickety writing-table
spirits dwelt, and as if every object there completed the furniture.  The window
had been saturated with tears.  When- was not adorned with either curtains or
ever it happened  that Skuldfrid  was flowers; the gloomy daylight which encalled in there, she always felt a shudder tered through it gave to the whole a
pass over her; she could not yet free her- mournful aspect.  Every object in this
self from this feeling; so when Annika room  seemed to whisper of events so
told her to go, she looked anything but sinister, that even daylight shrank from
happy.                                 the remembrance of them.
Fru Smidt's room lay to the right of   When Skuldfrid opened the door and
the little saloon which one first entered. came in to her mother, she felt as if she
The sitting-room was to the left.  It was had stepped into a sepulchre.
spacious and light, having four windows.   Fru Smidt sat before the open desk of
It contained a piano, a beautiful book- the chiffonnier. She rested her arms upon
case, a lute, drawing apparatus, and two it and held her head in her hands. As she
small sofas with work-tables before them. sat there she resembled Remorse, who
The windows were filled with flower-pots, gazes with despair at the objects that
and the whole room had something very have witnessed the evil over which the
cosey and homelike, and the view fromthe conscience weeps without hope of atonewindows was remarkably fine. The sa- ment.  Before her lay a ready written
loon was smaller and darker, as the thick letter which she had folded and sealed) but
foliage of the trees hindered the light without directing it. Fru Smidt had her
from entering.  Its furniture was heavy, back turned to the door, and as this was
consisting of a sofa and chairs covered opened softly she did not observe her
with black leather, a sideboard, dining- daughter's entrance before she stood at
table, and a clock.                    her side and said in a voice that slightly
Fru. Smidt's room was small and of a trembled, —
very singular appearance.  An iron bed-   " Good morning, mamma! You have
stead surrounded by green curtains, the sent for me."
color of which had suffered considerably   "Ah! is it you, my child."  Fru
from time; over this was spread a quilt Smidt rose and with her lips touched
which had been green originally, but was her daughter's brow quite lightly.  " I
now full of dark stains, of a dingy brown- wanted to tell you, my darling, that
ish color, resembling traces of blood.  In- I  cannot work with  you this foreside the curtains hung a pistol with a noon, but desire you to go and see the
soiled and rusty barrel. On the wall forester's poor wife, who lies sick and
opposite the bed was the portrait of a alone.  Inform  yourself of what she
man still in the prime of life.  The fea- may need for herself and the children,
tures were uncommonly noble and spir- and take a little food with you in a
itual, and possessed a striking resem- basket.  Annika intended to go there,




104                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
but I knew you so liked to take care that it was nearly eight o'clock when
of the poor, that I did not want to de- Skuldfrid started down the lane.  She
prive you of the joy."                felt so pleased that she should again see
"Ah, dear mamma, you are always or hear something of the stranger. And
thinking of my pleasure and of assisting sure enough at the turning of the road
those who need help."                 she saw Lothard, who with an agitated
Fru Smidt pushed away the hair from  manner came to meet her.  Before he
her daughter's pure and open forehead had time to utter one of the bitter words
and regarded her with a look full of love which jealousy dictated, Skuldfrid exand grief.                            claimed, -
"O, if I could banish every sorrow    "What an eternity since we last met!
from your life; if through my own end- Now I shall again be like myself, after
less torture I could purchase pure joy I have seen you."
for you, then  then-I could have   She offered him her hand and smiled
courage to smile under suffering. Now," so cordially, that its reflection shone on
she turned away and added, "you can- Lothard's countenance.  All sore and
not conceive what a mournful inher- resentful feelings disappeared  at the
itance you have."                     sight of her, and an inexpressible seren"Dear mamma, whatever inheritance ity succeeded the stormy elements.  He
I may have, I am proud to be allowed to clasped  the  extended  hand  without
call you mother," said Skuldfrid, and vehemence, just as one friend would
threw  her arms around her; but Fru press the hand of another. Neither did
Smidt pushed her quickly from  her, his voice betray any agitation when he
saying, —                             said, quite sadly,"Go i"                                "How  shall I dare to believe your
"Mamma, are you angry with me." words, when you have so persistently, so
exclaimed Skuldfrid, frightened.      cruelly doomed me to this long absence.
" I angry with you. No, never; but You have not been able to steal a single
leave me now. The poor woman is wait- quarter of an hour from your old friends
ing for you."                         for the new. How pained I felt, when I
Skuldfrid kissed her mother's cold thought I perceived in your behavior a
hand, and left the room.              plainly expressed wish not to see me
The work in the garden was not to be again, and -"
thought of, for Skuldfrid had all she   " Hush, you sin when you talk in that
could do to provide for the sick woman way. You know  very well that this
and her children. When these necessa- occurred  against my will, and that I
ries were all laid in the basket, she was would gladly have seen you. Besides,"
obliged  to drink some coffee; for as added she with her ringing laugh, "did
Annika said, it would never do for the I not tell you so just now.  Do not let
"child " to go such a long way fasting. us imbitter the present by speaking of
She could not survive such a misfortune the past. I am at this moment so glad
for her pet, and Skuldfrid was treated in heart, that I should like to sing from
not only with coffee, but with other good pure joy."
things, that she might not be hungry on   Skuldfrid's face was so beaming with
the way. Notwithstanding her declara- happiness, that even Lothard's distrusttion that she could not eat anything, in ful mind was satisfied, and all jealous
order to satisfy the old woman at all she thoughts were banished.  She was so
was obliged to make a substantial break- beautiful, her smile so friendly  and
fast.  All this so prolonged the time, playful, and her words so artless, that




GUILT AZND INNOCENCE.                          105
the  greatest doubter would  without   "And yet I am a Russian, and not a
hesitation have allowed himself to be Finn."
carried away.                           Conversing in this manner they con" You are a wonderful being, who with tinued their way to the forester's cottage.
a look, or a word, have the power of Skuldfrid chatted away like a spoiled
changing night into day.  When I re- child, full of life and merriment.  She
quested you to see me, it was absolute forgot all else, and gave herself up to the
darkness in my soul, and now "        pure and  agreeable sensations which
"There is pure sunshine; is it not so 3 " filled her breast.  Lothard was so gov" Completely. Do you know what you erned by her innocent manner, that he
are like?"                           shared somewhat her own tranquil con" A country girl who carries a basket," dition.  In spite of all that Lothard had
said Skuldfrid, laughing.             resolved to say, it is doubtful if any word
"Ah,. pardon me, I did not see the of deeper and more serious import would
basket, I saw only you; but for whom  have been exchanged between them, had
is that intended I"  not a little incident, insignificant in itself,
" For the forester's poor sick wife."   aroused the slumbering passions in the
"In that case allow me to carry it."   young man's breast.
Lothard, the owner of millions and   When they stood before the door of
master over so many servants, now made the forester's home, Lothard said,himself the bearer for a girl whose   "I now return you the basket and
mother was one of his humblest tenants. hope that you will not make me wait
Skuldfrid, on her part, reasoned quite too long."
naturally, let the young man take the   He withdrew and Skuldfrid disappeared.
basket, for he, according to her idea, was Something over half an hour elapsed
the stronger of the two.  When she before she came out again.
handed him  the basket, she said jest-   While Lothard was waiting, he abaningly,-                               doned himself to various reflections.  A
"I have been waiting a long while to few moments before Skuldfrid stepped
give you the basket." "               out, a large, beautiful hunting dog came
Lothard's countenance changed  in- rushing past him, where he lay outstantly.                              stretched on the grass. Directly after"Good Heavens," exclaimed Skuldfrid, wards a shrill whistle was heard. Lothard
when she became aware of this change, turned his head in the direction from
"have you not yet been able to break whence the sound came. Far in the
yourself of hastiness.  We are only woods he saw a young man in huntingspeaking of a basket of food. Anything garb, who with hasty steps followed the
else cannot come in question.  But by hound.  The whole apparition passed
the way, why did the Doctor, instead of suddenly, for the next moment both
you, write to me to come this way."    dog and hunter had disappeared among
"Have you forgotten the promise you the trees; but swift as it was, Lothard
received from me 3 "                  was at once thrown back into the, whirl"Ah, true enough.  I had forgotten pool of his contending passions.  He
it entirely." She looked at him. " That sprang up, as if with the intention of
trait in you, not to break a promise, I rushing after the retreating person; but
respect.  It is more Finnish than Rus- at the same moment Skuldfrid stood
sian."                                before him.  Her features did not wear
* In Northern Europe this is equivalent to the same beaming expression as before
"giving the mitten."                  she went in to see the poor woman.




106                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
The destitution  that she beheld had self on a stone by the side of the narrow
driven away her joy.  Her thoughts and almost trackless path which they
were so centred upon it, that she did were following.
not observe Lothard's dark looks. She   "Then you would miss me!" stamonly said, -                          mered Lothard.
"Come, let us go."                    " I shall miss you very much.  PerLothard obeyed, and for a while they haps too much, more than I ought,"
walked silently at each other's side.  whispered Skuldfrid.
Finally  Skuldfrid turned  her face   "If that is so, how could you let me
towards him, saying in a supplicating live so long without giving me any opvoice,-                               portunity to see you. "
"You, who are the friend of the owner   "But it did not depend upon me.
of Kronobro, say to him that a little My friend and Tage said constantly that
pittance from his abundance would pro- I must not be allowed to go alone, and
cure him the blessing of a whole family. so they accompanied me. Yesterday I
Ask him to help the poor forester. Such was so deeply troubled by not being able
a rich lord ought not to have on his es- to see you, that I could not enjoy my
tate beings so destitute as they are."    visit at Junta."
"This very day their need shall be   "Do not remind me of yesterday, for
redressed," answered Lothard.         then I recall the glimpse I had of you
"Thank you for that promise."       and that young man sitting together on
"However poor and needy these peo- the bench. Ah! in that moment there
pie are," resumed Lothard, " I doubt if was not a single kindly thought or retheir poverty is as great as that of the mernmbrance of me in your soul. And inone whom you desire should assist them." deed that picture of you and him had
Skuldfrid was now for the first time nearly driven me so far as to -" Loaware of his gloomy aspect.           thard checked himself, as if afraid of his
" How heavy-hearted you look!" ex- own vehemence, and added in a changed
claimed she.  "Have you too seen some voice when he met Skuldfrid's anxious
mournful sight, while I was in there."   look: " Forgive me. I will speak calmly."
" I have always mournful sights when   "I do not understand why you are
I do not see you. In your presence I disturbed, why my conversation  with
forget my unhappy destiny, and abandon Tage could excite your anger. You say
myself to the delight of the moment. that I forgot you, and yet it was about
You charm  away all doleful thoughts, you that we spoke."
and I forget reality in the dreams which    "You, spoke of me to him? "
enchant me. Thus, for instance, we have   "Yes, certainly, or rather Tage spoke
jested the whole way here, and yet I had about you, and I told him of our acquite a different reason in soliciting a quaintance."
third person to obtain this interview."  "I envy the young man's happiness."
"You are right. I did not think of   "You envy him?  And what?""
that."  Skuldfrid stopped abruptly and   "Your love," Lothard wanted to say;
added with anxiety, "You do not come but there was something in Skuldfrid's
to bid me farewell."                 demeanor which compelled him to say
"And if it were so?." Lothard's eyes with forced calmness:  "The friendship
rested on Skuldfrid, as if he wished to and the confidence which bind you to
read her heart.                       him."
"It would deeply grieve me."  Her   "But I cannot like you in the same
eyes filled with tears. She seated her- way as Tage," replied Skuldfrid, smiling.




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           107
" He and I have been each other's sole joy became precious and dear to me, so dear
in childhood.  He is my own brother, that I feared lest my words or someand I shall always remain his sister."    thing on my part should pain or trouble
"If he is your brother, what then am  you. Although your friendship was the
I."                                 2most precious gift you could bestow, I
"I do not know; I only know that it was almost afraid to accept it, lest my
makes me happy to see you, and that I feelings for you should acquire a demandwould like to be your friend; but if I ing and presuming character. I did not
was told that I  imust renounce either want to expose you to my violent pasyour friendship or Tage's, then it would sions. To see you, if only for a few
undoubtedly be yours, because -"      minutes every day, I would willingly
" Because it is indifferent to you," re- have thrown away all worldly advantages.
turned Lothard, hastily.  "Ah! I know You are all that is dear and precious to
that I am nothing to you."            me on earth, and yet I should never per"You know the contrary," said Skuld- haps have said,'Skuldfrid, I love you,'
frid, this time in an almost vexed tone; had not my despair at the thought of
" and it is right ill of you always to be- losing you now driven me to it.  I know
lieve that I say something different from  that you do not love me, I read it this
what I think."  She now rose to go, but moment in your pale cheeks, and I have
Lothard hindered her with the words, -- never hoped for it; but I had hoped that
"Stay, I beg of you, and forgive my your heart did not belong to any other.
outbursts of passion. I shall be calm, I Even  this  hope  circumstances  have
give you my word upon it, whatever you snatched from me."
may happen to say, if you will only   Skuldfrid hid her face in her hands.
hear me with patience and answer me She wept. Lothard exclaimed.
frankly."                                "In the:name of mercy, do not weep 
"That I promise." Skuldfrid sat down Have my words so frightened you that
again.                                they draw  forth tears! Does my love
"Has it never entered your mind," be- inspire so much aversion.  0, speak,
gan Lothard, "to consider what brought utter a single syllable of forgiveness, of
me continually in your way 3 "        compassion! Rather than occasion you
"You have told me that my society one bitter moment, I will leave this place
gave you pleasure, and as I have felt the and never return.  I will fly so far away
same, I have not plunged myself into that not even the sound of your name
any speculations about so simple a mat- shall reach my ears, if you desire it. To
ter."                                 cause you sorrow is death to me. May
" But you possess, together with your I rather be doomed to the bitter agony
inexperience, a naturally superior com- of seeing you happy as another's bride."
prehension, and this must inevitably   "Never! " whispered Skuldfrid.
have told you that the pleasure I expe-   "Never!" exclaimed Lothard, seizing
rienced in your presence proceeded from  her hand.  "Skuldfrid, do not play with
some stronger feeling than mere momen- me! Tell me, what does that never
tary joy."                            contain?  Shall you never become an" Yes, I believe that you think a good other's bride?
deal of me."  Skuldfrid colored slightly.    Skuldfrid drew her hand away quickly,
"You are right.  I certainly think rose to her feet, and said.  "No! there
very much of you. You are the only is something within me which says that.
living being that I am attached to with 0 my God," added she, sorrowfully turnheart and soul. At the first sight you ing to Lothard, "why have you thus




108                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
spoken to me? Why have you destroyed   " Forgotten it? "
the joy I experienced in your presence?   "Yes, at least nowz.  I do not know
Now a whole world lies between us, so exactly why I should get so frightened."
changed does everything seem  to me. She looked at him with a happy expresIf you have any mercy, then speak no sion.  "You are the same as you used
more in this way."                    to be; just as I liked so well to imagine
" Give me your hand," begged Lothard, you. You do not look so gloomy as you
"and tell me that you are not angry; did down there."  She made a motion
tell me -"                            with her head to indicate the place which
" Here is my hand.  I am not angry, they had just left.
but I am troubled. I feel like a stranger   The way was now very stony and
to myself, and as if separated from those steep.  Lothard extended his hand to
I before so deeply loved."            assist her, and Skuldfrid took it, while
Lothard carried her hand to his lips, she continued, -
faltering, -                            "You seem  sometimes like two per"Why give me at once so much and sons. Awhile ago I was almost afraid
so little to hope! To-morrow, perhaps of you and myself, and had a great deeven to-day, Tage Aberney will request sire to run away from us both. Now it
your hand. You will then - "          is again as if we were good old friends."
" Remain his sister.  Tage will never   "Friends," repeated Lothard, with an
do anything so bad to me as that which almost sorrowful expression.
you now indicate; between him and me,   "Do not look that way, for then I
yore stand."  Skuldfrid took some steps feel like running away, to worry myself
to leave the place. Lothard followed her. afterwards because I have made you feel
She turned round with these words, " If bad."  Skuldfrid looked at Lothard with
Skuldfrid is dear to you, then leave her. an expression so cordial and sincere, that
She needs to be alone."               no magic glass was needed to read in it
"And when, when can I see her again? " a pure and true affection.  But there
" I do not know. Do not ask me any was something so original and peculiar
questions now." She looked at him with in the sudden changes in Skuldfrid's
a glance so imploring, that Lothard, bow- manner, that Lothard for a few moments
ing mutely, drew to one side and allowed felt confounded by it. First she had
her to pass. He remained standing mo- been sorrowful and wept, then shy, and
tionless. When she had gone a little now she was again the artless child, who
distance she turned and stopped.  In an spoke with the most unrestrained frankinstant Lothard was at her side.      ness about herself.  Lothard regarded
" Is there anything you desire?"   her with a wondering glance as they
"Was it your intention to bid me stepped down the acclivity, and Skuldfarewell to-day 1 " asked she with a trem- fri'd supported herself onil his hand.
bling voice.                            "Then you repented that you wished
"Yes!"                              to leave me so abruptly?" said he.
" When shall you leave?"             "Yes, and therefore I stopped."  She
" That depends upon you."          laughed.  "I was obliged to do so, else
Skuldfrid  continued  her way, and I should have had no peace, but your
Lothard walked by her side. Quite an sorrowful face before me for the whole
interval elapsed thus.  Suddenly she day.  It is true that you have given me
said with a half-smile,-              many  anxious  moments."  Skuldfrid
"I believe we have completely forgot- leaned her head on one side and gave
ten what you said awhile ago."        him a tender yet mischievous glance.




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           109
Lothard stopped and looked at her tance, and keep the words chained to
with an expression of happiness and my lips while I feel compelled to speak.
satisfaction, such as Skuldfrid had never Even now I would like to ask you a
before seen.                          question, but I do not dare to, and yet
"Have I occasioned you anxious mo- my whole life is contained in the answer."
ments l " asked he, and smiled.          "Then do not ask it.  You would
"Please  continue your walk," said most certainly again call forth anxiety
Skuldfrid, who was also forced to stand and fear. I feel so happy at this moment,
still.                                that I would like to keep this impression
" O, no, I am not inclined to obey, be- of true joy undisturbed."
fore you have answered me. Besides, I   At the lane they separated.  Lothard
wish to look at you real well, so that the then said, -
expression your face now bears may be   "Be assured that to-morrow  at this
imprinted in my memory. When shall time the forester's family have received
I go away l " added he, in a voice which the assistance you have to-day requested.
caused the little hand that rested in his You will go there, will you not V "
to tremble.                              "Most certainly," replied Skuldfrid.
"That I will tell you another time;   The to-morrow, what it has in store we
but now  I will not stand  here any never know; we have always reason to
longer."                              fear it.
"You have not yet answered my first
question."
" I do not allow myself to be forced;   While the above scene took place beand besides I will not answer it."    tween the two young people, we made a
They continued to descend, and Lo- little visit to Junta, and afterwards saw
thard said, playfully, -              what was transpiring at Ektorp.
" The Finnish girl has now a Russian   At the same time that Skuldfrid refor support."  Skuldfrid would  have ceived the few lines from the Doctor,
taken away her hand, but he held it fast, Tage, attended by his dog, started off
saying earnestly:  " There is a power hunting.  He felt an irresistible need of
which unites all nations, which knows no diverting his anxiety through some vioseparate fatherland, but makes all the lent exercise. He did not see Aberney
people of the earth as one; and that before he went out, but told Aunt Sara
power is love. In love we all bend the that he should not return home to dinknee before a common God, and his fa- ner.  So when Aberney came to breaktherly arms stand open to us. All that fast, he found only Sara. The Professor
proceeds from him is to unite and rec- looked thoughtful  and  replied  very
oncile that which hatred or prejudice briefly to her remarks.  When they had
has sundered.  Love harmonizes and taken coffee, A.berney intended to return
ennobles all."                        to his room, but the old lady laid one
They were now at the foot of the hill, hand on his arm, while she smoothed her
and Lothard released her hand with the apron with the other.
words, "You are again free. Do you   "My dear nephew, I have something
feel happier' now'"                  to say which I have kept back long
"I have not felt unhappy."          enough."
" You are a singular girl.  In an inex-   " Can you not delay it a little longer'"
plicable manner you call forth alternate asked Aberney, with a smile which indibelief and doubt, and draw me to you. cated that he would be especially thankAgain, you force me to stand at a dis- ful if she could.




110                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"No, that I cannot, for it concerns a word that seemed like a reminder, for
Sk-uldfrid."                          he would then very likely have encoun"My dear aunt, I hope it is not a tered a new deluge. When Aunt Sara's
question of getting her married 3"    harangue was ended, she drew a deep
"0  no, you need not be alarmed breath, smoothed her apron, and said in
about my meddling in that affair, although an entirely changed tone,
I am neither deaf nor blind, and conse-   "Has Skuldfrid told you that she has
quently discovered long ago that Tage is made a new  acquaintance during the
dead in love with the girl; but see here, summer 3 "
I have also perceived something else,   "No, she has not," answered the Prowhich you have not noticed, and which fessor, and assumed an air of perfect
is that the girl is by no means in love indifference, which made it impossible
with him."                            for any one to discover what he thought.
"But, dear aunt, that is no reason for "Well, whose  acquaintance  has  she
detaining me to talk about these observa- made 3 "
tions," returned Aberney, somewhat ima-   "A  young man's.  It is either that
patiently; "especially as you can easily young Canitz himself or it is one of his
perceive that I have something else to guests."
think of."                               "You do not know for certain who
"If I now did right, I should just it is'"
keep still, to punish you for your beha-   " No, I do not; but of one thing I am
vior towards your old aunt; but I am a sure, and that is, that she saw him every
Christian, and therefore I consider it my day during the whole time you were in
duty to act conscientiously, especially Abo; that he accompanied her both here
when a child's welfare is concerned."    and home again; and that he was with
"T Well, to the point then. What is it her in all her rambles, and often spent
about  "                              the whole afternoon in her company."
" About Skuldfrid, as I have just told   "Who has told you all that 3 "
you, though you do not want to hear it,   "Mother Monika in U-; but at
and always try to put me off with your first I did not believe it, for the old
short answers."                       woman says  so many  out-of-the-way
Aberney was acquainted with Aunt things; but when I was last at the parSara's disposition, and knew that when sonage the pastor's wife told me that she
she became offended, he must submit to had heard it, and that her servants had
her loquacity, or else she would look sour seen them several times; besides this,
ahd crabbed day out and day in for several the servants at Kronobro say that the
weeks. Thereforewhen he saw from what Baron rides out to the widow's place
direction the wind blew, he chose his part every day. The forester has also seen
immediately, and placed himself with a Skuldfrid walking in the woods with a
sigh on the sofa, prepared to let Sara young man, and states that he usually
speak out all that she had on her heart. meets her at the turn of the road. Now
After she had poured out her indignation I think that you who have a great influover the way she had been treated, how ence ought to talk to her about the
little consideration was paid to her, etc., matter, as her mother does not know
her vexation was over and Sara again how to take better care of her. You
"good as gold."  Now for the first time and I know awell enough that Skuldfrid
there was a hope of the Professor's know- has done all this innocently; and though
ing what she had especially to commu- it  never would  have  done  in my
nicate; but he took good care not to say young days for a modest girl to go




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           111
streaking  around the country with a have nothing  to  do. I amn  not her
young man, still I can understand that teacher, or one who in the smallest deit has occurred in sheer ignorance. But gree have taken upon myself her educanow it may have happened that this tion."
piece of ignorance has brought two evils   "Precisely; and besides, Aunt Sara,
with it: first, that people have begun to you have no slight weakness for the beautalk; and next, that Skuldfrid has trifled tiful child, which makes you lack courage
away her heart."                      to say anything disagreeable to her."
"What grounds have you for such a Aberney laughed.  "You fancy that the
supposition. " asked Aberney.        role of mentor becomes me."
"What grounds?   How can you ask   "But you do not seem to think so
such a strange question?  Do you believe yourself," said Sara, very testily.
that a girl like Skuldfrid, accustomed to   "I never could bear tutors, and I condo only that which amuses her, would go sider all lectures upon what is becoming
and meet a young man every day if she and unbecoming, right and wrong, undid not find pleasure in his society 3 necessary.  I leave theory for practice.
Common sense, my dear Victor, would Therefore I have quite simply, without
say that she must have some inclination Skuldfrid's suspecting it, hindered her
for him. Besides, there is a very bad from  meeting the young man.  Words
sign in that little circumstance that she are always powerless; the only things
has concealed the whole acquaintance which are effective are - actions.  Now,
from us all three. A girl is.always re- my good aunt, we will say no more about
served when her heart is concerned; and this matter. I hope moreover, before the
if she is of an open character and still week is out, to have procured Skuldfrid a
goes and keeps silent, then one can take lawfuil protector, who has the right to
it for granted that -"                step between her and every person dan"That she in her loneliness embraces gerous to her peace."
with childish joy everything that breaks   Aberney left the room so suddenly,
the monotony of her life," interposed that Aunt Sara had not time to ask any
Aberney, rising. " What you now relate more questions.  She travelled out to the
to me I have known for two weeks."    kitchen, meditating deeply upon two
"For two weeks! " ejaculated Sara, things: first, if it was Tage that her
smoothing her apron with both hands. nephew  meant  by  a  protector, or
" And you have said nothing 3 Not rep- whether her oft-returning apprehensions
resented to her how wrong she acted? that Aberney was thinking of the girl for
How she forgets completely her womanly himself could have any foundation; the
dignity?. How she —"                  other was, how she could find out if
"Comprehends nothing of all that it really was young Canitz that Skuldfrid
which puts you in an agony. No indeed, knew. If so the girl must be saved, cost
I have said nothing of the kind, nor shall what it would. She had not time howI do it, though I know what you are not ever to continue her reflections, for a man
aware of, namely, who the young man stepped into the kitchen and inquired for
is; but," added Aberney, with a peculiarly the Professor.
sly glance, "why do you not speak to   "By whom are you sent, and what do
Skuldfrid yourself? "                you want." asked Sara, while she put
" I! Ah, that I shall take good care on her glasses to give the stranger a
not to do. She would be just the one to thorough examination.
answer me in her little aristocratic man-   "0, I am  a man from  Ektorp and
ner, that this is something with which I was to leave this here to the Professor,"




112                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
answered the one addressed, making a torp, had fancied that he recognized in
scrape with his foot that was meant for this old and wrinkled face features
a bow.                                 that seemed to him familiar.  He had
"Ah yes, from Mademoiselle Skuldfrid once asked Annika if they had not seen
I suppose."  Sara reached out her hand each other before, and then she answered.
to take a letter.                      "It is Very possible, though I cannot
" I can't tell exactly; but Annika told remember it."  After this answer he paid
me that I must n't leave it with any one no further attention to her; but now it
but the Professor himself."            returned so vividly to his mind that he
Sara gave a little jerk with her head, had met this look of sorrow and anxiety
shook her apron smooth, and trotted out some time in the past, and that it had
of the kitchen, telling the man to go into been directed upon him with precisely
the saloon and wait there.  She went the same expression.  Aberney had not
herself to knock at her nephew's door, much time however to make reflections,
crying to him, "A messenger from Ek- and, as he seldom asked questions, he
torp wants to speak to you."  In an in- followed Annika in silence through the
stant the door was opened and Aberney little saloon. For a moment the old
with hasty steps went by Sara and into woman stopped at the door of Fru Smidt's
the saloon.  The old lady muttered, -    room, with her hand upon the latch.
" We shall see that the old fool wants She hesitated to open it.  Again she
to have the girl for himself; but that fastened a look of anguish upon Aberney,
shall never be as long as I live.  No, the then she turned the knob, and the door
boy shall have her, as sure as my name opened; but just as Aberney was about
is Sara."                              to enter, Annika whispered, "Have comIn the mean time Aberney had received passion upon her!"  With this the door
the letter and opened it with unusual closed after Aberney, and he found himhaste.  It contained only these lines, -   self in the widow's room.
"Skuldfrid's mother desires to answer   Right before him  stood Fru Smidt,'by word of mouth the offer which has leaning against the back of a chair.  She
been made to her through the post.  She resembled a petrified human being.  The,expects Victor Aberney to come to her large black eyes gazed at Aberney with. as soon as he has read these lines."  a soulless and glassy expression. AberWhen the Professor folded the note, ney stood motionless by the door; a feelthe man said,-                         ing at once sombre and oppressive spread
"I was to tell the Professor that I had itself over his strong soul, when his eyes:the chaise with me."                  fell upon the living corpse before him.
"Good, I shall go with you."         There was something horribly fascinating
Sara's many questions remained unan- with  this woman, which chained the
g.wered, and five minutes later Fru Smidt's glance to these features from which all
green chaise rolled away with the Profes- motion seemed to have fled. After a few'
sor to Ektorp, without Aunt Sara's be- seconds Aberney turned his head as if to
ing able to learn what it all meant.   free himself from the terrible effect that
When Aberney stood in the entry, An- the sight of Fru Smidt had upon him;
nika met him.  Her eyes were red from  at this motion his eyes fell on the porrecently shed tears, and she was so agi- trait.  Scarcely had his glance encountated that she could with difficulty ask tered the picture than he rushed forward,
the Professor to follow her in to her mis- grasping Fru Smidt by both arms and
tress.                                 exclaiming with wild vehemence, --
Aberney, at his very first visit to Ek-   "Unfortunate, who are you!"  He




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           113
drew her with him  before the portrait.   She went down to the saloon.  On tip"'That portrait!" He pushed her away toe she stole to the widow's door and
from him with horror, murmuring, "You listened with her ear close to it. All
are thus -"                           was still and quiet within. Yes, as quiet
"His widow," whispered she in an in- as if no living creature was there. When
audible voice, and sank on her knees she had long and in vain listened for a
before Aberney, faltering with despair, sound, she seemed frightened; she raised
"' curse me, the guilty one, but spare the her head, laid her hand on the knob and
innocent child."                      turned it.  The door opened. Fru Smidt
" There is no curse terrible enough for lay senseless on the floor. In the same
you," muttered he, and turned towards moment that Annika with a cry of anthe door as if to rush from the room, but guish hurried to her prostrate mistress,
Fru Smidt hastily placed herself between Skuldfrid entered the saloon. Through
it and him. With her hand stretched the open door she saw her mother lying
towards the picture, she said, "In his to all appearance dead, and upon her
name I demand of you to stay."  Her knees beside her Annika loudly lamentarm sank and she clasped her hands as ing.
in prayer, " In Skuldfrid's name I implore   Soon afterwards the overseer rode at
you.' full speed to Kronobro after the physi" 0 my God, this is then her mother!" cian. Fru Smidt was dangerously ill.
Aberney passed his hand over his brow
and added in an accent of bitter pain,
"' This only was wanting." His eyes were
now fixed on the portrait, and he uttered   Lothard had no sooner entered the sa,with emotion, "May thy features remind loon at Kronobro, than the Doctor came
me most vividly that she is also thy in.
child!"                                 "Pardon  me that I enter without
A long pause followed, during which being summoned; a messenger has come
Aberney's eyes rested with deep and sor- for me from Ektorp."
rowful earnestness on the portrait.  A    " From Ektorp!" exclaimed Lothard,
sigh full of anguish roused him at last and hastened towards him.
from  the thoughts and  recollections   "Fru Smidt has suddenly been taken
which the sight of this face had called ill."  The Doctor handed Lothard a litforth.  He turned slowly to the widow, tle note.  It read:saying with perfectly regained calmness,
"For God's sake, Herr Doctor, hurry' I am now ready to hear you."
Two hours afterwards heavy steps were here; my mother is dying.
w  "SKULDFRID."
heard on the floor of the saloon, and Annika, who was in her room on the floor   "Wagner, take my swiftest horses and
above, saw Aberney quite slowly leave lose no time," bade Lothard, and pushed
the house.  The old woman, during the the Doctor out through the door.
whole time that the interview lasted be-   Ten minutes later the Doctor was on
tween her mistress and Aberney, had his way behind Canitz's fastest span, who
alternately cried, read in the Bible, and in less than three quarters of an hour
prayed. When she now saw him go, she made the distance between the estate
clasped her hands and murmured, -     and Ektorp.
"Father in heaven, what thou hast   Annika, ever careful and considerate,
decreed to occur after this conversation, had moved her unconscious mistress's
is surely best for us all. Amen."     bed into the large sitting-room, so that




114                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
neither the eyes of the physician nor not believe the reality of the sight before
any other stranger should penetrate into him.  He needed several seconds to
the dreary sanctuary.  Motionless, with- recover himself. Wagner was not one to
out any sign of life except the unquiet be governed long by a surprise.  When
heaving of the breast, Fru Smidt lay he had gained the mastery over the first
upon her bed.                         impression, he turned his head a little
Annika had, by dropping the curtains and said to Annika, who stood directly
before the windows, changed the light beside him, "Draw  up the shades, I
and cheerful room  into a gloomy sick- need light."  Then he bent over the
chamber.                              patient, and took her hand to examine
Skuldfrid was on her knees beside Fru her pulse.  His gaze was fastened upon
Smidt's bed, holding, her hand clasped her features, and he thought,
tightly in her own, and gazing anxiously   "I must see this face in full daylight,
at the face now flushed crimson and the to be convinced that it is she. If these
fixed glassy eyes. It was the first time distorted and changed features are actuthat Skuldfrid had  seen her mother ally the same that I have seen so beautiattacked by illness.  To be sure she had ful that- "
now and then in Skuldfrid's childhood   The curtains were now drawn up, and
been indisposed, as Annika used to say;  the broad daylight streamed in over the
but at such times the daughter never sick one.
saw her. Now it seemed to Skuldfrid as   "It is she," murmured the Doctor,
if the blood congealed around her heart, almost as pale as Fru Smidt.  " What
so oppressive was the feeling which her infernal destiny throws this woman again
mother's senseless condition occasioned. in my way and his?  He drew a chair
She could have given vent in loud lam-. to the bed and sat down.  He ordered a
entation to the nameless agony within bowl and a bandage, and then opened a
her; but it was as if every sound died vein. When this was done, Fru Smidt
away on her lips, while anguish held her made an effort to draw her breath, raised
in an iron grasp.                     herself up in bed, and uttered a wild
The time seemed like an eternity to shriek.  The Doctor seemed to have
the poor child before the Doctor ar- expected this, for he seized her carefully
rived. At every motion, the slightest but firmly around the waist and forced
noise, she started and looked at the door. her to lie down again. Then he turned
At last, after this painful waiting, the to Skuldfrid, saying, —
longed-for words were heard, "The Doctor   "I desire to be alone with the sick
is here," and at the same moment woman and Annika."
Wagner entered.  Skuldfrid had sprung    "Only one word about — about —
up and hastened to him.  Seizing his mymother'scondition," stammeredSkuldhand she said with trembling lips, " Save frid.
her!"   The Doctor's look rested  a   "We hope that she will get better,"
moment on  Skuldfrid, and  all that answered the Doctor kindly, "butmuch
was false and supple in his features patience and calmness is needed in those
gave place to a stamp of true sym- who are around her."
pathy.                                  Fru Smidt now made a violent effort
"I will do all in my power," replied to start up again; but the Doctor held
he, and went to the sick-bed, drawing her still.  She muttered some incoherent
aside the  curtains, but started back words, which seemed to make a painful
when his eyes fell on the patient.  He impression upon the Doctor, and he said
stared at her a moment as if he could somewhat shortly, -




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           115
"Mademoiselle Smidt, be so good as had always regarded with shyness looked
to leave us." Skuldfrid went out. Wag- dark and threatening.  Just as these
ner said to Annika, "Bolt the door, that images had become, through the gatherno one can come in."  The old servant ing darkness,,more and more vivid, the
obeyed. Scarcely was this done, than door of the mysterious room opened with
Fru Smidt gave another cry of anguish a clicking sound; Skuldfrid gave a feeble
and tried to throw herself from the bed, cry of fright, and hid her face in her
while she uttered words in the wildest de- hands; but the next moment she looked
lirium which disclosed secrets of a terrible up again quite fearlessly.  Her blood
nature.  The Doctor listened for several congealed with horror in her veins, howmoments to the confused speech, as if he ever, for before her stood a tall man,
had needed to cast a glance into the sick whose features in the obscurity resembled
woman's still sicker soul. Then he turned those of the portrait.  The eyes rested
to Annika,-                           on Skuldfrid with a sad and as it seemed
"You  understand, I suppose, that to her a severe expression.  The young
what she now says must not be caught girl stared at the figure, perfectly motionby any other than you, God, and myself. less from fear.
It would bring death and despair upon    "What has happened, my child?'"
the daughter."                        said a voice, which was to Skuldfrid too
"Yes, I understand," faltered Annika, dear not to be able to scatter at once the
"but how shall I be able to keep her fearful images that her fancy had evoked.
from -watching over her mother? "    She threw herself into the arms of the
"As long as her mother raves, she person who had addressed her. A flood
lnfust not enter the sick-room.  For the of tears streamed down her cheeks, and
rest, I shall remain here until you have she exclaimed, -
brought some soothing drink from the   "God be thanked  that my friend
apothecary."                          came!  Ah!  I am  so  unspeakably
Skuldfrid was not allowed to see her wretched; my mother -"  She could
mother for the whole day, although she not say more.  Her sobs almost choked
begged for it so beseechingly.  Sitting in her.
the somewhat gloomy saloon, trembling   "Is sick," said Aberney.  "I know it,
with anxiety, and with her hands pressed and therefore I am here."  He sat down
tightly together, she listened to the wild and drew Skuldfrid to his breast, addshrieks from  the sick-room.   When ing: "Poor child, so agitated!"  A
twilight fell, it became more quiet in deep sigh, full of anguish, heaved his
there, and Skuldfrid heard only an in- breast.  "Why do you sit here " he
distinct murmur. A feeling of trepida- asked after a pause, during which he
tion seized the young girl's heart, and allowed Skuldfrid to cry undisturbed,
looking towards the door which led to with her head leaning against his shoulFru Smidt's usual room, she reviewed in der.
thought the mysteriously sorrowful con-   " The Doctor has forbidden me to be
ditions which surrounded her mother. in the sick-room. He and Annika are
With an inward shudder she thought of alone there.  I have not been allowed to
all the objects which in that deserted go in. It is always just so. I can never
room  pointed to some very mournful be with her. It is just as if I had no
occurrence.  She fancied that she saw right where my mother is concerned.  I
the door open and the figure of the por- must certainly be a very bad child, that
trait step out, advancing slowly across they should treat me so."
the floor; also that the face which she   Aberney passed his hand caressingly




116                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
over the young girl's head and said ten- and the Doctor came out.. Aberney and
derly,-                                Skuldfrid both rose; the latter hastened
"Do not have such thoughts.  Dr. to him.
Wagner is a superior physician, who   "How is it; " asked she.
always manages to give the first consid-   "Your mother is now quiet, and I
eration to the sick."                  hope will become somewhat calm  to"But, good heavens, she has been in night; I think I can leave my place at
a delirium the whole day, without sense; her bedside for a few hours, and shall
she could not have suffered any harm  beg you to occupy it during my absence."
from my taking care of her. As it is, I   Annika had lighted a couple of candles,
have almost thought I should go crazy so that the Doctor observed Aberney.
sitting here and only hearing her wild Skuldfrid was already in the other room,
shrieks."   Skuldfrid  again wept vio- by her mother's bed.
lently.  Aberney remained silent.  He    "Ah, good evening, Herr Professor,"
understood that the physician had kept said Wagner, politely. Aberney respondSkuldfrid away from  the sick woman, ed to the greeting.
that she might not hear what her mother   "Is Fru Smidt's condition serious 3."
uttered in her delirium.               asked he.
"Now, my child," said Aberney, after   "For any other person it would be
a moment's silence, " you must try to be very serious, but for her it is not so dancalm. This is the first real trial God gerous.  She has a strong constitution,
sends you, and it is most certainly not so that she will undoubtedly go through
the last.  Therefore.mark my words, a severe inflammation of the brain, which
that person is cc poor Christian who cannot has probably- been caused by some viowith erect head and hiumble min~d bear the lent emotion."
burden? which the Lord lays upon his shoul-   "Then you think that the daughter
ders.  T/ie majesty of human beings lies in may be left with her to-night q "
their strength of soul and submission to the   " Yes, if they continue to give her the
Supreme will. It would pain me if my medicine I prescribed."
little Skuldfrid had not power to bear   The Doctor took his leave, and offered
adversity worthily.  Tears and lamenta- to drive Aberney to Junta; but he detions do not make the sorrow any less, dlined, as he intended to remain at Ekbut hinder us, on the contrary, from ful- torp to help watch, in case any assistance
filling our duty.  Try to be strong. Be- should be needed.
lieve me, many wild storms will sweep
devastatingly over your life; and if you
at the first blast allow yourself to be
prostrated, you will go under in the con-   Wagner sat leaning back in his carflict.  Life is a struggle with grief, and riage and was taken rapidly back to
he only conquers who puts his trust in Kronobro.
the Father above."                       " What a wonderful disposal of fate,"
While Aberney was speaking, Skuld- thought he.  " This woman has been in
frid's sobs had abated, and when he my neighborhood for several years; I
became silent, they had ceased altogether. could have ruined her with a single word,
She whispered, -                       and drawn down punishment and dis"Thanks! I shall treasure these words grace upon her head; and I have not
in my memory and never, never forget guessed that the one I have been searchthem."                                ing for with untiring perseverance was
The door of the sick-room now opened, so near to me. And now, now it is I;




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           117
who take care of her, who shall save her ner. No sorrow  must befall this anfrom death and insanity, and hinder her gel."
daughter from discovering who she is.   "Herr Baron, my duty as a physician
Incomprehensible. enigma, that we call I fulfil towards friend or enemy, poor or
fate. And the daughter, this child, who rich; and your gold avails nothing with
constitutes at once her retribution, her me in this respect."
most bitter sufferings, and her only joy,   "I know that and forgot -"
she is the object of a Canitz's love. Shall   "That all are not mercenary."
the crimes of the parents actually be   "Hush, Wagner! Do you not see
visited upon the children, or is it a play that I am  excited3 I- ad this woman
of the powers of darkness, who amuse been my own mother, her illness could
themselves with this infernal game of not have occasioned me greater anguish
chance 3 After I have gathered into my than I now feel. But why did you leave
hands- the threads of events, I can spin her 3"
them  to suit my plans."  A smile, ill-   "Because my presence during the
boding and scornful, curled the Doctor's night was unnecessary."
lips, and he added: "Sin-laden woman,   "Who helps the daughter watch?
in my hands now rests your daughter's Ought you not to send one of the many
fate; let us see what I am pleased to women from Kronobro to assist them 3"
make of it."                             "It is unnecessary; Professor Aber" Halt i " cried a commanding voice, ney is there, and he who will have a relaand the coachman, a thorough Russian, tive's right is also the most tender and
immediately reined in the fiery coursers. considerate sympathizer in all that conW~~agner looked up and saw in the half- cerns the inmates of Ektorp.  One needdarkness Lothard, who stopped his horse ed only to see with what kindness he
at the side of the carriage.  With one treated the young girl, to understand
spring he was off his back and beside the that she possesses in him a friend and a
Doctor.                               support."
"Drive on! " shouted he to the coach-   Lothard sat silent; darkness concealed
man.                                  the shadows which the Doctor's words
"The horse 3" the latter ventured to called forth.  In silence they continued
suggest.                              the remainder of the way. Lothard tor"He can find his way home, or take mented himself by recalling what the
whatever road he pleases.  Now  go Doctor had said about Aberney's attachahead."  A crack of the whip and the ment to Skuldfrid.  He reproached desticarriage flew onward.                 ny with bitterness for disposing affairs
"Well, Doctor 3 " said Lothard.     so badly, that he could not be at her side.
"The widow is very ill; I have not   When the Doctor, quite early the next
dared to leave her bedside for the whole morning, entered the widow's abode, he
day."                                 was surprised to find Skuldfrid's appear"And her daughter 3"                ance completely changed.  Her unre"Is inconsolable. The mother seems strained grief of the day before had given
to be so dear to her that the mere fear of place to a deep resignation.  One could
losing her deprives the young girl of the divine that the heart still trembled from
power of enduring the uncertainty of the the same anguish, but that she now
result.  I think I have scarcely seen a tried to bear it with religious steadfastgreater anguish than hers."           ness and submission.  There was no
"You must save her mother's life. I weak bending before the blow of sorrow,
will recompense you in a princely man- but her whole demeanor gave evidence of




118                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
courage in the moment of trial, which in- Skuldfrid lived through seven long days,
spired respect.  The hours of the night during which no change took place in her
had from the bosom of weakness devel- mother's condition.  Aberney and Tage
oped all that soul-strength and moral had with unwearied zeal and kindness ascourage which should grace her in the sisted them.  Skuldfrid was grateful and
future.  The first grief came so suddenly, friendly to all, but spoke little and apso unexpected, and in a moment when peared perfectly calm, especially when
she felt so happy, that it affected her she was sitting in the sick-room.  On
like a thunderbolt.  Aberney's words the seventh day the wild delirium seemed
and the past night, during which he had all at once to subside.  The sick woman
spoken earnestly with her about the world fell into a calm sleep; and when, after a
of which she knew so little, and which couple of hours, she awoke, her mind was
was so full of trial, had awakened the perfectly clear.  The Doctor had said
slumbering powers in her soul. When that none but Annika and Skuldfrid
Aberney ceased talking, and Skuldfrid ought to be with her, so that no emotion
sat by her mother's bed contemplating of surprise or fright should affect her unthe features so dear to her, reflection favorably in her weak state.
came and whispered to her many things   It was towards the twilight of a beauto which feeling had turned a deaf ear tiful August afternoon.  Annika, wearied
before.  Fire tempers steel, suffering the out with exertion, had leaned back in the
soul.. The first severe grief that Skuld- corner of the sofa and fallen into an unfrid experienced roused to full life her easy slumber.  Skuldfrid sat on a stool
energy and trust in God. It was now by her mother's bed, with her eyes fixed
clear to her mind that nothing was gained upon the sleeper.  The setting sun threw
by tears and lamentations, and she prayed a few pale rays into the room through
from the depths of her heart, -        the lowered shades. All was still and
" Father, give me strength to bow pa- quiet both within and without.  Skuldtiently beneath thy will."            frid, with clasped hands, was breathing an
The child  had  become a woman. humble prayer.  Just as she had whis.
Wagner thought this when he regarded pered a devout amen, her mother opened
her.                                   her eyes and fastened them on her daughIn the forenoon the violent delirium  ter.  The look was clear.  Skuldfrid's
again returned, and then Skuldfrid was heart beat so violently with joy when
obliged to leave the room.  The Doctor she saw in the large dark eyes a tender
had said to Aberney,-                  expression, that her voice trembled as
"During these attacks I consider it she asked in a half-whisper, "Beloved
best that only I and the old servant re- mamma, how  are you. "  She pressed
main with her."                        her mother's hand to her lips.
Without a word of objection or dissat-   " Have I been sick." said Fru Smidt,
isfaction at not being allowed to stay, in a feeble voice.
Skuldfrid obeyed; but instead of sitting   "Yes you have been very, very ill."
inactive and listening to the distressing Skuldfrid's eyes were now full of tears.
shrieks as on the previous day, she began "How do you feel now?"
to attend to all necessary matters and to   "Well, only somewhat weak and heavy
fill Annika's place in the household.  Ab- in my head."
erney bade her seek rest, but she shook   Annika awoke; and  after Skuldfrid
herhead, answering that it was impossible. had calmly and carefully explained to
Silent, with perfect self-control and her mother that a physician had been
an untiring solicitude for the sick one, called, and that he was waiting in the




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           119
saloon to learn her condition after the wanted to be alone with Aberney.  The
slumber, she went, without waiting for old woman went out into the saloon,
her mother's permission, after the Doctor. where she lay down on a sofa and fell
Fru Smidt's eyes glided with their usual asleep.  Not until the first rays of the
soulless  expression  over the Doctor's sun streamed into the room did Annika
features.  If he had formerly known her, awake, and when she went into the sickit was yet very evident that she did not room she found Aberney sitting by the
recognize him.  She answered his ques- sufferer's side, holding her hand clasped
tions very briefly, and after he had given in his. Fru Smidt was in a deep slumsome directions he left the room.  To ber.  The Professor's calm  and serious
Skuldfrid he said, -                   features bore traces of painful and agi" Your mother, Mademoiselle Smidt, is tated feelings.  But we will leave them,
now out of danger, Try only to prevail to see how Skuldfrid is getting along in
upon her to be calm, and I hope she will her little maiden bower.
soon be entirely recovered."
He advised Skuldfrid to seek repose,
and assured her that when Fru Smidt
had taken the powder he ordered, she   The young girl's habits of life were simwould sleep  quietly the whole night. ple and natural. One of these habits was
Aberney also insisted  that Skuldfrid to rise early. She was like the birds who
should go up to her room  and restore with their happy twitter greet the rising
her strength by a good sound sleep. He sun. This morning she awoke as usual
said this in so tender and yet so decided at sunrise, and although she felt strengtha tone, that Skuldfrid was obliged to ened by the rest and thankful to God for
obey. Annika also urged the "child" her mother's recovery, still the glance
to do as the old folks said. She, Annika, with which she greeted the king of day
would watch that night. In short, Skuld- was melancholy.  She stood' a long time
frid in the evening went up to her room, by the open window, and looked out over
after she had seen her mother fall asleep. the blue surface of the water with eyes
Tage, who had been at Ektorp the full of tears.  She felt so  miserable
whole day, drove home in the evening, within! She found herself so entirely
but Aberney remained.  After Skuldfrid alone in the wide world, and yet this
had uttered a warm prayer of gratitude seemed to her ungrateful.  How deeply
to God, she slept the calm  sleep of a and fervently Tage and Aberney loved
child.  She had not rested for eight her; this she had realized more plainly
nights.                                than ever during her mother's illness.
Aberney stole into the sick-room while How then was it possible to feel this
Fru Smidt slumbered.  In the night she void in the heart which agonized her,
awoke, however, and called Annika.    this vague longing which filled her whole
"I should like to see him," she whis- being?  Skuldfrid, the glad, smiling, and
pered.                                 light-hearted Skuldfrid, who displayed so
"The Professor? " asked Annika.    much fortitude in the day of trial, felt an
"Yes."                              irresistible need of weeping over someAberney instantly stood by the bed thing, what she did not know. Weep now,
and reached her his hand with the words, when God had been so merciful and re" I have watched over Skuldfrid's mother. stored her mother's life; now, when her
Suffering expiates so much."           whole being ought to be filled with grat"Thanks! " faltered the sick woman; itude and joy! Strange human heart,
then she made a sign to Annika that she which is never satisfied.




120                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
One and the same image returned con- some questions, he changed his accent,
tinually to her soul, and it seemed to so that his voice assumed an entirely difher, as she stood, that all would again ferent character. At the sound of it the
become.bright and smiling, if she could sick woman started and looked at him
for a single moment see those dear feat- with trepidation; but a strange face
ures again, or hear that voice utter smiled at her, which could not possibly
some friendly words.  She had not heard have any connection with the voice of
it for so long. Just as this wish, first which his reminded her. At the Docvague, then defined,'arose within her, tor's departure Skuldfrid followed him.
she heard a soft rustling in the hedge When they found themselves alone in
beneath the window.  Skuldfrid started the,saloon, he handed her a letter with
and looked down. Had God heard her the words, -
timid prayer, or was it destiny that met   "If you have any interest for the
her desire2 That is a question which writer, then prevail upon him  not to
we cannot answer.  The certainty was, spend his nights here before your dwellthat Lothard stood there, so pale and ing."  Wagner bowed and left.
with a look of the deepest sympathy fas-   The whole day passed without Skuldtened  upon  her.  Skuldfrid's features frid's finding a moment's leisure to read
were tinged with that rosy hue which an the precious epistle. Not before evenagreeable feeling always calls forth.  She ing came, when her mother fell asleep
leaned forward a little and smiled cor- and  Aberney  and  Tage  returnefd to
dially at Lothard as he took off his hat Junta, could she glance through these
and saluted her.                      lines which had lain hidden by her beat" It has been a very sad time," said he. ing heart. What did they contain? Ah!
"Very," faltered Skuldfrid.         Precisely the same as a thousand other
" All danger is now over, is it not 2'"  such letters, with the only difference, that
"Yes, God be thanked i"             while other young men discoursed about
"I have come here to beg of you one love and claimed love in return, vowing
thing."                                an eternal faithfulness and demanding
" And that is?", the same, Lothard spoke only of his fer".That while duty and feeling still vent affection, how  precious every mokeep you by the sick-bed, you will allow ment was in which he could see Skuldfrid,
me, who can only share your anxiety how he revered and admired her, etc.
from a distance, to write to you and to The word "love" was not mentioned,
receive from you at least a few words of neither was there a single syllable about
comfort."  His request was accompanied a reciprocal attachment.  In spirit the
by a look so tenderly beseeching that letter was warm, in expression surprisSkuldfrid's answer was, 1" Yes." In a few ingly guarded; the whole revealed his
minutes afterwards Lothard had gone, heart's noblest feelings, with a delicacy
and Skuldfrid stole with light steps down of which only the one who truly loves is
the stairs and to the side of her mother, capable.
who still slept with her hand resting in   Skuldfrid wrote some lines in reply.
Aberney's.                             They were few and did not at all touch
Two hours later the Doctor arrived, upon herself.  The greatest difficulty for
and found Aberney by the sick-couch. her was to get this letter into the DocThe Doctor's eyes lingered with  an tor's hands.  She could never raise courinquiring glance upon Fru Smidt's feat- age to give it to him.  The Doctor saved
ures, as if he wished to read what had her the trouble, however, for on leaving
passed.  Once, while he was asking her he said, " Have you been so good as to




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           121
write what I asked you yesterday? "  In aime Lothard " The Doctor could not
reply to this Skuldfrid handed him the catch more, for Lothard turned round.
letter.                               Wagner was now entirely absorbed in
the newspaper.
"Doctor," said Lothard, " do you know
whether anything especial has occurred
In the course of two weeks Fru Smidt at Ektorp. "
had almost recovered from her illness,   "No, everything is the same as usual.
suffering merely from the weakness which The Professor is there every day and
a violent attack always leaves behind it. young Tage also.  Fru Smidt seems to
She had spent several hours daily in the be governed by the former and treats
little porch to inhale the fresh air and the latter with especial kindness, somerecruit in strength. Although the Doc- thing which is extremely rare with the
tor declared at every visit that she could gloomy woman.  The daughter is again
be considered well, and that nature no the same glad child as before the mothlonger needed the assistance of the medi- er's illness, and one need not be particucal art, he continued notwithstanding to larly sharp-sighted to discover that those
call at Ektorp every day. One afternoon two young people have begun to underas he returned he went (according to stand each other; a result to which the
custom) up to  Lothard, who always Professor contributes."
awaited  his return  with  impatience.   The Doctor looked thoughtfully before
The young owner was not in the large him. Lothard regarded Wagner with a
saloon, but the Doctor found him in a suspicious look, which the latter did not
side-room absorbed in the perusal of a seem  to remark.  There was quite a
letter that he had just opened.  At pause. At last the Doctor said, -
Wagner's entrance he threw it on the   "I have to-day resolved not to visit
table and went to the Doctor, inquir- Ektorp any longer. As a physician my
ing,-                                 calls have long since been unnecessary,
"Well, Doctor, have you any comfort- and I will no longer play postillO1m d'aCmoqIt.
ing words for me2 "                   I have done this from friendship for you,
The Doctor silently handed him a lit- thinking to prepare you some joy, but
tle billet.  Lothard went to the window now   "
to read it with his back turned to Wag-   "Why do you break off?" said Loner. During the interval the Doctor's thard with a flushed brow.
eyes were directed to the letter which   "Now, I am'afraid of occasioning some
Lothard had thrown on the table.      evil both to you and the young girl, if I
"Again that close and elegant lady's continue further."
hand, which I from instinct detest. An   "And the reason? "
inner voice tells me that the writer is the   "Because she is to become young Abone who has weakened my influence. erney's wife. However one may regard
During the many years since I knew the matter, from a reasonable or moral
that he received letters in this hand- point of view, you must admit that it is
writing, I have not been able to find out happier for her to be married to a refrom whom they came."                 spected and honorable man than to   "
With  apparent indifference he ap-   "Spare me your interruptions and
proached the table and took up a news- speak out plainly."  Lothard was impapaper laying upon it, and at the same tient.
time cast a glance at the first lines of   "Very well, as you please: than to bethe letter.   They were, "Mon bien come your mistress."




122                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"My mistress!" exclaimed Lothard. letter-bearer or a means of drawing her
"Are you insane, Doctor, or for what do interest from young Aberney."
you take me? "                          "You do not?"  All the blood rushed
"For a Russian nobleman, with  a to Lothard's head.
warm, susceptible heart and strong pas-   "No! When to-day, at my arrival, I
sions; but with sufficient judgment to saw the two young people sitting in the
understand that the poor widow's daugh- garden, with her head leaning against his
ter is not a girl that can become Baron shoulder and his arm around her waist,
Canitz's wife."                       it seemed to me that they were created
"And what should hinder it 3 "      for each other, and I thought, at his side
"Your different social positions. You she will soon forget the interest she now
would through such a missalliance in- feels for the Baron. When the Professor
cur your Czar's displeasure."         afterwards kissed hertenderly, it appeared
"Bah 1 A Canitz can marry whom he to me as if those three beings were
chooses, without fear of the Emperor or created to live a long and happy life toanybody else."                        gether."
"Do you believe that? I rather re-   Lothard's jealousy was in full flame.
member that - "                          "So, you thought that; but I think
Lothard struck his clenched hand on that Skuldfrid is too uncommon a girl to
the table and gazed silently at the Doc- be thrown into the arms of the son of a
tor with a look full of restrained anger political intriguer, like Aberney.  The
and pride, the effect of which was that father can always be regarded as having
Wagner stopped abruptly, and instead of the retributive hand of the Russian aufinishing his sentence, he said, -    thorities held over him."
"Then you have actually cherished    "That can be remedied by letting them
the thought of marrying Mademoiselle know that attention is already directed to
Smidt 3"                              the Professor. Besides, he can go over
1" No, I have thought nothing with ref- to Sweden and there in undisturbed peace
erence to the future. I have lived in the enjoy his son's happiness. There have
present, without troubling myself about been moments during the past days when
the next moment, because I have not I have been tempted to warn Aberdared to desire anything for fear of losing ney."
the little I possessed of her good-will;   "Ah! that only is lacking for you to
but now I feel that if she gave me her betray me, and yet you know how indisheart, nothing in the world would keep pensable she is to my peace. You, who
me from making her my wife."          know  my temperament and my whole
"And still there lies a letter which character, have understood from the very
begins with'mon bien aim6 Lothard,'" first moment that I loved this girl with
thought the Doctor.  He said aloud,-   my whole soul. What infernal treachery
"But even if you possessed her heart, would it not have been to favor young
it would avail you but little, for out of Aberney's suit! Ah! I believe, if you
friendship for young Aberney she could had done that, I would crush you."
be easily persuaded to give him her hand,   "The fault, were I to act thus, would
thus fulfilling not only her mother's, but be your own," replied the Doctor, calmly.
also her old friend Professor Aberney's "You have once declared that you did
dearest wish. Yes, I frankly confess that not consider me your friend, consequently
I consider this union  so natural and you can have no claims upon me as
promising, so lastingly happy for the such."
young girl, that I no longer wish to be   " You have however been my confidant,




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           123
the one who aided and also fomented my persuade a Finn to give up what he
feelings," answered Lothard, hastily.  desires d. Better then to quietly get him
" The former I admit, but not the lat- and his father out of the way."
ter.  I have rarely of my own accord   " Wagner, donot raise this abominable
spoken of the young girl, never instilled thought in my soul. I prefer rather to
any hopes with regard to her. I have, send a bullet through his head and -"
on the contrary, warned you of Aberney's   " Have Skuldfrid abhor you and beinfluence; but then I was accused of wail him. Try for a moment to consider
wishing to rouse the devil in your blood. your situation and conduct with some
Well, Baron, the result of it all is, that I degree of sense. You love the young
do not consider myself obliged to serve girl.  She entertains for you a lively inyour interests, when everything that I do terest, but not strong enough to resist
is regarded by you as a stroke of rascality. the powerful influence that her old
Now may the one who has taught you to friends have over her. You would brave
distrust me also advise you as well as I everything to give her your name and a
could."                               social position far above the one which
Lothard's breast heaved uneasily. His is now offered her.  In short, you desire
whole soul revolted at the thought that her happiness as well as your own; but
it only needed a few words from Wagner you will never succeed so long as the
for Aberney to travel over to Sweden and enemies of the Canitz family have power
take Skuldfrid with him, leaving Lothard over her. They hate Russia and the
a prey to all the furies which now raged Russian yoke, while they love Sweden.
in his breast.  She, Skuldfrid, had leaned What then is simpler than for you, who
her head against Tage's shoulder, while are aware of this, to procure the Profeshe held his arm around her waist. His sor and his son a passport to leave Finblood boiled at the thought of it, espe- land within twenty-four hours.  Have
cially when he considered that he had you injured them  by so doingS   No.
scarcely dared to touch her hand. To They do not send such to Siberia, like
the Doctor he said, -                 the poor Polanders."
"Forget my words if they were un-   What the results were of this conjust, and show that you have some in- ference will soon be seen.  After an
terest for me by not going over to my hour's conversation, the Doctor left the
rival's side."                        Baron's room and took his way to his
The Doctor regarded him a moment; wing.
then he took the proffered hand, saying
with emphasis, -
"I shall not warn him."               The night was far advanced, and still
" Good!" Lothard went to the table Lothard walked up and down the large
and hastily wrote some lines upon a saloon in the most perturbed state of
paper, which he sealed and gave to the mind.  The letter that he had been enDoctor with the words, "Send that by gaged in reading at the Doctor's arrival
post."                                was entirely forgotten.  It was with
The Doctor held the letter in his hand Lothard as with all persons whose feeland looked at the address; then he said ings are worked to their highest pitch,
to the young man, -                   the whole activity of the soul is concen"What do you hope from an interview  trated upon the object which called forth
with Tage Aberney.  That he will go the excitement.
back to Sweden and resign his bride, or   Lothard had for several evenings riddo you actually believe that you can den to the neighborhood of Ektorp and




124                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
stolen to the place in the wood from  Kronobro's wealthy and handsome owner,
whence he could see what passed in the had been to Skuldfrid like all others.
yard, and then he had seen Tage and She fell asleep with her thoughts on the
Skuldfrid together. Add to this that stranger, although she would have wished
ever since the morning that he had ex- to think of Tage.  During her sleep she
changed a few words with her through was neither rejoiced nor troubled by any
the window, he had not been able to see unquiet dreams, and when she awoke ill
her for a single instant, but had been the morning she had not the smallest
obliged to content himself with the few idea that that day would be the signal
lines that he obtained in answer to his for all the storms that were destined to
long letter, and it will be easy to see ravage her life. She greeted the rising
that his anxiety would pass all bounds, sun with the same weary longing which
especially, as Skuldfrid in her letters now abided in her heart.
never spoke of her feelings or of anything   After breakfast Fru Smidt said to her
which could refer to her regard for him. daughter,The last letter which the Doctor had   "My child, you have for my sake so
brought had however differed from the long neglected poor Mother Veronica and
previous ones, and, added to all the rest, the forester's wife, that it would give me
had occasioned the above-described con- pleasure if you went to see them."
versation.  The letter contained the fol-   Two hours after this Skuldfrid was on
lowing:-                            her way to the forester's. A silent pre"You are troubled. Your words have sentiment told her that she might meet
a shade of sorrow and sometimes of bit- the stranger on the way. She was not
terness. From what does this arise? Am deceived in it; for she had not taken
I the cause of it?  And yet I would so many steps, before, to her great surprise,
have liked to be an agreeable object upon she met Lothard in the lane. He did
which your thoughts could dwell. Ah! not usually come so near the house.
there is much that I desire, I too; but When she saw him Skuldfrid quickened
I feel myself like a bird that has been her pace, and exclaimed gladly,
deprived of its greatest treasure, freedom.   "How good it was of you to come here
Still I ought tobe happy, very happy, for — just to-day!"
Forgive me that I cannot tell you all.  "If you had not happened to take a
Know only that I now hold my mother's walk, I would no longer have remained
peace and happiness in my hands. She outside the gate, but forced myself into
has said that the means of her joy are your dwelling to get a chance to speak
at my command. And yet I tremble. with you," answered Lothard.  "Ah!
But that must be because I am a child, you do not imagine what torturing days
unacquainted with everything and to and nights I have dragged through."
whom call is new. No, I will not write He passed his hand over his forehead.
any more now, and yet I had so much to   "But, what is it that so torments
say to you. Who can tell how long I you?'" asked Skuldfrid.
shall have the right to receive or answer   "My love for you, Skuldfrid."
your letters?  Farewell, and forgive me   "Well, do you see, I am only to you
if I have occasioned you any sorrow! "   a source of suffering, and yet I would
Twenty-four hours count as nothing in wish to be the reverse."
the great record of eternity, and yet how    Lothard took her hand and drew her
many revolutions may occur in a human to the little bench at the side of the road,
life within this short space of time!' which was hidden by a large bush.
This night, which afforded no rest to   " Sit here and listen to me," said he,




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           125
in a tone which showed how agitated he such a stranger, that there are moments
was.  "Ah, Skuldfrid, you comprise all when it seems to me that I ought not to
of life to me; a heaven of bliss into think so much of you as I do. Do not
which my thoughts have not once dared interrupt me. I have thought seriously
t6 venture, and an abyss of misery too of us both during.the weeks we have been
deep to be conceived of. Give me there- separated.  Surrounded by so much tenfore a single ray of hope, that — ah, for- derness as I have been, my ungrateful
give me, suffering makes me bold —that heart still felt a great longing for you.
you may some time come to love me. I You have become indispensable to my
will wait patiently for the day, even if it life. For your happiness I would sacrishould not dawn before my death.  Only fice my own; but for my mother's peace,
let me delivered fromn the thought that my uncle's desire, and Tage's future, I
you love another, that you will become should without consideration  sacrifice
another's wife; for these ideas have al- both you and myself. Ah, the feeling
most changed me into a wretch."  He with which I am attached to you does
shook his head as if he would expel all not give me the right to occasion sufferthe vagaries that tormented him.  " Tell ing to any one but myself.. It exists only
me," continued he, "if there is no way to be sacrificed."  Skuldfrid laid her
for me to win your heart.  Name the hand on her heart, and added: "It seems
sacrifices you demand, and I will submit as if something would burst within me,
to them, if I can only gain your tender- the day you and I were to part, and yet
ness."  He took Skuldfrid's hand.  " I that day must soon arrive -"
have never during my whole life known   "Skuldfrid! Skuldfrid!" cried a voice
what it was to love, or to be attached to from  the gate; the two young people
another with my whole soul; you are turned round, and Skuldfrid rose immethe first one who has taught me of this diately, saying, -
heaven and hell. I have never had fa-   "My mother!"  She gave Lothard
ther, mother, sisters, or brothers. You her hand and added with a look that
are the only one to whom I am attached, filled his breast with jubilant joy: " Fareand without you I could not live."  He well till to-morrow! "
pressed her hands hard in his.          She jumped over the ditch and hasSkuldfrid's cheeks changed color con- tened to her mother.  When she had hurstantly.  She smiled at him gently yet ried away Lothard rose to (if possible)
sadly, and whispered,-                catch a glimpse of the woman who had
"Your words again almost frighten given Skluldfrid life, and about whom
me, and yet they find an echo in my soul. there were so many strange reports.
Hush, do not interrupt me, but try to   Leaning against the gate stood Fru
hear me calmly and patiently.  Sit by Smidt, awaiting her daughter's approach.
my side," continued Skuldfrid, and drew Her face was turned toward the lane.
her hands from his.  " You ask me for a Lothard, who was only a few rods from
glimpse of hope.  What can I give, that her, could distinguish her features very
you do not already possess?  You love well. The young mian turned aside the
me. Ah, those words once filled me with branches of the bush, but let go of them
trembling, then with gladness, and every immediately, murmuring, -
time I have repeated them in my memo-   "0 my God!  That haggard face,
ry, my heart has beat faster with joy.  I what memories does it not recall in my
then felt clearly that you were dear to soul! No, it cannot be she. Some hellish
me. Perhaps too dear," added she with illusion mocks me." He again bent down
lowered voice; " and yet you are to me the branches with a quick motion. Fru




126                     GUILT AND INNOCENCe.
Smidt remained standing quietly until fear just that which hope pictures the most
Skuldfrid reached the gate.           beautiful.
"Two faces cannot be found so alike,"
stammered  Lothard,  and  sank  into
thoughts which in the beginning seemed   However smiling or sorrowful a day
to be very painful; but finally he shook may begin, it yet has an end, and night
his handsome head to free himself from  comes to hide in its embrace either our
them, and an expression of beaming joy joy or our grief. So was it with the day
flew  over his face as he whispered: when Lothard fancied that his breast
"What matters it to me who gave her could not contain the world of happiness
life 1  She is now mine.  Neither the that opened before him.
powers of heaven nor hell can snatch her   Some neighbors had been invited to
from  me, since I know that her heart dinner, and the proud and reserved host
belongs to me.  Could I ever cease at Kronobro was beaming with gladness.
to love her, this pure and noble girl, His conversation flashed with genius and
because she is a child of crime?  No, wit. Dr. Wagner, who was among the
were she born. at the foot of the scaf- guests, threw from time to time a pecufold, she is herself an innocent dove. liarly mocking and derisive look at LoSkuldfrid! Ah, how much that name thard's handsome face, which happiness
contains! "                          had made yet handsomer.
Lothard rode home to  the  stately   "Intoxicate yourself with the shadow
Kronobro, for the first time in his life of felicity, the awakening will be all the
abandoning himself to youth's mocking more terrible," thought the Pole.
illusions of future happiness.  His heart   After dinner all the guests departed.
beat with joy when he in fancy saw the The Doctor had said that he was obliged
moment when he should carry the gloomy to call on a patient, and when twilight
widow's daughter to Kronobro as his wife. fell Lothard found himself alone.  He
With what splendor would he surround sat in the large saloon, absorbed in those
her, and how much happiness would his dreams which so agreeably flatter the
love bestow! It was the first time that imagination of the happy lover.  The
the young man, so liberally endowed by servant had lighted the apartment as
nature and fortune, felt truly happy; the usual, but the Baron had not noticed it.
first time that felicity thrilled his soul. He was not conscious of the flood of light
Lothard had forgotten everything that that streamed down upon him, so comcould accuse him  of not having acted pletely was he detached from the outer
right.  He had only the consciousness world.  He was however recalled to it
that Skuldfrid held him dear. What did by the entrance of a servant, who anhe care if there were others for whom  nounced that a young lady desired to
she considered it her duty to sacrifice speak with the Baron.
him; these others should no longer stand    "Who is she?." asked Lothard, disin the way; and as for the mother, Lo- pleased at being disturbed.
thard did not at all think of her. He   " She will not give her name, but afhad Skuldfrid's assurance, and in this as- firms that she has something of imporsurance he fancied himself to possess tance to say."
all.                                    "Let her come in."  Lothard rose
O youth, season of hope, how bitterly from his recumbent position on the sofa
do we not regret thee, when thou hast and ran his hand through his dark hair,
fled with thy treasures of faith and trust, saying to himself, " Young! then it canwhen the heart has not yet learned to not be - "




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           127
The door opened and the servant said, she would meet with perfect self-com"Be so kind as to walk in. The Baron mand whatever awaited her at Junta.
sits there, and is all alone."          On reaching the place, Skuldfrid hasA tall, slender woman with downcast tened to the saloon, where she found
eyes entered. The door was Qlosed after Aunt Sara on a sofa crying.  At the
her; she had stopped directly before it. sight of Skuldfrid she started up and
She and Lotharld were alone.  He rose threw herself upon her neck, exclaiming,
and turned  to her, but started  and "My God, child, what a terrible misforlooked almost frightened at his guest, tune; they are gone, gone!"  She burst
exclaiming, "Skuldfrid."              out in sobs.
Before we describe the scene which   "Gone! dear good Aunt, speak and tell
now followed, we wish to throw a glance me what has happened 3 " begged Skuldback and see what had transpired at Ek- frid with trembling voice.
torp, after Fru Smidt called her daugh-   What she asked, however, was no easy
ter.                                  thing; for only after many exclamations
and floods of tears did Skuldfrid succeed
in finding out what had occasioned these
Skuldfrid had immediately left Lo- demonstrations  of grief.  The events
thard  and hastened  to her mother. were these. While they were at breakWhen she entered the gate, Fru Smidt fast, the sheriff, attended by the serhanded her a letter that had been sent geant of the district, had presented themfrom Junta by a messenger on horseback. selves and requested to speak to ProfesIt was of the following import: —     sor Aberney and Tage. They had been
shown into the Professor's roonm. After' MADAM: A great trouble forces me a short interview, during which the serto ask you to let Skuldfrid come to Junta geant seized all Aberney's papers, they
immediately.  I address myself to you, came out again, and Aberney told Aunt
so that you may send for Skuldfrid if Sara that he and Tage were obliged to
she should be out when this arrives. take a journey to  Abo  immediately.
The moments are precious.             Aunt Sara, who, while the gentlemen
"With all respect,        were in Aberney's room, had kept an
"SARA HEDERMAN."   open ear at the keyhole, heard distinctly
that the sergeant spoke of a punishment
After Skuldfrid had rapidly glanced for life and Siberia. Yes, she could risk
through these lines, Fru Smidt said: " I her life upon it, that he said that Aberhave told Anders to harness up.  Go, ney and Tage were to be sent there.
and pray God that nothing may have   To be sure, they had both told Aunt
befallen him!"                        Sara when they left not to mention a
In a few moments Skuldfrid was on word about their going to Abo in cornher way to Junta.  It seemed to her pany with the officers, but that she
that the road was interminable, and she should say for the present that they had
tried to divert her anxiety and impatience taken a journey on business; but when her
by recalling to her memory the words that two favorites were gone, she could not
Aberney had spoken to her during her stand it to be alone, but sent directly for
mother's illness.                     Skuldfrid, to pour out her heart to her, and
" In the moment of trial a human if possible find some way of saving them.
being best shows whether he has soul-   Aunt Sara had got it into her head
strength and is a good Christian," he that she and Skuldfrid ought to follow
had said, and she wanted to be strong; them to Abo, and that the latter should




128                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
go to the Governor and plead for their   "He is all-powerful, and a word from
release.  Skuldfrid was young and beau- him is sufficient to free the Professor,"
tifulj she thought much of Aberney, and said the Doctor. When Skuldfrid told
was as good as Tage's betrothed; this him Aunt Sara's proposition, he proved
circumstance, according to Sara's suppo- to her that such an appeal to the Govsition, would move the Governor; and if ernor was utterly fruitless. The Governor,
anything ought to have the power to as one in office, must do his duty; Baron
awaken his compassion, it would be a Canitz, on the other hand, as the espedespairing fiancee.  All Aunt Sara's hope cial favorite of the Emperor, could with
of release was based upon the result of the greatest ease free Aberney from all
Skuldfrid's effectual petitions to  the the dangerous consequences of his politGovernor.                             ical mistakes.
Skuldfrid sat pale and thoughtful, lis-   When the Doctor had gone, Skuldfrid's
tening to Aunt Sara's proposition.  In- resolution was taken, and she drove to
stinct told her that this was nothing to Kronobro, where we now return.
build upon, and that she would be utterly
unable to effect anything by it. That
something ought to be done she saw
plainly; but what her inexperience could   At the sound of Lothard's voice, Skuldnot tell her.  In the mean time Sara frid looked up frightened, fastened her
entertained  her with the most tragic eyes upon him with an expression of hordescriptions of the fate of those who ror, and taking some hasty steps forward,
incurred the displeasure of the Russian seized his arm  and exclaimed, "You
government.  The appalling  pictures are then Constantin Canitz!"  Skuldthat Sara drew  about the knout and frid's face had become deadly pale, her
Silberia were enough to make one's hair lips trembled, and the large dark eyes
stand on end and the heart quake. Just gazed at him with despair.
as Aunt Sara was thus exciting her own   "Yes."
and Skuldfrid's imagination to the high-   With a gesture of actual abhorrence,
est pitch, the rumbling of a carriage was Skuldfrid drew her hand from his arm,
heard, which drove up in the yard.    and hiding her face in her hands she
-': Perhaps they have returned!" ex- murmured, —
Claimed Skuldfrid, and started up.  She   " 0 my God, have mercy upon me! "
opened the door and hurried out to the    "Skuldfrid,"  said  Lothard, sadly.
porch, but stopped there with an expres- "Does my name so frighten you?  What
sion of disappointed hope in every feat- matters it if I am called Canitz, for you
ure; for the new-comer was Wagner.    I am and shall always remain the' LoThe Doctor went to meet her politely, thard' who loves you even to idolatry."
saying that he had sought Mademoiselle   Skuldfrid remained motionless.  LoSmidt at Ektorp, for he had learned that thard continued in a tenderly beseeching
Professor Aberney, on account of some voice, -
political suspicions, had been taken to   "Forgive the weakness that made me
Abo by the authorities. As he did not conceal who I was. Ah! I knew that
find Skuldfrid at home, he had looked the knowledge of it would make me
for her here,'to advise her as a friend to hated, and I wanted to be loved.  Turn
go to Kronobro, request an interview  not away, but say that you forgive me."
with the Baron, and relate to him all that   Skuldfrid's hands hald slowly fallen
had occurred, soliciting his intercession from  her face.  Lothard tried to take
for Aberney.                          one of them; but at this movement she




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                          129
drew herself away, raised her bowed Emperor, that he may save my unforhead proudly, and fixed upon him a cold tunate countrymen. You can do it, and
look, full of dignity. With an unnatu- on my knees will I implore you."
rally calm voice, she said, -           "You  pray, and you hope to be
"Baron Canitz! I know you not, to- heard," said Lotbard gloomily.  "You,
day is the first time we meet. I have come who refuse a friendly word to the one
here to beg your intercession for Aber- whose whole peace depends on it. You
ney."                                 demand a service that might cost me
There was something in the whole life and freedom; and  that, in the same
attitude of the, young girl that chilled moment that you cast my heart from
Lothard's blood. His heart was seized you with disdain. You petition Baron
with anguish when he met her cold gaze, Canitz and reject Lothard; the same
and it seemed to him that he was under name that you appeal to to save your
the influence of some painful dream. friends contains death to your love."
But a moment since his heart had been   "Yes, this name can save my friends,
so filled with felicity, that it was now but I cannot love the one who bears it.
difficult for him  to  comprehend the He belongs to a family who have plotted
change her manner indicated.  Those against Finland's liberty, who have
eyes, which in the morning had smiled betrayed their fatherland; and Canitz
at him so lovingly, were they actually is the name of the one who in his rude
the same that now looked so disdainful 3 brutality once shamefully abused me."
He-heard her words, but did not under- Skuldfrid  added with bitterness: "I
stand them. He felt only that he must could die of grief when I think that only
know if his name had killed in her the a few hours ago I felt proud to possess
feeling that had made him  so happy. Constantin Canitz's love. To the arrogant
What were all other things, which bore Russian descendant of a degraded Swedno reference to Skuldfrid's love, to Lo- ish family, Skuldfrid cannot yield her
thard 3 Nothing.                      heart."  She drew her breath and added
"V What you now say to me I cannot with clasped hands: "' Assist my friends,
understand, before I have heard some save them from misfortune, and restore
expression of forgiveness from your lips. them to me and Finland! "
O  Skuldfrid!" exclaimed he, passion-   "Listen to me, Skuldfrid.  I cannot
ately, "do not look at me thus; what restore your friends to you, even were I
wrong have I done? Loved and wor- to sacrifice my entire welfare to do it.
shipped you as a higher being. A single He who has conspired against the Rusword of kindness, one word that tells me sian government cannot be saved."
that you are the same as when I saw you   "Cannot," rejoined Skuldfrid, "say
this morning, and then you can com- rather that you will not. O my God,
mand my life."                        how could I for an instant cherish the
"Could I with such a word save my delusive hope that you, a Russian, a
mother's life or my own honor, I should Canitz, could be magnanimous! I ought
not be able to utter it. You are no to have expected a refusal from a man
longer the one you were to me, —the who -"
man I loved. You are Baron Canitz, and   "Why do you cease? " asked he in a
to him I have come to ask his powerful voice that quivered.'" Strike the blow,
assistance to save Professor Aberney and crush me, tear my heart asunder, trample
his son. They have been taken to Abo me under your feet, and then return, folupon some political charge. I have come lowed by the consciousness that you
to petition the favorite of the Russian have destroyed the peace of a human




130                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
being. Girl," added he violently, "you to do what you ask of me.  Youl doubt
do no injustice to the cruel blood you it; you refuse me a single poor word of
have inherited."                      comfort for all that I suffer.  You scorn
"Baron Canitz," interrupted Skuldfrid, me, whose love has been so holy and
coldly, " this is not a question of you and earnest, that I have never with even a
me.  What has been is no more. You gesture allowed myself to be led by anyare to me a stranger, to whom I have thing but my reverence. Well, then, if
come to seek assistance.  You can, but grief or indignation now drove me to
you will not render it. Well, then, I keep you in my power, it would be an
will go.  Take the triumph that [ have excusable act."  He paused a moment,
entreated you in vain for a good deed, then  added in alln almost melancholy
which presupposed a magnanimity im- tone: "But if I did that, I should not
possible for a Russian.  Now  I have love you so deeply as I do. You are
nothing to add."  Skuldfrid turned to- dearer to me than my own happiness,
wards the door.                       even at the moment you reject me."
" Stay a moment and hear me! You Lothard stepped aside.  " Farewell, may
who speak to me so contemptuously for- you never repent the hardness you now
get, however, that this wretched Canitz show! "  He bowed.
has you in his power; that he could   Skuldfrid was agitated.  The tears
abuse this power if he were a low person, rolled down her cheeks.
who despised honor and virtue and only   "Give freedom to my friends, and I
listened to his passions."            shall bless you! "
" To what then do you listen, when   " Bid me die at your feet, and I will
you will not help my friends." said do it; but do not ask the impossible."
Skuldfrid, with that immovable firmness   " Yes, impossible for a Canitz, but
in her attitude which is so peculiar to possible for a man with a noble heart,"
the Finnish people.                   exclaimed Skuldfrid, and opened the door.
"I cannot assist them."             Lothard stood motionless until it was
"You will not. Baron Canitz, may closed after her, then he hastened out
God forgive you this refusal! " Skuldfrid through another.
moved towards the door, but Lothard
reached it before her.
"Then you are going, without a single friendly word, a single kind look. "  In Kronobro court-yard stood the little
"Yes!)"   Skuldfrid looked at him  unpretending equipage in which Skuldproudly. "You suffer me to go unheard, frid had arrived. Anders was taking his
although you know that the misfortunes, comfort and slept soundly upon his seat,
the sufferings of those for whom I have holding the reins in his weary hands.
prayed is far harder for me to bear than A servant called out to the slumbering
the grief *that has befallen me. You coachman and helped Skuldfrid into the
could restore their freedom, but you pre- chaise. The evening was dark, the sky
fer to let me revel in my misery.  And cloudy; and the wind sighed through
yet you dare speak of your affection the trees, indicating the approach of a
for me. Ah, it is an abominable mock- storm. Just as the servant had very
ery."                                 attentively buttoned the cover over the
"If it were a mockery, then I need young girl, she heard a clear and wellonly to turn this key to have you in my known voice call from the steps,possession."   He laid his hand on the." Saddle my horse immediately."
lock. "I have said that I am not able   Skuldfrid wrapped' her shawl about




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           131
he  She shivered, whether with cold or grief was depicted.  All who had been
grief it were difficult to decide.  She dear to her and whose presence rejoiced
wished to ask Anders to drive quickly her were now gone.  Skuldfrid felt so deaway from  this place that had* swept jected, so deeply unhappy, that she would
away her joy, but she could not get a have given much to have one sympathizword over her lips.                    ing breast to lean upon, or a single kind
Anders was only half awake and need- voice to whisper some words of comfort.
ed some time to come to himself and get It was as if a whirlwind had swept over
control of the whip and reins.  He then her life and scattered all her joy, leaving
drove at a gentle pace out through the only anguish, hopelessness, and despair.
gates.  When they opened, Skuldfrid Her dearest friends were threatened with
heard the tread of a horse which was led a terrible fate, and she was unable to do
up to the entrance.  She pressed her anything for them; she, who with her
hands hard over her beating heart. A life would have purchased them freedom
horse now  came galloping after them. from every pain. And then, this man
When they had gone a little distance, the who had become to her so unspeakably
rider was at the side of the chaise.   dear, so indispensable, he had deceived
"Be not afraid," said a voice so soft her, had smuggled himself into her love
and sorrowful, that it seemed to Skuld- and confidence, and was the same Canitz
frid that its tones penetrated deep into who had ill treated her and Tag'e; the
her heart; "I do not intend to torment same man whom she had detested from
or pursue you with my presence, I shall childhood, whom she had learned to deonly see you safely home, so that nothing spise as the son of a traitor.  All this was
may happen to you."                    a heavy burden for the untried soul, esHot tears rolled  down  Skuldfrid's pecially as, in spite of it all and to her
cheeks; but Lothard did not suspect own humiliation, she could not divorce
them, the darkness concealed and the her feelings from him.  It seemed to her
wind kissed them  away.  Had her life that she could have died of shame over
depended upon it, Skuldfrid could not her weakness in loving a person that she
have answered a single word.           ought to despise.  Besides, she was torLothard rode in silence by the carriage, mented by the gnawing thought that his
while the god of the storm let loose his often-expressed  envy of Aberney  and
wings.  Not a word was exchanged dur- Tage might have been the cause of his
ing the drive, and when the chaise turned refusal to assist them.  Thus she became
off at Ektorp, Lothard said, -         responsible for it, and at this conclusion
"Farewell! "                       she was assailed by the bitterest self"Thanks!"  faltered Skuldfrid in a accusations.
voice so low that the howl of the wind   Skuldfrid was not generally of those
completely drowned it, and it failed to who have tears or weak complaints at
reach the ear for which it was intended' hand for all reverses, but it seemed to
He swung his horse round and hurried her that the tortures she was now sufferoff at wild speed.  Skuldfrid had wanted ing would have been mitigated if she
to call him  back, to say to him some could have wept.
friendly words, but too late.            At last towards morning the angel of
Night superseded day, and Skuldfrid sleep had mercy upon the poor child, and
was sitting alone in her little chamber. folded her in his embrace. When she
The flickering flame of the candle threw  awoke from a short and uneasy slumber,
its tremulous light over her pale feat- the day was far advanced.  She found on
ures, on which so much deep and bitter the table beside her bed a somewhat




132                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
bulky letter.  The address was in Aber- that I wished to speak, but of this deney's handwriting.  She opened it with spised Russian Canitz, without magnaalacrity.  The envelope contained two nimity or compassion, as you expressed it
sealed letters and one unsealed. She un- yesterday, - this man who loves you,
folded the latter immediately, but her never mind how much, I believe he has
cheeks became as white as snow when told you that.
her eyes fell upon the well-known hand-   "You were in his power; you insulted,
writing, those fine and beautiful charac- irritated, and wounded him with your
ters which had been a joy to her to see, words; you did everything to change all'but which now only filled her heart with his better feelings into a wild tumult of.
bitterness. She read: -               fierce, revengefill passion.  He had the
power to follow the lower impulses; and
"You told me yesterday that you came notwithstanding that you allowed yourto Baron Canitz in the hope of saving self to trample inconsiderately upon his
your friends through him from a threat- holiest feelings and his honor, this ~Puscuing danger.                         sian did not forget the respect he owed
"'You, a young and beautiful girl, you or himself; and although every drop
sought the presence of this man, the only of his blood boiled from wild jealousy,
being you abhor on earth.  Nothing but from offended pride and scorned love, he
a strong affection could have induced you let you go away without uttering a word
to take such a step, and this you cherish in retaliation for all the tortures you
for these tawo meal. You forgot your fear made him suffer.
for a Canitz, and you crossed his thresh-   "Skuldfrid, during the terrible moold; his, to whom you consider every ments of our last interview, I felt that
bad deed possible.                    my soul was nobler than yours.  I re" What then did you hope to effect with vere and love you, and you, you treated
such a person 2 Did you hope to move me with infernal cruelty.  I have never
him  through your prayers l  Then you felt so proud of myself as when I let you
assumed that he had a heart open to go, after all this.  I had conquered my
compassion.  The one who can feel sym- lower nature.  Mark, imprudent child,
pathy, who can be moved by a prayer, is that I only needed to speak a single
not a depraved being; and yet this is word, a word that several times hovered
your opinion of Constantin Canitz.    upon my lips, to have you humiliated
"You came, convinced that he was to and crushed, and yet I did not utter this
you a stranger, with whom you had once word, this terrible secret. God grant
an unfortunate meeting in your child- that I may. always have the power to
hood. You came, unmindful of the dan- hold it back, and be on your guard that
ger to which you exposed yourself, when you do not again draw the strings of my
you ventured alone and unprotected into soul in the manner you did yesterday 
a man's dwelling, trampling at the very Once it was possible to hinder them firom
threshold upon all conventional require- snapping, not twice.
ments, as well as incurring the risk of be-   "After you had destroyed my peace
ing misjudged and of losing the respect and scattered the short and pure dreams
of others. You forgot everything, except of happiness I had lulled myself into,
the danger which threatened those you you left me, without a word of mercy or
loved.                                of sympathy, although I begged it of you.'CHow deeply ought I not to detest them  You went away, fearing that I would
for all the affection they possess; and be take my revenge upon these men, for
assured I do. Yet, it was not of this whom  you came to intercede.  These




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            133
enemies to my happiness and peace, the had always regarded as a type of wickedauthors of all my misery, you actually ness; and finally, this Canitz and Lothard
hoped that I would save, and not show  were one and the same person.  Skuldany vindictiveness towards them. You frid acknowledged that he had shown
dared much, when you irritated a Canitz; himself magnanimous. At the recollecfor the same man, on whose all-powerful tion of all the inconsiderate words she
influence you counted to deliver them, had uttered the evening previous, she
ought to have caused your heart to trem- realized fully the nobleness of his behable when you affronted him.  He could vior in sending her the letters of' the
with his word have increased their misfor- Aberneys. However unacquainted Skuldtune.  Admit that you must attribute frid was with the simplest conditions of
to him  a magnanimity which has not life, her reason told her, as she glanced
fallen to the lot of every man.       through two or three of them, that their
"At this moment I have before me contents would have been disastrous in
a correspondence, which if it fell into the extreme for Aberney. With a feeling
any other man's hand would cost Pro- which she could not account for herself,
fessor Aberney his life.  I need only to Skuldfrid pressed Lothard's letter to her
send it to the Governor; but in place of heart and whispered,
that I send it to you, and that notwith-   "Until death will he remain dear to
standing that I hate these  Aberneys me."
with heart and soul.                     The sound of steps on the stairs made
"Moreover, I have travelled the whole her conceal the letter.  Fru Smidt ennight to seek them, and to procure you tered.  She very seldom visited Skuldthe enclosed letter from  these friends frid's room, never except when  the
who are so precious to you.  I have so daughter was  indisposed.  She  now
used my slight influence that the misfor- looked anxious.
tune which has befallen them is limited   " You have had a letter from Aberney?
to an  order to leave Finland within What does it contain " asked she.
forty-eight hours.  They go to Sweden.    Skuldfrid colored. She had not opened it.
"You prayed for their life and free-   "I have not yet had time to read
dom. I replied that I could not assist Uncle Aberney's letter," answered she,
them.  Ah! the  miserable  Russian handing it to her mother.
would rather be overwhelmed with your   "No, you read it, my child!"
reproaches than give you a hope which   It was not very long and merely conhe was not certain of realizing.      tained  some encouraging words.  He
"Now, your friends' lives, freedom, and bade Skuldfrid be in good spirits, and
property remain untouched, no matter assured her that they were well. He
at what price.  They live, they are free; added that, as soon as he had arrived in
are you satisfied 3                    Sweden, he would write to Skuldfrid's
" This act of mine ought to atone in mother and propose to her to remove
some measure for the atrocity which was there. The letter ended with some warm
committed by the boy,                  assurances of fatherly affection. When' LOTHARD CONSTANTIN CANITZ."  the perusal was ended, Fru Smidt said
gloomily, -
Skuldfrid sat as one petrified after the    "I remove to Sweden? Never!"
perusal. This letter, so calm, so earnest,   She left the room, and Skuldfrid was
so dignified, was yet signed by a name left alone to read the letter from Tage.
repugnant to her. All this nobility had It was written by a swain who was sepaConstantin Canitz shown, he whom  she rated from the beloved of his heart.  He




134                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
gave and exacted promises of love and   It was gloomy at Ektorp.  Skuldfrid
eternal fidelity, at the same time doubt- spent the days almost exclusively in her
ing the possibility of Skuldfrid's continued room.  Fru Smidt lived shut up in hers.
affection, and yet praying for her tender- Annika was silent and low-spirited.  She
ness, as the only means of enduring the had once said,
pangs of separation.  Demanding and   "God only knows how it all will end!
entreating, complaining and comforting, Skuldfrid does not know what sorrows
all within a few lines.  The whole letter and anxieties her mother has.  Happy
gave evidence of a disturbed state of for her!"
mind, and a harrowing fear of losing the   Skuldfrid.asked no questions.  She
heart he believed himself to possess.  knew from experience that Annika never
Ungrateful woman heart! Although gave any answer; but the young girl
every word in this letter breathed of felt still more troubled and depressed.
deep and fervent love, Skuldfrid read it Were not all gone who had given her
through quite abstractedly, and when joy, all whom she had dared to approach
she folded it she said, " Poor dear Tage!" in love and confidence.
But then her thoughts took  another   The third day a message came from
direction. What astonished her in Ab- Aunt Sara, asking Skuldfrid to come to
erney's letter was the complete content- Junta.
ment he evinced at the idea of residing   On her arrival there she found the old
in Sweden.  Tage wrote quite boldly, lady dejected but calm.  She was now
that as it was now impossible for him to already to follow her nephew to Sweden,
come for his bride, the bride must go but desired before she left Junta to take
to him.  The tone of both Aberney's and leave  of Skuldfrid.  The young girl
Tage's letter quieted Skuldfrid with re- stayed with her the whole day.
gard to their fate and condition of mind.   Sara was unusually communicative.
As her anxiety was stilled, her thoughts She spoke quite openly and unreservedly,
returned by degrees to the first letter and as she had never been in the habit of
its writer.  She read it through  once doing.
more, and again arose those mingled sen-   "I would most certainly have presations of joy, humiliation, and grieT. The ferred to die here in Finland," said she.
deep abhorrence she had imbibed for all " All my youth and the greater part of
who bore the name of Canitz, the recol- my mature years have been passed in
lections from childhood which were indel- Sweden, but I have always cherished the
ibly engraved in the proud and wilful soul hope that I could end my days in my
of this  child of nature,  all called beloved fatherland.   Yet it was not
forth a bitter struggle against the feel- God's will; for where Victor lives, there
ing of admiration which his conduct must his old aunt live too.  He has nevinspired.                              er been quite happy here since Finland
That the one she regarded as an ene- came under Russia, and it is not to be
my to her people and country could wondered at; but he thought he could
be so much to her heart was something serve his countrymen, and therefore he
which the Finnish girl could not pardon remained.  Poor Victor! His life has
in herself.                            been filled with sorrow and trial."  Sara
sighed.
She felt an irresistible need of lightenSome days elapsed.   Autumn had ing her heart to Skuldfrid.  She had no
begun to show its sombre face.  The friend  and had never possessed one.
wind blew and it rained continually.   She was generally sparing of words and




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           135
sharp  towards strangers, though  she is to us. She is a criminal woman whose
could be both voluble and pleasant with name must not be mentioned by ally
her nephew, Tage, and Skuldfrid.  Not right-minded person.
even to the latter, who was her especial   "What discoveries he had made I did
favorite, had she ever before alluded to not seek to find out; I suspected thern
the past or to Aberney's trials. Now it and kept silent.  If I have ever since
seemed to her, after these days of com- then happened to mention her name, he
plete solitude and  anguish, that her became angry.  Once I dreamed that
heart was filled to the very brim.  The Harmen came to me and asked me to
past, with all its losses, presented itself forgive her.  In the morning I took
before her soul; and as Skuldfrid was courage and related my dream to Victor.
the only woman she held dear, the need He replied,of seeing and talking with her became   "'There are crimes that cannot be forvery great.  She knew Skuldfrid, and given; such are Harmen's.'
felt assured that all she said to her was   "But if she was miserable and in
faithfully guarded.                   need!' I returned.
"You must know, my child," resumed' She will never be in need, and deSara, " that Victor Aberney and I are the serves to be miserable. Do not speak to
only ones left of two unhappy families, me about that creature.'
who have been heavily visited by misfor-   "'Remember, she bears your brother's
tune. Victor's mother was my sister. I name,' I persisted.
had also *a brother who was a much-   "'That I shall always regard as a disesteemed man. God bless him!"        grace; but I beg of you, Aunt Sara, do
The tears now stood in the old lady's not speak of that woman; it only puts
eyes. With a slow voice, as if afraid of her my blood in a tumult.'
recollections, Aunt Sara began to relate   " That same year I learned by acciall the events with which we acquainted dent that she and her child, for she had
the reader in the Introduction; about a child by her last husband, had lived in
Harmen's union with the oldest Aberney, Russia for some time with -"
his death, and Harmen's marriage with   Aunt Sara stopped and began to cry.
Enoch, as well as the latter's unhappy   "With whom 2"
end.                                    "Ah, Skuldfrid, my dear girl, that is
Skuldfrid listened with interest to the my especial grief."   Aunt Sara wept
sad family story, and when Sara paused bitterly.  "You see my other niece,
a moment, to control her emotion at the Edith, was my darling, my joy, and it
remembrance of these nephews and nieces also went unhappily with her.  She drew
whose experience had been so unhappy, upon herself the ill-will of the family, but
Skuldfrid asked, -                    for what reason I lack courage to tell.
"Well, Aunt, what became of the poor In short, she lived in Russia.  I, who
widow  of the two brothers    I mean loved her with all my heart, could not
your niece Harmen."                   cast off the poor child, and so I contin"Ah, my child, I do not know. Vic- ued to write to her.  It was with her in
torwent immediately to Sweden at the Russia that Harmen stayed for atime; but
intelligence of Enoch's death, but what one day she disappeared from her sister's
took place between him and Harrnmen I home, leaving no trace.  Since then we
do not know.  When he again came have never heard her spoken of."
home and I inquired after her, he re-   "And Edith, does she live 3"
plied in a stern and gloomy manner,     Aunt Sara looked frightened, grasped
"'Aunt, Earmen is dead; at least she Skuldfrid's arm  hard, and whispered,




136                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"She has followed her husband to Si- to harm you unmolested.  Distrust every
beria.  It is now ten years since then."  word, every action, good in appearance;
" Has nothing been done for the unfor- it only hides deceit.  And Victor often
tunate woman' " asked Skuldfrid, shud- used to say, there is no honor or faith in
dering.                                a Canitz, they play with these. to pro"0, yes, Victor has tried in every way mote their evil designs.  One thing is
and manner.  He has even spoken with certain and that is, that never would an
the late General Canitz, to effect through Aberney wish to hear your name menhim  some change in her fate; but the tioned, if you showed good-will or affecGeneral answered,'As long as I live, she tion for a Canitz. Let these words of
shall remain where she is.' Dear child, mine stand as a warning in your membeware of all of the name of Canitz, ory, if he should wish to take advantage
they are terrible people.  That family of your lonely and forsaken position to
brings misfortune and a curse with it. make you his victim."
They feign virtue and beautiful acts, to   In the ardor of her outpouring, Aunt
cheat their victims; they are people Sara failed to notice how Skuldfrid's face
without conscience or faith, destitute of changed expression.
heart and feeling.  My poor Edith, my   In the evening, after a tender farewell
poor. child, she has had to  experience and an earnest exhortation from  Aunt
that.  Since Victor talked with the Gen- Sara that Skuldfrid should in all matters
eral, he has no longer wanted to hear conform to Victor's wish, Skuldfrid reanything about Edith, for she has, ac- turned home.
cording to his conviction, deserved her   The night was dark, and the rain patfate."                                 tered  against the window-panes, when
"And why so'"                       Skuldfrid again entered her own room.
"Her first offence I will not tell you, While she sat there alone, listening to
only Victor and I know of that.  The the howl of the storm, she recalled to
second consisted in her marrying a RBus- her mind the sorrowful and calamitous
sian, one of those who helped to take Fin- events Aunt Sara had related, and Genland.  I have prayed and cried very eral Canitz's words about Edith continmuch  that her sins may be forgiven ually resounded in her ears, that she
her; for you know  that to love those should remain in Siberia as long as he
who are the enemies or oppressors of lived. All the warnings that Aunt Sara
our country is a very grave sin, and had set forth came to distress and torGod punishes those who do so."        ture her heart.'" But," said Skuldfrid, with her head
leaning thoughtfully on her hand, "why
did General Canitz answer, that she
should not leave Siberia as long as he   A whole week had gone by without a
lived 2 "                              word or a glimpse being received of the
"Because he was the cause of her hus- owner of Kronobro.  The day after that
band's being sent there, precisely as his in which Skuldfrid took leave of Aunt
son is now the. cause of Victor's being Sara, the pastor called at Ektorp. A
banished."                             letter from Fru Smidt was the occasion
"What do you say 2" exclaimed Skuld- of his visit. After a long private confrid.                                  versation with the widow, he took dinner
"' My conviction.  Beware, my little with her and  Skuldfrid. During the
Skuldfrid, of young Canitz.  I suspect meal the pastor said,that he has removed your friends, only'"Well, Kronobro has now again be



GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           137
come deserted. The young Baron left an elegant equipage stood there. A serthe estate in the beginning of the week vant, clad in the Canitz livery, held the
and returned to St. Petersburg."      reins.
A  plate fell ringing  to the floor.   "The  Doctor!" thought Skuldfrid.
Skuldfrid had dropped the one she was "Does he come with -"
to receive from Annika.                 She went into the entry, but stopped,
When the pastor was gone, Fru Smidt listening.  In the saloon a man was talksaid, " To-morrow I shall take a journey ing quite violently.  It was not the Docto Abo."                              tor's soft and insinuating accents, but a
"You, mamma!" exclaimed Skuldfrid, rude and disagreeable voice. Skuldfrid
frightened.  "I hope I may go with heard him say, -
you?."                                  "This is the last time that I remind
" No, you must remain at home. My you. Tell your mistress that if she does
presence in Abo is necessary. It con- not pay the rent before the week is out,
cerns business."                      that I have had orders to eject her.  The
" But -"                            Baron has patience long enough with
"No  objections, my child. I muzst her irregularity.  Before the week is
go."~ ended the whole amount must be paid,
Fru Smidt patted her daughter, and or else it will be as I said.  That is the
regarded her with that expression of Baron's express order."
grieved tenderness which almost always   The door opened, and Skuldfrid had
lay in her glance. Then she went into barely time to avoid being thrown down
her room, and Skuldfrid, impelled by her by its force. A man of repulsive appeardisturbed feelings, took a shawl and went ance came out.  He passed Skuldfrid
out for a walk. She took the direction without salutation, but looked at her
to Junta.  How glad and happy had she beautiful face with a shameless effrontery
not always before gone that way, and which drove the blood to her cheeks.
especially during the summer that had Annika followed him.
fled like a meteor! How beautiful and   "My God, what have I heard. " exsmiling had not life seemed to her! And claimed Skuldfrid when the steward from
now, now  the bright dream  had left Kronobro stepped into the carriage.  " Is
only shadows behind it. Every bush not Ektorp my mother's property?  Does
upon the way reminded of him. She set she stand in debt to - to - Kronobro.
down upon their usual resting-place, and Annika, answer me, speak for God's sake!
leaning her head on her hand she re- 0, why, why keep all these secrets from
peated continually in thought,        me m   "
"He is a Canitz; he is now far, far   "Hush, in Heaven's name," whispered
away, and my good friend is gone, and Annika.  "Your mother would feel terriall are gone who  brought joy with bly if she thought that her child knew
them! "                               anything about that."
It began to grow dark when Skuldfrid   "But, Annika, I must know all, or,
returned from her walk. At every rust- what will become of me?" said Skuldfrid,
ling of the wind in the leaves and branch- in so vehement and determined a tone
es she stopped, listening with trembling that Annika looked at her quite scared.
and anxiety; and then continued her   "You shall know all about the matter,
way, murmuring, -                     if you will only keep silent and not act as
"What do I fear or hope. Is he not if you had heard it. Believe me, my misin St. Petersburg? "                 tress would only have one stone more
When she entered the yard at Ektorp, added to her burden."




138                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
Skuldfrid went up to her room. Anni-   The tears ran down Skuldfrid's cheeks
ka had promised to follow her directly.  while listening to Annika's words, which
Reality began to take hold of the revealed to her the devoted love of her
young girl.  The happy ignorance con- mother. Annika demanded of Skuldfrid
cerning life, in which she had hitherto that she should not let any one know
lived, was'ruthlessly destroyed by cir- that she was aware of their true pecucumstances which tore all her bright il- niary condition.
lusions to fragments and scattered thern   " But," said Skuldfrid, "what willmamto the winds.                         ma do for the rent. "
After a little while Annika came up.   "I do not know. She has declared
During the whole time Skuldfrid had-positively that she will pay it before the
paced the floor.                      end of the week. She is probably going
She had hitherto supposed her mother to Abo on that account."
to possess sufficient property, and had   "If my good friend had only been
always regarded Ektorp as her estate. here," said Skuldfrid.
Debts, cares, and need were things which   "Child, your mother would die before
Skuldfrid had never thought of, except she received such a service from an Abwhen she was engaged in some mission erney," replied Annika impulsively.
of charity.  And now to whom did her   "And why so?" said Skuldfrid, looking
mother stand in debt? Alas, to this at her inquiringly.
Canitz, to Lothard. By whom was her   "Do not ask me, dear child. Believe
mother now threatened with ejectment?  me, it is best for you to know nothing.
By the very same man who had so sol- Life is sometimes a very sorrowful thing;
emnly assured her that there was no sac- but God is good, and his will guides all
rifice which he would not make for the for the best."
promotion of her happiness; by the same   "Amen!" sighed Skuldfrid, devoutly.
man who wrote that letter, so full of noble
dignity.  Aunt Sara was then right;
everything good and magnanimous that
came from  a Canitz was dissimulation   Quite early in the next day Fru
and deceit; only the low and bad was Smidt went to Abo. Skuldfrid spent the
true.                                 whole forenoon in working on a beautiful
Motionless as a statue, Skuldfrid lis- piece of embroidery which she began with
tened to Annika's account of her mother's the intention of giving it to Aberney on
affairs, how she shut herself up in her his birthday, but which she now decided
room, and worked to earn money. She to sell.
had, through the pastor's influence, ob-   During the night which followed her
tained copying occasionally, and his wife conversation with Annika, she reflected
often provided her with sewing. Fru upon the past and future.  The result of
Smidt did not wish her daughter to be these meditations was that the young
burdened with care.                   girl resolved to devote her life to work.
"The only thing," said Annika, "that She would, like her mother, quietly seek
sustained her courage in the struggle to contribute to their common support.
with sorrow has been that she was al- This new aim had a very favorable effect
lowed to work for her child in silence, upon Skuldfrid's state of mind.  It gave
while Skuldfrid only needed to sun her- her a purely material interest, a zealous
self in life's gladness, cultivating her mind endeavor to make the oppressive burden
and her talents, without any material of care lighter for her mother. It seemed
cares.                                to Skuldfrid that she could have kneilt




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           139
before all the self-abnegation which lay sight of him  became motionless as if
in her mother's conduct.               struck by lightning.
The complete revolution which this   When Annika had closed the door after
discovery of their actual pecuniary posi- him, he went with hasty steps towards
tion occasioned had aroused to full ac- Skuldfrid, saying,tivity the slumbering energies in Skuld-   " Do not let my presence frighten you.
frid's soul, developing all the strength The most hated person can sometimes
and power of action with which nature bring a pleasant message, and this is the
had endowed her.  She realized that her case with me.  I have a letter for you."
mental afflictions must be pushed back   Annika now came in with a light.
into the depths of her soul, and that they   Skuldfrid had meantime recovered her
should not be allowed to exercise an self-possession, and with a cold though
enervating influence upon her mind.    polite gesture she invited the guest to be
After a day's assiduous application the seated.
twilight fell.  Skuldfrid laid aside her   Old Annika looked at the child with a
work to take a moment's rest, when she wondering air, and thought as she stepped
heard steps on the stairs, as well as out again, —
Annika's voice speaking to some stranger   " Goodness alive, what has come over
whom she tried to make understand that the child. She looks as grand as if she
he could not see Skuldfrid. All opposi- was a queen.  Hm, hm! "
tion was in vain, however, for the person   Lothard thought, as he seated himself
said,                                  at a little distance from her," Say that my master has news from    "Can this really be the same playful,
Professor Aberney."                   smiling, and light-hearted child that I saw
In an instant Skuldfrid was in the such a short time ago?  Could a few
hall.                                  days have so changed her?  And yet how
" Is it any one with news from Profes- adorable she was then, and how fearfully
sor Aberney?" exclaimed she.          beautiful she is now! "
Annika stood on the upper step, but   When they were again alone, Skuldbefore she could answer the voice from  frid seated herself and said in a calm
below said, -                         voice, -
"Yes, it is a gentleman who comes   "I am astonished, Herr Baron, that
directly from Abo."                   a letter from  my friends needs to go
Skuldfrid flew down stairs.  In the through your hands."
entry stood a neatly clad man, evidently   Skuldfrid carried her beautiful head
a servant, although he wore no livery.   proudly.  Lothard's presence brought to
" Ask your master to be so kind as to her soul with startling clearness the fact
walk in," said Skuldfrid, and went into that she spoke to her mother's creditor,
the saloon.                           the same man who threatened to eject
In a few moments the door was opened the poor widow if she did not pay her
by Annika, and a tall, slender young man rent.  Skuldfrid's breast was filled with
entered the apartment.  It was half indignation.  Perhaps this man came to
twilight; but even if it had been still see her prostrated and humiliated by the
darker, Skuldfrid would have recognized consciousness that her mother was dethis  careless yet noble bearing, the pendent upon his pleasure; or did he
singularly high-born figure and manner.  hope, this rich Canitz, that the daughter
In the joy of receiving fiews from her of the poor widow would be brought so
dear friends, Skuldfrid had taken a few far as to be obliged to supplicate for her
steps towards the stranger, but at the mother?  However it might be, he




1-10                     GUILT AND IN NOCENCE.
should never in this respect have his he conjures you, to avoid me, the repredesire gratified.  She was filled with the sentative of a family which  Aberney
deepest contempt for the miserable re- regards as a curse for the earth to bear.
venge he had wished to take.           And yet Skuldfrid, it is this'wretch,'
Lothard had delayed a long while be- this fidei cormnissaire of all baseness, as
fore he replied to her words.  There your friend expresses it, who presents to
was something in the cold tone that you this letter, which I was at perfect
wounded him, because he knew that he liberty to destroy.  I have come from
did not deserve this reception.   He Abo expressly to leave this in your hands.
needed a few minutes to get free from  For me it was a duty to procure you inthe unpleasant impression they made telligence as soon as possible from those
upon him.                              you miss.  Is this not to work against
"Professor Aberney," began Lothard, myself! This letter does not merely
"is suspected by the Russian govern- speak of me, but also of your union with
ment, and  therefore he considered it young Aberney, of your journey to Swemost advisable to entrust this letter to a den, etc.  Thus if I am  a bad man, I
reliable messenger; he gave it to one of have at least not conducted myself so
his friends at the moment of his depar- towards you."
ture from Abo. This friend, who was' too   "What do you call it to have demuch afraid of his own safety to dare to nounced my friends I" asked Skuldfrid,
forward it, gave it to the Governor. The who remembered Aunt Sara's words, and
latter, in his turn, opened it.  When the in consequence regarded Lothard's presGovernor, an old friend of my family, ent conduct as only an artifice behind
found that the contents concerned Con- which he concealed some wrong intention.
stantin Canitz exclusively, and not the The exaction of the rent had given a
state, he sent it to me and I have strong show of truth to her words.
read it."                                "Have I denounced them!" repeated
"By what right?" interposed Skuld- Lothard, growing pale.
frid hastily, thereby forgetting completely   "Yes, you have; it is just you who
her r6le of cold dignity.              committed this miserable act!"
"By the right the Governor confirmed    "You  are cruelly  mistaken,"  said
when he sent it to me opened.  It is Lothard, gloomily.  "For a moment it
very possible that you would never have was actually my intention to do it. Yes,
received it, had not the hated name of I was firmly resolved, but even then I
Canitz been found in it; and verily no conquered the temptation to gain an adother than Lothard Canitz would have vantage by an unworthy act.  It was
brought it to you, after having read the night before they were taken from
these aspersions against his honor."  He Junta that I fought the battle between
handed  Skuldfrid the letter.  "Wait my lower and better feelings; in this
a moment before you read it," added moment I thank God that I am notyguilty
he.  "I will tell you what this letter of the, fate that has befallen them."
contains.  Professor Aberney  has  in   "I cannot and ought not to believe
three long pages occupied himself wholly you."
(and entirely with me. He describes my   "And what entitles you to doubtS
family in such a manner, that you must What have you seen that gives you cause
be under some spell, if you still believe, to consider me a man who audaciously
fater reading it, that anything of the -utters an untruth " exclaimed Lothard.
honorable man can be found in the heir His resolution to be calm began to stagof all these base deeds. He warns you, ger.




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           141
"' Even if your visible actions did not owner of Kronobro; nmy heart cannot be
entitle me to all possible doubts, then given to General Canitz's son."
you bear a name which in itself comprises   "You  cannot love General Canitz's
all that can be called faithless."    son, you say? " repeated Lothard. A
"Skuldfrid, be on your guard; weigh dark flush covered his pale face and his
your words! I have once allowed myself eyes flashed fire. " But I- I can love
patiently to be trampled under your feet, you, notwithstanding you are the daughand as the only reply, wished to compel ter of a woman branded as one who
you through my conduct to give me your poisoned her first husband, and through
respect.  I am, however, a human being this crime became the cause of her secwith quick and violent passions.  The ond husband's death."
injustice of your attacks could easily —    "You lie! " Skuldfrid seized his arm
mark, I warn you — drive me to an convulsively."
extreme which I should afterwards re-   "I lie! Can Harmen Aberney's daughgTet."'                            ter dare to say that? "
"Probably that of driving my mother   Lothard had written: "May God prefrom her home," rejoined Skuldfrid, bit- serve you from  ever pronouncing the
terly.                                terrible words which trembled upon my
" Skuldfrid!" exclaimed Lothard, and lips "; but he did not imagine the dreadstarted up.  "What do you say? What ful effect they would have.
new and abominable act do you try to   For a moment Skuldfrid stood motioncharge me with?"                      less, as if struck by lightning; then she
"Baron Canitz, what do these words fell to the floor with a terrible cry of anavail?'  You have once written that you guish.  She lay lifeless at Lothard's feet.
could crush me with a word; but you   At the sound of the piercing shriek
are mistaken.  The means by which the door was thrown open and Annikaz
you seek to crush me are too impotent rushed in.
to effect the result you refer to."  She   The next moment Lothard was driving
rose and added proudly: "And now we at full speed on the road to Kronobro, to
certainly have nothing further to say to send Wagner to Ektorp, cursing the imeach other."                          pulse that had made him  utter these
"''Be so kind as to resume your seat," words, which had literally crushed her,
returned Lothard, this time in a decided the being whom he had wished to shield
and almost commzanding tone; "we have from every'pain.
not yet said all that we have to say to
each other.  Tell me, Skuldfrid," added
he, in a softer voice, "can you not forget
that Lothard bears a name that is hate-   During the course of three weeks Lofill to you?."                       thard dragged forth his days at Kronobro,
" No, it is impossible," answered Skuld- without a shadow of hope or a moment's
frid, looking coldly at the young man.   relief from the agony that consumed him.
"Impossible?." repeated Lothard,.and The Doctor had during the whole time
his look grew dark.                   visited Ektorp daily. Skuldfrid was very
"Yes, impossible. The Lothard I held ill, so he said, when he returned from
dear a short time ago has disappeared, there.  To the anxious question, "How
and I shall never find him again in Baron is she? " Lothard constantly received the
Canitz.  To attempt it would be in vain, same answer, " She is not yet any better."
for we do not love that which we do not   We will not weary the reader with an
respect, and I cannot possibly esteem the account of Lothbard's state of mind, be



142                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
cause it were in vain to describe all the re- Doctor's hand, and Lothard read these
gret, self-reproach, and anxiety he endured. lines -
One Sunday evening the young Baron                 receive this, 
sat in his cabinet, pale, wasted, and
scarcely to be recognized.   He was writ- erney's daughter has already left Finland..riti               n g to b iz. Un theis   lett r She went a week ago. Do not search for
ing, - writing to her. Upon this letter
he had written every day for three weeks. her; you will never find
" SKULDFRID."
It was no longer a letter, but a whole voliume.  The Doctor had positively refused   Lothard uttered a cry of rage, and with
to take a single line to her during her a panther's agility he threw himself upon
illness, because she must not be excited. the Doctor, exclaiming,
The lamp threw  its pale light over   "Villain, you have deceived me! Had
Lothard's joyless features.  It was silent you ten lives, you should not be able to
and deserted all around him.  Suddenly pay me for this! "
the stillness was broken by the sound of   With the whole strength of his infuria carriage which drove up in the court. ated anger, Lothard seized the Doctor by
At hearing it Lothard raised his head the throat with one hand, while a weapand listened.  His look was directed on flashed in the other.  Wagner closed
towards the door, with intense and pain- his eyes; but just as the inconsiderate
ful expectation.  Steps were soon heard Lothard was pressing the trigger, some
in the room without, and directly after one grasped him by the arm; the ball went
Dr. Wagner walked in.                  past Wagner's head and through the wall.
The Pole's smiling face had that even-   A voice, mild and melodious, exclaimed
ing a triumphant and derisive expression. in French, " Unhappy boy, will you soil
Lothard, too much absorbed in his yourself in your tutor's blood? "
own anxiety, did not observe it, but cried   At the sound of this inexplicably wonto the Doctor,-                        derful voice, the pistol fell from Lothard's
"How is she to-night l"             hand; he let go of Wagner and turned
"Well," answered the Doctor, and round.
handed him a letter.  There was an ex-   Before him and the Doctor stood a tall
treme malevolence in Wagner's tone; and woman, with a face no longer young, no
Lothard, who just that moment looked longer beautiful, but with the expression
up, shuddered involuntarily at the ex- of a saint.  Her gaze rested on Lothard.
pression of his face. He remained still, It was full of a passionate tenderness
without receiving the letter.          and deep sorrow.
"What fearful significance can that   "Have  you forgotten  your oath?"
word have." asked Lothard, and pressed asked she, and stretched out her hand
his hand over his eyes. Then he started towards him.  "Have  you  forgotten,
to his feet.  "If you have failed to save that whatever miserable act this man
her life, you shall take the consequences commits against you, you should never
of my despair."  He reached out his increase the terrible debt in which your
hand and seized a pistol that lay on the forefathers stand to  his family l  The
table.  "Tell me quickly, does she live criminal's misdeeds must be atoned for
or is she dead l."                    by his child. You, the' guiltless one,
"She is alive and well," answered the shall make amends for the wrong that
Doctor.  "This letter ought to convince has been done."
you of it," added he, with a formidable   "0  mother!" murmured Lothard in an
smile.                                inaudible voice, and threw himself upon
The letter was instantly out of the his knees at her feet.




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           143
PART II.
THE direction of our life, the turn that from their presence, without being the
we take for better or for worse, depends cause of their removal."
generally upon the reverses or sufferings   He then went to Ektorp to try in
that befall us. With many they have an some way to meet Skuldfrid.  The events
irritating effect, with others the effect that followed are already familiar to us.
is crushing, and with  a third  class   We left Lothard at the moment when
they awaken a true self-examination.  To he threw himself on his knees before the
these last belonged Lothard.          unknown mediator. We will describe
He said once to himself, s" What there what took place between her and him.
is of good or evil within me I do not   After Lothard's smothered exclamaknow, nor shall I before another strong tion, the lady turned to the Doctor, sigand violent feeling has taken possession nifying her desire that he should leave
of my soul."  He was right.           them.  She spent the greater part of the
The attachment for Skuldfrid was not night in  conversation with  Lothard.
a caprice, that had sprung from the tur- Towards morning the Doctor was sent
bid source of wild passions, but it was for. Lothard, in  consequence  of the
rooted in the best and noblest soil of his varied emotions to which he had been
heart.  To come nearer to her morally, exposed, had had a violent rush of blood
Lothard had forced to silence every ig- to the heart, and required bleeding.  In
noble feeling.  He did not wish to pur- a few hours the young Baron felt better,
chase any advantage at the cost of what and in the afternoon he and the unknown
his better instincts rejected. Thus when, lady left Kronobro, leaving the Doctor in
after the conversation with the Doctor, a chaos of conjectures.  He, who had rehe had determined to denounce Aberney, garded himself as holding the threads of
and had written a letter to the Governor events in his hands, who believed him-,
to this effect, he had at the very moment self able to shape the fate of those whom
it should be sent refrained from an act they concerned according to his pleasure,
which  he considered  unworthy.  He found himself, just at the very moment
would not avail himself of this manner that he hoped to plunge Lothard into an
of getting rid of persons whom he re- abyss of torture, deprived of his prey and
garded as dangerous to his interests. left alone without power to solve the
No, he would not be indebted to any enigma before him.
discreditable action for the favor he de-   Of the wild rage which seized Lothard
sired to win from her. In short, the let- at the intelligence of Skuldfrid's flight,
ter was destroyed.                    not a shadow was seen when the Doctor,
Before he rode to Ektorp to try to see in obedience to the call, came to assist
Skuldfrid, he received a few lines from  him; and when Lothard went away from
the Doctor, which informed him that all Kronobro he had appeared perfectly calm,
measures with regard to the Aberney and on leaving offered the Doctor his
affair were superfluous, as the Professor's hand with the words: "Farewell, Docown imprudence had already plunged him  tor, perhaps our ways may nevermore
into ruin.                            meet. Should this however occur, con"'So,much the better," whispered Lo- trary to expectation, you can at least be
thard's egotism.  "I am then delivered assured that yesterday was the last time




a144                     GUILT AND INNlqOCEN CE.
you will succeed in driving my passions nature, this woman in whom  beauty,
to such a height that neither my reason culture, originality, and freshness of feelnor my will can restrain them. You ing united to form the engaging being
must endeavor to forget the outburst of who had so magically  captivated his
my anger, as I shall try to forget the soul.  Had Lothard been the subject of
cause that excited it."                many previous fancies, Skuldfrid's infiuIn a few minutes after this Wagner ence upon him would possibly have been
found himself alone at Kronobro, alone less powerfuLl.  Now she was his first
with the broken threads of his intrigue, real love. Until the day he saw her, not
which required time, reflection, and per- an hour's enchantment had bound him
severance to join together again. The to any woman that he met in society;
Doctor, however, was not one to become and for those who stood outside its cirinactive because he had suffered a defeat. cle he had a contempt so deep, that he
No, were he to fail ten times, he would did not bestow a passing thought upon
still begin again the eleventh, and sooner them.  He had been a dissipated youth,
or later attain his object.  WTe leave him  yet less from inclination than in conseto his fate, assured of finding him again quence of the intoxicating whirl that
further on.                            pleased  for the  moment.  The wild
Lothard went to St. Petersburg.  The pleasures to which he abandoned himself
shipwreck  which his  most beautiful in the university towns diverted him:hopes had suffered, and his consequent only so long as they possessed the charm:grief, had for several weeks occasioned a of novelty, but afterwards lost all value.
complete disinclination for all activity. In short, Lothard's whole soul was atShut up in his hotel, he spent the days tached to Skuldfrid, and he did precisely
e.,ither in pacing the floor, plunged ap- what thousands of young men with un-'-parently in deep meditation, or in lying corrupted hearts have done before him,
on the sofa and gazing at the ceiling. he became a slave to the attachment:)During these weeks Lothard reviewed his which ruled his soul, but a slave who did
-vwhok past life, the indiscretions, the not dare to desire his freedom for fear of
d. dissipations, and the arrogance which had losing what he possessed.  There was no
characteiized his youth; then came the sacrifice, no deed, so heroic that Lothard
burning,enthusiasm with which he had would not have attempted. it to prove to
ibecome a naval officer, but which had Skuldfrid how deeply, how boundlessly
-completely,died out when he began to he loved her.  This very aspiration to,examine the'Russian relations.   The be worthy of her in every respect and,consequene.v-,?a s,  such a'weariness of upon all occasions had made Skuldfrid's
everything;, that he lost the briskness, power so great over him; it had also'the, animation:.and energy which ought made the grief so much the more intense
to distinguish,thle mariner.  This was when she undervalued his human worth,
his state of,mind  when  he  visited and thrust away with contempt all the
Kronobro.                              proofs of his devotion which he offered
The chivalric, T'he -truly noble, the her.  It was in the paroxysm of indignaideal 8had in Lothard an ardent admirer. tion called forth by this lowering of his
But in -vain had he searched for a coun- noblest feelings, that he had uttered the
terpart of it in his surroundi-ngs.    unfortunate words. about her mother.
When he'had but just arrived at his es- The blow he then aimed against Skuldtate, where he intended to.abandenhimself frid afterwards fell back on himself, and
to his dreams and his melancholy, destiny destroyed completely his short but beauthrew in his way this ceaarming Weild of tiful dream of their future happiness.




-GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           145
Lothard made no attempt to find out stern principles, that he paid tribute only
Skuldfrid's place of abode.  He believed to the good and true.
that he knew it, and had firmly resolved  "I She has crushed my happiness, my
to refrain from seeing her again. Where belief in felicity, my hope for the future,
could she, her mother, and the old servant in all that pertains to my heart.  I have
have gone, if not to Aberney. And, if so, no object to strive for, as far as individthen she had herself decided her destiny; nual happiness is concerned.  I must find
the die was cast, and Skuldfrid would a recompense for what I have lost in
become Tage's bride.  The steps she had activity and in the proud satisfaction of
taken proved how deep her aversion was having acted strictly in accordance with
for Canitz; she could not even remain in the laws of honor.  Once I sought her, I
his vicinity.  Why then should he again could not live without seeing her, and
throw himself in her way, and call forth limited my whole existence to loving her
fresh suffering.                      to idolatry. I suffered, I was absorbed in
After five weeks' complete seclusion in my passion, and could have died at her
the large and magnificent capital of the feet for a smile or a friendly word.  She
Empire, Lothard had gained a decided trampled upon my heart, she crushed it,
and plain view  of his inner condition, and finally she fled. Very well, never
and also marked out the course he in- shall I bring our ways together, nevertended to follow in the future.  It was more shall I sue for her love; but never
not yet clear to him how he should be shall I cease to love her.  Once more
able to attain the aim towards which he shall destiny bring us together, a preaspired, but he saw plainly that he must sentiment tells me so; but woe unto me
leave Russia, that he neither could nor if I then take a step to meet her.  The
would remain there; but it was equally love she once rejected I shall nevermore
certain that he would, under no condition, offer her. And now out in the world, out
abandon  the  country  unlawfully and so to act that I am free, and can greet the
enter the service of another as a miser- sea without this tyrannical yoke on my
able deserter.  No, he must efface the shoulders.  There will I live and there
stain which adhered to his name by a die.
strictly honorable life.  He must show    With this resolution Lothard appeared
that he was innocent of the crimes of his quite suddenly out in the world, and was
forefathers, and that with the name he greeted by his acquaintances in St. Pehad not inherited their faithlessness and tersburg.  The months that had passed
cruelty.  Lothard's proud mind could since they last saw him had changed his
not endure the recollection that sihe, the appearance considerably. The high brow,
only woman he had loved and adored, which before seemed so free and clear
had rejected him with disgust because that no cloud could ever shadow it, had
he belonged to a famnily whose name now that peculiar stamp of earnestness
every  right-minded  person  ought to and reflection which real and deep sufdespise.  He felt that there were powers fering leaves behind it.  One could see
within him which raised him above the that some bitter suffering had embraced
multitude, and he must so regulate his these temples, and that the kiss of grief
life hereafter that people should do him  hahd left a cold pallor upon the dome of
justice.  It was not servility to his rank, thought.  These lively and flashing eyes,
his wealth or influence that could satisfy from which so much arrogance and pride
Lothard.  No, the aversion manifested shone formerly, were now cold and clear
by Skuldfrid had awakened a burning as two stars which glittered in the firdesire to prove, through his capacity and mament without yielding any warmth.




146                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
Those lips, which had always a mocking, pecial marks of favor.  Upon this favor
ironical smile, were now earnestly closed, Lothard  now  built his hope, slender
and an expression of sternness had re- though it was. When Lothard was nearmained upon them, as if suffering had ly ready, his valet came'in with two
there placed its seal. Each and all of letters.  One was from  Sweden, the
Lothard's friends, superiors, and acquaint- other from Finland.
ances observed this change in him, but   Sweden.?  Lothard did not, to  his
none of them  uttered a word. There knowledge, possess  any  acquaintance
was such a coldness in Lothard's whole there, unless it were Skuldfrid.  He remanner, that they felt themselves held garded the letter with actual shrinking;
at a distance, and understood directly and the same man who could have met
that every remark or inquiry would have death without flinching, trembled at the
been proudly repelled by the young mere thought that this letter might be
Baron.                                from her. For an instant he felt a flutLothard had firmly resolved that be- ter of hope, and the envelope was torn
fore the return of spring, with its whis- open.  It was not her handwriting, it
perings of hope, he should be free and was a man's bold and careless chirograable to serve the people and the country phy. Lothard pressed his hand over his
he wished to call his own, and from  forehead and murmured, " I am a fool,"
which his ancestors' pedigree had arisen. Then he threw a glance at the signature.
How this was to be brought about was There stood, Victor Aberney.  At the
something which chance would have to sight of this name, the blood rushed to
determine, and then all would depend his head and he crushed the letter in his
upon whether this ruler of human destiny hand with a gesture of anger.  In a few
would favor Lothard's plans or not.   seconds, however, he controlled himself
"I will without hesitation place my sufficiently to be able to read what it
life at stake, for the possible gain of my contained.
freedom," thought Lothard.
"HERR BARON: Through a cruel necessity rendered unable to see you in
person to demand an explanation of your
Again some weeks elapsed.  Lothard conduct, I find myself compelled to emhad not yet found any means of loosen- ploy this means, although I have but
ing the fetters that bound him to Russia. little hope that a man of your character
He had decided to address himself di- will afford me the justification I require.
rectly to the Emperor, and say to him    "I ask you, therefore, what has bethat he had never regarded himself as a come of Skuldfrid?  She has disappeared
Russian, but that he in heart and soul as from the place where she and her mother
well as in blood was Swedish; that he resided, and it is you who have taken
wished to return to his proper father- her away. You have, like an insidious
land.                                 seducer, smuggled yourself into the young
Lothard was just engaged in attiring girl's heart, and after you succeeded in
himself for the purpose of seeking an removing me from  her proximity, you
audience with the Emperor. Wealthy, have enticed the poor child and her
and belonging to a family that had done mother to follow you. It is not the first
Russia great service, liberally endowed time that such acts have been committed
by nature, he was a young man for whom  by your family.
the Emperor had great hopes for the   "Do you remember our meeting in
future, and who therefore received es- Abo, the evening before my departure,




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            147
when you almost forced me to give you ure  calm  the  excitement which the
a letter to Skuldfrid?  I told you then perusal of Aberney's letter had caused,
that I did not expect anything less from  he took up the one from Finland.  Peryour faithlessness than that you should haps that would give him a ray of light,
either not let the letter come into her in the midst of the darkness that surhands, or that you would use it for the rounded him.  There was a mixture of
furtherance of some miserable end. You jubilant joy and despair in the feeling
answered me,' When you have seen such that filled Lothard's breast; joy at the
a trait in me, then express your con- thought that Skuldfrid had fled even
tempt, but until that day you have no from these deeply hated rivals, that she
right to distrust or insult me, and you was not Tage's bride, and despair over
could never be able to shield Skuldfrid her traceless disappearance.
so well from all harm  as does my deep   The letter from Finland was in a handrespect for her! You may call me a writing well known to Lothard.  It was
villain the day that anything false or from Wagner, written in French, and of
faithless steals into my conduct towards the following import:her or any other person.'
"'Such were your words. I did not   "HERR  BARON CANITZ: You  have
believe them, because I never have be- several times told me that I was guilty
lieved a Canitz.  Your behavior has of hypocrisy when I called myself your
proven that I was right.  You are a friend.  You have for years regarded me
villain, for you have beguiled the young with suspicion, and you have in all my
girl into ruin, made her forget her friends words tried to find a pitfall into which I
and trample upon their honor.          sought to lead you. I have borne all this
"You may perhaps ask by what right as a man, fully convinced  that you
I mingle in her affairs. By the right I would one day be obliged to do me juspossess as a near relative and her father's tice. When that day shall dawn I will
brother.  You ought therefore to en- not pretend to say, sufficient that it will
lighten me without delay about the fate come, and until then may you distrust
of my nliece, and what lot you intend for me.  It is not to change your opinion of
her; in any other case, I shall through me in the least that I now write to you;
the Russian Minister here present the no, Herr Baron, it is to fulfil a duty.
matter in high places, and you can easily    " You know that at your father, the
perceive what the consequences would be General's death-bed, there were none
of such a proceeding on my part.       present except me and his now deceased
"VICTOR ABERNEY."   valet.  Consequently what was then said
none but I know, as the grave hides the
Had any one given Lothard a blow in other witness.  One hour before he drew
the face, had the ceiling fallen upon his his last breath he confided to me the
head, it would not have occasioned the enclosed letter saying,' In the case my
consternation which now seized him.    son, in some important period of his life,
Skuldfrid had thus not gone to Sweden. should desire to quit the Russian service,
She had not fled to her friends and rel- or if any hindrance to his happiness or
atives.  What then had become of her q prosperity should arise in consequence
Where was she q Lothard was in a laby- of his being a Russian subject, then give
rinth of conjectures, from which he in him this, and he is free. You must not
vain sought a guiding  thread.  After place it in his hands before you consider
many futile endeavors to find an expla- him mature enough to determine his own
nation which could in some slight meas- acts with wisdom and discretion.




148                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"I send you the paper entrusted to me, tice of which you have been guilty tofully convinced that you have attained wards your former tutor,
sufficient strength of character to judge                   "J. WAGNER."
of your own actions, and that you besides
stand at a turning-point in your life, in   Without a moment's delay Lothard
which this paper may perhaps be of ines- opened the letter that was enclosed in
timable value.  Poorly should I know the Doctor's.  It was a document signed
the human heart if you did not just now by the Russian Emperor, giving the heirs
desire to be free.  I hope you clearly of General Canitz the right to leave the
perceive that I on this occasion act as a Russian service and return to Sweden, if
friend, and not as an enemy.  Had I they so desired it. To this however was
been the latter, you would never have attached the condition, that they forreceived this document.               feited all the estates and money they
"Now a word in conclusion. You con- possessed  in  Russia. Kronobro they
sider me to have acted faithlessly in re- could keep as being an inherited estate;
gard to Mademoiselle Smidt; in this case but all that Russian generosity had
I must submit to your injustice.  I will given them as a pledge of its favor, and
however inform you of one thing, namely, in recompense for the zeal with which they
that when you sent me to Ektorp to as- had served the country, must be relinsist her, I found my patient more ailing quished the moment they left Russia.
in soul than in body. WThat had passed   If anything had power now to rejoice
between you and her I do not know.  It Lothard, it was the reading of this documust have been something very terrible, ment. Had it comprised the loss of all
for she repeated continually,' That was he possessed, and compelled him to, leave
then the great secret. 0 God, have mercy as a beggar the land in which he now
upon me!' For two days and nights she enjoyed a princely fortune, he would
was completely out of her senses; but on have chosen to be a free beggar.  No
the third day when I came she appeared to choice was now  needed.  Kronobro in
me calm.  She then forced from me the itself yielded a considerable income.  So
promise not to inform you of the resolu- he threw away with pleasure the fortune
tion she had taken, and which she com- which his father and grandfather had
municated to me, namely, to leave Fin- acquired in a manner so unworthy.  He
land. I gave her my word that I should did not wish to  keep  one kopelr of
not give you the letter she wrote, before it.
eight days had elapsed.                 With his letter of liberation in his
"You will perhaps say that it was not pocket, he went to the Emperor to antreating you in the right way. Possibly; nounce his decision; afterwards he would
but as a human being and a man with a leave the Empire that he had never loved.
heart I could not have conducted myself
differently towards the-young girl, who
had resolved to die rather than see you
again. Where she has gone I do not   We will now see how life shaped itself
know.                                 for Professor Aberney, after he had been
"Now, Herr Baron, I have only to add obliged to leave Finland so precipitately
that I will resign my position at Krono- and established his home in Sweden.
bro the same day that I obtain my dis- Aberney was in possession of no inconcharge from the post of provincial phy- siderable fortune, derived partly from
sician.  Our ways are thus separated. inheritance and partly  from  his own
May you never have to repent the injus- endeavors.  Shortly  before the event




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           149
which resulted  in his expulsion from  to conceal the residence they should subFinland, he lost through a failure over sequently choose. In this letter was enhalf of his property.  The remainder closed one addressed to Aberney, which
secured him from need, and in connec- she begged the pastor to forward to
tion with his salary as Professor would him.
have been sufficient for the satisfaction   The letter to Aberney was evidently
of his small wants, had not banishment written in an exceedingly agitated state
deprived him of his place in the Univer- of mind, and gave witness that the young
sity.  Consequently  all that now  re- girl was governed by bitter and painful
mained was the revenue from Junta.    feelings.  She prayed Aberney so beAberney's first consideration, upon his seechingly, that even in the future when
arrival in Sweden, was to seek an engage- the truth was revealed to him, he should
ment whereby he could profitably employ endeavor to think of her without rancor
his unusual knowledge, at the same time or anger.  She said she would rather fly
that he was enabled to enjoy pecuniary to the ends of the earth, than see his
independence.                         feelings towards her changed.  She closed
There are men who, even if they had with these words: —
been placed among the most remote
mountains of Lapland, would still, through   ".... Dearer thanall that I have hithertheir manifold attainments and superior to loved have I held my uncle, and thereability, make their names so known, that fore it would be impossible for me to enthe fame would extend far and wide. dure a change in his affection. The loss
Aberney was a man of this kind; his of all else I could bear, but never the
scientific culture and his genius were as discovery that I was no longer-your dear
much spoken of in Stockholm as in Abo; Skuldfrid, and that there was anything
and when he landed upon Swedish soil between us that could separate me from
as an exile, he was received with open my friend, my father.  Ah, uncle, I fly,
arms by Sweden, which always embraced fly, praying God to let me keep the reevery opportunity that offered to mani- membrance of your kindness and love as
fest its deep and undiminished regard for a consolation, for all that has been taken
Finland and its sons.  In short, the cele- from me. Greet Tage and beg him to
brated Finn obtained a situation as Pro- forget me. My weak and perverse heart
fessor (where or what it was is of no con- was not created for him, but until my
sequence).  He had soon become so in- death shall I remember his love and
corporated  with his position, that he yours as the dearest treasures life has
would have been perfectly contented with possessed for me. Think without bitterthe new turn his affairs had taken, had ness or ill-will of uncle's deeply unhappy
not the painful intelligeilce arrived from                   "SKULDFRID."
Finland that Skuldfrid and her mother
had left their former abode, without in-   This letter filled Aberney with sorrow.
forming even the pastor of their where- What should he think.  To what did she
abouts.  Some days after their departure allude, if not to the weakness which made
the pastor received a letter from Skuld- her abandon  fatherland  and friends?
frid, in which she thanked him for all the And what could that weakness be, if not
kindness he had shown her and her her love for Canitz? The pastor's letter
mother, adding that various circumstances also referred to something of the kind.
compelled them  to leave their native What was more natural than that Aberland. The cause which led them to take ney should write to the man he considthis step made it necessary for Skuldfrid ered to have played the miserable role of




[[50                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
deceiver.  We know  the substance of lacked several.  He had that elasticity
Aberney's letter.                      of soul which renders the sons of the sea
Tage received the intelligence of Skuld- unwilling to fraternize with a real grief,
fiid's disappearance with such outbursts but makes them shake it off or thrust it
of feeling, that Aberney needed all his aside.  They desire nothing  between
power over the young man to make him  them and the life of activity which beuse his reason.                        longs to  their vocation.  Lively  and
This fancy, which from  his earliest frank, Tage was a seaman in heart and
youth had attached Tage to Skuldfrid, soul, but his mind lacked that practical
had taken firm hold of his heart, and he ability which is absolutely necessary.
could not conceive of any joy or happi- Add to this that he was extremely obstiness without her.  He had never dreamt nate, and could only with effort endure
of any future felicity except at her side; the rein which discipline imposes; nor
and he had judged Skuldfrid's feelings so was he adapted to a career in the navy.
entirely by his own, that he had never He had however chosen it from free will,
for a moment allowed the fear of losing because he fancied that true liberty ought
her to arise in his soul. And now, when to be found upon the sea.  It would rehe had relied so trustingly upon getting quire years and much effort before Tage
some warm, loving words in response to could become reconciled to the thought
his letter, there came the intelligence of that all liberty without bounds is an
her disappearance.  She had perhaps fled enormity, for which no wise or reasonable
with him, that man who had stolen into person ought to strive.
her heart like a thief.                  Aberney had with joy seen Tage deAberney did not express any of his ap- part for Carlscrona, because he foresaw
prehensions to Tage, but at the perusal that he would there be thrown into a
of Skuldfrid&s letter they arose of them- circle of activity, which would leave him
selves.  Some weeks elapsed, during no time to worry.
which Tage abandoned himself to his   After he had gone Aberney wrote to
grief, his jealousy, and his resentment, Lothard, and awaited the answer with
when he fortunately received orders to go some impatience. Several weeks passed,
to Carlscrona to do service there.     before he received the following note: —
New objects as well as constant occupation dissipated his grief somewhat, or   " HERR PROFESSOR: I have received
at least forced it into the background. your letter, and  truly  do not know
Tage's naturally happy disposition again what you allude to.  Consequently I
asserted itself, and after some weeks' stay cannot reply to it; but within two or
in Carlscrona, in company with gay and at the most three weeks I shall in
cheerful comrades, he soon became al- person present myself to you in Stockmost himself again.  It was difficult to holm, in order to give and demand an
detect any trace of sorrow in his face; explanation.
still it was there connected with the                   "LOTHARD CANITZ."
memory of Skuldfrid. The love for her
was as a mark of fire in his soul, which   Three or four weeks elapsed without
neither time nor condition could take Aberney's hearing anything further from
away, although he might perhaps have Lothard.  The Professor began to conappeared to a superficial observer to have sider the whole note as a feint to gain
forgotten it.                          time, and finally took the resolution to
Tage possessed certain qualities that try to gain some information with regard
ought to distinguish seamen, while he to Skuldfrid's fate through the Russian




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           151
ambassador, when one day Aunt Sara knew  the Professor could easily have
came rushing into his room, pale as perceived, from the accent of his clear
death, and stammering in an unsteady and resonant voice, that the impression
voice,                                Lothard made on him must have been
"Victor, Baron Canitz is out there in agreeable. He believed that he had read
the saloon and wishes to see you."    in the young man's handsome face a,
The Professor rose, saying,-        character quite different from the one he
"Indeed, I am glad that he at least had expected to find.
had the courage to present himself here."   "I know that, Herr Professor, but the
"And you intend toreceive a Canitz un- delay was caused by certain formalities
der your roof! " exclaimed Sara, striking which I was obliged to undergo before I
her hands together.  "You, an Aberney, could throw off the Russian yoke, and as
allow  him to remain a minute within a free man place my foot upon Swedish
your doors!"                          soil. Now I am here to give you all the
"Aunt," said Aberney, seriously, "young explanation you can require of me, and
Canitz and I must meet.  He who en- which I can furnish, after which I shall
ters my door, be he friend or enemy, demand the same for the charge you
will I always greet as a guest.  That is have made against me  "
an old and customary civility in the   "Baron Canitz, I desire to know what
North."  The Professor bade Aunt Sara fate has befallen Skuldfrid 3"  This time
to have the Baron shown in.           Aberney's voice was pretty sharp.
In  a few moments these two men   "But how can you turn to me with
again stood face to face, both with heads this question 3 Have you actually for a
carried high, and looking proudly at each moment entertained the thought that
other, while they exchanged a cold salu- she, the pure, uncorrupted girl, could like
tation.                               a criminal adventuress go with me from
The only time they had met before her home and leave her friends in ignowas in Abo, when Lothard, after an inter- rance of her fate  "
view with the Governor, had so arranged."Why these grand words? She has
it that Aberney was only ordered to fled in a mysterious manner, and only an
leave Finland.  When Lothard, on this unfortunate  attachment to you could
occasion, called on Aberney, and obtained have tempted her to do it," said Aberney,
the letter he sent to Skuldfrid, some bit- calmly but decidedly.
ter words had been uttered by the Pro-   A  painful and bitter smile curled
fessor, and both were then so wrought Lothard's lips when he replied, -
up, that they had scarcely retained any   "You said an unfortunate attachment
impression of each other's outer appear- to me; if you had said a deep aversion,
ance.  Now, on the contrary, they were you  would have come nearer to the
cool and composed. They looked at each truth. And to prove this to you, I will
other for several seconds, as if they show you the letter she sent me after her
wanted to find out how much honesty departure."
and  truth  their  features  exhibited.   Lothard handed him Skuldfrid's letter.
Lothard, younger and less accustomed to When Aberney read it he grew pale.
read in the human eye what it concealed   "Then you know Skuldfrid's mother,"
of good or evil, maintained silence longer, said he in a muffled voice.
and Aberney thus became the one to   "The day before you left Abo, I disbreak it.                             covered for the first time that Fru Smidt
"You have let me wait a long time, and Harmen Aberney were one and the
Herr Baron," said Aberney; and one who same person."




152                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"How did you know her sad story."  syllable further being exchanged between
" Herr Professor, I cannot tell you. them; but both separated with a mutual
Let it suffice that I. am familiar with it; feeling of interest.
but what I did not know was, that you
were brother to Skuldfrid's father.  Had
I known that, believe me, much would
then have been different."               Three years had  elapsed since the
Lothard now related quite simply all above-described  conversation  between
that had passed between him and Skuld- Lothard and Aberney.  Spring had again
frid after Aberney's departure, his words covered the earth with verdure, and the
uttered in anger about Skuldfrid's moth- clear blue sky spread its arch over land
er, and what had afterwards followed.    and sea.
Aberney sat thoughtful and listened,   Vessels that had laid up during the
as if trying to draw some conclusion from  winter were now preparing for sea.  The
this account that could explain Skuld- seaman's heart swelled with hope aind
frid's flight. When Lothard finished, he satisfaction.  He should again plough the
said more to himself than in the form of waves, again wrestle with the storm or
a question,-                           speed towards new  coasts.  The rest on
"But why this secret departure, this land had seemed long, the air suffocatdisappearance? "                       ing, and an indescribable longing filled
"The mother's crime is the only ex- his breast.
planation," said Lothard,glooimily. "The   What is the sailor's true fatherland?
consciousness that any stranger knew it, aThe sea. As we, when separated from our
drove the proud girl far away from those native land, turn our homesick eyes towho were in possession of the secret. wards the horizon, and stretch our arms
How deeply must she not detest the one towards the Rubicon of our hopes, so
who dared to utter what she believed to does the sailor also when he has been a
be unknown to all!"                   long time on land.  His heart becomes
"And which was a secret to herself," *oppressed, his mind consumed, and he
said Aberney, sadly.                   sighs for the broad ocean.
"What do you say?" exclaimed Lo-   In the month of May 183-, a frigate
thard; "'did not Skuldfrid know  her which we will call the Carolina set sail
mother's tragic life? "               from Carlscrona on a Mediterranean ex"CC No, she was in complete ignorance pedition.  All on board the stately manof it, as well as of her mother's right of-war were in the best of spirits.  They
name and relationship to me."          had bid the land a glad farewell, and
"O my God, what a dastardly act, gave a jubilant greeting to the restless
have I then committed!" murmured Lo- waves.
thard.  He rose and extended his hand   The seca  This boundless realm with
to Aberney, saying: " If you can, Herr destruction in its bosom and poetic beauProfessor, then forgive me the suffering ty upon its surface, fearful in its rage,
I have occasioned you through her.  For- wonderful in its stillness.  One is awegive me also the hatred and the ill-will I struck when it roars, and filled with melhave nourished  towards you.  What ancholy when it lies slumbering  and
fearful suffering have I not caused! "    dreaming.  The silence of its tranquillity
Aberney took the offered hand without paralyzes, the fury of its storms fevers
saying anything in reply, but he pressed the blood.
it in a manner that said more than words.   Life on the sea is so gonotonous, we
Lothard then took his leave, without a hear many utter.  Only the superficial




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            153
observer can so express himself, not the His thought guides this whole moving
thoughtful one.  For the latter the machine, he is the one who commands
ocean possesses a rich source of reflection. for the time, and holds the life and welHe may see its billows frothing with fare of all in his hand, and upon whose
foam, or dashing wildly onward, yet it vigilance and judgment all on board
continually offers new pictures to admire, must rely when the god of slumber visand fresh subjects for.contemplation, for its them.
fancy, and for research.                 Before we continue our description
The frigate Carolina had left Cadiz for we will in the dim  light examine this
Gibraltar the day previous to that on man. His features seem familiar.  We
which we visit her.                    surely have seen the tall and slender
The little floating community which is figure of the young First Lieutenant once
comprised in the term " man-of-war " is an before.  In this countenance, with its
exceedingly peculiar sight and one well stern, serious, but yet rapt and ideal
worthy of attention.  It offers many expression, we have no difficulty in recopportunities to admire the power of the ognizing  Lothard  Constantin  Canitz.
human spirit to regulate all things, from  His glance, that looks straight forward,
the least to the greatest.             has something melancholy, which not
To one who is unacquainted with the even the strained attention can dissipate.
management of a vessel and the precis- That the thoughts or reveries which the
ion with which everything on board is silence has evoked do not draw him from
adapted to its proper time and place, it his duty is evident from the scrutinizing
must be an enigma how so much can be glance which he ever and anon casts
accomplished, how so much can be per- around him, and which shows that he
formed within a given time,, and how realizes completely the responsibility of
space can be found for it all. With one his post.
who does not know the activity and order   At this present period the life at sea
upon a war vessel the question must un- was all to Lothard.  There were no tenlavoidably arise, What can the officers der ties that bound him to the land, no
and three or four hundred men find to delightful hopes or intense longing which
do during a long voyage?  How do they linked his thoughts to any given spot
pass the long days?  Let us begin by on earth.  No, he stood alone, regretted
casting a glance upon the deck of the by none and expected by no anxiously
vessel, as daybreak  pierces the mists beating heart.  Forward or back, whichthat hover over the blue depths.  The ever way he looked, he stood alone;
ship rocks upon the waves lightly and alone with a tortured feeling and memocarelessly.  Perhaps we may find some ries that were burnt into his soul, which
persons known to us on board.          made all else but life at sea indifferent
It is during the morning watch.  All to him.  There, with heaven's infinite
is so still, so mystic in the half-light, arch above and the abyss of ocean bewhich is yet more obscure through the neath, he was at home, and lived in
spread sails.  At the stern stand two thoughts of the painful past.  But we
or three men at drill, still as mummies, will leave him, and continue our walk on
with one eye on the compass and the deck.
other on the sails, repeating the second's  In the waist are a portion of the watch
"All right," " Steady," etc. At the post that were called out at four o'clock, and
of command stands the officer on duty; are not yet fully awake; some are leannow peering into the distance, and again ing against the launch, and some are
casting searching glances at the weather. sitting on the gun-carriages, while oth



154                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
ers walk slowly to and fro on the fore- It was the voice of the man whom he
castle.                                considered to have plundered him of his
Forward on a cannon the officer of richest hopes.  He leaned over the rail,
the forecastle stands leaning against the while in inward anger lie clenched his
rail, with a night-glass in his hand. fists convulsively and muttered, -
He is the Second Lieutenant, a young   "The mere presence of that man
man with a strong, lithe frame and a fine makes my blood boil  "
Northern appearance.  These clear blue   Lothard's voice again sounded, -
-eyes have we also seen before, for they    "The jib lifts.  The jib is not hoisted
belong to Tage Aberney.  His features, enough."
generally so untroubled, are on this oc-   Tage jumped from the cannon to windcasion almost disfigured by an expression ward, where he stood during his watch,
of bitterness.  The post he occupies, the went over to leeward, and saw that the
responsibility  imposed  upon  him, all condition was actually as Lothard's words
seem to be forgotten for the unpleasant indicated.  Tage commanded,
thoughts that occupy his mind.  He   " A pull on the jib halyard!"
stands motionless, and so absorbed in   The order was immediately executed
meditation that one would be tempted by the forecastle men, after which Tage
to. believe he has forgotten where he is. went back to his place.
Neither the raging sea nor the striking   This neglect of Tage, in not noticing
of the bell, which with its metal tongue what Lothard had called his attention to,
announces the passage of time, nor the made the latter leave the poop and go
lookout's "All's well," which  is re- forward.  Without saying a word to
peated in all tones to the very mast- Tage, he went by him, cast a look at
head, seems to reach his ear. He re- the sails, and then turned to him, askmains perfectly indifferent to everything, ing,
even to the dawning light in the east.   "Why are not the fore  bow-lines
Lothard now cast a searching look for- hauled out. "
ward, and then placing the speaking-   " I dare not haul. them out any more,"
trumpet to his mouth he cried in his answered Tage, touching his cap. "They
clear voice, "6 Forecastle, there  "   are as taut as they will bear."
This call from  the stern concerned   Lothard looked at him with eyes that
the one whb had command at the fore- boded anything but good.  He now had
castle.                               it in his power to profit by a right which
Tage started and turned round quickly. is seldom used by an officer on duty,
"Halloa!" cried he, in answer to the un- namely, that of humiliating a subordinate
expected call.                         by meddling, so to speak, in that which
Poor Tage! he had so abandoned him- belongs to his department.  Lothard, we
self to his mournful reveries, that he had must, alas! confess it, eagerly embraced
become unmindful of the outer world. this opportunity to humble Tage.
Solitude, the mother of all elevated and   " She is not braced up enough," said
base, good and terrible thoughts, had he, and without waiting for a reply, he
called up vanished memories and earlier cried, "Haul on the lee fore braces!"
illusions which had long since been buried   The men flew to the braces, the boatin the cold grave of reality.  All that he swain's pipe sounded slowly a signal to
had believed himself to possess and had haul, and one wing of the giant bird
now lost came before his soul, and who turned; the bolts and rigging creaked,
or what was it that called him back from  and the back stays swayed.
this review of the past to the present?   Lothard had in the mean time remained




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                          155
forward. When he thought the ship was Byron calls "Creation's eldest child,"
taut enough, he commanded, "Belay i"  but were only absorbed in the consideraThen he turned to Tage with an iron- tion of allthe ill they had suffered through
ical smile, saying, " Now, if you please, each other.  Under the influence of these
haul out the fore bow-lines better than feelings they stood silent and motionless
you did awhile ago."  He now went aft. as statues; with the one difference that
There is nothing that wounds an offi- Lothard did not for an instant neglect
cer so deeply, although he may be the the duties assigned to him, while Tage
youngest second lieutenant in the navy forgot everything in his discomfiture. An
and on his first voyage, as when the offi- hour thus elapsed. Tage had now and
cer on duty comes forward to manage and then turned his head to throw a long and
direct that which is his own especial burning glance at the man who now ruled
province.  The ground of this is perhaps him by the power of office and rank.
a false ambition, a childish conviction   The mists of night yet lingered over
which exists with most subordinates, that the water. They were waiting the mothey are above all correction; an idea ment when the king of day should free
that with the epaulettes a perfect capa- himself from  the embrace of night.
city follows for everything.          Their light veil began to fade before
Tage considered that his dignity was the first tender rays which the sun sent
offended in an insulting manner, and this, forth to greet the clay, before he raised
added to the acrimony he felt before, in- his glowing face above the waves to strew
creased his antipathy to Lothard to the the shining surface of the sea with gold.
highest degree. He now however stifled There was something magically fascinatthe resentment that boiled within his ing and grandly beautiful in the moment
breast; but he swore that Lothard should when the sun entered upon his course
one day repay him richly for all the hu- through the blue firmament.
miliations he had suffered at his hands.   Lothard put his hand to his cap with
The rage that filled him was now held a melancholy smile at the sight of the
back by the power of discipline, and habit brilliant morning sun, as if to send it his
of obeying when one is on board ship; but greeting. His comrade forward, on the
once freed from these restraints, Tage contrary, did not bestow a glance upon
would be formidable.  He did not under- the glorious presence.
stand the doctrine of forgetting and for-   The sun's rising upon sea and land is
giving. He only comprehended that he the signal for life and activity. So also
must have his revenge, cost what it would. on board the Carolina.
He looked gloomily at the long dark   The magic power of night was broken
waves that rolled against the prow of the by the approach of light.
frigate.  Over the whole watery desert   At the rising of the sun the wind
which surrounded the vessel a half-light changed two points in their favor. Loyet rested, which was in perfect harmony thard's quick attention remarked this imwith the sombre, turbulent, and angry mediately.  He ordered,feelings that raged within his breast.  "Haul on the weather braces; let go
The sea sang its monotonous and mighty the bow-lines; haul away! "
song to the two young men, who on both   There can scarcely be anything more
sides entertained the most unkind feelings rejoicing for those who have cruised a
towards each other. They did not listen long time against a contrary wind, than
to the simple and majestic strain, they when they hear the welcome words, " Let
only heard the dark spirits within them. go the bow-lines, haul on the weather
They had now no mind for that sea which braces."  The sound calls all to their feet,




156                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
and the watch compete to reach the ropes   All personal interests were now obliged
first. It was lively as a dance. The aft to give place to the activity and comrnlosails were braced according to the wind. tion that ensued.  Each and all of the
Now came the turn of the fore sails.   officers had now  as much as they could
" Haul on the weather fore braces!" attend to.
commanded Lothard.                       From  the spar deck to the berth
The fore braces were not hauled; and deck, even to the most remote corner,
not a word was reported.'The head the quietest hainmock, sounded like an
sails were already lifted, when Lothard echo, "All hands, all hands! " and it
jumped down from his place and sprang may truly be said that it is the mlost disforward to Tage, asking him with heat, -  turbing sound for a slumbering sailor.
"'What has come over you, Lieuten- The activity of the day is then virtually
ant; why are not the fore yards prop- begun.
erly braced "'                           In vain do we attempt to form an idea
Tage, who felt the previous reprimand of the perfect neatness and order that
burning like a coal within  him, an- prevail on board a man-of-war. It is not
swered, -                              alone the want of space that calls for
"'I have not received any order to do it." this, but it is the essential condition of
Lothard looked at him with a cold and comfort and well-being.  Therefore the
almost contemptuous expression, advanced first thing that is done, after the men
a step nearer to him, and said in a low- have been called out and taken mess, is
ered voice, -                          a general cleaning up of the vessel.
" Herr Lieutenant, he fills his position   What would you, my amiable and inpoorly who only does what he is ordered." comparable housekeepers say, of a houseAfter Lothard said this he returned cleaning that could be done in an hour q
aft.  The fore yards were trimmed with It must inevitably be very incomplete,
the after ones, and during the remainder or, rather, it cannot deserve the name.
of this watch. no further words were ex- Why, it requires as much time as that to
changed between them.                  sweep two or three floors. You shrug
Tage had flung a threatening look after your shoulders and regard it as a fiction.
his comrade and muttered, -            Yet it is nothing of the kind, but a fact,
"What infernal fate has thrown us that in one hour's time such a thorough
upon the same plank and doomed me to cleaning takes place, that there is not a
live with that wretch?  These watches, spot that has been neglected.
which he and I must have together, these   Tage anld  Lothard had  also  other
satanic pin-thrusts that he always gives things to think about than their mutual
me at the least opportunity, all are calcu- hostility, for one had to see that the men
lated to rouse my aversion.  It is certain aft of the main mast attended properly
that before we separate I shall be as bad to their duties, while the other had his
a man as he, so demoralized do I become post forward.
through my hatred to him."               The deck at such a moment presentIWhile Tage was holding this soliloquy, ed a singular picture. The crew, with
the boatswain, holding the signal-pipe to pants and shirt-sleeves rolled up, came
his mouth, stood waiting at the main with  buckets  of water, which  was
hatches with his eyes fastened upon Lo- poured in rushing streams over the decks.
thard, who in the capacity of officer on Some strewed sand over the wet decks,
duty cried out when the last stroke an- and another set got down on their knees
nounced five bells, -                  and scoured the planks with soft Malta
" Turn out, all hands  "            stone; after these came yet others who




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           157
went over it with mops; then clean will for each other, which it would be
water washed away the sand; and the wisest to throw overboard."
deck was finally swabbed by another de-   " Do you mean to say that I ought to
tachment in turn.                     be blind to Aberney's neglect while on
Thus is the cleaning performed quick- duty. "
ly and briskly.  I defy any housekeeper   "I mean to say that there should be
to exhibit a cleaner and whiter floor than no enemies on board of a vessel, but only
the second can show his chief after a few comrades. The winds of the sea blow
days' process of this kind. Each one has away all disagreements."   Steen left
with this, as with all the operations on Lothard, who went upon the gun-deck,
board, his definite duty, and this explains while he thought with a peculiar bitterthe rapidity with which in less than an ness, -
hour the whole vessel, boats, gun-car-   "Blow  away all disagreements; yes,
riages, everything loose and fast, is neat disagreements, that is true; but neither
and trim.                             sea nor land can heal the wounds of the
By eight o'clock the vessel's toilet soul or allay the animosity that the sight
is made, and all is in order on board, of a hated rival engenders.  The mere
except the polishing of the brass or- thought of that ring he wears rouses my
naments which  are  found here and enmity against him. It is a souvenir
there.                                from her.  Her name is engraved upon
Lothard's and Tage's watch was now it.  Ah, were I to travel around the
ended.   When they met in passing globe or to pass my whole life separated
through the gun-room, Lothard said to from  everything that reminded me of
Tage as he went by him,-              her, I could still never be able to forget
" In the way that you, Lieutenant, that this Tage was so unspeakably dear
attend to your watch, I shall be obliged to her.  And I —I should be a good
to perform the whole duty, and that is comrade towards him! I should not be
something I do not feel disposed to do in human if I could do that."
the future."                            At ten o'clock the exercises began and
"' Present to the Commander what you continued till a quarter past eleven. The
have to remark," said Tage defiantly, and power of both mind and body are then so
passed on.                            in demand, that every one who takes
Lothard looked after him.  Tage went part in them must throw away all sickly
into his cabin.  One of Lothard's older dreams, all brooding upon sorrow and
comrades, First Lieutenant Steen, the misery.
only one on board with whom he stood   One can say of the seaman's life, that
on anything like an intimate footing, it is an incessant struggle, a chain of
approached him, saying, as he slapped endless activities and unremitting strife
Lothard familiarly on the shoulder, -    with unforeseen difficulties and exertions.
" Tell me frankly, Canitz, why are you A plank a few inches in thickness, which
so ill-disposed toward Aberney.  You a hidden rock can split, saves the seaman
have continually some remark to make."  from  death.  From  the moment he
" Never except with regard to the ser- places his foot on board the vessel, new
vice," answered Lothard, coldly.      dangers yawn for him  every moment.
"That is true; but you are not as It requires men to devote their lives to a
particular with your other shipmates; career so full of peril, - men who know
towards them you are more lenient.  I how to die.
greatly fear that you and Aberney have   When we see a proud and beautiful
gone to sea with an inward cargo of ill- man-of-war at anchor, when we have the




158                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
pleasure of beholding from the land how between the sailor and the soldier; for
its crew " man the yards," etc., it does the former stands far above the latter.
not occur to us to make any further He must endure more hardships and
reflections upon this department of the needs more courage and intrepidity than
country's defence.  We see in the crew  the soldier on land.  If this is the case
soldiers at sea, and in the officers men in general, how much more then in time
whlo wear the uniform of the navy.  For of war.  In the battle, when the balls of
the rest we devote no further thought to the enemy whistle around him, he has not
them than to any of the land army, and only to think of the destruction these may
yet let us regard these men a little closer, occasion, but he must also have his attenwho in all lands where there is a fleet tion directed to the wave, the dear yet
constitute the pride of the nation.     treacherous wave.  While the soldier on
What~ then is a sailor.   A  being land can at least trust the soil on which
thrown out into the world to labor and he stands and fights, the seaman expects
forsake, who never knows what it is to every moment to see the bark  upon
enjoy undisturbed rest or a regular man- which he is struggling fall to pieces.
ner of life.  He has a language and hab- Wherever he turns death stares him  in
its of his own, and a peculiar way of the face, not only from the enemy's batacting; all in consequence of his voca- teries, but from  the depths of the sea
tion.  This is a picture of his exist- and in the pitiless rage of the storm.
ence::                                   With all this we find nowhere so much
Weary from toil, he throws himself into briskness, cheerfulness, and. vivacity as
his hammock; but scarcely has he closed with the seaman.  He likes these vicissihis eyes, before a thundering voice, like tudes, he is fond of danger, he has a
the trumpet of doom, calls him upon deck mind and an eye for the beautiful and
to battle with a furious sea, a tumultuous sublime, and his character resembles the
element which shows him every second element to which he devotes his life;
an almost certain death.  He is not al- quietly dreaming, when calm  surrounds
lowed to think of himself, of the danger him; cheerful, when a fresh wind fills
or the horrible roaring of the storm; he the sails; watchful and energetic, when
must have but one thought, and that is the storm rages; light and frivolous when
to catch. the word of command so as to he places his foot on terra firma.  He
obey instantly.  The vessel is his world, has nothing which belongs to him, either
its preservation his duty, and he must of joy or sorrow; all takes the stamp of
remain unconcerned if in these efforts he the capricious sea.  Ah, I never see an
should lose his life.  Not yet dry from a old seaman without wishing to take him
rain, which when it has a storm  in tow, by the hand; for vividly before my soul
again drives him up into the rigging, he stands all that he has suffered and enis still deluged by the floods of sea and dured, and I realize how much courage
heaven.  Scarcely has he sought his sol- it requires to labor thus for others.
itary couch, wearied and exhausted from    But these reflections have perhaps
all these labors, before the bell announces kept us too long from  the scene of my
that the hour of rest is past, and that his story.
place is up there in the cold, whistling    The morning's drill is ended.  After
blast.                                  the cleaning is over, the men have their
Thus for men who choose this voca- dinner.  The officers, with the exception
tion a much  greater strength of soul of those on duty, gather in the gunand body is required than for any other room, where they talk over the events of
career, and no comparison can be made the day, that is to say, they criticise the




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            159
manmceuvres that have been made.  One   "Before we express ourselves further
ought to have been done so, and another on this subject," said Lieutenant Steen,
in a different way.                     "let us first make clear what a seaman
Lothard generally said little, and sel- is."
dom entered into any conversation, save   " A man whose calling is to live on the
that which related to sea life, the ves- sea," responded one of the officers; "unllsel's manceuvres, etc.  Whenever he less, like us, he has to live the greater
expressed himself on these subjects, he part of the time on land," added he,
evinced such a thorough knowledge and laughing.
comprehension, such a clear judgment   "The Lieutenant's answer is very corand lively interest, that one and all lis- rect," rejoined Lothard, with a subtle
tened with attention to what he said. On smile; " but the question will bear a
these  occasions he displayed superior little closer consideration, and as we
ability, while he spoke at such tinles have the various denominations of offiwith a simplicity not usually found in cer, sailor, mariner, we must unavoidably
his proud demeanor.                    seek certain distinctions between them
On the above-mentioned day they had which are well defined.  Let us, in the
achieved a very fine manceuvre.  Once first place, speak of a good sailor, to bein the gun-room, they all, with the excep- gin with this prominent class among us
tion of Tage, collected round Lothard to sons of the sea, who are to be regarded
hear his opinion.  The stern, cold face as the most practical of all the men who
became unusually animated, his eyes consecrate their lives to the service and
sparkled, and he expressed himself with glory of a country.  Skilful in all that is
so much warmth and interest that every required of him, quick, active, vigilant,
one listened to him with pleasure.     bold, and hardy, he is as if formed to
Tage had thrown himself down at the brave every danger, to endure the hardother end of the room.  The discussion ships of every climate, all the discomwas particularly  animated.  Pale and forts of labor and want of rest, and to
with a clouded brow Tage looked over at submit to all possible privations.  He is
his hated rival, whom he considered, in a perfectly disciplined soldier, not only
spite of all that should have proven the because accustomed to subordination, but
contrary, to have been the  cause of because impressed with a conviction of
Skuldfrid's disappearance.  The interest the necessity of instant obedience; and
which his companions manifested for Lo- yet, while he does what is commanded
thard irritated Tage as much as the elo- without a moment's hesitation, he perquence and proficiency with which he ceives immediately the right or the wrong,
presented  his views.  He  felt angry the strength or weakness, of the order he
when he thought that this Canitz stood executes.  He realizes directly the differabove him in rank, in knowledge, in the ence between an officer able to direct
correct discharge of his duties, yes, in him, and one who merely bears the title,
everything; and the result of it all was between the genuine naval officer and
that Lothard was regarded as a model one who has only a theoretical knowledge,
by the superior officers.              without possessing the practical judgWhile Tage was doing all in his power ment that he has himself.  Therefore it
to embitter his mind against his older is more necessary in the navy than anycomrade, the  conversation  continued. where else, that the command corresponds
They had passed from the consideration in all respects to the claims that can be
of the manceuvre in question to reflec- made upon it, or it otherwise becomes
tions upon the seaman's career.        the object of contempt with the crew it




160                       GUILT AND  INNOCENCE.
is to govern, and whose life depends en- first day he is on board, what is lacking.
tirely upon its supremacy."             As soon as he perceives this, he must be
"That is all perfectly true," returned indefatigable in repairing the defects, and
Lieutenant Steen; "but the sailor is through daily practice and the greatest
only to be regarded as a machine after strictness and exactness in every exercise
all, a tool or a means for the accomplish- or manceuvre, down to the minutest dement of the thought which issues from  tails, train his men  to  the  required
the commander.  He cannot possibly fill standard.  If these efforts are seconded
any higher role."                       by his officers, he will succeed unavoida"Perhaps that is so; but impossible as bly in making his crew perfectly capable
it is for the soul to manifest any of its and reliable.  If any mortal has the
ideas without the assistance of the body, right to feel proud, in the true sense of
is it for a naval officer to become any- the word, over the power of his will, and
thing without a good crew."              what he has gained through it, then it is
"Yet the soul is of higher value than the commander of a ship of the officers
the body."                               and crew that he has drilled.  It is his
"True, but it can accomplish nothing zeal and interest that made them what
of any avail, without the body's assist- they are, and if any one ought to be
ance."                                  loved it is he.  If he is a truly superior
"Think of what is required to become man, then he also knows that what he is.a skilful commander of a vessel."       he has become only through his crew,
"Yes, a skilful.naval officer must and what the latter is it has become
possess, besides a thorough nautical edu- through him. Although distinct in their
cation, a large experience; the  most individual elements, they are inseparable
practical acquaintance with all the de- in the great whole which is called a mnantails, a discerning eye, and a complete of-war.  Every officer on board ought to
knowledge  of and ability to employ all consider it a sacred duty to assist his
the  ollected forces which set the ship commander with all his power, by fulfillin motion.  He ought through this ex- ing his duties with interest and exactness.
perience-lco be able to meet the most I consider the least oversight of an offiunforeseenmdanger with calmness and to cer ten times more culpable than the
thwart it instantly.  He sees directly greatest of a sailor, because such an exwhat is to be done, and if his orders are ample must exert an injurious influence
executed by sailors such as I have just upon the crew."
described, then the means of conquering    Lothard's look had with the utterance
every species of difficulty are inexhaust- of these last words been irresistibly diible."                                   rected toward Tage.  Their eyes met,' Lput, a skillfl, comnmander seldom has and Tage, who was in an inward ferment,
such a chloice crew, and yet he must go only needed this opportunity to give vent
victorious through all the obstacles which to his indignation. He rose at Lothard's
he encounters, or else he is not qualified last words, saying,
for his post," observed one of the officers.   "You probably consider yourself just
"Only the ignorant can make such such a model of the naval officer, who
demands; but these large claims arise seconds his Commander's efforts in formfrom the fact that it depends in a great ing a worthy crew."  Tage, in saying
measure upon the commander to make this, had stepped forward to the group
his crew what it should be, in order to around Lothard.  The latter looked at
fulfil the requirements that maybe made him  coldly, and answered in  an  unupon it.  His eye tells him, from  the changed voice, —




GUILT. AND INNOCENCE.                          161
"I at least endeavor to fill my place   "He is a well-informed and distinas well as I am able, and according to guished officer," affirmed the second.
my opinion no man ought to put his foot   In a few moments after this Aberney
on a man-of-war who does not intend to and the younger officers were talking
embrace his career with heart and soul. about other matters.  They spoke of the
He who does not love his duties will pleasures of the capital, of the ladies,
always remain a poor seaman.  I do not theatres, music, and of everything except
understand how a man dares to be guilty that which concerned the frigate.
of neglect, or of anything that evinces a   " Did you see Mademoiselle H6gqvist
lack of interest. I should most assuredly in the' Quaker and the Danseuse' dursend a bullet through my head, if my ing your last visit in Stockholm." asked
Commander found occasion to make any a young officer from Carlscrona, turning
remarks against me. When I take the to Tage.
watch in the evening, I wish him to go   "Certainly I did," was the answer.  A
to his berth, with the full assurance that long discussion now followed about the
he leaves upon deck a sharp, vigilant eye beauty, grace, and charms of the lovely
and a faithful heart, that places its duty actress.
above all else on land or sea.  This,   While Canitz and the other officers
Lieutenant Aberney, is my understanding had been conversing, those on deck were
of my duties; but it by no means pre- engaged in taking the regular noon obsersupposes that it is yours."            vation.
Lothard left the group, intending to go   After the Commander and officers had
up on the gun-deck. Tage checked him  taken their dinner at two o'clock, we
with the words, -                      find a part of them promenading to and
"Is it your intention to insult me, and fro on the gun-deck, refreshing thenlselves
throw out the assertion that I do not with the cool breeze that plays through
understand my duties?"               the open port-holes.  At one of these sat
" Herr Lieutenant, I have not spoken Lothard, looking at the boundless ocean
of you, but only of my opinion in regard whose green waves were crested with a
to what a naval officer ought to be." glittering white foaml which, like an emLothard  looked  at him  proudly, and broidery of lace, was thrown over the restwent up the steps.                    less and heaving waters.  What he felt
"How ticklish you are, my dear Ab- we do not know, but what he thought
erney," said Steen, when Lothard was we may possibly be able to describe.
out of hearing. "You complain of Canitz, You perhaps believe, my young reader,
yet he has this advantage over you, that that his thoughts were with his'heart's
he never accosts you, except when, in the beloved.' No, they were chained to the
performance of your duties, you  are waves. At this moment these were all
guilty of something that deserves re- to him. He made silent reflections upon
mark."                                 the poetic side of a seaman's life; upon
" Possibly," replied Tage; "but he the struggle between nature and human
never opens his mouth, without there be- genius which it offers.  He considered its
ing something overbearing in word and many changes, and how, during the lonely
tone."                                 night watch, he had seemed to come
"Aberney is right," joined in a couple nearer that eternal and infinite being we
of younger officers, who also felt ill-dis- call God; realizing the inexhaustible opposed towards Lothard on account of his portunities of admiring the grandeur of
superiority.  " Canitz is proud and arro- the Creator in the feasts to which the sea
gant."                                invites, as well in its gladness as in its




162                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
anger.  Lothard would have liked to to outdo each other in these yarns so
plough the deep year out and year in, peculiar to them, which, when related in
only dropping anchor in any port when their dry, caustic manner, causes the
necessity demanded; and then out again accidental listener to burst into a hearty
into the roaring storm  or the dreamy laugh.
tranquillity of the calm.  He would will-   The under officers promenade on the
ingly have united himself to the sea, and weather side, conversing with each other.
sworn to live and die upon it, without in a more cultivated tonie.
feeling a regret for the land.  Poor Lo-.  On the forecastle, around a boon comthard, the wave you now love so dearly panion loaded with tales and stories,
shall perhaps one day become the enemy gather a part of the crew, generally the
of your dearest wishes, and carry you far forecastle men, listening with intense infrom the object to which they cling!    terest to those marvellous ghost stories
At four o'clock the exercises again be- in which everything is bewitched. Others,
gan, and then Lothard, like all the others, more musical, are humming some old
continued in full activity until six o'clock, tune whose words and melody gradually
when, after taking their position at the become plainer and plainer, as the officer
cannon, the men went through their drill; of the forecastle does not seem to pay
then the night reefs were taken in the any attention to it.
top-sails, and all exercises for the day   Here the captain of the forecastle has
were over.                             got hold of some of the less gifted of
At eight o'clock the night watch com- Sweden's seafaring  peasantry, and is
mnenced.  Lothard and Tage now had the making a round with them, showing them
"first watch."   The officer on duty, in a practical manner the utility of every
which was Lothard, "piped the watch rope they see.  Over there in a corner a
below," and the night began.           poor simpleton of a fellow has become the
But when does the day end or the sport of the "ordinary seamen," and, to
night begin upon a man-of-warq It is judge from his looks, he wishes that God
hard to say.  The first watch is called in his great wisdom, had never divided
the night watch; but who can sleep at the sea from the land.
eight o'clock? Now when all work for   Under officers walk back and forth on
the day is ended, when the men can take the lee quarter- deck, while the Comnrest and manifest their sailor disposi- mander and First Lieutenant move about
tions in their own peculiar way, they on the ship's place of honor, the weather
feel no desire to take to their hammocks. quarter-deck, where Lothard as the ofiiThen is the time for recreation, according  eer on duty, with trumpet in hand, now
to one's fancy.                        keeps guard over all.
These men, who perhaps since four   It being after two bells (nine o'clock),
o'clock in the morning have not had a all must now be quiet in the ship.  Loreally leisure moment with the exception thard received his orders for the night
of the dinner hour, and of whom half are from the Commander, who, wishing the
to take the watch at midnight, cannot other officers a good night, retired to his
be persuaded to go to rest. They gather cabin.
in groups here and there.  The older
sailors, sunburnt tars with the true seaman's bearing, saunter back and forth
on the lee side of the ship, talking of   We will not recount the various ochome, of old adventures in far-off lands, currences which afforded Lothard an opof miraculous escapes from death, trying portunity to humiliate Tage, nor the




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            163
latter's efforts to call attention to Lo- did not know.  He only saw that it. was
t hard's haughty, and, as he called it, impossible for Lothard and him to conoverbearing manner.  The result was tinue the voyage together; one of them
that Tage's state of mind became more must remain in Gibraltar, to be buried in
and more hostile each day; his condition its soil.
reacted upon his younger comrades, who   Most of the officers requested and ohin their sympathy took up everything tained permission to go ashore. Only
that wounded Tage, and thus nourished a those who had watch duty to perform
deep antipathy to Lothard.             remained on board, and besides these
While the tension of feeling continu- Lothard.  Leaning against the gunwale
ally increased between Lothard and Tage, he looked at his comrades' departure.
the frigate approached  Gibraltar.  It His expression was perfectly indifferent.
was a beautiful morning.  Lothard had    "Was Lieutenant Aberney on board
the watch. A  fresh breeze filled the the cutterS" asked a voice behind Losails, and the heavens spread their blue thard, in French.
canopy over the beautiful scene beneath.   He started and turned round.  It was
Directly ahead appeared the straits; on Dr. Wagner, who had accompanied the
one side Mont-aux-Singes, anz  African rvessel from  Cadiz.  He had come on
giant, black as the creatures that move board in the capacity of surgeon, as the
at its feet; and on the other Gibraltar's doctor from Carlscrona had been taken
barren rock, whose open sides conceal ill at Cadiz and was unable to continue
hundreds of cannon ready to hurl death the voyage.
to every point of the horizon.  It was as   " Yes, he was," replied Lothard, coldly.
if the angry billows of the Mediterranean    "Do you not intend to go ashore?"
had separated these two pillars of granite   "No.  It is the third time that I visit
and lava.                              Gibraltar; and I really do not see why I
The breeze grew stronger; the frigate should go on land, unless in behalf of the
pressed forward under full sail and cast service."
anchor at the foot of the famous moun-   "It may also be wisest for you to retain.                                  main on board," resumed Wagner with a
Tage longed to get on land and to give mysterious air.  "Lieutenant Aberney
vent in some manner to the indignation cannot possibly be well disposed towards
which he had been obliged to keep so you. You have not exactly sweetened
long within himself. All the petty stings, life for him."
the many annoyances, that Lothard had    " If that is the case, the fault should
occasioned him during the voyage had be his own. Why does he attend to his
so increased'his exasperation, that he felt duty so poorly as to give occasion to
from the depths of his soul that one or remark?."
the other of them was too many for this   " That may be, but the result has
life.  It actually required the respect for been that not only he, but his compandiscipline to restrain an outbreak; and ions, are ill-disposed towards you. You
Tage had been obliged to summon all did wisely to remain on board."
his power of resistance, not to crush the    "What danger could I have run in
object of his anger.  He felt that he going ashore "
could with difficulty restrain his irritated    "You undoubtedly surmise it."
feelings for the remainder of the voyage,   "Wagner, you cannot mean to assert
but had firmly decided to give some ex- that I fear dangerS" said Lothard, and
pression to them  during their stay in smiled contemptuously.
Gibraltar.  How or in what manner, he   " Not I; but Aberney and his coin



164                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
rades will so interpret your conduct. see this celebrated place. Who knows
Yet this may be to you a perfectly in- but what you might have an opportunity
different matter. I, for my part, consider to make some new psychological experithat you do right in avoiding all en- ments."
counters on land with Aberney and his  In a few minutes the yawl again rowed
friends."                             from the frigate.  Lothard and Wagner
A pause ensued, after wvhich Wagner were in it. When they reached the land,
remarked, in the most indifferent tone in the former offered his hand to the Docthe world,-                           tor, saying, -
"The'roads' here offer a singular   "We will meet at eight o'clock, when
view, and one can say that they are a I return to the frigate. You can now
rendezvous for all nations.  It is strange take one of the sailors with you as a
that the trade here can be so active, guide."  Lothard  walked  away with
when the population on the whole is so rapid steps.
small.  I wonder if Sir G. D    - is   Many pairs of beaming eyes followed
still Governor! They say he was a true the tall, handsome naval officer as he
gentleman."                           pursued his way, entirely indifferent to
The Doctor continued to talk in this the attention that was bestowed upon
way a good while, without Lothard's giv- him.  None of the eyes bent upon him
ing any heed to his words. Suddenly he could flatter themselves with having met
interrupted the Doctor's harangue, say- his. What were women to him n   He
ing, -                                detested them each and all, and espe-' Do you believe, in the event of my cially because they reminded him that
going ashore, that fool of an Aberney in the whole world there Was only one
and his comrades would have the inten- whom he loved, and that one had changed
tion of laying hands on my person?"  him  into a being without peace, who
"Yes, so it would appear fromn their possessed nothing dear but the sea, and
talk last evening."                   who dragged forth his life only to oblit"So; but fear of the unpleasant con- erate the evil his forefathers had done.
sequences would very likely deter them."   Lothard went directly to the Hotel
"That is true; and for the prevention. The large rooms swarmed with
of such scandal you do right to remain people, and different groups had collected
here. It was my intention to ask you around the small tables to read the newsto do it. You can smile at what Aber- papers or converse.
ney and his friends think of your re-   Lothard threw a searching glance over
maining. You have thereby saved the the assemblage, but there was not one
inconsiderate young man from getting among them  who wore the uniform of
into trouble.  That is to act nobly to- the Swedish Navy. He went through the
wards an enemy."                      large saloon and into one of the side"Nobly!"  Lothard smiled bitterly. rooms, which was empty; there he threw
"It is long since I was magnanimous. himself down by a table on which were
This time however I will be so."  He some newspapers.  An hour elapsed,
left the Doctor and took his way to the when  he suddenly heard some voices
Commander.                            which spoke Swedish. Lothard remained
A  half-hour  afterwards  he  asked still, while he thought,
Wagner, -                               " I will wait here until they have had
"Do you feel like going ashore with time to get seated."
me 1 To you, who have never been to   At the same moment three of the offiGibraltar before, it may be of interest to cers of the frigate came into the room




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                          165
where Canitz sat. His back was turned   "I presume, Herr Baron, that your
to the door, and he'did not make the intention is to empty that bottle of wine
smallest movement at their entrance.    in company with me and our comrades? "
"Ah, here we have a comrade!" ex-   "One bottle more and three glasses,"
claimed one of them.                  was the only answer Lothard gave, with"No, you are mistaken; it is not a out raising his eyes from the paper.
comrade, it is -Baron Canitz," replied   "My comrades and I," resumed Tage,
another, whom  Lothard recognized as leaning his elbows on the table and lookAberney. At the sound of Tage's voice ing at Canitz with a derisive expression,
he turned round. When he saw Aber- " consider it uncivil of you, Ilerr Bacron,
ney and his associates, he greeted them  to continue reading, when we have given
with a cold bow, and resumed his place, you to understand that we wish to drink
without adding a word to his salute. He with you. Therefore, away with the
called a waiter who was passing and paper!" exclaimed Tage, and the next
ordered a half-bottle of wine and cigars, moment the newspaper lay at Lothard's
after which he continued to read his feet.
newspaper quite composedly.             A peal of laughter from the comrades
Tage became purple with indignation followed this mandate.  Lothard's pale
at Lothard's cold and haughty greeting. forehead flushed burning red, but he
He and his companions seated themselves continued motionless.  With apparent
at a table near the one where Lothard composure he stretched out his hand,
sat. They began to joke quite freely. took a cigar which he lighted, and began
When the waiter came in with the wine to smoke quite phlegmatically.
and cigars that Lothard had ordered,   CHave they so little breeding in the
Tage cried,-                          land from whence you come, that they
"Bring those here."                 do not answer when they are spoken to?."
The man stopped and looked at Tage, asked Tage.
after which he said, -                  Lothard continued to keep silent. One
"That gentleman over there ordered of the other officers said, with a laugh,
them."                                  "Why the devil, my dear Aberney, do
"It is all the same, he can wait."  So you speak of breeding to a - Russian.
saying Tage took the tray from  his You ought to know that they are barhands.                                barians."
Without looking up from his paper,   "You are right, and one must have
Lothard said, -                       forbearance with such; I will also have
"Bring  me some other wine and it with our close-mouthed Baron. I can
cigars."  The waiter hurried out.    relate a little story while we drink our
In the mean time the three officers wine, which will most assuredly interest
had emptied the little flask of wine, and Baron Canitz."
when the waiter again came in, Lothard's   Lothard smoked in silence.  When
wine was the second time appropriated the waiter brought the wine and glasses,
by Tage; this time also Lothard said he said,
quite calmly, -. " Pick up the paper! "  He pointed to
"Fetch me some more wine."         the one Tage had snatched from  his
When the man came in for the third hand.  The waiter handed it to him, but
time, Tage got up from  his seat and Lothard told him to lay it on the other
placed himself right opposite Lothard at table.
the same table, saying in a mocking   "Well, Baron, will you not fill our
tone, -                               glasses  " resumed Tage.




166                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"Fill the gentlemen's glasses," was which made him turn pale; but after a
Lothard's answer.                      short pause he continued, —
"You shall drink to our health," said   " He ran away with a young and innoTage, meaningly.                       cent girl, who was betrothed."
Lothard let his glass stand untouched.   "The villain!" exclaimed the others.
"Ah, I understand.  You will first   "Your health, Baron Canitz I" Tage
hear my story.  Nothing is more reason- seized his glass and raised it.  Lothard
able," said Tage.                      remained motionless, with his clenched
The other officers also seated them- hand still resting on the table, and his
selves around the table, each one with dark eyes riveted on Tage's countenance.
the scarcely commendable, but too com-   "Well," cried the latter, irritated bemon feeling of malicious exultation at the yond all bounds at Lothard's manifest illnthought that something very disagreeable difference, " do you not hear that I drink
was now  coming to the object of their to you."
envy.                                    "I do not drink with fools," answered
Lothard maintained his cold exterior; Lothard, and rose.
not a muscle in his face betrayed the   "You shall drink or" - Tage knocked
slightest change of emotion.  He smoked the cigar from  Lothard's mouth- "I
his cigar with an indifferent air.     will say that you are a dishonorable
"There was once," began Tage, whose scamp, with whom no honest Swede call
whole appearance exhibited his inflamed serve as a comrade."
state of feeling, " a Swedish nobleman who   Lothard slowly took a new cigar and
betrayed his country and entered the Rus- lighted it, saying with emphasis, -
sian service.  This man's treason was lib-   " We will see if you dare to repeat this
erally rewarded by the Russian govern- to-morrow."  He took some steps towards
ment.  He became a very rich man, and the door.  Tage intended to rush after
his sons, who followed faithfully their fa- him, but his comrades checked him.
ther's false example, were treated by the   "Control yourself, and do not forget
Czar with great favor.  One of these had that you wear a uniform," said one of
also a son born and educated in Russia. them.
It was to be supposed that he would be-   Lothard had in the mean time left the
come a good subject; but no, he became room.
a renegade in his turn, and instead of re-   "Ah, the wretch," muttered Tage,
maining as a man of honor in the service almost choked with rage, "with what inof the country where he was born, he fernal indifference has he not allowed me
left it just at the moment that Russia to insult him; and this man who has sufmost needed her officers.  He served first fered himself to be treated in such a
in the English, then in the Swedish Navy. manner, this man shall I serve under.
We enjoy the honor of having this de- There is not a drop of honest blood to be
serter for a comrade, an honor which found in the fellow's veins."
every Swedish officer ought to regard as   All agreed that Lothard's behavior was
a shame. Yet, all this belongs to the destitute of any self-respect; but just for
man's public life.  He has also a private that reason those who were less excited
history, and this has still darker stains; thought Aberney was too good to comfor the Russian backslider during his promise himself for his sake.
stay in Finland -"                       The result was that they considered
At the word  "Finland" Lothard's Lothard only deserving of a good thrashclenched fist fell on the table with a vito- ing, but not at all of a pistol-shot or a
lent blow, and he fastened a look on Tage sword-thrust.  When this verdict was




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           167
rendered, Tage felt somewhat calmer, and latter felt his heart beat with joy.
they went out into the billiard-saloon, He should thus be delivered at once from
where Tage and two of his companions this hated Canitz; for either he or Locommenced to play. All the bystanders thard should remain on the place.  The
followed the game with attention, as Tage hour of revenge was at hand.  He should
was distinguished for great skill. He at last see the blood of his detested rival.
was just about to make a fine stroke, It seemed to Tage thait he could scarcely
when some one touched his shoulder. live until the time appointed, so impaHe turned round, provoked at the un- tient did he feel; but when he and his
welcome intruder, and was not a little friends betook themselves to the place of
surprised when he found himself face to meeting, there was something within him
face with Lothard.                    that like a warning repeated, -
"You desired to fight with me " said   "Either you will not return, or you
Lothard.                              will have the life of a human being upon
" Yes," answered Tage.              your conscience, - that conscience, which
Lothard looked at his watch.        up to this day has been innocent."
"It is now five o'clock; so in about an   Arrived at the place of rendezvous,
hour on Neutral-Ground, at the begin- they found Lothard there before them.
ning of the cork forest on the road to He was quite alone.
St. Roque.  You have the  choice of   "Have you no second l" asked Tage,
weapons."                             disagreeably surprised at finding his an" Pistols."                         tagonist alone.
" Have you any with you on land  "    "He has promised to be here at six."'Yes!"                                In a few minutes Dr. Wagner arrived.
" Then take them with you; but you Lothard now  turned to Tage's friends,
will allow me to make one condition to saying in his wonderfully clear voice, -
our duel."                               "Before Lieutenant Aberney and I
"What is that." Jdecide our cause with weapons, I de" That it shall occur in the presence of sire, gentlemen, to address this question
our three comrades.  They have wit- to you; which of us, Lieutenant Aberney
nessed the insult, they ought also to wit- or I, do you consider to have provoked
ness the amends."                     the disgraceful scene that took place an
" I am willing."                    hour ago."
" Good; then about an hour hence."    This question produced a visible emIt was all over with the game of bil- barrassment. Tage's friends did not wish
liards.  Tage and his comrades left the to accuse him, and yet they could not
saloon.                               deny that he was the guilty party. As
the answer to Lothard's question was
tardy, he resumed with a decided asperHowever violently the blood may boil ity in his tone,
in our veins, or whatever the feelings   "When my question is addressed to
may be that prompt a man to challenge the officers of the Swedish Navy, I cerone of his fellows, there is always some tainly need not fear that the answer will
moment when reflection raises its voice be partial.  It is merely an acknowledgin the midst of the tumult which drowns ment of the truth that I ask of you."
the reason.  This moment occurs when   "Well, then," said the oldest of the
the duellists proceed to the place of three young men, "we must openly conmeeting.                              fess that Aberney alone is guilty in that
When Lothard challenged Tage, the which has transpired; but, on the other




168                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
hand, we must tell you honestly, Lieu- ant Aberney expressed himself.  Now to
tenant Canitz, that we consider Aberney's the pitiful charge that I ran away with
conduct as only a consequence of the another's affianced.  No one knew better
many unpleasant things that he has suf- than Lieutenant Aberney that this is
fered at your hands on board the vessel. false.  The young girl to whom he refers
In his place we should have acted just was so irreproachable in character, so
as he did and sought occasion for a meet- noble and so elevated, that the one who
ing."                                  dares to fling at her such a miserable
Lothard bowed coldly, as if they had accusation, commits a contemptible act,
complimented him.                      and has forfeited the right to be consid"We are only speaking of the scene ered a man of honor; especially when,
which called forth this duel," resumed like Lieutenant Aberney, he kcnowus that
he; "and I hope you will all, gentlemen, he makes a false charge.  Were it not
do me the justice to bear witness that I that the Lieutenant wears the Swedish
then maintained a calmness and coolness uniform, I would not be willing to fight
which ought to have shown Lieutenant with him, - a man who so stains his honor
Aberney that I did not by any means that he makes use of an untruth to
desire to come in conflict with him."    throw a shadow on an enemy and an in"That we admit."                    nocent girl.  It is thus with your com" You must also acknowledge that, not- rade, gentlemen, not with Tage Aberney
withstanding this, there was no other that I fight.  Now I am ready."
course remaining to me but to challenge   There was in Lothard's manner somehim, if I did not wish to appear to you as thing so truly noble, that it comnmandcled
a man destitute of honor."            the respect of all. When he ceased, the
"That is perfectly true."           comrades cast looks of disapproval on
" Well, then, if you now acknowledge Tage, who, deadly pale and with his face
this, I hope you will do so still further, perfectly disfigured with rage, started forwhen I have added to the story Lieuten- ward to Lothard and exclaimed,
ant Aberney related something which he   " Prove that I have spoken an untruth,
forgot.  He spoke the full truth when he if you can! "
said that my grandfather was a Swedish   "Do you actually desire itl"  Lonobleman, who abandoned his country to thard put his hand to his breast-pocket.
go into the Russian service.  It is equally " I need only show your own father's lettrue that my father served in Russia, ter to me. It is easy to prove that you
and that I have been a Russian subject; have calumniated me; but it would be
but it is utterly false that I left Russia harder to prove that you had spoken the
as a deserter.  It is with the Emperor's truth. And now we have had words slifpermission that I quit the service, and ficient.  May the bullets, according to
as a free man returned to Sweden, which your desire, terminate this scene so little
I have from childhood regarded as my f-a- creditable to you."
therland.  If there is anything derogat-   Lothard drew  somewhat aside.  The
ing to honor in this act, then I am pre- Doctor and the oldest of the officers,
pared to resign my office immediately. who was the second, measured the disI leave it to you, gentlemen, to decide if tance, etc. Then the duellists took their
any of you can stamp my conduct as un- places.  Tage had the first shot.
worthy your fellowship."                 " See that you aim well," said Lothard,
"Far be it from us," replied the oldest with terrible composure.  "I will kill
of the officers.                       you when my turn comes."
"This was my public life, as Lieuten-   "Yes, when your turn comes," was all




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           169
that Tage answered.  He raised the pis- soil myself with your blood and become
tol and aimed.  All eyes were directed your murderer."
to Lothard, who, with an upright bearing,   " Will you then make me yours?"
erect head, and a granite calmness in his   " Empty words, Lieutenant Aberney,
features, awaited his fate.  The signal do not become men.  If you wish my
was given, a flash was seen. A cloud of life, then take it.  Be so kind, gentlesmoke enveloped Lothard wherehe stood men as to load the pistols," added Lowith an unchanged attitude.           thard, politely.  No one stirred from his
"You aim  poorly," was all that he place. The oldest officer said, -
said. He raised the pistol, adding: " I   "Aberney, it is best to end this play,
have a surer hand."                   for you will only reap dishonor from it,
Tage's face, before crimson with excite- if you continue. Come, let us leave the
ment, became as white as the collar place."
around his neck.                        " Go, without satisfaction; go withLothard aimed the weapon. The sec- out -"
onds gave the signal, and Lothard cried   "- Having seen my blood flow, you
at the same moment,-                  wish to say. Do I not leave without
"Off with your cap, Lieutenant Aber- shedding yours, although you offended
ney! "  The ball knocked the cap from  and insulted me?  Well then, you will
Tage's head..      always possess the triumph of having
"What does that mean?" exclaimed done so unpunished.  I only carry away
the latter.                           with me the consciousness of having been
"' It means that I give you your life," affronted, and of having given you in exanswered  Lothard, throwing his pistol change your life."
away.  " I will not stain my conscience   Lothard touched his cap as he passed
with your blood."                     by the other officers, accompanied by the
"But I do not accept such a gift!" Doctor, who was not the least surprised
shrieked  Tage, perfectly frantic with of the spectators of this little drama.
rage.                                 Wagner could have ventured his life
"In that case let us reload and begin that Lothard would shoot down his anagain," aswered Lothard coldly.   "I tagonist, for he knew that he detested
thereby give you the right to send a him.  That he, whom Tage had so deepbullet through my head; but I will nev- ly offended, should grant his hated rival
er again direct a shot towards you."  life, was directly in opposition to the
" I will force you to do it.  Do you knowledge the Doctor believed himself
not understand that even if we were to possess of Lothard's character.
obliged to finish the contest with the   In perfect silence they pursued their
but-ends of the pistols, one of us must way to the drawbridge; as they were
remain on the spot!" roared Tage.    about to cross it, Lothard turned to the
" Very well, then I shall be the one; Doctor, saying quite abruptly, -
for nothing in the world can induce me   "You are astonished that I did not
to harm a hair of your head. You have shoot down that fool. Confess that you
said that I was a renegade, a traitor, a had calculated I should return from the
seducer. My honor required me to fight place of meeting as his murderer."
with you, I have now shown our com-   "I admit that your behavior surprises
rades (Lothard made a slight bow to me."
these) that I am not a cowardly wretch.   "So much the better. You will unThis was all that I needed to do; but doubtedly during the remainder of the
there is no honor that requires me to voyage have still more cause for aston



170                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
ishment.  You have much to learn, my passions to rule him and who was like
dear Doctor, before you know me."     wax in my hands, he has become a man
Again a long silence ensued; this time of granite, and that too after he had realso Lothard broke it.                ceived the hard blow  of losing her.
" Can you tell me if Professor Aberney Since that evening, when her flight very
has any brother. You know all about nearly cost me my life, he has not once
that family, do you not? "           alluded to anything that concerned her.
Although the question was asked in a He has made no response to the explaseemingly  careless tone, the  Doctor nation I rendered of my conduct. It has
looked at Lothard with a long and scru- been as if the memory of the young girl
tinizing glance before he answered. The had disappeared'from his soul.  To-day,
face of the young Lieutenant remained after the space of four years, it is the
unmoved.                              first time that he asks any question con"Well, Doctor, why do you not an- cerning the Aberneys."
swer?."
" I was thinking whether I had heard
of any brother who is living; but I cannot remember it.  I would almost dare   During the whole time that the frigate
to assert that the Professor is the only remained at Gibraltar, Lothard did not
surviving member of his family."      leave it.  He did duty on his own ac"But he has, however, relatives of that count and for others, silent and yet more
name": reserved than formerly.
"It is possible, I know nothing about   Tage had  also become very much
the matter."                          changed. His countenance, usually so
"You were in Paris last winter, were unconcerned, was gloomy almost continuyou not "                             ally and never brightened by a smile.
"Yes!"                             He withdrew as much as possible from
"Did you not meet any Swedes there?" the society of his comrades, and aban"No!"                              doned himself entirely to his animosity
There was another long silence, which towards Lothard, which after the event
was not broken before they reached the of the duel had increased to the highest
landing.                              degree.  He no longer had the hope of
" Are you going on board with me? " securing his revenge with arms. Add to
asked Lothard.                        this, that Lothard continued to follow all
"I will stay here until the others re- Tage's movements with the same exactturn; but why do you go back so early?" ness as before, and it will be easy to
"Because I have nothing further to do understand that he became more and
on land."                             more irritated each day, especially as his
He jumped into the boat, nodded to companions had since the duel shown
the Doctor, and was soon at the side of Lothard a greater respect.
the frigate.                            There is nothing which has so injuriThe Doctor stood and looked after him, ous an effect upon the character as alholding the following soliloquy:-    lowing our wounded self-love to govern
"It actually looks as if I had lost all us.  Had Tage once listened to the voice
power over him. If he for a moment of reason, he would have perceived that
seems to fall into the snare I spread for Lothard at the duel manifested a noble
him, then it is only to show  me how self-command, which ought to have incompletely he will destroy it. From the spired respect.  He would then have
weak, spiritless youth, who allowed his judged his own conduct impartially, and




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           171
not raved against fate as he now did. A dream.  Two weeks passed as rapidly as
great thinker has said, "When suffering if they were but days. Tage would have
befalls you, seek the cause of it in your- liked to hold time still, to prevent the
self only!" And the great thinker is right. orders the frigate awaited from coming,
If instead of attributing the fault to and so delay the departure front Naples.
others, we sought it in ourselves, we All joy has its shadow, however, and
should avoid much evil that is now en- Tage's was no exception. In the first
gendered through the bitterness we feel place, he had watch duty to perform; and
towards those whom  we accuse as the to increase the unpleasantness of being
authors of our grievances.  Tage had obliged to remain on board at these occathrown himself into the wild stream of sions, Lothard was then his sole companpassion, without once attempting to save ion. Tage was thus subjected to the
himself by the helping hand of reason or double annoyance of being bound to the
the better feelings.                  frigate and of associating with his deIn a few days the frigate weighed tested enemy.
anchor and put to sea. The next port   About two weeks had elasped since
was to be Naples. Without anything their arrivalat Naples, when Lothard
occurring of especial importance, they was sitting in the gun-room one morning
dropped anchor in the, bay of Naples, reading the newspapers.  He and Tage
and the land where fire burns in the were to take the watch at eight o'clock.
bosom of the earth and within the hidden The door of Tage's state-room stood ajar.
recesses of its heart lay open to their One of the younger officers was in there
view.                                 with him, and Lothard involuntarily beTage, who had been moody and low- came a listener to the following converspirited during the whole trip from Gib- sation:raltar, felt a thrill of joy when he greeted   " What a pity, dear Aberney, that you
Italy's beautiful shores. Like the other were not with us at San Carlos Theatre
officers, he longed to go ashore, and was last evening, " said the young Lieutenone of the first who craved and obtained ant.
permission to leave the frigate to " see   " Why so i" asked Tage, gruffly.  The
Naples and then die."                 thought of the coming watch put him
With the usual precipitancy of gay out of humor.
young naval officers, Tage and his cornm-    You would then, besides the pleasrades plunged into the vortex of dissipa- ure of hearing Rubini, have had a sight
tion which was offered there.  The days of the most beautiful woman you can
flew like minutes, and one would have imagine.  Ah! I shall never again see
sought in vain in Tage's joyful expression such a face," sighed the Lieutenant.
for any trace of the gloom which per-   "You can certainly see her in person
vaded it when he was on board. It once more," said Tage.
seemed as if sorrow and animosity were   "How can that be possible. We may
strangers to him.                     receive orders to set sail any moment."
Tage had never before been in Naples.   " Well, what then?  It does n't matter
Everything was new to him, and he had much to you, who fall in love so easily."
consequently no time to think of any-   "Perhaps not; but this time the obthing save the enjoyments that stood ject is so unusually beautiful, that I can
open to his'grasp; so he drowned the wager my epaulettes that every one who
painful feelings that tormented him  in sees her will become captivated."
pleasure's flood. His stay at this re-   "Indeed! I suppose she was one of
nowned spot was like an intoxicating the singers."




172                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"Certainly she was a singer; but she   "It is all the same to me what you bedoes not belong to those that appear at lieve. The truth is, that when I entered
the San Carlos Theatre. It was Madame the box I found two ladies and a gentleDorbino."                             man there before me. One of the ladies
" Ah! that celebrated French singer. turned her head as she heard me come
So she is here 1"                  in. Never have I seen so beautiful a
" Why, yes, did I not see her?"   face or such a pair of eyes. She regard"And you heard her sing? I must-" ed me with attention; but to hold my"- Remain at your post," interrupted self strictly to the truth, I must acthe young man laughing.               knowledge that her examination of my
"At present, yes. Well, has she person seemed to be especially devoted
really as beautiful a voice as they say I" to my uniform. After she had taken it
"Now look here, my friend, you can't in proper consideration, she whispered
be more than half awake not to uinder- some words to the other lady, who then
stand  my  words, although  they are threw a quick glance at me and anspoken in good plain Swedish. Here swered in French, -
have I been tormenting myself all this   "' He is in the Swedish Navy.'
time in trying to make it clear to you    "The music began.  God alone knows
that she did not appear, that she is only what they sung, or how, I know nothing
in Naples on a visit, and that I saw her about it. Rubini, MIonzocchi, all were
at the Opera.  She sat in the same box forgotten; for I was only racking my
with me."                             brains to find some way of addressing
"But if she did not sing, I do not un- my beautiful neighbor and of discovering
derstand where your enchantment comes who she was. After the first act the lady
from."                                who was with her turned to me and said
"Have I not told you from the begin- in irreproachable Swedish,
ning that she is uncommonly beautiful;   "'I perceive from your uniform that
that she has a pair of eyes that can make we are countrymen, and this prompts
a man crazy? "                        me to ask if it is long since you left
"' Indeed! I would like to see the eyes Sweden?'
that could have such an effect upon me.   "Who could have been happier than
But still it would be pleasant to get a I?  Of course I told her when we sailed
glimpse of this widely celebrated and from Carlscrona, in what harbors we had
beautiful singer."                    been, and how long we had remained
" It is a happy chance that does not here. To my great surprise the beautioccur to everybody, and it will certainly ful lady seemed to listen attentively to
not fall to your lot to be as favored by my words, although she did not take
fortune as I have been, even if you are part in the conversation, and this led me
able to see her."                    to suspect that she understood Swedish.
"You extravagant fellow, you do not During the remainder of the evening, I
mean to make me believe -"            kept up a lively conversation with my
"That I have spoken with her? Yes, countrywoman.  She made some inquithat I do."                          ries as to who my comrades were on
"Then you must have picked up a board, etc. When among them I menglove that she dropped, and when she tioned Canitz, the b6autiful listener made
thanked you for it, you boast that Ma- a hasty gesture and repeated the name
dame Dorbino conversed with you a whole Canitz; then she asked me, in French,
evening.  I know you too well to believe who this Canitz was.
yolu."              -                   " I replied that he had formerly been




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           173
a Russian subject, but had for the last two was married in any of the Paris or Lonyears been in the Swedish service.    don theatres.
"' And is called Lothard Constantin 1'
asked she, in a voice that trembled.
"'Yes, Madame,' was my answer.
"She turned away and took no further   At eight o'clock Tage took the watch.
part either in word or attention in what To his great surprise Lieutenant Steen
was said. When the opera was over I was serving in Lothard's place.
asked my countrywoman, quite daringly,   A little later in the forenoon a yawl
with whom I had the honor to converse. shoved off from the frigate. Lothard was
She answered, smiling,-               in it.  " He is going to meet his former
"'My friend here is Madame Dorbino, flame, Madame Dorbino," thought Tage,
with whose name you have probably who followed the yawl with envious eyes.
become acquainted through the newspa- " The miserable pedant has then been
pers.  Who I am you shall know when connected with theatre women."
we meet in Stockholm.'                  It provoked Tage that Lothard should
" I bowed, Madame Dorbino took the go ashore on this particular day.  Ever
gentleman's arm, and I prepared myself since his comrade had spoken of Madame
to see her pass by; but she turned her Dorbino, Tage had been seized by a
charming face to me once more and violent desire to see her, and he was conasked,-                               sequently vexed at the thought that Lo"'How long does the frigate Carolina thard should, among all his other advanremain at Naples.'                   tages, count that of being the object of
"' It is uncertain, Madame. It is wait- the famous singer's interest.
ing for further orders.'                However deeply in love a young man
"She bowed her head, and the next may be, however unhappy he may conmoment the beautiful vision had disap- sider himself, there is yet one thing that
peared.   I returned  here  dreadfully he never can hear with indifference, and
smitten with her, and fully convinced that is, the description of a woman's
that Madame Dorbino was bound by beauty. He may be never so great a
some earlier attachment to Canitz, that philosopher, yet the desire rises within
enviable mortal, whose mere name was him to see the one whose beauty others
sufficient to call forth  such  extreme have praised. This was the case with
emotion in her."                      Tage.  Madame Dorbino was somebody
"What of it. A  singer always has that aroused his curiosity, and to be true
plenty of adventures; and as Canitz has we must acknowledge that Tage desired
been no saint, it is very likely he can nothing more deeply than to be delivcount himself as one of her chosen ered from the persistence with which his
ones."                                heart clung to the' memory of Skuldfrid.
" Vandal, you have not seen this pure He wished to forget her, but could not.
and chaste face, or you would not talk in He had done everything to accomplish
that way."                            this.  While the frigate remained in
"Bah! talk of chastity in an opera port, Tage had hastened to throw himsinger; a woman who has spent her life self into the arms of the pleasures that
on the stage and behind the scenes."  were offered, hoping thereby to efface all
Lothard left the gun-room and went recollections of her; but after these diout on deck. He thought of Madame versions he only loved her the more.
Dorbino unavoidably, and wondered if he Madame Dorbino's name awakened the
could possibly have seen her before she desire to know her. In short, Tage was




174                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
enraged that Lothard had the audacity   Lothai'd  turned and recognized his
to go ashore, just when he most eagerly former comrade in the PRussian fleet,
desired to be in his place. At other Count Gurtzkow. After they had extimes he was provoked at the necessity changed  some  courteous words  and
of being with Lothard on the watch.   spoken of old and new matters, the two
Tage paced the deck in great impa- young men took a boat and rowed out
tience, tormenting himself with all sorts on the glorious bay.  In the evening
of disagreeable thoughts.   Finally he they concluded to visit the Teatro di San
stopped at the sight of a boat which ap- Carlo.  When Gurtzkow  and  Lothard
proached the frigate.                 entered the theatre it was nearly full.
When the man who rowed it asked for The former regarded every face very
the officer on duty, and Tage had allowed closely, directed Lothard's attention to
him to repeat the question several times, several ladies that he thought especially
he had at last understood what the man beautiful, and jested about the notice
said, and declared in poor Italian that it that some of the charming Neapolitans
was he. A letter was then handed him. bestowed upon the Swedish naval officer.
Tage received it and regarded the ad-   The overture began; the curtain rose
dress attentively.  It was to Lothard; and the first act was nearly throIugh,
but it was not the name on the elegant when the door of the box adjoining theirs
billet that chained his gaze. No, it was opened. Lothard did not notice it, so
the delicate handwriting in which it was absorbed was he in listening to Rossini's
inscribed. It seemed to Tage too famil- music.  Gurtzkow, on the contrary, who
iar not to make his heart beat faster. preferred the beauty of form to that of
He turned the envelope and looked at tone, seized  Lothard's arm  and whisthe seal. A violent trembling shook his pered, -
frame.  He stared at the little seal as if  "IC Did you see the beautiful woman that
it contained death, and yet there was entered the adjoining box 3."
nothing but a name.                     Lothard jerked his shoulder impa"Even at the risk of life and honor, I tiently at being disturbed; and at the
must know what this note contains," same instant a fresh and melodious voice
thought Tage.  "I must have assurance. quite near him uttered in French,O, if the wretch has deceived me then -   "Ah! did I not predict that we should
then - "'                             get here too late 3 "
The seal was broken. With fevered   Although this was said quite low, the
blood Tage glanced through the few lines. sound of the voice made Lothard start.
We shall learn their import further on.  He leaned forward  hastily  to get a
glimpse of his neighbor. Two ladies of
elegant bearing, accompained by a gentleman, sat in the next box.  The one
In  the mean time Lothard walked whose voice made such a lively impresthrough the long Strada Tribuna, passing sion on Lothard had her back turned to
by the castle at S. Lucio to the Ristora- him.
zione de Viaggiatori, where he drank   "What a pity that I could not hear
some Vino Grevo, and enjoyed the view the aria in the first act," resumed she.
of Somma and Vesuvius. He was roused   " Is it my fault " asked the gentlefrom the contemplation of the prospect man, also in French.
by a voice that exclaimed in French, -   "I do not say that it is; but -"
" What a happy surprise to meet you,   "But you would willingly blame me
my dear Caitz  "  for it."




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            175
" Hush, listen to this trio."       gether.  For the rest-  Is she really
The lady leaned back in her chair. free   Does not another possess the
Lothard drew farther into the corner of right to her that I once dared to dream
his box, while his eyes were fastened of. Perhaps she is married.  Ah! then
on his neighbor's beautiful neck, as if he it is better for us never to see each other
wished with this persistent gaze to force again.  What do I especially desire 
her to turn round; but she apparently To see her, and then — die."  Lothard
did not belong to the order of sensitive passed his hand over his brow.
beings, and consequently remained in   The opera was ended.  Gurtzkow and
her position.                          Lothard immediately left their places;
During the interval between the first the former impatient to catch a glimpse
and second acts, the  ladies' escort of his beautiful neighbor, who had turned
asked,-                                her back to them  so persistently the
"Well, Madame, what do you think whole evening.
of Signora Se-'s voice?  It has an   Lothard stood leaning against the wall
unusual compass."                     in the lobby, entirely  concealed  by
" I am very much pleased with it," Gurtzkow, who had placed himself before
was the answer.                        him.  The door of the box now opened.
"You are so serious.  You do not The gentleman stepped out first and
seem to be entertained.",              turned to the ladies, offering his hand to
" O yes; but one cannot always feel assist them.  The first was a young lady
glad."                                 with a face more original than beautiful.
"You have'been out of humor ever The other, on the contrary, possessed
since you sent off that letter."      features so regular that she could, with" It is a mistake; if I am serious, it is out exaggeration, be termed beautiful.
because my heart has been seized with Gurtzkow's low murmur of admiration
an intense longing for my native land," floated by Lothard's ears without his
said the lady, with a peculiarly melan- hearing it.  Although he had tried to
choly accent.                          prepare himself for the sight now before
Lothard's heart stood still.  He dared him, it nevertheless  occasioned, such
not breathe for fear of losing a single violent emotion, that he unconsciously
sound of this voice, which called forth took a step towards the lady, gazing
such a world of feeling, within him.   wildly at the lovely features; his lips
"You do not intend to return to the parted as if to pronounce a name, but
cold North?." said the lady's attendant, the next instant he drew back, pressed
and leaned nearer her chair as if to ac — his cap down over his eyes, and leaned
company the question  with a tender trembling against a pillar.
glance.                                  Gurtzkow was too much engrossed in
"Perhaps in the future.  I do not the contemplation of. the object of his adknow.  Let us leave this subject."     miration to devote any attention to his
The conversation now turned  upon companion's singular behavior. A throng
music.                                 of people surged by them, and with it
Lothard  had drawn  back into the the two ladies and their escort, without
darkest corner of his box.             either of them casting a glance at Gurtz"I must see this woman," he thought. kow or Lothard.  The former followed
"I must convince myself if —  And with the stream, but the latter remained.
if it were so, what then?  Have I not where he had been standing.
made a; solemn vow never to approach
her, never to try to bring our paths to



176                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
The following morning, when Lothard   "That fear is a stranger to me you
entered the gun-room, he found Tage ought to be able to attest; as it is a
sitting there alone. When he saw  Lo- point of honor with me to grant an enethard he got up and went towards him, my's request, I will be at the place of
surprised  at his pale and  disordered meeting."  Lothard left the gun-room.
appearance.  Every feature betrayed the   Tage looked after him and said between
hard  struggle he had  sustained with his teeth, —
grief. When his eyes fell upon Tage   "Ah, you presumptuous fellow, now,
they flashed fire.  They regarded each now it is my turn to pay you for all the
other several seconds with dark looks; harm you have done me."  Tage put his
at last Tage broke the silence,-      hand to his head with a gesture of grief
"I have a request to make you, Lieu- and despair, while he continued his silent
tenant Canitz," said he in a vain attempt monologue: "To get my revenge I have
to make his voice calm.               had the courage to sacrifice the burning
"And that is 3 "                    longing which has consumed me for years.
"To have a private conversation with I have but to go to Castellamare to have it
you."                                 gratified, and yet I do not do it. Why.
Lothard looked around the gun-room  Because I must see the wretch crushed.
and answered coldly, -                Ah! When he has wrung his hands in
" We are quite alone."              impotent despair and rage, then I shall
"Not here, surrounded by all these feel that he has received a part of the retspying eyes and listening ears can the ribution that is due him for all that'he
interview that I desire take place.  No, has robbed me of.  Now I go to snatch
*what is then said must only be heard by his happiness from him and then enjoy his.God and us."                         grief."
"It seems to me that you and I can
have nothing to communicate to each
other," said Lothard, haughtily.  "We   The clock of Santi Apostoli struck five
said:all there was to be said in Gib- when Lothard arrived at Pozzuoli.
raiitr."                                At the entrance of a little house stood
~' You are mistaken; for I have in fact Tage.  He responded to Lothard's mute
something to tell you in confidence which greeting by touching his cap, and then,
you. must hear; therefore I ask you to without saying a word, he mounted a
meet.me this afternoon at five o'clock at narrow staircase that led to the second
Pozzuoli."                            story. Lothard followed him in silence.
a' And if I refuse 3"               They entered a small room containing a
"' Then," - Tage took a step nearer to single window.  Tage locked the door
Lothard, clenched his fists, and said in a carefully and put the key in his pocket,
suppressed voice, - "then you will drive a manceuvre that Lothard did not notice.
me to so.me extreme."                  He had gone to the window and stood
"But you know, Lieutenant Aberney, there for a moment looking out. When
that I neither will nor shall fight with he turned round Tage was sitting on the
you. There is nothing that can induce sofa with his head resting on his hand.
me to do you any injury."               "I have already waited quite awhile
"This is not a question of any duel; for you to begin the communication for
we are only talking about an interview. which you desired me to come here,"
What you may undertake to do after said Lothard.  "To speak frankly, I
that is another affair. Or should you hope you may soon put an end to a
fear a tete-&-t'te with me? "        meeting that cannot possibly be pleasant




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           177
to either of us. Besides, I must be on faithless scamp, you alone are the cause
board before eight o'clock to take the of it."
watch. We have consequently no time   "Was it to tell me this that you deto lose."                             sired me to come here l." asked Lothard.
At Lothard's voice, Tage started and "If so we may as well separate immedisprang up.                            ately.  I have no explanation to give
"You are to take the watch at eight you with regard to my conduct, and even
o'clock," repeated Tage.  "How  much if I had, I should not render it.  You
may you not have to live through before would never be able to comprehend my
that."  Tage stepped up to Lothard, and motives."  Lothard took a few  steps
continued in a peculiarly mocking tone: towards the door.
"You have resolved never to fight with   "Stay, Lieutenant Canitz," cried Tage.
me; and happen what may, you will not "Before I desire it you shall not leave
harm  a hair of my head. Is not that this place."
so"                                      Lothard stopped and regarded Tage
"It is."                            with a calm look, then his eyes fell on a'"You are magnanimous."  A bitter pair of pistols which lay on the table.
smile curled Tage's lips.  "But I could On seeing them, he walked back again
venture my honor that this magnanimity to his former place. An almost compaswill not keep you from breaking your sionate smile appeared on his lips, and he
resolution before the clock strikes eight." said, with the greatest indifference,"Do not risk your honor on that, you   "You intend to keep me prisoner.'
would certainly lose it," replied Lothard, With this he seated himself on the sofa
coldly. "I would sooner shoot myself, if Tage had left.
the temptation to send a bullet through   "Yes, you are my prisoner," returned
your head became too great, than be im- Tage.  "You see those pistols on the
pelled to break a resolution I had made. table.  They  are loaded.  They are
Lieutenant Aberney, I do not know what intended for you and me. When I comnit means to break my word or to play municate to you that which has led to
with a promise."                      this meeting between us, you will be the
"The future shall prove how  much first to make use of them as the arbiters
your proud words are worth."  Tage in our case."
crossed his arms over his breast.  "You' Never!" answered Lothard, firmly.
know full well that I must have bated   Tage went to the open window and
you ever since my boyhood, when you remained a long while standing before it.
gave me this," he pointed to the scar on After a pause, that was somewhat prohis forehead; "that this hatred has in- tracted, he turned round and said in an
creased tenfold during our voyage to- almost jesting tone,
gether and since the events at Gibraltar,   "Above us is spread the clear and
you are also aware."  In a tone of in- beautiful Italian sky, the most charming
creasing irritation he continued: "You nature smiles around us; you inhale this
dared to grant me life, and you did it air filled with fragrance and delight,
with the infernal conviction that this which is capable of firing the coldest
gift was to me more insufferable that ten mind and of calling forth poetical dreams
deaths. To have your clemency to thank in the most trivial heart. Well, does not
for-a life that you have deprived of all everything seem to invite to love, pleasvalue is a curse, and only the most ure, and enjoymentS"
studied cruelty could have conceived of   Lothard made no reply to this quessuch a thing; so if I to-day act like a tion. He seemed to be looking for the




if78                    GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
purport of this introduction. Tage waited   "Imagine that the woman you loved
for his companion to say something, but as most of all waited for you with an anxLothard continued silent, he resumed, -  iously beating heart, and that you would
"And yet we meet here with feelings have given years of your life to hasten to
widely different from those I have spoken her; but that you were by some ozne kept
of. You are here because your punctilio shut up in a place far from the spot
forbade you to refuse all enemy's request. where she desired to meet you, just as I
You are extremely polite."  Tage bowed now hold you prisoner; what would you
with an ironical look at Lothard.  "I," then do to the person who kept you sepcontinued he, shrugging his shoulders, arated from happiness and her? "
"who have not been brought up at an   A sudden contraction of Lothard's eyeimperial court, and consequently cannot brows and a flash from his eyes gave inmake any claims to your fine tact, have dication that Tage had this time reached
come here simply because I had some- a vulnerable point in his heart; but rething to tell you in confidence, which I taining his outward composure he rehope you will be good enough to answer plied,with a pistol-shot."                     "I should not do anything to this
Tage paused. It was easy to perceive some oone."
that he desired to prolong the conversa-   "Indeed! You are singularly cool.
tion as much as possible.             What will you say if I tell you Skuldfrid
"' Let us make a supposition, namely, is in Naples  "
that you have a sweetheart, who, through   Tage's eyes, gleaming with jealousy,
some sudden and inexplicable event, has perceived  with  malignant satisfaction
been snatched from your side. Years have that Lothard winced at the sound of
elapsed, during which you have lived in Skuldfrid's name as if he had been
ignorance of her fate. You have looked touched with a red-hot iron.
for her everywhere, but without success.   "I should say that I knew it," anYou come to Naples, and one mild and swered Lothard, gloomily.
beautiful evening like this, with love and   "You know it," exclaimed Tage paspoetry in every breeze, you learn that sionately, and started towards him. "You
the beloved one is quite near you. She have then seen her? "
sends you a note, asking you to meet her   "Yes!"
at a certain place.  When you receive it   A pause succeeded, during which the
you wish to hasten the course of time to two men could have heard each other's
the happy moment when you shall see heart beat.
her again. She, on her side, counts the   "Then you have met her," was the
moments until your arrival. What a first thing Tage faltered, as if crushed;
world of felicity awaits you at this meet- and he buried his face in his hands.
ing!"                                   Lothard kept silent.  Some moments
Tage ceased. Lothard had, it is true, passed  thus. Tage  raised his bowed
become somewhat paler; but in other re- head and said slowly but with emphasis,
spects his whole appearance bore evi- " Then you also know that she desires
dence of the greatest indifference.  Tage an interview with you; or perhaps'looked at him in silence a long time, as   Lothard sprang up.
if seeking to discover if this preamble   "What do you say?  Does Skuldfrid
had touched any tender chord in his desire to see me?  When and where,
enemy's soul; but as Lothard's counte- speak quickly?"
nance.preserved its calmness, Tage con-   A flash of fierce joy lighted Tage's face,
tinned,-                              and he said in a mocking tone,




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            179
"Do you hope to learn that from me? never meet.  Shall Skuldfrid leave NaShe has herself told you when and where ples without having seen you 3 without
you can meet her."                     having obtained Lothard's forgiveness for
"Lieutenant Aberney," said Lothard the wrong she has done him 3 To-morin a voice constrained to calmness, al- row shall give an answer to these questhough  his breast heaved  uneasily, tions to
"you have made use of a name that is                          "SKULDFRID.
"INAPLES."
dear to me, and of your knowledge of
her stay in Naples, to trifle in the most
unworthy manner with my holiest feel-   After the perusal of these lines Lothard
ings.  If this is a revenge that you wish seized Tage by the shoulder and exto take upon me, then I declare it to be claimed with terrible anger,
low and ignoble.  You have wished to   "Wretch!  Whathaveyou done?"
have the triumph of playing with the   "I have taken my revenge, and you
tenderest emotion of my heart, and I will only go to her over my dead body."
was foolish enough to believe for a see-'Lothard literally flung Tage to one
ond that there  was truth  in  your side and sprang to the window.  Tage
words."  Lothard made an effort to draw however instantly threw himself between
breath.                                it and Lothard, saying with a horrible
"You think that I am trifling with mockery,
you. Look at me, and tell me if I appear   "If you feel a desire to jump out of
as if I was trifling; you say that I wish this window, you will meet two obstacles:
to take a low revenge on you by playing first, that you will break your legs; and
with your noblest feelings.  No, I do next, that I will not allow it.  I am now
not play. I am not seeking so insignifi- no longer a child as when you wanted to
cant a triumph as you indicate.  I want force Skuldfrid to sing.  I have become
far more than that."   He put his hand a man with as strong muscles as you,
in his breast-pocket.  "Ever since four and as long as I can move a single one
o'clock has Skuldfrid waited for you of them  you shall not leave this room.
at Castellamare.  Here is the proof of Besides, the time is past; it is seven
it."                                   o'clock.  Skuldfrid now knows that you
He handed Lothard the open letter. have forgotten her, that you do not feel
At the first glance the blood rushed to any interest for her."
Lothard's pale face.  He took it and   A  stifled cry of despair escaped Loread:                                 thard. The veins in his forehead swelled
and every feature of his face gave evi"After having been as dead for four dence of a violent struggle in his soul.
years to all those who once loved Skuld- He darted to the table and seized one of
frid, she to-day asks Lothard if he re- the pistols.
members her.  If Skuldfrid is yet dear   "At last," cried Tage, and took the
to Lothard's heart, then be at Castella- other; but it needed only this exclamamare at five o'clock, where she will wait tion of Tage's to recall Lothard to his
for you until seven. If you do not come, senses; for instantly there was a report.
then she will know that you have forgot- Lothard had discharged the pistol in the
ten  her, and that there is not even air; then he threw it out of the window
enough interest remaining in your soul and said in a suppressed voice, -
to make you wish to learn what has been   "You have acted like a scoundrel, and
the fate of the Finnish girl since her therefore have now freed me from the
sudden disappearance.  We shall then temptation to kill you, as you deservc."




]80                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
He pressed his hand to his brow as if gard danger.  When Tage had had time
to force the rebellious thoughts into to rise, he also rushed to the window and
submission to the strong will.         saw Lothard running towards the shore
Tage stared at his rival, almost stupe- like a madman.
fled by his behavior.  Finally he broke   You think perhaps, my dear reader,
the silence, while he laid the pistol back that he went directly to Castellamare to
on the table: -                       try to find some trace of Skuldfrid.  [No,
" Skuldfrid will never forget that you he hastened where duty called him. His
have refused her this interview. Ah! I blood boiled at the thought that he, Loam  revenged, fully  revenged."   Tage thard, should be guilty of a breach of
laughed scornfully.                    regulations, and while he hurried for"If any one had said to me,'You may ward at full speed, it seemed to himn
have one hour's conversation with Skuld- that the wild tumult in his brain would
frid, but for this hour I demand your make him insane.  Lothard's unbending
life,' I would have sacrificed it without pride rebelled at the thought of neglecthesitation.  You who have robbed me of ing his duty.  He had still three quarthis happiness have been allowed to do so ters of an hour, forty-five minutes, in
unpunished.  Ah, if you possessed never which to gain the vessel.
so many lives, you could not with them    "I must be on board the frigate withal pay me for this moment.  Why I in this time," said he to himself.
have not killed both you and myself I do   When he reached Chiaja he found all
not understand."                       the boats made fast.  He ground his
"Nor I either," muttered Tage. "What teeth with rage when he considered how
is my life worth? It was you, not me, precious the minutes were; they admitthat she asked to meet her! In this ted of no deliberation.
consciousness lies a hell that can only be   "I must reach the frigate before the
counterbalanced by what you now suffer, clock strikes, or consider myself dishonand by her humiliation and grief when ored!"  And with this Lothard plunged
she finds that she is nothing to you."    into the water.
Lothard went up to Tage, laid his   At the same moment the yawl which
hand on his shoulder and said emphat- had been waiting for him at the shore
ically, -                              arrived at the side of the frigate.
" Open the door, if there is a drop of   "Is the First Lieutenant there l." asked
honorable blood in your veins.  Do not the officer on duty.
force me to break it open; I must get   "[No," was the answer.
out."                                    "Is he not l and it only wants a quar"Yes, you must get out, most cer- ter to eight."
tainly, for it is now a quarter past seven;   "This time he has forgotten himself,"
in three quarters of an hour you must said one of the officers.
be on duty."  Tage laughed savagely.   Fifteen minutes was all Lothard pos"Break the door open, you will still be sessed to save his honor.  If he delayed
too late.  Herr Lieutenant, you can now to the sixteenth it was stained, according
send a bullet through your head; you to his view.
have neglected your service."            The momentous hour struck.
Lothard jerked out his watch, glanced   "Is Lieutenant Canitz here?" was
at it, then seizing hold of Tage he threw  asked. The lips of those present opened
him to the floor, and jumped out of the to say that he was not on board, when a
window, reckless of consequences. It was clear voice answered, -
a daring leap, but a seaman does not re-   "Here I am I" Lothard stood upon deck,




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                          181
dripping with water, but sheltered by All would then be atoned for; but he
the twilight, and with credit preserved.  was chained to the deck of the frigate,
The night watch had begun.  The and when the day came to succeed the
Captain and all the other officers arrived night, then the vessel would have left
later in the evening. The frigate had Naples, and perhaps separated him from
received orders to sail, and early the Skuldfrid forever.
following morning was fixed as the time   Had Lothard four years earlier been
of departure.                        placed in the same situation, he would
The Italian night enveloped sea and have lost sight of service and reputation.
land in the folds of its dark mantle. It He would have killed Tage and plunged
was exceedingly still.  The warm  air himself into misery, rather than have left
filled the heart with melancholy and any means untried to see Skuldfrid.
longing. Only the sound of the guard's Did he love her less now! No. But he
step on deck broke the complete silence. had learned to restrain his feelings with
Lothard stood gazing into the darkness, his will, and to bear with~ an erect head
his breast heaved unquietly.  It was the bitterest trials and the hardest blows
night within, but a night full of violent that destiny inflicted. He had placed
storms and bitter struggles. A despair- duty and his sense of honor as the guaring grief raged within him at the thought dians over his whole life and action.
of what Tage had done. Skuldfrid, whom    The morning came and the frigate had
lie loved better than his life and welfare, left the beautiful and smiling shores of
had summoned him, and he had not Naples.
obeyed her call. Lothard could not com-   Lothard stood at one of the gun-deck
prehend from whence he had derived the port-holes and followed with a melancholy
power over his anger, so that he did not look the waves that had been so dear to
kill Tage on the spot. For the first time him, but which now bore him from the
he cursed his service and the cruel ne- only being he loved on earth. When
cessity that forced him to return to the and where should he see Skuldfrid again.
vessel, when he would have searched Perhaps never. Lothard felt tempted to
through all Naples to find her.      curse this same sea with which he had a
During the tranquillity of the night short time before desired to unite himthese stormy feelings gave place to those self. 0, thou eternally unstable human
of sorrow and bitterness. His jealousy heart, in which love and aversion so
towards Tage, which had hitherto prompt- easily interchange!
ed all his hostility, had changed into a   "I have been commissioned to give
nameless resentment, a proud contempt. the Baron this letter," said a voice behind
Tage had done him the greatest wrong Lothard.  He turned round, and saw Dr.
that any one could occasion him, and had Wagner, who handed him a little billet.
through this placed himself beyond the Lothard received it in silence. His hand
range of petty persecutions. -The wound almost trembled when he broke the seal
he had given Lothard was too deep, to and glanced through the few lines -
find relief in Tage's humiliation.
His eyes turned to Naples in the ob-   "Skuldfrid is then forgotten. Lothard
scurity of the night. There, there he did not wish to give her an opportunity
might find her again. He needed only to explain herself. May God forgive you
to row over this water that separated the grief you have caused me and may
him from the land, take his way to Cas- he never more bring our ways together.
tellamare, seek and perhaps find her, and Live happy, is the desire of
then explain the cause of his not coming.                  "SKULDFRID."




182                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
Lothard was motionless a long time. trying to get breath for the roar that
It seemed to him  as if some one had was to issue from its lungs.
touched the wound in his heart with a   "Good, we shall have a struggle with
red-hot iron. At length he asked the the raging elements," thought Tage.  "I
Doctor, without turning, -            need to look death in the face to forget
"How did this letter come into your the hell' within me.  The howl of the
hands?"                              storm and the dill of the thunder shall
"A gentleman gave it to me as the at least for the moment lull my misery to
commander and I stepped into the yawl sleep."
which was to carry us to the frigate last   " We shall have a hard night," said a
evening," replied the Doctor.         voice behind him. He turned. It was
" Do you know who it is from 3"     Lothard, who had left his place upon the
"No, Herr Baron, I have not looked quarter-deck and stood before him. Tage
at it since I received it."           looked at him a moment; then he turned
At this answer Lothard turned quickly his back, intending to continue his walk.
and looked fixedly at the Doctor, who   "Lieutenant Aberney," resumed Lobore his gaze with perfect serenity.  thard, "we  are  going to  have bad
weather."
At the  same instant the lightning
flashed from the black clouds and illuIt was two days since they had set sail mined the space with its lurid flame.
from Naples.  The wind had been con- Then followed a peal of thunder, as if
trary the whole time; the frigate had the heavens had fallen, answered by a
cruised about two degrees farther south. wild roar from  the ocean.  It was the
In the afternoon AEitna had been in sight, first chord which the lord of the tempest
and the frigate had now turned east- struck as a prelude to the concert which
ward and lay on the  starboard tack, was to be given, and then followed a
making about six or seven knots an hush.
hour.                                    "We are going to have severe work,"
It was a cloudy and ominous evening. said Lothard in a singularly mild and
Not a word had been exchanged between clear voice.
Lothard and Tage since they left Naples.   "Has the commander sent you to tell
All remarks on Lothard's part had been me that 3" asked Tage in a scornful
avoided.  He attended to his own duty tone.
with the same promptitude and exact-   "Yes.  He who is the Commander of
ness as before, but without mingling in us all. He who sends us the storm."
Tage's. Lothard's  face  had  become   "Do you do the Lord's errands 3"
paler and more serious than ever.  On   "Sometimes; at least I obey at this
the above-mentioned evening, Tage, who moment the influence of a higher power
had the watch, was walking silently and than my animosity.  Lieutenant Abergloomily upon the' forecastle, following ney, we have hated each other. "
with his eyes the black clouds that swept   "Have hated; say rather do hate, and
across the sky.                       that with every drop of blood that is
With a peculiarly bitter satisfaction warm within us."
he sought a resemblance between his con-  1" Do you not in such a moment as this
dition of soul and the storm which was feel the burden of an unrelenting hatredS."
soon to burst forth. A low sound was   "No."
heard, like a warning, a mighty sigh   "This proves that your heart is insenheaved the bosom of the sea, as if it was sible to everything but selfishness.  You




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            183
have done me the greatest injury that   A rattling, rumbling sound like that
was in any person's power. You might which a thousand wagons would make
have taken my honor, my fortune, my on a stone-paved street was heard in the
life, and I should have forgiven you, but distance through and above the roar of
to deprive me of the only thing which the sea; then came the squall, the first
was of value to me was more than I be- shock, attended by a whirling spray that
lieved myself capable of forgiving, and fell like snow upon sails and deck. Then
yet I now offer you my hand in recon- followed a flash, nay a thousand flashes
ciliation.  In the next moment one of us of lightning; for the whole firmament
may perhaps stand before the throne of was in flames in a second.  It was God's
the Almighty; and I at least do not signature in immeasurable space,  The
want to step before his judgment-seat storm  now  began its terrible song in
with an unreconciled heart. I will not earnest.  The men on watch had already
die with enmity towards any one."      gone aloft to put in the close reef, the
Lothard extended his hand to Tage, fore-top-mast stay-sail was hoisted in
but the latter pushed it away with the place of the jib, the courses were hauled
words,-                                up by Lotha rd's watchful care.  He
"In death as in life I am  and shall had meantime called the Captain, who
remain your enemy.  If the depth of came upon deck not much more than
the sea becomes my grave to-night, I can half dressed, and immediately ordered
only congratulate myself to have there- "all hands" to shorten sail.  In an
by been delivered from the sight of you." instant the crew  swarmed out like so
"I pity you," was all that Lothard many bees from a hive; some of them
said; then he returned to his post aft.   only half clad, but all prepared to venThe darkness increased; the storm's ture life and limb in rain, darkness, and
wing swept over the waves.  Lothard the shrieking blast for the vessel and
commanded the manceuvre, " taking the each  other.  The tempest increased.
second reef in the top-sails and furling The second in command seized the speakthe top-gallant sails."               ing-trumpet; all the officers went to
Taken in a bird's-eye view, as seen by their posts as at a general manoeuvre.
those who lie upon the yards, a large Not a single light illumined this scene.
rolling ship in the midst of a high sea By the glare of the lightning one could
and a strong gale presents a very singu- discover the forms with sinewy arms and
lar aspect, toiling and plunging in the energetic aspect that stood ready at the
foaming sea which ever and anon throws first word to spring into the rigging and
a heavy flood of water over the deck. fight a single combat breast to breast
For those who furl or reef the sails under with the frantic storm, to prove which
such circumstances, the motions are very should gain the mastery, its power or
abrupt.  To lie up there and swing from  that of man.
one side to the other in such a perilous   The officers and subalterns, who did
manner is enough to make the head of the not dare to rely upon any one but themoldest and most experienced sailr swim. selves, stood at the ropes groping and
The sea grew higher and higher; the feeling their way to ascertain that everystorm increased; and if any darkness in thing was all right, so that no accident
the blackest night can appear more im- might happen.  To see was not to be
penetrable than another, then it is that thought of. Through the roaring of the
in which a tempest approaches a lonely storm  and the din of the waves was
bark and furtively seizes it in its destrue- heard the second Captain's voice, -
tive embrace.                            " Lay aloft and furl the fore and mizzen




184                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
top-sails and close reef the main top- this rope about his waist, which was held
sail."                                by two men who had been with Tage at
A binding flash of lightning revealed a the time of the disaster, Lothard not
long row of figures climbing up through only considered himself secure of his life
the water.  It was as if the sea had (some bruises were unavoidable), but he
given up its dead, who dripping with the also hoped to save Tage, in the case he
briny foam  silently entered upon their had not fallen at once into the sea withopened course to heaven.              out being able to hold fast to the boat.
Tage, who was stationed upon the quar-   "I shall save him, even if it should be
ter-deck, and had received the order to my last act," thought Lothard.
see to the lashing of the boats, was en-   In the terrible darkness and deluged by
gaged with sonie sailors in further secur- one wave after another, he lowered himing the quarter-boats.  Just as his whole self down to the boat. Climbing over
attention  was engaged in this, there the seats one after the other, groping and
came a terrible cross-sea, in consequence feeling his way along, he came at length
of some veering from the course, which to the end of the boat, where his hand
first threw the frigate almost upon its encountered something softer than wood.
side, and then fell over it with its full He felt the object more carefully.  It
force, washing with it everything loose was a limb, that had been entangled
and all the living creatures on deck down in the fastenings and kept up the body
to the lee side, where men and ropes to which it belonged.  The moments
tumbled over each other in an indiscrim- were precious. The body hung outside
inate heap. In the midst of this tumult the boat, between it and the side of the
an unusual crash was heard like the ship. It needed only one lurch more and
wrenching of an iron bar, and then a the man would be crushed; or another
cry. Before half of the bewildered crew  sea, and boat and body would be plunged
could scramble to their feet Lothard's helplessly into the depths.
resonant voice exclaimed,-              With superhuman strength and ani"A man overboard! "                 mated by the desire of saving Tage, who
By means of a flash that illumined had been struck by the oars in his fall
the darkness at the same moment the and was found to be senseless, Lothard
tide rolled its transparent grave over the lifted him up. If Tage's coat had given
vessel, Lothard had seen that the weath- way, a button burst, or Lothard's hold
er quarter-boat was filled with water and slipped, then all would have been over.
that Tage was busy with the lashings. Holding his breath, Lothard drew  him
Then he heard the snap which to his up inch by inch. Now he has him; a
practised ear gave indication that the moment more and he clasps Tage in his
boat's davit had been carried away. strong arms. He embraces his senseless
The cry that followed told him  fur- and unrelenting enemy. He considers
ther that an accident had happened, himself and Tage out of danger, when a
and without hesitation he called out, wave, as mighty in its destruction as its
"A  man  overboard! "  But  scarcely predecessor, tears the boat from its last
had the words passed his lips before he fastening and flings it down into the
jumped upon the rail, fastened a rope depths, covering Lothard and Tage with
around his waist and lowered himself its foam. There they now both hung.
down forward the after davit which yet Lothard had not lost his presence of mind
held, and to which the boat hung beat- for an instant.  In the midst of the din
ing against the side of the vessel, with of storm and sea his cry was heard,the bow down to the dark water  With   "Haul up! "




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            185
The command was obeyed instantly. anything occurring of importance to our
At the rail they were received by the two narrative; watch duty, exercise, convermen that held the rope.  Tag'e was car- sation in the gun-room, and promenades
ried, still senseless, down to his cabin and on deck or below, were the order in
left in the care of the surgeon. Lothard, their turn.  After the stormy night, Loa little later, received the order to watch thard had become the favorite of all his
through the night, after the second in comrades. They competed to show the
command had first executed his manceu- respect they felt for him.  Lothard himvre, and the vessel had been hove to self was about the same as usual, silent
under storm sails; the watch was set, and serious; but he now responded to
and no further work could be done before the friendly approaches of his companions
daylight.                              with affability instead of the almost reThe storm still whistled and howled pelling coldness with  which he had
through the rigging; the frigate plunged before warded off every attempt at inabout among the billows; but Lothard timacy. Lothard showed with an exquisdid not feel the lashing of the wind or ite tact that he fully appreciated the
hear its doleful whining; he did not respect rendered him on the ground of a
remember that he was wet through and commendable deed.
through.  No, all was bright and tran-   All the officers knew of the hostility
quil within him.  He was satisfied with that existed between Lothard and Tage.
himself, and thought, -                The greater part of them were aware of
"Mother! you ought to be pleased Tage's course of action at Gibraltar.
with your son. Now, Skuldfrid, I am  There was consequently something truly
worthy to be loved by thee.  Who is the noble in Lothard's behavior, which inbetter to-day, the Canitz whom you once spired his shipmates with a high opinion
so deeply despised, or Tage for whom you of his character.
sacrificed him?. Ah! I should like to   We complain that humanity is low
attach to my life a whole series'of proud and mean, that our times are demoraland noble deeds, so that I could say at ized. We are wrong. Wherever a good,
the end of my career, that my worth commendable, or great deed is performed,
had purified my name.  The unworthy people are ready to render it their reweakness that my animosity towards him  spect, their sanction and admiration, and
engendered is to-night buried  in the that so unconditionally that even envy
depths of the sea.  I have saved his life, at such moments is silenced.  We forget
in atonement for the blows I once gave ourselves to proclaim with jubilant joy
him.  I have saved it now, although my some distinguished trait in any of our
heart bleeds from  the wound his last fellow-beings. If this is a rule that holds
action caused me. I have returned good in general, then it is especially applicafor evil. I can dare to be proud of myself.  ble to persons of such dispositions as
Life, with all its load of pain, yet pos- seamen, with whom everything depends
sesses some glorious hours; it is worth on the impulse of the moment. To these
while to have lived only for this moment, boisterous sons of the sea every grand
even if the remainder of. my existence action is something that does them good
were to be as destitute of joy as the to the very depths of their souls, just
past."                                 because their hearts are less corrupted
and more artless than those of the denizens of the city.
After the above-described events the   While all, from  the Captain to the
days on board the frigate passed without least of the crew, gave Lothard credit for




186                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
saving Tage, the latter lay prostratewith are tormented because they are under
a fever. Day after day he was confined obligation to any one, and. who become
to his couch by this infliction, and his ill-disposed toward each and all who place
mental condition was not calculated to them under the necessity of acknowledghasten his recovery.  The very next ing that they owe gratitude.  This is
morning after the storm, one of his com- the case with all selfish and egotistic
rades informed him whom he had to thank persons. Tage was a thoroughly selffor his rescue. The knowledge of this loving and conceited character; and like
poured fire as it were into his feverish all such he was easily led in a wrong diblood.  The thought that he had to rection, especially when he was swayed
thank Canitz for his life was torturing.   by all the resentment which his wounded
While he tossed about on his couch self-love engendered, as was now  the
the bitter comparison between him and case. Tage never forgot an injury, never
Lothard returned continually to his mind. forgave the one who had inflicted it upon
The scene in Naples, when he had with him, acknowledged no superiority but his
wild joy gloated over the harm he had own, and regarded all the good that was
done his hated rival, stood forth accus- done him as something to which he was
ingly before his memory. His ignoble fully entitled.  On the contrary, he alconduct at that time, and his harsh ways forgot his debts of gratitude.  With
words when Lothard offered him  his such an undertone in his soul, it was but
hand in reconciliation, all came back to natural that Lothard's behavior, far fromn
him and placed him in a scarcely honor- touching his better feelings or awakening
able light before himself.            his gratitude, should nourish a silent but
"If my father could have followed my increased aversion. This became all the
behavior and his," thought Tage, "how greater, as he perceived that he could
severely would he have disapproved and not allow it to appear. He would then
perhaps despised me; and how high this have encountered the reprobation of his
stern and noble-minded man would have comrades.
placed. hin?."                          Wagner, who with a wonderful sagacity
His pulse flew, his blood burned, and penetrated all the motives that lead one
Tage threw himself restlessly to and fro, to evil and knew how to influence them
continuing in thought, -              with masterly skill, comprehended Tage's
" But is it then so sure that, if we had condition perfectly.  And as he was
exchanged roles, he would not have acted utterly unable to rely upon his former
as I did? As to my father, how could he calculations when he had Lothard to deal
judge of my conduct! He has never with, but always saw them  fail, he deknown what it is to have a violent pas- termined to use Tage as a tool for the
sion. He has never been obliged to en- furtherance of his plans.  During the
dure the small stings which a hated en- first day of Tage's illness, Wagner gave
emy inflicts, and consequently does not close attention to every word, gesture,
know to what all this may lead."      and change of expression.  When the
Tage now adopted the usual course fever began to abate, Wagner spent hours
with us weak mortals, that'of excusing at the bedside of his patient, conversing
one's own meanness.  Once on this road, upon indifferent subjects.  Tage showed
Tage saw in Lothard's act of saving an evident distrust of the Doctor, whom
his life only another reason to detest he regarded as Lothard's friend. One
him.                                  day Wagner turned the conversation
There are persons who are only em2 upon the latter.  Tage maintained  a
bittered by the good one does them  who complete silence; but the artful physi



GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           187
cian, who behind themask of indifference Doctor's eyes rested on Tage, who at,
concealed his intention of finding out these words changed color and ground
Tage, perceived full well that when he his teeth. Without appearing to observe
spoke of Lothard's remarkable qualities, these effects he continued, "Baron CaTage turned uneasily back and forth. nitz's wisdom and foresight never fail him.
Wagner now knew sufficient, and sus- He has calculated correctly his advantage
pended for the time all further remarks in saving you. He has gained two things
about Lothard.  The next day he said by it: first, he lays you under an obligawith his conciliatory smile, while he ex- tion; and next, he wins his comrades'
amined Tage's pulse,-                 friendship at a single stroke.  It is al"You must make haste to recover, so ways well to attach persons to us with
that you may be perfectly well when we the ties of gratitude, and nothing is easier
arrive at Palermo; and that may occur than to play the magnanimous "  The
very soon, if the wind changes. We Doctor laid a peculiar stress upon the
have had a stubborn, contrary wind, and word " play."
I desire that it may remain so until I   He had cast the evil in a very fruitful
succeed in restoring you."            soil; for Tage grasped with avidity the
"What has my health to do with the thought that Lothard's whole behavior
contrary wind l." asked Tage.         was a consequence of some mean calcu"Nothing especially; but when we lation.
come to Palermo you ought to be brisk,   Two or three days after this the frigate
and as this will take some time yet, I anchored in the roads at Palermo.  Tage,
wish that our arrival there may be de- however, was not sufficiently recovered to
layed."                               leave the frigate during the time it re" And for what reason "             mained in port. He had to content him" A surprise is intended you upon your self with hearing his comrades' accounts
arrival there."  The Doctor smiled.   of the dinner that was given to Lothard;
"Me. "                             of the toasts that had been drunk; of the
"It seems to astonish you. You must increasing sympathy they felt for the
know how much your comrades think of'" Russian " comrade, as they had formerly
you."                                 called Lothard; of the adventures they
" O, well; but now you speak in enig- had had, etc., -- all things that roused unmas. Palermo, contrary winds, my re- pleasant feelings in Tage's soul.
covery, a surprise, and the regard of my   At last, after undergoing for a whole
comrades, are all mentioned at once with- week the daily torture either of hearing
out my understanding a word of it."   how they had amused themselves, or how
"Neither is it my intention that you much they thought of Lothard, Tage reshall understand anything, as it is the ceived the joyful intelligence that the
question of a surprise. I have already time of departure was settled.
said too much."                          "We shall have passengers with us to
"If that is so, then it seems to me Alexandria, - a young married lady with
that you had better speak it out."    her husband," said one of the officers to
"Well, as it is something that you Tage, as he took a peep into his statewill be glad to hear, and which will con- room.
sequently contribute to a speedy recovery.   "That is indifferent to me," replied
Your comrades intend, upon our arrival Tage peevishly.
at Palermo, to give a dinner in honor of   He was almost recovered; but this
your rescue. That is to say, the dinner gave him no joy, for he now dreaded the
is given for Canitz, your preserver." The moment when he should meet Lothard




188                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
and be compelled to utter some words of his health and his lost flesh, something
acknowledgment for the service he had which I hope for the beautiful Countess's
rendered him, and this was more trying sake he may not be allowed to do. She
to Tage than the severest illness. The has already been married to this living
same day that the frigate sailed from  skeleton two years; and as the Count was
Palermo, Tage showed himself in the gun- a perfect wreck when he united his destiroom for the first time since his illness. ny to hers, it seems to me that it is now
He had chosen a moment when Lothard time for death to loosen the bonds which
had the watch.                        were not joined by love."
"Well, my dear Aberney, have you   "And such a woman you can call
seen Canitz?." inquired Steen.       charming," observed Tage.
" Not yet," was the answer.           "Yes, my friend; the more of demon
" I hope you two gentlemen will be as and the less of angel there is to be found
good friends hereafter as you have been in a woman, the more dangerous she is.
foes before," said the second.  "Canitz I, for my part, detest those sweet, gentle,
is a fine fellow, and has also proven that devoted angels, who are the same day
he is a good comrade in the moment of out and day in; pure as snow, monotodanger; these are qualities which deserve nous as a calm, and tiresome as tediousrecognition, - do they not, Aberney { "  ness itself.  No, the woman I love shall
"Most certainly," admitted Tage. The be a bewitching little Satan who torments
second went up on deck, after he had and infatuates me, precisely like our
first inspected himself in the glass and Countess."
arranged his hair carefully.            "I wish you joy of it," said Tage.
"Upon my faith and honor, the en-   "As far as you are concerned, my dear
gaging Countess has already turned the Aberney, I'11 bet anything that you will
heads of both the Commander and second become perfectly enraptured with her."
the very first day of her stay on board,"   "I!"  Tage looked at his companion
said a young lieutenant.  "Ever since with commiseration.  "The  day will
we put to sea with the beautiful witch, never dawn in which I allow myself to
the looking-glass has had to do service. be infatuated with a woman."
It is devilish amusing to have ladies on   This declaration of Tage's was received
board."                               with loud laughter by his comrades, and
The young lieutenant now placed him- for ten minutes he became a butt for
self in his turn before the mirror and their sharpest wit. After a while the
contemplated his fresh, good-humored conversation returned to the Countess.
countenance with peculiar satisfaction.  " I saw her and spoke with her in Na" Ah! You speak of the passengers ples at the San Carlos Theatre," said one
who are going with us to Alexandria," of the officers.  " Do you remember, Abrejoined Tage.                        erney, the lady who accompanied Madame
"Yesj she is a young and charming Dorbino?.  It was no other than our
woman."                               amiable Countess."
" Who is she?"                       " She is said to be related to the cele"Countess Nathalie Renstein. She is brated singer," remarked another of the
married to the commander's nephew, a officers.  "At least she said so herself."
young barrister who is suffering from con-   "But the Countess is a Swede," assumption.  He is horribly emaciated and serted a third, " and Madame Dorbino is
as yellow as parchment, but rich.  The French."
married couple are now going to Alexan-   "Precisely; but that does not hinder
dria;  the Count to recover if possible the Countess from being related to her.




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            189
In such times as ours, when steamers and   "I," Lothard bowed and  answered
railroads have come into use, one may with a cold smile, - "I love the nymph
have brothers and sisters in all parts of of the sea too well to even try to be
the earth.  One is never sure while on a agreeable to any other woman."
journey of not stumbling upon a near    "You  are not particularly polite,
relative."                             Baron Canitz."
While they were chatting and joking    "Pardon me, I am a sailor."  Lothard
in the gun-room, waiting for the ten- left the Countess, for the pipe sounded
o'clock drill, Lothard stood on deck and to quarters.
conversed with a lady who was looking   Neatly clad  in  their working, but
at the rippling surface of the water as nevertheless true sailor garb, the men
she toyed with the tassels of her man- now gathered on deck and took their
tie.                                   positions with the readiness and silence
"But how can you assert that life on that distinguishes every movement on a
shipboard is agreeable." said Countess man-of-war, awaiting the arrival of the
Renstein.  " It seems to me terribly tire- officers. The service called Lothard away
some; and one must either be a misan- from the lovely Countess, who, as she stood
thrope or of a very limited mind to find all alone in the midst of these rough,
this roving about on the ocean enjoyable. bearded sailors might in truth be comMention a single one of the delights pared  to  one  of Lothard's  beloved
that existence on sea affords."        nymphs, arising from her pearly grottos
"If I named them all, you, Countess, to behold her sons and victims once more
would not understand them, and there- in life before she folded them in the arms
fore I leave you to decide whether my of death.
comrades and I are misanthropes or   Lothard reviewed his division, heard
dull-heads."  Lothard said this with a what some of them had to report, repricertain ironical politeness.           manded others for their carelessness, said
"My words were perhaps a little too some kind words to an old veteran of a
sharp," resumed the Countess, laughing; sailor, who complacently turned his quid
"but that is because I already foresee of tobacco, and reported in the customary
how extremely tired I shall become of it. manner that " there was nothing to reI shall certainly die of ennui before I mark."  Then it was commanded "pipe
reach Alexandria."                     down.'
" Impossible, Countess; have you not    7.cv the second approached the Countthe very first day become the object of eas, who promenaded with him and held
general admiration 1"                  a lively conversation, until the clock
"Indeed, I have not been aware of it."  struck ten.
"' How unfortunate for the Commandle;   At twelve o'clock, when the exercise
and all my comrades not to have suc- was over and Lothard entered the gunceeded better in their efforts to snow  room, he found Tage there all alone.  It
you attention.  Rest assured that they was the first time they saw each other
will do all in their power to make time after Tage's convalescence. With the delappear to you as short as possible."  icacy and fine feeling that distinguished
"The Commander and all your com- his character, Lothard fully comprehendrades have then the laudable intention ed  how  disagreeable  Tage's position
of trying to entertain me l "          must be; therefore, he instantly resolved
"I am fully convinced of it; and you, to appear as if nothing had taken place
Madame, must surely have remarked it." between them, and passed by him with a
"And you I"                         cold greeting.  Tage again only saw in




190                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
his behavior the most offensive arrogance more attention to his outer appearance,
and felt irritated by it.  He went up to and his face sometimes wore a cheerful
Lothard, however, saying in a sharp and smile. In a word, he had been seized by
cutting tone, which indicated but too the same interest for the beautiful Countplainly that his state of feeling did not ess that had taken possession of his comharmonize with the words civility forced rades.
from him, -                              What was it in her that surprised him
"Herr Lieutenant, I am indebted to at their very first meeting! A certain
you for having saved my life, and I de- something that reminded of Skuldfrid.
sire to thank you for it."  He was pale; There was an astonishing resemblance
the blue eyes looked at Lothard with a between them in stature, motion, bearing,
sombre expression.  He carried his head and manner of speaking.  Yes, even
higher than usual.                     their laugh was the same. One who saw
"You do not owe me any thanks," the Countess Nathalie with her back
replied Lothard.  " I have only fulfilled turned and heard her jest or laugh would
a duty, which  you would also have have been tempted to believe it was
obeyed in my place."                   Skuldfrid; but when she turned there
" I doubt it," thought Tage.        was not a line in her face that reminded
"A  man overboard is the signal for of the Fir lish girl's regular features.
one and all to assist him; that I was the   Tage was fascinated by the resemblance,
first who hurried to his rescue, and that and the Countess so awakened his interthe man was you, is only a play of est that he felt happy in her society,
chance."                              longing for her when she was absent, and
"That is true.  If you had known forgetting all life's annoyances in her
beforehand wzhom  you were saving, you presence.
would perhaps not have been the first to   "'It is her likeness to Skuldfrid that
assist him," returned Tage, with a smile attracts me," said Tage to himself. "When
which was too scornful not to disclose she speaks, it is as if Skuldfrid's voice
the bitterness that lay concealed within charmed my ear; when I see her walk or
him, and prevented him from either de- move, I forget all that has passed, and
siring or being able to comprehend that feel transported back to former times.
anything great or noble could proceed When the sound of her ringing laugh
from the one he regarded as an enemy.   meets my ear, it is as if I were still a
" Believe this if you choose; then you youth participating with Skuldfrid in her
do not stand under any obligation to childish frolics."
me," answered Lothard, proudly, and left   It was an  enchanting  illusion  to
him.                                   which Tage abandoned himself.  The
Two days after this Lothard and Tage Countess, a woman  with  a peculiar
again had the watch together.          genius for coquetry, perceived immediately that Tage's attention and politeness was of a different nature from that
of the others.  This led her to bestow
Tage, who ever since his recovery had greater favor upon him than fell to the
thought with a feeling of aversion of the lot of his comrades.   She spoke in
resumption of his duties and the time he earnest to him, made reflections, jested,
should still be obliged to remain  on and entered into long discussions.  For
board the frigate, had however, in the him she had always a friendly, somespace of a few days, changed his mood times a cordial smile.  In short, every
considerably for the better.  He gave one understood that Aberney was the




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           191
Countess's favorite. It is true there were Lothard than mere civility. It was eight
moments when she devoted herself espe- o'clock, the first watch was set.
cially to Lothard, and, as it were, diverted   Nathalie asked Lothard several quesherself in trying to force him to render tions about Egypt; the habits of the counher an homage which he on his side did try, etc.  A pause ensued after he had
not seem inclined to offer.            given  her all the information in his
Lothard had also observed the resem- power.  Tage looked at Lothard with
blance that existed between  Nathalie envious eyes; it seemed to him that for
and Skuldfrid, but it did not exercise the last few days Lothard had claimed
any ravishing influence on him, rather too much of the Countess's attention.
the contrary.                          Suddenly Nathalie interrupted the si"She is like Skuldfrid in the same lence that hadsucceeded, askingLothard,
way that a caricature is like its original," who stood directly beside her with his
thought  Lothard.   "That  which  in look directed to the sails,
Skuldfrid  was enchanting nature and    "How long were you in Naples?."
truth is with her art and study.  The    "We lay there something over a fortsight of her torments me, for she shows night,' answered Lothard.  The muscles
that the charms and graces which are a of his face contracted involuntarily. The
gift of nature to some persons can be word "Naples" reminded him too vividly
imitated by others. Even ingenuousness of the intense grief he had but recently
and true innocence can be simulated by experienced.
art.  It is as if she profaned something    "You know Madame Dorbino, do you
holy when I see any motion of hers that not? "   The Countess fixed a penetratreminds of Skuldfrid.                  ing look upon Lothard.  His face reThe result of this was that Lothard, mained unchanged, as he gave her a
unlike his comrades, avoided the Coun-'negative answer.
tess as much as politeness admitted.   "Indeed! I could, however, venture
He was, however, too much of a gentle- my whole fortune upon the contrary."
man to forget for a single moment what   "It is possible that I have known her
a lady has the right to demand of a under another name.  What was she
cultivated man.   Polite whenever he called before she was married?
met her, there was yet something in his   " I have never heard her family name."
politeness clearly indicating  that the    " But are you not related to the favorcourteous words and the attention he ite singer "
paid her did not proceed from anything    "I was related to her late husband.
but the habit of thus deporting himself When I made the acquaintance of Mawith ladies in general.  It is true there dame Dorbino she was already a widow.
was now  and then a glimpse of a re- I suppose you know her earlier history?"
pressed superiority, a something which Nathalie again regarded Lothard with a
said that he threw flattery and compli- searching glance.
ments to the fair sex, just as we give   "No,, Countess; I know of her nothing
playthings to children to please them. more than what I have learned through
This is just what irritates those who, the newspapers."
like Nathalie, possess sufficient intelli-   "Strange."  Nathalie's, countenance
gence to  understand  what Lothard's assumed a thoughtful; expression.;
subtle smile concealed.                 ('What do you find strange in this?
We find the Countess on deck one I, have not visited either London or Paris
evening after she had tried several times during the years in which she has become
in vain to elicit a livelier interest from  celebrated, and have consequently. had




192                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
no opportunity either to hear her or be-   "Yes, I met several countrymen.  Is
come acquainted with her."            there any one in particular about whose
"But she knows you."               stay there you desire to obtain informa"Has she said so? "                 tion? "
"Certainly not, but I know it."       "Did you know perchance a Madem"Perhaps you then know more than oiselle Smidt, a Finnish girl by birth?"
MadameDorbino herself." Lothardsmiled It was with a violent effort to make his
ironically.                           voice perfectly calm  that Lothard pro"Ah! Lieutenant, there you are again nounced these words.
with one of your sarcasms."             Woman's ear is generally as fine as
"Pardon me, you do me injustice; I her eye, especially when she wishes to
only presupposed the same liveliness in find out anything; so also with Nathalie.
your fancy as in your eyes."          Although Lothard's face retained its im"This exceeds everything.  You thus passive  expression, she  distinguished
assert that I make up stories."       however a certain  unsteadiness in his
"Countess Renstein, I have never voice, which told her that the person
made such an assertion about a lady; whose name he now mentioned possessed
but I believe that you can be mistaken." a deep interest for him.  Her resolution
"Not at all.  I will prove it directly. was instantly taken.  She wished to conDuring my stay in Naples, when I was vince herself of the correctness of her
with Madame Dorbino one evening in the observation, and afterwards divert herSan Carlos Theatre some one accidentally self in tormenting Lothard if possible.,mentioned your name.  She became agi- It is always dangerous to let a woman
stated when she heard it and made some discover a weak point in a man's heart.:inquiries about you. After we left the IHe can then be very sure of having a
Atheatre she was very sad; and when I little imp of mischief in her.
asked her if she knew you, she gave me   "Yes, I actually made the acquaint-:an evasive answer.  In a word, it all led ance in Naples of a Mademoiselle Smidt
~me to the conclusion that -"         from Finland," answered Nathalie.
The Countess suspended her words as   Lothard turned quickly to her.
if -to give Lothard an opportunity to   "She was then in Naples during your
complete the sentence; but he preserved stay there?"
an obstinate silence, and that with an   "Yes."
-air that-evinced the most thorough in-   Lothard's breast heaved unquietly for,.,difference.                         some seconds; then he resumed, with the
A pause followed, as Nathalie did not greatest effort to. gain a calm  uttercontinue the interrupted sentence.  Lo- ance,
thard's thoughts had meanwhile taken   " Had she left Naples at the time of
another direction.  This time it was he your departure  "
who broke the silence.                  "She was to leave there the next
"How long did you remain in Na- day."
ples  "                                 " And where was she then going?"
"Four weeks. Madame Dorbino and   "Herr Baron, the question you now
we went there together from'Rome."    ask I do not intend to answer."  The
"Did you meet any Swedes in Na- Countess prepared to leave him; but
ples?"  Lothard uttered the  question Lothard said, -
without looking at Nathalie. She, on   "One word, Countess; why do you
the contrary, had her eyes fixed upon refuse to answer me?  You can not poshim.                                  sibly have any interest in concealing




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           193
what direction Mademoiselle Smidt took,   The next day we find Nathalie and
or where she resides, in the case you Tage standing upon the battery and lookknow it."                             ing out through one at the port-holes.'" What interest have you in wishing to   "What is the matter with you to-day,
learn it'"  The Countess looked at him. Lieutenant, you are so gloomy?" said
"That of a man's peace, happiness, and Nathalie, banteringly.
future being dependent upon it."        "Nothing is the matter with me and
"Fine words to cover your curiosity, yet everything," answered  Tage, and
Through me you shall not have it grat- looked boldly into the young woman's
ified."                               eyes.
1" Countess, do you then really know    " That is very much and very little at
her present residence? "              the same time."
"I do."                               "True, and yet our happiness often
"In that case I charge you, by all that consists of little or rather of nothing."
is sacred, to tell me."                 "For God's sake, do not talk so seriThe clock now struck nine.          ously; it does not become you."  Nathfa"' Good night, Herr Lieutenant," said lie smiled with a childish expression that
the Countess, smiling.  "One must now reminded of Skuldfrid.  "Joy and merretire."                              riment belong to your age, your station,
"Then  you will not grant my re- and your appearance.  I cannot endure
quest?"                              serious and solemn airs."
"No. Through me you will know    "And yet you are so interested in
nothing."  She laughed.               Canitz.  He rarely jests and  seldom
"Is this your last word? "         smiles."
"Yes, my last, and you can rely upon   "Who has said that I am interested
it that I will hold to it."           in him? "  Nathalie leaned her head on
"Very well, then  hear mine also; one side, in the manner of a girl of fifuntil the day that you tell me Made- teen.
moiselle Smidt's residence I will pursue   Tage grew quite warm about the heart.
you with questions, and keep such an He even forgot to seek a resemblance to
espionage upon you that I shall either Skuldfrid in this motion, so charming
through strategy, persuasion, or some did he find the Countess.
other means succeed in finding out what   "My eyes have told it to me," anyou wish to conceal, and the fault will swered Tage, with his gaze resting on the
not be mine if you suffer some unpleas- dangerous siren.
antness from my importunity; for cost'Then you have poor eyes, Herr Lieuwhat it will, I must learn from you where tenant."   Nathalie turned away from
she resides."                         him and continued silent some time, with
" Empty words, Herr Lieutenant; in a bearing that told Tage that she was
Alexandria we shall separate."        displeased.
" But I shall find you again and then   "You are angry," resumed he at last.
you will grant my request."              "Yes! "
"Never."                             "But, for Heaven's sake, at what? If
The Countess left the deck.  Tage my eyes deceive me, then - "
was enraged over the long conversation   "You ought to keep it to yourself; I
between her and Lothard. She had en- do not wish to be their confidante."
tirely forgotten him, only occupying her-   "Deign to hear me. When one feels
self with Lothard, who always and every- very happy in a person's presence, he
where placed himself in Tage's way.   envies all who enjoy the felicity he places




194                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
so high. This is the whole of my fault. places, sometimes so ensnaring the young
I envied Canitz the friendliness you be- woman with his conversation that she
stowed upon him."                     almost betrayed herself. Either she was
" What a fool you are," exclaimed the continually on her guard and cognizant
Countess, laughing.  "I did nothing but of Lothard's intention, or else her whole
torment him."                         acquaintance with Mademoiselle Smidt
"Even that may sometimes be a hap- was a fabrication; for she would otherpiness."                              wise, in the unexpected turns which Lo"Possibly; but for him  it was the thard gave the conversation, have dropped
reverse, of that I am fiully assured.  He an enlightening word unavoidably.  Locan just as little endure me, as I him. thard's often singular manner of conductWe have a natural antipathy for each ing a conversation only resulted in enother."                               tertaining her and exciting Tage's envy.
"Do you speak candidly, Countess As the officers saw Nathalie and Lothard
lenstein?"                           so often together, the consequence was
"I am always candid. You know of that they rallied him upon his assiduity
Canitz's former life, do you not "    in waiting upon the Countess.  This
"Something."                        banter was a new purgatory for Tage,
"Do you know if he has been in love. " which put his blood into a ferment and
"Who of us mortals has not?" said changed his attraction to the Countess
Tage, evasively.                      into a violent and painful caprice. He
"That was not an honest answer," could not bear to see her and Lothard
replied the Countess, with an impatient talking together.  He could not endure
voice.  "I want to know if he has been to hear her laugh when Lothard spoke
attached to any one "                 to her; and though he did not dare to
"Has been is not the right word; I make himself so ridiculous as to tell
believe lhe is."  Tage's face darkened. Nathalie of all the resentment that this
The moment's fleeting delight was dissi- awakened, he was not able to prevent his
pated as his thoughts returned to the face from  revealing all the sensations
past and his unfortunate attachment to that swayed him; but then Nathalhe had
Skuldfrid, which at such times always only to smile in her peculiar childish
stood forth in its full strength.     manner, and the clouds fled from  his
"Do you know the name of the person brow and he forgot his vexation to enjoy
he is attached to?"                  the charm of her society.  Happily for
1" No."                             them all the frigate anchored at last at
The Countess looked at her admirer Alexandria; or Heaven only knows to
and changed the subject of conversation; what new folly Tage's envy and pique
in a few moments she had dispelled the would have led him.
shadows which an unpleasant theme had   It is a sad truth, that wherever a wocalled forth.                         man appears dissension and strife always
Soon after this Lothard approached arise.  Is the fault woman's or man's 
the Countess. At his appearance Tage May those who will answer the question.
immediately left his place.
From that day Lothard almost persecuted Nathalie. As soon as he saw her
he was at her side, yet he did not by any   Two winters had spread their white'means besiege her with either petitions mantles over the earth since the frigate'or questions, but conversed with  her Carolina left the harbor of Naples, and
about travels, and the stay in different again spring came with its blossoms.




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                          195
Stockholm had during the cold season highly spoken of abroad.  The distinflourished with balls, concerts, soirees, guished artist intends to  appear in
and all manner of entertainments. The several roles. Her first appearance will
children of folly had forgotten that there be in that of Agatha in Der Freiswas such a thing as seriousness in life. chutz.
They amused themselves, and time flew   This was something new. An artist
like a dream.                         who had made a sensation in Paris and
Thus, when spring came with its clear London, and to whom it was the fashion
blue sky and its radiant sunlight, the there to pay homage.  The elite of Stockpleasure-seeking public of the capital holm could thus bestow their admiration
began to feel weary. The young ladies upon her without compromising themwere danced out, the soirees became mo- selves. Yes, it would even have looked
notonous, the concerts had nothing piq- strange if the Stockholm public had not
nant to offer, and Thalia's temple stood hastened to show its enthusiasm for the
deserted. During the whole winter they French singer, when London and Paris
had admired Emilie H, been charmed had already done so. Madame, Dorbino
with Madame G, and shed tears of was consequently, before she had been
sympathy at the masterly manner in heard, the object of an admiration which
which " Griselda " was rendered; and now none would have ventured to bestow upadmiration, delight, sympathy, etc., were on the most gifted native artist.
exhausted, when " Djurgarden's " (the   Ah, my dear countrymen! Why this
royal park) hillocks began to exhibit a foolish weakness for all that is foreign.
tender green, the anemones peeped forth, Why this pitiful lack of independence in
and one fancied that the lamps in the judgmentS The French and English do
theatres looked red and dull compared to not consult other countries before they
the sunlight. The painted scenes had applaud merit. No, they do it entirely
nothing  that resembled the budding independent of what other nations think
shrubs.  The young and courted girl or feel; but we Swedes must first let forfound her adorers tedious; these again eigners tramp down the path our judghad wearied of admiring charms that ment is to follow.
needed gauze, jewels, and gaslight to   Der Freisclzutz was announced with
appear to advantage. Add to this, that Madame Dorbino as Agatha.  All the
the most beautiful woman, after a winter best seats were secured even before the
of idle amusements, has lost more of her notice of the Opera was given.
youth and freshness than during a whole   We will visit the Opera house a couple
series of calm years, and it is but natural of days before the representation.  It is
that the spring sun shone only on pale not yet ten o'clock. A rehearsal is to
cheeks and dull eyes. Yawningly all take place. The artists are collected in
awaited the evening.  The lions of the small groups.  They wish to see the forday were at a loss to know how to kill eign singer. While they are waiting for
time.  In a word, all the attractions of her arrival we will listen to what they
the capital were worn out.  People say. We stop by one of the groups.
sighed for the summer, and were visited   "Have you seen her?" asked Madame,
by.the most obstinate ennui.               of Herr
The following appeared one day in the   "No, but I hope to have that pleasure.
newspapers,-                          as we shall sing in the same opera," re"Stockholm has been honored with a plied. Herr
visit from the celebrated singer Madame   "They say she is uncommonly beautiDorbino, who of late years has been so ful," observed another.




196                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"I have heard she is dreadfully home- appeared in an opera, sustaining one of
ly," declared Madame:, who was very the minor parts.  An English lord saw
good looking herself.                  her and succeeded in persuading her to
"They say she is a saint in her mor- run away from her husband, who in his
als," uttered another.                 mortification shot himself through the
"An Opera saint," sneered Herr -. head.  She went to Italy with this lord,
The remark occasioned great merriment. and when she had derived all the advan" Yes, that is the right word," declared tage possible from the Englishman, she
Madame —, whose soul was already abandoned him  for an Italian.  Three
filled with the most intense envy towards years ago she appeared again in Paris,
the famous singer.  "I am informed that made a success, was lauded to the skies,
she at least has a mean sort of a lover, travelled to London and made John Bull
and that is Monsieur de Bris, of the Royal forget his beef-steak and porter.  Now
Opera in Paris.  Besides, I suppose you for a couple of years past she is said to
have heard her married history."       be connected with De Bris."
"No, what is it l "  All threw them-   " The saint has thus allowed herself to
selves eagerly into a subject that re- be worshipped by all nations."
semnbled scandal.  They might possibly   "Hush, here comes the director and
get hold of something really infamous to with him a lady."
relate of this woman, who had enchanted   All eyes were directed to the newthe public of London and Paris with her comers, and even the most envious were
tones.  They might find some moral stain obliged to acknowledge with chagrin that
with which to soil her reputation as an the lady who accompanied the director
artist.  This would be. a real acquisition. was possessed of uncommon beauty.
Approval always awakens envy, which   Madame Dorbino, for it was she, was
sleeps with one eye open, and grasps so dignified in her bearing, and her tall,
eagerly at any grain of sand to convert slender figure was so full of majesty and
it into a mountain of scandal.  Such is grace, that there was something imposthe condition not only within the theatre, ing in her presence.  Her form possessed
but over the whole world. Human vanity that union of luxuriance and flexibility
and self-love cannot endure to hear an- which makes the eye rest with pleasure
other praised.  Hence come all deroga- on every contour.  The white swan-like
tory reports.  But to return to the con- neck supported a head so beautiful, that
versation.   Madame          took  the when one had once seen these features
word, -                                they were indelibly imprinted on the
"She was married to a musician by the memory.  The dark, lustrous hair surname of Dorbino."                      rounded a brow so fair, that it was plain
"Italian 1."                         to be seen that the thoughts which were
"No, French.  He is said to have concealed within it were pure as those of
heard her sing in the streets of Paris a child.  The large dark eyes were like
eight or ten years ago, and was so capti- a pair of beaming stars, which had borvated by her voice that he married her a rowed warmth from the sun and clearshort time afterward."                 ness from the moon.  The whole expres"Ten years ago.  That is to say that sion of the face was noble and maidenly.
she is not very young."                At the first glance those present rejected
"She must be considerably older than every prejudicial thought and mistrusted
I.".         that Madame -'s story was a fiction
"Indeed "                            which sprung from her envy of a rival
"Some months after her marriage she who was to take her part.




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           197
"How  beautiful she is!" whispered as they were obliged to acknowledge
they among themselves.                with inward chagrin that she had supeThe conductor took his place; the re- rior talent.
hearsal began.                          Candor compels us to admit that the
"She will probably sing her part in impression Madame Dorbino's singing had
French," said one to another, and await- made on the male portion of her hearers
ed with intense expectation the moment was such that they lacked all disposition
when she should begin. The well-known to repeat Madame —'s story.  Men do
measures were now heard, and Madame not willingly throw a shadow upon the
Dorbino sang: -                       honor of so beautiful a woman. Women,'
on the contrary, embrace with eagerness
"How calmly our life has flown,
Till the hour of our meeting," etc.   every opportunity to injure one upon
whom nature has bestowed any advanWas that actually the same aria that tages. Madame.-'s story had thus
Madame -    had sung.  Yes! but from  every hope of being spread, through the
what divine power had this woman bor- readiness of her female listeners.  In the
rowed a voice whose tone was so clear, so course of a few days people had wondermelodious, so full, and so magnificent in ful things to relate about the famous
compass? From whom had she learned singer, which were all more or less calcuto throw so much warmth, so much life, lated to injure her reputation.
so much soul into the tones. Envy was   Live. like a saint, be chaste as the
silenced.  The admiration of the mo- moon, pure as snow, harmless as a child,
ment trampled it under foot. People and you will still not escape slander, if
forgot their own interest, forgot them- you have the misfortune to excite envy
selves, in the impression the song made in those of your sex. Against everyupon them.                            thing else you can protect yourself, but
People at an opera, as elsewhere, are not from the insidious malice that progoverned by the impression of the mo- ceeds from  envy.  Neither virtue nor
ment.  The present impulse is for the goodness avail anything, for it only needs
artist, the actor, the writer, the power a single malignant tongue to utter some
which directs them.  Feeling determines aspersion, and others will repeat it with
for these children of the moment, whose avidity, add to it, and thus place a stain
whole existence lies in the present. They upon your honor.
have no future. Their triumphs, their
success, all are flowers which are won today but die to-morrow. Artists and poets
share the same fate, being one moment   The May sun shed its mild and genial
the idols of the public and the next en- rays upon Stockholm and its beautiful
tirely forgotten.                     environs.  To Djurgarden, to DjurgarThe whole company had become so den, every breeze seemed to whisper;
enraptured with Madame Dorbino's sing- but it was not there that the people reing, that they wanted to carry her in sorted in the evening; they all flocked
triumph. Even the most envious were to the Royal Theatre to hear Madame
governed by it so long as the magic spell Dorbino for the first time. While the
of the tones lasted; but when they left ladies were taking their seats, the gentleafter the rehearsal and had reached the men  still lingered  outside the opera
street, the enchantment gradually abated, house, standing in groups and reviewing
and in the same measure envy revived; all those who came to the evening's perand this with so much the more strength formance.




198                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
At the entrance facing Jacob's Square   "She is spoken of as uncommonly
were several young men, one of whom  beautiful."
was distinguished by his free and open    "As I say, a little too fleshy. But
expression of countenance.  The cravat, you know my taste, I like delicate and
carelessly tied, apparently with design, distinguished features.  I am an aristothe falling collar, the luxuriant whiskers, crat as far as outward appearance is conand the sprightliness in his whole exteri- cerned."
or, gave evidence that he had not wasted   " What a pity that you have n't got a
his time and life in the wretched dissipa- de or a von before your name, my good
tions with which naval officers are accus- Berglof," said the officer of the guard..
tomed to divert themselves.            The others laughed.
"W ell, my dear Aberney," said one of   " Now it is time to go in," said Tage.
the gentlemen  in the  group, a tall, They all went together to the upper
straight, and well-padded officer of the circle, where they took their places.
guard, " it is something unusual to see   Tage looked around through his operayou. You are as if you did not exist."  glass to discover Lothard; but he was
"Neither does he exist," interposed not to be seen.
another, "for he is in love, the poor   The overture began; the curtain rose,
fellow."                               and the, audience gave as little attention
" Am I in love  " asked Tage, coloring as possible to the first act.
in spite of himself.                     In the lower private box at the right
"You think perhaps that no one has hand sat an elderly man, who yet refound it out, because you have with- tained the power of his manhood.  He
drawn from society these last few weeks had drawn back in the corner as far as
and live like a hermit; but you are mis- he could, evidently with the intention
taken.  We all know that you are in of seeing and hearing, without being
love with — "                          seen.  In the opposite box at the left
"Canitz!" interrupted one of the gen- hand we find Lothard.  He sat with hlis
tlemen, saluting some one who passed back turned to the audience, so that he
by quite hastily.                      could not be observed from the rest of
" Hlie is also here this evening.  Ma- the house.
dame Dorbino's name has called to life   In the interval after the first act, one
all who were dead."                    of the gentlemen in Aberney's company
" Have any of you seen her?" asked said to him,Tage. The sight of Lothard had put   " See there, the Countess Renstein is
him completely out of humor.          in the dress-circle.  Well, Aberney, are
"Yes, I saw her this forenoon when you not going to salute the object of
she was out riding," replied a slim little your admiration? "
dandy. "The French secretary of lega-   Tage turned his eyes to the dress-cirtion pointed her out to me."          cle, where Nathalie sat, dressed with exThis little fellow was continually boast- quisite taste and simplicity.  He bowed.
ing of his acquaintances among the lega- The Countess smilingly responded to his
tion, and was always the one who had salute, and the Lieutenant of the guard
seen and heard more than others.      whispered directly, -
"Well, how  does she look?" asked   "You enviable mortal, who can flatter
those around him.                     yourself upon having obtained a smile
" So so, not exactly to my taste; she from her. I have not been so fortunate
is somewhat too fat and has eyes that as to-get a glance."
denote her French origin too plainly,"   The second  act began.  When the'




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           199
curtain rose, Tage very nearly made an lowed.  Now this voice, so warm, so
exclamation.  He grasped his neighbor's glowing, so wonderful, flowed into his
arm involuntarily and pressed it between heart and yet filled it only with bitterhis strong fingers.                    ness. These tones, which ought to have
"Can I not see that she is beautiful soothed his mind, called to life his dark
without your drawing my attention to it and passionate feelings.  It seemed to
in such a forcible manner 2 " whispered Lothard that he became worse as he lishis neighbor impatiently.              tened to the song.  It was as if he had
Agatha's aria began.  Every eye was at the sight of the singer lost faith in the
fastened upon the features of the singer, good, the pure, and the noble.
every ear was chained to her tones.   Lothard's eyes were fastened upon her
There were, however, three persons who features, but she had not yet lifted hers
expressed so great emotion when they to him.  It was to her as if the audience
saw her, that they failed to hear the be- had not existed.  She seemed to have
ginning of the beautiful aria.        forgotten these hundreds of eyes that
The elderly gentleman in the right- were directed upon her, the ears that
hand box murmured, as he passed his were listening.  Her soul was in the
hand over his brow, -                  song, and the song was also a reflection of
"The snow-white dove has thus strayed her soul. It was the true artist, not
into this raven's nest! Poor child, that the actress striving for applause.  The
I should find you in such a place."    minor considerations which lead to those
"O my God, was it here that I should eager attempts at effect, in order to exsee her again! " thought Tage, and gazed cite admiration, were not once apparent
at the apparition with wild looks.    in Madame Dorbino.
" It is she, - she, more beautiful than    The first aria was ended, the applause
ever!" whispered  Lothard.  "That I and bravos seemed as if they would never
should find the idol of my heart on the cease. At last the storm of approbation
stage, it is terrible!"  He leaned his subsided; "Max" entered.
head back, as if annihilated by grief.   Just at this momnent Madame Dorbino
"Lord of destiny! thou art severe not happened to look up at the boxes.  She
to let me retain the chaste and beautiful started, and closed her eyes as if blinded
vision.  Now  she is dead to me; what by a flash of lightning.  A violent treminfernal game did fate intend to play bling shook her frame and she forgot to
with my human weakness, when it threw  take up the strain.  She recovered herthis beautiful monument of her in my self, however, made a sign to the conducway.  I have her outer person before my tor, who was obliged to repeat the two
eyes without being able to trace anything last measures which she had failed to acof the heart full of innocence, goodness, company.  Did she sing the rest of the
love, and cruelty, which constituted all part as well. As well?  We must anto me."                                swer no; but the audience did not ob"How calmly our life has flown," etc.,    serve the unsteadiness of her voice, the
sang Madame Dorbino.                   unequal delivery; it had once for all been
During the spring-time of Lothard's seized by the giddiness of enchantment
dawning love he had never heard Skuld- which carried away the cold, criticising
frid sing.  Only once before had the reason.  Applause and acclamations foltones of her voice met his ear, and then lowed the close of the second act; and
the child's notes had so charmed him, when Madame Dorbino appeared before
that he tried to force her to repeat the the curtain, the audience gave vent to
little song. We know  what then fol- their admiration by  cheers, stamping,




200                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
and clapping of hands, - a singular way   While the people at the caf6s, hotels,
of expressing its approbation.        NVorrbro, and Gustaf Adolf's Square, in
There were three persons, however, private and public circles, only talked
who gave no sign of admiration. Not by about the performance of yesterday, we
a single gesture did they indicate what will make a visit to the object of all this
impression the singing had made upon interest.
them.  Those three were they who in   In the latter part of the month of
Madame Dorbino  had  recognized -  March, Countess Renstein had had an eleSkuldfrid.                            gant suite of rooms fitted up in her house,
"She has seen me," thought Lothard. on the story  above her own.  Who
"Afterthis recognition she has sung poorly. should occupy these rooms was a secret
Then she still retains the memory of the she had kept, until the day Madame
past. But she, the distinguished singer, Dorbino arrived and took possession of
does not imagine that the past is now as them, thus opening a new field for conif it were buried, and that I am with this jecture.  The better informed knew beevening completely changed.  I know  sides that the Countess had hired a sumnow that Skuldfrid shall never more be mer residence for the celebrated singer in
found by me."                         the vicinity of her own villa at DjurgarNot once did Madame Dorbino direct den.  Did the beautiful Frenchwoman
her glance to Lothard during the course intend to remain some time in Sweden,
of the opera. She sang, sang so that or what could be the reason of this arthe opera house re-echoed with acclama- rangerent?  This was a question which
tions, but she sang with cheeks as pale all asked of each other. We do not by
as death.  The opera was over, the cur- any means intend to enlighten the curitain fell; but the audience wanted once ous beforehand, but will instead pay a
more to see the beautiful singer, once visit to Madame Dorbino.
more to render her their homage, and she   It is the morning after her first apwas obliged to appear. When she came pearance.  She is sitting in a charming
in to acknowledge this good-will, she little  cabinet, filled with flowers and
raised a shy, an almost trembling look to lighted by the clear and brilliant rays of
Lothard.  He had risen. He regarded the May sun.
the celebrated singer with a scornful   Let us contemplate the young woman
smile upon his lips, a smile full of com- for a moment. When we last saw her
miseration.  At this sight the head that she was a girl of seventeen; a child, unhad just been bowed in humility was acquainted with life, its shadows of vice
raised.  Skuldfrid made an obeisance to and suffering, its cares, its cabals, and its
the audience that was at once dignified tempting  joys.  Six years had now
and grateful.                         elapsed. The careless and unconcerned
Lothard rushed down the stairs, pass- child had become a woman. The uning both strangers and acquaintances, sophisticated country girl, who knew no
hailed his coachman, and was driven to law for her behavior save the impulse of
iSkeppsholmen, where he resided.       the moment, who did not know  the
meaning of the word "C disguise," had become a distinguished singer and an
equally distinguished actress. She had
The next day the papers were full of from an artless child of nature changed
the amplest encomiums with regard to to a person well versed in simulation.
Madame Dorbino's singing, as well as her She who at seventeen knew only of Ekacting and appearance.                torp and its surroundings, having seen




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           201
no other people than those that assem- and yet his non-appearance in Naples
bled in the little village church, had ought to have told me that I had ceased
now spent six years in the largest capi- to be anything to him. It was terribly
tals of the world, and in the most noted bitter to meet his glance, full of scorn
opera houses of Europe, surrounded by and commiseration. Ah! I had dreamed
their cabals, intrigues, and loose morals. that he would smile lovingly upon me."
What changes must she not have under- Skuldfrid pressed the letter to her lips
gone!'   and to her heart with passionate tenderLook at her as she sits there in her ness, while she continued in thought:
snow-white morning-dress, with her lux- "0, I am a foolish child, who once posuriant tresses simply arranged, just as sessed this heart, and threw it away like
when she was a young girl. We could an unworthy plaything! How was it
be tempted to believe that time had possible. to misunderstand this letter, in
stood still, and that we had. Skuldfrid which every word breathes nobleness! I
before us, just as she was at Ektorp. have sinned deeply against my heart's
The rouge and powder had not yet-af- friend.  Shall I never be able to atone
fected the pure and fresh complexion. for it   Atone   Will he even accept
Flattery had not been able to efface the any expiation from me?  No, no, he has
expression of childish innocence which forgotten Skuldfrid, and to Madame Dorhad formerly characterized her features, bino he gives his contempt.  What was
or to give her pure and open look any- all-the applause, all the homage that was
thing of that bold assurance which usu- rendered me, when he had only scorn
ally becomes the result. The only per- upon his lips."  Skuldfrid sprang to her
ceptible change in Skuldfrid's outward feet and placed herself before a mirror,
appearance was that her figure had continuing in thought: "In all lanacquired a more perfect development and guages they have told me that I was
her features exhibited more reflection beautiful."  She clasped her hands: "0,
than in the careless years of youth.  Father in Heaven! if it is so, make me
Before her on the table lay the daily beautiful in his eyes; let me once more
papers, all filled with her praises, besides read love and forgiveness in his gaze,
a heap of perfumed but unopened billets. and I will be willing to die the next moNot a glance did she bestow on the lat- ment at his feet."
ter. She sat absorbed in thought, hold-   She was interrupted by the entrance
ing in her hand a letter yellow with age of a middle-aged servant, a sort of comand so worn through reading that it more pound of lady and domestic, with the
resembled a fragment than an epistle. true French appearance, lively brown
Her gaze rested upon the pale characters. eyes, black hair, and somewhat dark comWhat letter was it?  It was the one plexion.
Lothard. had written to Skuldfrid after   "Madame, there is a gentleman who
her visit to Kronobro.                wishes to see you," said she, in fluent
" So I have lived to see the hour of French.
our meeting," thought Skuldfrid.  "I   "I do not receive any one," answered
have then at length gained the object for Skuldfrid.
which I have striven, namely, to meet   "I told him so, Madame, but then he
those eyes once more, and again see them  gave me this card to hand to you."
fastened upon me; but O God, with   Skuldfrid;took it. She had no sooner
what an expression!" Skuldfrid pressed cast her eyes upon it than she uttered a
her hand over her eyes.  "It was not cry and hastened out.
thus that I imagined our first meeting;   In the little dining-saloon was thea




202                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
same middle-aged gentleman who had sat undisguised frankness that characterizedin the right-hand box the evening before; her as a young girl, she related to Aberhe stood in the middle of the room, with ney all that had occurred. She spoke
his arms crossed and his gaze fastened with emotion about the past, and of that
upon the door through which the servant which had reference to her mother; but
had disappeared. Suddenly it flew open she touched quite lightly upon all the.
and Skuldfrid hastened towards him, bitter trials to which she had herself been
but stopped half-way as if shrinking and subjected. We will not forestall events
afraid to follow the first impulse of her by communicating Skuldfrid's narration.
heart. At the sight of this hesitation he   At dinner-time Aberney rose to go;.
said,-                               but Skuldfrid seized his hand and said
"However life may shape itself for with a charming smile,you, I shall always remain your friend,   "Why, Uncle, you are not going' to
my child; remember that I once told you leave me already? Can you not bestow
this."  Then he reached out his arms this day upon Skuldfrid."
toward her. Skuldfrid threw herself into   "Child, this and all my days would I
the open embrace, exclaiming through give you; but of what service can I now
her tears,-                          be to the celebrated singer?"  Aberney
" My friend, my dear beloved friend! " pronounced the last words with a shade
She twined her arms around his neck, of bitterness.
whispering, "How  happy I do feel at   During the whole of Skuldfrid's acthis moment."                        count he had sat silent, without indicatThe tears rolled down  Skuldfrid's ing by the smallest gesture or change of
cheek. Aberney pressed her closely to manner whether he sanctioned or disaphis breast, saying with emotion, -   proved of her course. When she spoke
"Ungrateful child, how could you ever of the motives that had induced her to
abandon your father's brother and leave become a singer, Aberney only leaned his
him so long in ignorance of your fate?"  head on his hand and sighed. There was
"My father's brother,"  stammered a certain something in this motion which
Skuldfrid, and pressed her face to his told Skuldfrid that he disapproved of the
breast; " you know this and yet do not step she had taken. Now his words conpush me from you! ". tained a plain proof of it.
"Skuldfrid, I knew this long before   " Uncle, if you so think, why did you.
we parted," answered Aberney, and passed seek me. "
his hand caressingly ovor the beautiful   "I wished to see you again. I wished
head.                               to know why you fled, without giving me
"And I fled, fled because they told me any reason for your behavior, and why
that you did not wish to see or hear you left me for so many years in ignothe name of Harmen's daughter. Uncle, rance of your fate. Finally, I wanted to
uncle, what years of bitter suffering has know what had become of the charming
not this conviction occasioned! "   child I once held dearer than anything
After the first outburst of joy, the else upon earth. Had. the world ruined
first exchange of questions and answers, her, then — "
the swelling feelings which the meeting   "You would not have recognized her
had excited became allayed, and then as your niece," whispered Skuldfrid.
followed a calmer account of what had   The Professor's brow darkened. He.
transpired, the  motives which  had looked at Skuldfrid with a stern expresprompted Skuldfrid to act as she had sion, saying, -
done,. etc. With the same simple and   "Myniece is now — an actress. What



GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           203
do I know of Madame Dorbino?  I do allow myself to become initiated into the
not know the habits of the distinguished' mysteries behind the scenes; they are to
singer.  I only know that she has spent me indifferent, they do not beloiig to my
years of her life on the stage. Did you artistic career, and that which does not
not then reflect a moment upon the du- concern it is of no consequence to the true
bious position in which you placed your- artist. You say that our vocation is one
self when you became-"                 of artifice and deception. No, Uncle, not
"An  artist,'  interposed  Skuldfrid, for the artist.  To him  the image he
earnestly.  "Uncle,"  added  she with shall represent is a part of himself.  He
warmth, "I only thought that art would is seized with the idea of the author, and
be able to reconcile me to a life which the poet's words take life and form. The
the guilt of others had made wretched; actor who makes deception his aim  is
I felt that I was born an artist, and that not an artist, and will never be able to
I only followed my calling when I be- present anything but a caricature of the
came what I am. You cannot, Uncle, poet's conception.  He will not have the
with your enlightened and unprejudiced power to transport or carry the public
mind, wish to stamp the dramatic career with him. If this is true of the dramatic
as despicable. Your most ideal concep- artist, how much more then of the lyric.
tions and most beautiful compositions Uncle," Skuldfrid seized his hand and
would have been as dead letters, had not continued with perfect inspiration, " does
the singer or actor given life to them. one need dissimulation and deceit to be
It is not the opera that degrades and de- transferred into the character or the feelmoralizes; for I can remain an honorable ings which the tones delineate?  Is it
person anywhere and everywhere, if I not rather nature and true sentiment
myself desire it.  If I love art, the beau- that is needed? Ah! I know that when
tiful that it embodies, and live exclusively I sing, all else but the song is forgotten.
for the noble purpose of trying to incor- My own personality is no more.  I live
porate myself truly and faithfully with and'my whole being is in the music. I
everything elevated and sublime that I am an echo of that which the composer
delineate as an artist, then, Uncle, I also dreamed, I am a part of him, not of Mryseparate my mind and thoughts from  self. When my heart has bled from
that which is low and degrading."     sorrow and sore trials, when all around
"It is impossible when one spends her me was night, then it became bright
whole life surrounded by the impure at- when I was lifted on the wings of song
mosphere of the theatre, encompassed by above a world which was' so bitter.  I
intrigues and frivolity, and with artifice then fled from it to a better.  It was as
and deception for a vocation."        if I had come nearer to God. I did not
"Uncle," exclaimed  Skuldfrid- with think then of the gas-lights, the scenes, or
glowing cheeks, "where in life do we the audience."
escape these things? Nowhere.: Wheth-   Skuldfrid ceased.  She had spoken
er we are actors upon the world's stage with that expression of truth which only
or the theatre's, we are always visited or they have who clothe their heart's warmcontaminated by evil. It depends upon est and holiest feelings in words;
ourselves how much of it shall encumber   Upon the Professor, Skuldfrid's words
us.  Theatrical life has its dark sides, I made a strong impression. He recogknow that; but if I, with my heart full nized the truth of them; but still his'of ardor for my art, love it, and only it, prejudice rose against the idea thatl his
then I do not perceive all the, wicked- niiece should be an opera singer.  We
ness that surrounds me. I need` not must remember that Aberney belonged




204                     GUILT.' AND INNOCENCE.
to the older generation, and that preju-   It is impossible to cling to a prejudice
dices imbibed in childhood are the long-, any longer, when lips so charming smile
est preserved.   He had all his life upon one. The Professor was conquered.
through felt an insurmountable antipa- He was almost reconciled to possess a
thy to theatre people.  It therefore singer in his niece.  Nevertheless he
pained him to find his darling, his long- rose for the second time to go,
sought-for and regretted Skuldfrid, be-   " Will you not take dinner with me I"
longing to this class of persons, whom he asked Skuldfrid.
could not tolerate, and of whom he had   "Yes, my child, I would like to very
the lowest opinion. Skuldfrid's enthusi- much; but when I reached the entrance
astic words placed the dramatic art in of this house, I met some one who also
quite another light than that in -which intended to call here."  The Professor
Aberney hatl hitherto regarded it; but smiled.  "I forced this some oneto go
yet the old prejudice remained and op- back home and wait for my return. Now
posed the impression the young woman I fear that he will be impatient if I stay
had made. So he said,-                any longer."
"It may be that the picture you draw    Skuldfrid blushed.  She guessed imis correct, but it is equally true that mediately that this somebody was Tage.
theatrical life gives the character a friv- His name had not yet been mentioned
olous tendency. The freedom of behav- during the interview. The thought of
ior and way of speaking which prevails him gave her a disagreeable feeling, and
among actors and actresses, the flattery the blood rushed to her cheeks.
that is lavished upon talent, all contrib-   " Are you at leisure in the afternoon?"
utes unavoidably to ruin the heart and inquired the Professor, who observed full
to sow the.seeds of bad and immoral well the fine color Skuldfrid had acprinciples."                          quired.
Skuldfrid laid her hand on Aberney's   "Yes, the whole day."
shoulder and looked at him with an ex-   "Very well, then I will return and
pression so innocent and ingenuous that bring Tage with me. If you are the
she resembled a child.                same as formerly, it will assuredly give
"Uncle," said she with deep earnest- you great pleasure to see the friend of
ness, "look into my eyes and tell me if your childhood, again."
you think these years which I have spent   "Most certainly! " Skuldfrid could not
on the stage has ruined my heart or de- say more; she felt oppressed.  When
moralized my nature?  You must read the Professor had gone, she sat quiet a
in every one of my features that I am  long while.
the same as when we parted, for truth    "My faithful friends from childhood,
has its unmistakable'stamp.  I was then they seek me;' but he -   Ah, my God,
an ignorant child, without suspicion that how could I hope it'?  What I am to him
I had -'much to atone for."  An ex- I ought to know, and yet how deeply he
pression of deep melancholy passed over loved me! Can it be that this love is
her countenance, but disappeared as dead, or has it been replaced by another?
quickly, and she added with  a smile Impossible!"
which reminded of former times: "Ah, I
read in the expression of your eyes that
you have found in me the same old
Skuldfrid, with the difference, you dear,  In a little house somewhere in Blasiigood Uncle, that she will never more run holmen we- find Professor Aberney's resiaway fromn you out of false pride."   dence. -In a large and:commodious saloon




GUiLT -.'AD' INNOCENCE.                       205
Aunt Sara was busy dusting the books in But where did Victor go, he who never
the two bookcases which were placed leaves the house at this time of day? I
there. Our little, ever-active Sara was am greatly astonished at it. Could anyjust as -she had always been. Now, as thing unusual have happaeed, that is the
usual, she wore a fine white cap with cause of neither of them being like thembeautiful lace, a well-starched apron, selves I Could Tage possibly have-"
spotless and smooth as if it had just been   Sara was here interrupted by a violent
put on.                               pull of the door-bell. Directly afterwards
It is the same morning that Aberney the door of the saloon flew open and
called on Skuldfrid. He had but just Tage came in. Without seeming to noleft his abode, and Sara had launched out tice Aunt Sara, he marched into his own
upon the wide sea of conjecture, where room, slamming the door after him and
one can always be sure of suffering ship-. bolting it.
wreck. All the while that the brush and   "What in the world is the matter with
the duster did diligent service, Sara was the boy," muttered Sara.  "I have never
thinking,-                            in my life seen him this way; to go by
"Something goes wrong with Tage." me without a greeting, that is a little
Now she knocked the dust from a great too much."  Sara now shook her duster
thick budget of papers rather uninviting through the open window.
in appearance.  "I just wonder what has   The door-bell rang again. A few minflown info his head since last evening. utes afterwards a servant came in, sayWhen he came home from the opera-he ing, -
was perfectly wild. He walked the floor   "Fru F-  wishes to see Mamsell."
of his - room  the whole night through.   "Ask the lady. to walk in," was the
Just as likely as not the boy has lost his answer.
heart. The youth, the youth!"  The   The duster was hung on its hook near
old bundle was now flung back in its the chimney-place, her apron smoothed,
place.  "But have they not said that he and the bookcase closed, so that when
was in love with that Countess who con- Fru F   - entered there was no trace of
tinually sends him invitations  Perhaps Aunt Sara's dusting mania, which always
it was somet4iing that had reference to broke forth when Aberney was out of the
her. The queerest thing of all, however, way.
was that Victor also appeared strange.   "Good day, my dear Sara," uttered
The old fool can at least not be in love; the worthy lady, an old acquaintance of
but there is no telling, for though he Sara's from  the period of her first resiought to be a steady and sober man, he dence in Stockholm, and a perfect type of
ran to hear that foreign singer. What a Stockholm  lady of the better class.
was it that she was called? I must look " How do you do?  I could not possibly
inthe newspaper and see;"            refrain from coming here and informing
She now  darted into Tage's room, myself of your health. You have not
which lay to the right of the saloon;- but been to see us for so long."
she could not find the newspaper she   "You are.very welcome, dear Lisa!"
sought. In place of it there was a sheet Sara courtesied politely and showed her
of paper all scribbled over with the guest into the parlor.  " I have thought
word "singer."                        of you a great deal; but you know how
"There, what did I say? The boy <hard it is for me to get out."
has: been bewitched by that travelling   The two ladies expatiated a little upon
singer. I wonder if it was to call on her the. difficulty of being one's own master
that he, went out, dressed up so fine? Iwhen there were gentlemen to attend to;




206.GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
and when they had commented upon- the   " It seems to me that I ought to know
servants and the market prices, the con- it better," replied Sara, with rising heat.
-versation was in full course, and they   " Let us not dispute.  We have conhad the great field of their neighbors' tended so much about that matter, that
affairs before them.                   I think we had better leave it. I have
"Were you at the opera last even- forgotten what I wanted to say. Q. Baring?" asked Fru F.               on Canitz sat in the private box in the
"No, my dear, you know I rarely go first tier, and I thought he would swallow.to such foolish places,"' answered Sara' the singer, by the way he looked at her.
-somewhat sharply.  "At my age one can Yesterday afternoon Adele happened to
hit upon some better way of amusing hear a sketch of her life through Madone's self.".                          emoiselle A-, who had received it from
" But, my good friend, you know very Fru 0, whose husband is the lead-well that the foreign singer appeared for er of the orchestra, and he had heard it'
the first time.  I who am musical would from Madame —, our singer."
have been inconsolable if I had not been   "As the person is a Frenchwoman,
able to see her."                     how did Mademoiselle A, Fru O0' So; what is she called. "        or Madame       come to know anything
"Mercy on me, have you not read in about her I " inquired Sara, impatiently.
-the papers about Madame Dorbino'lu  "Why you know, the reputation of
"No, I never read anything but the such people, whether it be good or bad,
advertisements."                      goes before them.  They say she has
"You cannot imagine how interesting been separated from  two men, besides
it was to hear her. She has a very good having had some connection with a prince
voice and an agreeable appearance; but, whom  she abandoned for an Englishi
-my dear, she sings so frivolously, not at lord, and the latter again for a rich
all like any other person, but she turns Frenchman, whom she left after she had
fiery red in the face one moment and the ruined him.  Now she is attached to a
next so pale that it shows through the singer. She must be a perfect pattern of
rouge.  Besides, she gives her counte- a coquette, and so intriguing that she
mnance an improper expression, just as if captivates every man that comes in her
she wished to catch all the men by it; way. My Ad6le, who you know is an
and this she does. They were perfectly extremely modest girl, said that she was
crazy in applauding and calling her out. ashamed to look at her."
-It was a real scandal.  Your young rela-   "Just for that reason I think it best
tive the Lieutenant was there.  He not to visit such sinful places as the
looked quite distracted when we met opera.  I suppose you and Adele will
him in the corridor, I and my Adele."   not go and hear her any more  "
"Yes, I knorw ~that both Tage and   "Gracious, how you talk, my dear Sara!
Victor were there.".               Do you not know that Ad6le is musical,
"So the Professor was there too. I and that she must consequently be seen
did not see him; but I saw that rich at all the-performances in which talent
Finn who was in the navy, Baron Canitz." appears I It would not do to miss hear"He is not a Finn," rejoined Sara, ing Madame Dorbino, when one lives in
tartly.                               society."  Fru F      always tried to
"Yes, my good friend, he most cer- give herself the air of belonging to the
tainly is. I am perfectly assured of that fashionable  world.   She  continued:
matter.  His father was shot in the last "We have secured seats for every perFirmish war. I know all about it."    formance in which: she appears. To-day




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           207
Ad6le bought her portrait, which is al- replying into Tage's room.  The latter
ready to be found in all the bookstores. followed, and Aunt Sara, to her inexpresShe is all the fashion, and so of course sible vexation, saw the door close after
one must have her picture lying on the them.  She felt her blood beginning to
parlor table or hanging over the piano."  boil; she thought it abominable to be
"A  woman, of whom  you know  so treated in that way by her nephew and
much evil?"                          Tage. They excluded her from all con"That is a thing by itself; we have fidence, and that was more than she was
the right to condemn her life and to be able to bear.  She started through the
severe in that respect; but we must parlor at fearful speed and thence into
show appr~eciation of her talent, or else be her own room, closing the door after her
considered destitute of judgment.  For with aloud bang, just as if she had hoped
the rest, my dear, theatre people are that this expression of her feelings would
theatre people; we do not make any find its way to her nephew. We leave
great claims upon their morality, but the old lady to give vent to her irritation
admire them at a distance, without open- all by herself, while we find out what
ing our houses to them, unless it should took place between Aberney and Tage.
become a fashion among the leaders of   When they had closed the door after
the ton.; then, we cannot avoid it."  them, the former said, -
"I tell you what, Lisa, I thank God   "My dear Tage, you have too little
that I do not live in the fashionable control over your feelings when you rush
world. I have known all my life that towards me with your questions, and that
people were miserable and wicked; but too in Aunt Sara's presence."
I have never before found them  so bad   "Since yesterday I no longer know
as they now appear to me."            what I say or do. Only think what it
"The reason is that you have grown was to see her on the stage, the object of
old and have not followed with the times. all those looks, a recipient of all that homNow I must really go. Adieu, my dear age; treated as a being whom people
Sara; remember me to the Professor and can either hiss or applaud, according to
the Lieutenant.  I hope they will do me their pleasure; a plaything in the hands
the honor to come to my party on Satur- of the public. 0 my God! was it for this
day. I have your promise already."    that I have loved her so faithfully. Who,
After some further words which meant who has changed the pure, innocent, and
nothing, Fru  F-  took her leave. uncorrupted Skuldfrid into what she is' "
Thanks to her statements, Aunt Sara   "Tage," interposed Aberney, "she is
had got her head full of disturbing fan- just as she has ever been, the same rich
cies about the foreign singer, which she heart, the same innocent girl."
linked with the thought of Tage's strange   "Do you want me to believe that? No,
behavior.                             she is an actress and nothing else. Why
Towards dinner-time Aberney came was I not allowed to go to her and exhome. His countenance had an unusual- press all the deep indignation that I feel,
ly cheerful expression, and he greeted his all the bitterness that fills my soul at the
aunt quite affably. At the sound of his recollection- of the dreadful deceit she
voice Tage's door opened and the young has been guilty of?"  Tage walked back
Lieutenant hastened toward him, say- and forth in the room.
ing, -                                  "Who has she then deceived?  In
"Do you come directly from  her, what does her deception consist " asked
father?"                             Aberney.
Aberney smiled, and: -went withCut   "Why, father, think: of her flight; think




208                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
of the years in which she has left us in every derogatory word about her is a
ignorancc  of her fate. The care with piece of effrontery and will always fall
which she concealed herself, the heart- back upon the one who uttered it.  See
lessness with which she abandoned me. her and speak with her; look into those
For whom did she do all this?  For -"  eyes, and you will blush over every ac"Foolish boy, do not utter an accusa- cusation against her; and now this is
-tion which you know to be false. She all.  If you wish to see her, you are free
is now as ever worthy of respect."     to accompany me this afternoon; if not,
"She! A singer, who like an adven- then you are excused.  One thing I
turess has travelled around the world tell you, do not appear with any faultalone, without protection and without finding or reproaches, for I, will not
support."                              hear of it. When I say that Skuldfrid
"Listen, Tage; if you intend to con- is a noble and elevated woman, then you
tinue in that tone, it is useless for us to may believe it."  Aberney rose, adding:
speak together.  I lack all inclination to " She has spoken with me about the past,
-tell you what I have learned during but she begged of me that, after this had
-the short time that I was with Skuld- once been touched upon, she should be.frid."                                excused from  returning to it.   You
"You then believe what those lips say, ought therefore, if you decide to see her
that are so accustomed to lie! You be- again, to spare her from  all questions,
lieve in the sincerity of a voice which unless she herself takes up the subject."
has for years studied-the art of acquir-   Aberney left the room, and Tage threw
ing the proper expression!"           himself on a sofa, a prey to all those dis-' Aberney had seated himself on the turbed feelings which create a chaos of
-$sofa, with his arms crossed upon his good and evil within us..breast. When Tage ceased, he said cold-   At the dinner-table the Professor said
alye, --                              to Sara, quite suddenly, -
4'"I'believe that the blood has so risen    "Well, I have a greeting for you from
to -youar head that you do not know what Enoch's daughter."
you: re. saying or doing. -I do not like   Aunt Sara was engaged in carvifig the
to talk-with fools, and therefore it is best steak, according to all the rules of art.
for us not:to speak any further upon this She dropped the carving knife and fork,
zsubject.  Otherwise I would tell you a and made such an impetuous motion that
secret which: I have hitherto kept to my- both she and the chair receded quite a
self, namely, that Skuldfrid is my niece, distance from  the table.   Then she
that her name is Aberney, and that the clasped her hands and stared at Aberney
discovery of this was the cause of her as if she did not believe her ears.  Her
disappearance.  Some one had told her consternation was so great, that it was
that I was cruelly set against her moth- several minutes before she could get a
er, that I did not want to recognize word over her lips. At length she mureither her or her daughter as my rela- tiured in an indistinct voice,tives; and that was the reason why she   "What in God's name do you say?"
-,fled with the mother who had given her   "I said that I. have met Enoch's
such a sad inheritance.  Do not ask me daughter, and that I can greet you from
why I had been so incensed against my her.":brothler's wife and child; I cannot tell   "But- but - " stammered Sara, so
you.  This secret' is buried with the agitated that she could: not speak.:erring woman. As to  Skuldfrid, she   "Well, well, Aunt Sara, resume your
stands so' high above -all otheirs, that carving, and I willin the mean time. tell




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                         209
you that we have a distinguished singer from two or three husbands. One can
here and -"                          see by this that the sins of the-"
"Victor, do not play tricks with your   "You will please discontinue a senold aunt; you know-"                 tence that is illy -adapted to my niece,"
"How kind you have been towards interrupted Aberney sharply. "As to
your nieces and nephews, that is true; the three husbands, that is a fabrication
and I am not joking with-.you; but, if to begin with. She was left a widow by
you allow me, I will continue my story. the death of the only husband she ever
That distinguished singer is - my niece." had."'
"Great God, what do you say! That   "She has been married! Skuldfrid
woman, who has had a dozen husbands married to another," thought Tage.
and as many more lovers; she who is  "What has come over you, you who
such a thoroughly bad person. Ah! this have never before inquired after either
only was wanting in my sorrows, that I the mother or her, that you now -"
should find Enoch's child as a lost crea-   "Have looked up the daughter," interture."  Aunt Sara hid her face in her rupted Aberney. "Chance has brought
napkin and wept.                     us together. The mother is now dead,
"Lost! what are you talking about' " and the grave atones for all. To-morrow
said Aberney, with a frowning brow. I will bring Enoch's daughter here. Un"`She is a great artist and an estimable til then we will leave the subject, if you
woman. Who has dared to make you have no objection. But with the knowlbelieve the contrary'" Aberney's glance edge that you have of my character,
flew over to Tage.                   you ought to understand that I would
"They have not tried to make me not acknowledge Enoch's daughter as
believe anything," sobbed Aunt Sara. my niece, unless she was a respectable
Fr Fru F     was here, and she. told me woman."
the history of that singer. My God, lit-   Aunt Sara sighed. She was too much
tle did I then imagine that it was about agitated to bring forward any objections
Enoch's child. It is dreadful, it is terri- or questions. Enoch, Edith, all that she
ble."                                had held dearest on earth, stood vividly
"What is there dreadful in the fact before the old lady's mind, and in the
of Enoch's daughter being a distinguished trouble of her heart it seemed to her
singer, and her name celebrated all over very bitter to find Enoch's child under
Europe? If Fru F —  is pleased to such conditions
invent various stories about her, then
you ought to have sense enough not to believe them, especially as you know how
little reliance can be placed upon Fru   After dinner Aberney had not said a
F's accounts."                   word to Tage about the visit to Skuldfrid.
"How  can one help believing that As it approached five o'clock, the Pro.
which is indisputable! That she is a fessor took his hat to go out. Sara had
theatre woman is one truth to begin shut herself up in her room. Everything
wiAh. That this is so will always re- appeared to her so strange, that she had
main your fault, for in your vindictive- entirely lost her usual self-possession.
ness you would never hear the mother When Aberney came out into the saloon'spoken of, and allowed her poor child to he found: Tage there, attired with care
grow up at the mercy of circumstances. and in complete visiting toilet.
Besides, she cannot very well be a respect-   "So. you have decided to call on Skuldable woman, when she has been separated frid ", said the Professor, indifferently.




2.10.                    GUILT AND INNOCENCE.'" Yes, with' your permission," answered Poor Tage! the gift of her- heart is not
Tage, with an effort to appear calm.   for you."
A little while afterwards father and   If Skuldfrid as a young girl had the
son entered the singer's abode. When power of cheering and  enlivening, of
the old French servant opened the door, driving away all dark thoughts and callit' took Tage several seconds to gain suf- ing forth brightness, she now possessed
ficient command over himself to be able this capacity in a far greater degree.
to follow Aberney into the saloon, where   Her look and every word gave eviSkuldfrid came to meet them.  Tage dence of the sincere satisfaction she exstopped at the door, unable to take a step perienced in meeting these dear friends
towards her.  He was at once agitated again.  Now, as in her younger years, the
and surprised.  Was this the celebrated joy she felt spread also to those around
singer whom he saw yesterday upon the her.  Tage's manner, which in the beginstage? No, it was the same Skuldfrid ning had been somewhat constrained and
he had'played with as a boy and idol- perturbed, soon became free and unemized as a youth; there was the same barrassed.  After an hour's stay with her
smiling  look,' beaming with joy, the it seemed to him as if the six years had
same charming simplicity and unaffected been but a dream, so completely did he
grace.                                 feel himself transported to the former
After Skuldfrid in her fresh and ring- joyous times.
ing voice had given a hearty welcome to   They talked first about the past, and
Aberney, she turned to Tage., then Skuldfrid made various inquiries,
"How  glad I am to see you again! first about Aunt Sara, and afterwards
Welcome Tage, and forgive me all the concerning Tage and his career in life.
anxiety I occasioned when I disappeared Tage spoke of the voyages he had made,
so suddenly from my friends.  Forget, if and said finally with a peculiar sharpness
possible, the suffering this step caused in his voice, -
you, and believe that I to-day give you   "I was with the expedition which the
my hand as a friend and sister.  Skuld- frigate Carolina made two years ago. I
frid has not for an instant ceased to be was in Naples."
this to Tage."                           Skuldfrid started, and looked at Tage,
The young Lieutenant's head whirled, exclaiming, -
and he stammered some incoherent words   " You!"
as he seized her hand and carried it to   This subject recalled to Tage's soul all
his lips.                              the angry and malicious thoughts he had
Aberney looked at them. With the had at the perusal of her letter to Loexception of the blush that suffused her thard.  His feelings were reflected on his
cheeks when she first' turned to Tage, face.  Skuldfrid looked at him with an
Skuldfrid had remained calm.  She re- anxious and inquiring expression.
ceived him  with a friendliness as free   "Yes, I was at Naples with the Carofrom all emotion as if they had separated lina," said Tage, not without a certain
but yesterday and met again to-day. He, bitterness in his tone, " and I then heard
on the other hand was so confused, that Madame Dorbino spoken of; but little
one could easily determine the nature of did I imagine that she and you were one,
the interest that still bound him to the and the same person.'
friend of his youth, after an interval of   "Then you had no idea-that Skuldfrid
six years.                             was in Naples I"
"He loves her; but there is nothing: Tage changed color, but replied immein her that' denotes that she loves him. diately, -




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           211
"No, not the slightest!"' "Ah!" was all the Professor answered;
"Strange that I did not hear your then followed a short pause which seemed
name mentioned among the officers spoken especially painful. Aberney at first looked
of as being with the frigate," said Skuld- at Tage with an air as if he expected to
frid, thoughtfully.                   hear him say something; but as he kept
"It may be that your attention was so silent, the Professor said, —
exclusively engrossed with one name, that   "If Skuldfrid should really have any
you paid no heed to mine."  Tage's jeal- prejudice against that name, I believe it
ousy made him  inconsiderate.  He al- will entirely disappear when she learns
most forgot Aberney's presence, and that that Lieutenant Canitz saved Tage's life
he had not mentioned to him the circum- upon the passage from Naples to Palerstance at Naples, or his knowledge of mo."
Skuldfrid's being there.  At this allusion   "Has he saved Tage's life l " exclaimed
to Skuldfrid's interest for Lothard, the Skuldfrid, with a beaming face.
young woman's demeanor assumed  a   "Yes, I have actually to thank him
stamp of dignity, and she replied almost that I sit here this mont," answered
coldly,-                              Tage, with a bitter smile looking at
"How  do you know that there was Skuldfrid. " How that occurred, perhaps
any person on board the frigate whose you will allow me to relate to you some
name could make me forget my friends." other time.  Now  it would be much
" I only broached the question"  Tage more agreeable to hear you talk."
played with some sewing materials that   "Yes, especially as Tage does not like
lay on the table.  "It appeared to me to be reminded of that accident. I should
inexplicable that my comrade in his enu- most assuredly have remained in ignomeration should forget me."           rance of it, had not one of Tage's comrades,
"Ah, then you knew that I spoke with Lieutenant Steen, related  the occurone of your comrades."  rence," said Aberney.
"He told me that Madame Dorbino   "That sounds as if you wanted to ashad asked him  some questions."  Tage sert that —"
threw a dark look on Skuldfrid.  "I also   "You are not grateful. Well, yes, that
heard that-"  He held up.             is the truth, at least as regards Canitz;
"Why do you break off!'" inquired but let us leave this."  The Professor
the Professor. who had followed the con- brought the conversation back to the
versation with intense interest, and now past years, and Skuldfrid spoke sadly of
concluded, from Skuldfrid's paleness, that the pilgrimage her thoughts had made
Tage had touched some subject upon continually to her two friends, and of her
which  she was sensitive.   Aberney's efforts to gain some intelligence of them
voice recalled him to his senses and en- whenever she met any Swedes.  She
joined him to take care of his words and mentioned that she had been informed
his expression of countenance.        through Pastor Arbonius in Finland how
" I stopped," said he, with well-feigned life shaped itself for A'berney and Tage;
carelessness, "because I did not wish to that she had received a letter from him
pronounce a name which must be disa- every year, in which he let her know that
greeable for Skuldfrid to hear."      her friends were in good health and that
"And what name could that be?"    all went well with them.
"Tage probably means — Canitz," said   "Then you have corresponded with
Skuldfrid, in a singularly clear voice. Arbonius," fell in Tage, "and that alHer dark eyes shone strangely when she though you left us in complete ignorance
fixed them on Tage.                   of your fate.".




212                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"Tage, ask my friend," Skuldfrid to restrain the expression of what he felt
reached Aberney her hand, "if he does at Aberney's words.  When the latter
not understand my course of action? I ceased, Tage said, however, in a supcould not have lived without knowing pressed voice,something about those who were so dear   "What Canitz is or is not is hard to
to me," she added sorrowfully.        decide, for he has a cold, calculating, and
"But we, we must live without any- reserved character, which inevitably inthing of the kind from you."          spires distrust.  One has always reason
" Did we not agree that no reproaches to fear that the father's faults will show
concerning the past should be made. " themselves at some time."
said Aberney.  " I understand Skuldfrid   Skuldfrid had sat silent. When Aberperfectly."  Ile patted her on the head, ney spoke of Canitz, her breast heaved
and she seized the fatherly hand and with agitation.  At Tage's words she
kissed it just as she used to.        turned her head quickly and rejoined
A short pause ensued. Skuldfrid was with animation,absorbed in melancholy thoughts. Tage   "Tage, no person should be condemned
looked at her. Aberney broke the si- for the faults that his parents conmmitlence, saying while his gaze rested on ted. It is a cruel injustice; and besides,
Skuldfrid,-                           we see the wrong in the erring action,
" Does it not surprise you to hear that but we do not know what cruel sufferTage.and Canitz have been on board of ings, what terrible force of feeling,
a Swedish man-of-war!"               prompted the guilty  deed; therefore,
Skuldfrid's leck, brow, and cheeks were do not condemn.   Ah! once I also
suffused with a deep blush as she an- thought as you do, and harshly upbraidswered, -                             ed the innocent for the transgressions of
"Yes, I confess that it surprised me the guilty.  I shall eternally repent it."
when I was told that - that -  Canitz   "Skuldfrid is right," said Aberney,
was in the Swedish service."        ~ rising.  He laid his hand on Tage's
Tage had grown pale when Aberney shoulder, adding, "We none of us know
again mentioned this name, which sound- how much guilt we have inherited."
ed so repugnant to his ears. The Profes-   Tage looked displeased.  That hated'
sor resumed, without appearing to ob- and detested name should then always
serve the impression his words made, -   cause him some overthrow.  It was as if' It was indeed something very rare this Canitz only existed to torment him.
for a Russian subject to abandon a career Now he was obliged, first to hear him
so brilliant as the one that fell to Canitz praised by Aberney, then defended by
in that country, to throw away a prince- Skuldfrid, and that on the very first day
ly fortune, and all this to encounter an of their meeting.  Skuldfrid, who, beuncertain future in Sweden. He now sides her clear mind, quick comprehenserves in the navy, and has there shown sion, and natural delicacy of feeling, had
himself to be a man of distinguished now  considerable experience, perceived
qualities, so that no one has any desire immediately  the impression  that the
to reproach him  for being the son of conversation had made upon Tage, and
General Canitz."                      changed the theme.  Although every
Tage had got hold of the scissors and fibre of her being trembled with the ina spool of cotton.  He clipped the tense longing to hear something more
thread with restless zeal all the while about Lothard, she did not take~ up the
Aberney was speaking. His tightly com- broken thread.
pressed lips showed that he was trying   "Can you dispose of your time this




GUILT AND. INNOCENCE.                          213'
evening "? ". asked the Professor, turning your arrival? " asked Aberney of Skuldto Skuldfrid.                         frid.
i" Completely, I am to-day perfectly at   "No, dear Uncle; I had no desire to
leisure. My relative, Nathalie Renstein, see'anything of Sweden before I met you
has taken a trip to Drottningholm with again. I felt, in spite of Nathalie's care,
some strangers, and she will not return far more solitary here, where they speak
before late in the evening."          my mother-tongue, than I have felt else"Ah, that is true, you told me this where."
morning that you were related to the   "Very well, if you would like -we will
charming  Countess."   The  Professor take a trip to Djurgarden this evening,"
threw a mischievous glance at Tage, who'exclaimed Tage; " and if father allows me,
at the mention of the Countegs grew vis- I will go for a carriage."  A moment afibly embarrassed.  "It is true that you terwards Tage was on his way for this
reside in her house, which I had forgot- purpose.
ten in the pleasure of seeing you again."    When Aberney and  Skuldfrid were
"Yes, Nathalie has shown me true' left alone, the former said, -
friendship. After my decision to come   "To-morrow you dine with us; is it
to Sweden, she took upon herself every not so?"
arrangement for my comfort. She has   "Most certainly, if you will come for
actually lavished kindness upon me since rme when I am  through with the remy arrival here."                     hearsal."
"Ah; indeed," said Aberney.  "The   "O, no, I will not do that," said AberCountess is a dangerous woman, with a ney in jest, "and for the simple reason
captivating appearance, unusual cultiva- that I intend to conduct you there. At
tion, and a great talent for conversation, what time must you be there  "
but with a cold and calculating intellect.   "At ten o'clock. Ah, you dear, good
What kind of a heart she has I can-. Uncle, how calm and contented I feel at
not say, Tage ought to be able to inform  your side. You are and will ever reus about that; for you must know, my main my best friend."
dear Skuldfrid, that the young gentleman   "And is it not true, child, that you
has been completely fascinated by the will nevermore leave me."  The Pr0fesbeautiful Countess."  Aberney looked at sor had taken her head between his hands
Skuldfrid when he said this, as -if to see and looked into  her eyes. Skuldfrid
what effect his words would have.     smiled pensively.
"Your choice, dear Tage," said Skuld-   "I do not know," she stammered.
frid, "gives evidence of good taste, and "Perhaps I shall remain, and perhaps
I am rejoiced that your fancy has fallen some powerful feeling within me will
upon a woman so uncommon and richly force me to leave Sweden this very sumendowed."                             mer. I no longer obey my will, but
Tage threw an enraged glance at Aber- something that is stronger. Ah! do not
ney, and  declared  positively that he question me, let me yet a little while
never had been and never could be cap- preserve  my  secret. One  day, deari
tivated with the Countess, - an assur- Uncle, I will confide it to you, and that
ance that brought a melancholy expres- day I shall be either the happiest or the
sion to Skuldfrid's face.             most miserable being on earth. Until
"She desires that he should love an- then I will forget the past and the future
other," thought Aberney.  "All hope is in the joy of having found you again."
thus extinguished for Tage."            The Professor kissed her in silence
"Have you been around any since uppn the brow. He already surmised




214                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
what she lacked courage to tell him; In silence but with an expression of unbut what neither he nor anybody else disguised admiration, the young woman,
was able to divine was the plan Skuld- supported on the arm of her elder comfrid had proposed, the object she wished panion, walked down to the sea-shore,
to win. The success or failure of this where they stopped.
endeavor would decide her whole future.   Have you ever stood there, my dear
reader, and surveyed in silence the peculiarly beautiful scene you had before
you, while the broad oaks that had stood
All who have visited Djurgarden on a there a hundred years shook their leafy
beautiful May evening are well aware crowns above your head l If you have,
that the park is filled with people in then you have also felt proud of Sweden's
carriages, on foot, and on horseback, who beautiful scenery. To the right you
are by no means of the glad Sunday pop- behold the city of Birger,* embraced by
ulace, but belong to that happy or un- the waters of Saltsjdn and Malaren; a
happy class for whom the whole life is a magnificent jewel set in the silver arms
single day of rest.  They ride out to of the sea and surrounded by its many
Djurgarden because the season of soirees isles.  Directly before you  the lofty
is ended; they go there because it is the mountain of the south country raises its
fashion. But if we contemplate these august front, - a symbol of the people
human flowers of the day that belong to who have grown up among the hills of the
the gay world, we see that ennui has North; and at your feet roll the billows
placed, itself quite impatiently beside of the Saltsjon. A landscape so gorgeous
them in the elegant carriages; that their in its exuberant beauty lies spread all
satiated minds and weary eyes have lost about you that you exclaim  irresistithe power of rejoicing at the spring, the bly, " 0 Sweden, how beautiful thou
summer, or at life; but what then I art!"
They have liveried servants, fine equi-   "Well, Skuldfrid!" said Aberney at
pages, superb horses, and exquisite toilets, length, after a long silence, "what do
all of which are for show, and therefore you think of our DjurgArden i"
they go to Djurgarden.                  She laid her hand on her heart as she
In one of these carriages which took answered with one of her most beaming
its way through Bla Porten and towards smiles,the plain  sat a young and beautiful   "My heart is too full for me to tell
woman whose whole appearance denoted you what I think.  It seems to me that
that she' at least was not rated with only Finland could make me forget this
folly, that she had not yet lost the power country. Were I not Finnish, I would
of enjoying the beauty or delights of like.to be a Swede, in order to say, Here
nature. With an eager gaze, full of in- I was born."
terest, her eyes flew from object to ob-   "And so you are, my child. Sweden
ject, and contemplated with true admi- is your birthplace, and your father sleeps
ration the charming picture that Djurgair- beneath Swedish soil."
den presents.  The carriage in which she   At these words Skuldfrid started and
and her companions were seated  took pressed Aberney's arm  convulsively, as
the road across the plain to the so-called if she had experienced severe pain.
Frisens Park, which was not then unen- Tage made some remarks about the
closed as now, but surrounded by a rail- situation of Stockholm, etc.  They reing. They alighted from  the carriage turned to the carriage, Skuldfrid walking
and proceeded on foot through the park.   * Stockholm was founded by Birger.




GUILT AND INNOCENCE                          - 215
with lingering steps as if to inhale in let anything else affect him.  His attenfull draughts the air that seemed to her tion was so absorbed in Skuldfrid's exso delightful.                        pression of her feelings, that he had not
"If this place has already charmed observed her toilet before Tage spoke
you, how much greater will be the charm  of it, but even then it was to him  a
when these oaks are clothed'in their lux- matter of secondary importance.  Just
uriant foliage," said Tage, as he helped as they had driven down the hill which
her into the carriage.                led from Rosendale, they met an elegant
They drove past Listonhill, Manilla, barouche, in which two ladies were sitting.
and the road to Rosendale.  When they At the side of the carriage, upon a rehad taken a promenade around Carl John markably beautiful white horse, rode a
the Fourteenth's favorite summer resi- young man. He was:engaged in a lively
dence, where the air was filled with the conversation with  one of the ladies.
fragrance of flowers, they returned home They were driving slowly.  Skuldfrid
by the beautiful Rosendale's road out to had been so engrossed in the contemplaBrunnsviken.                          tion of Brunnsviken, that she had not
The first deep impression that fine noticed the parties approaching until the
scenery makes upon the soul had been moment of meeting. As the carriages
succeeded in Skuldfrid by that gladness passed  each other, the gentleman on
and exhilaration which is always called horseback came between them, and at
forth by the beautiful.  She clothed her that moment Skuldfrid's eyes fell upon
impressions in words; and when she gave him. She sat leaning forward, but threw
utterance to her delight in the most un- herself back involuntarily against the
restrained enthusiasm, it was difficult to seat.  The fresh and blooming cheeksbelieve that this charming and unaffected became white, and the dark eyes gazed
manner belonged to a distinguished ac- at the rider, whose cold, severe look
tress. Tage also remarked,-           rested upon her.  He saluted Aberney
"It is'really necessary to look upon and Tage, and then passed on.
your magnificent attire not to forget   "Canitz!" muttered Tage, and looked
that you are Madame Dorbino."         at Skuldfrid.  Not a glimpse of joy was
"What is there in my dress that re- left.  The demon of jealousy instantly
minds of the singer! " asked  Skuld- whispered to him  counsels which the
frid.,.heart and reason would have rejected in
"Its richness, its extreme elegance," a calmer mood.
said Tage, with a sigh.  "The simple-   When one is jealous or governed by
minded Skuldfrid has become a brilliant envy, he is neither wise nor good. Tage
lady."                                said, —
" That is true; but this silk and,vel-   " One never sees Countess X-  withvet cover a heart which is as unalterably out Canitz being her. attendant.  He
the same as when I wore the home-made must certainly intend to unite his desclothes.  Therefore, dear Tage, let us tiny to hers. It would be a brilliant
not forget the beauty around us for any alliance."
bits of costly dry-goods."              Skuldfrid grew still paler.
Skuldfrid now smiled so cordially, that   "She is exceedingly beautiful," conshe again charmed away the shadows tinned Tage.  "Did  you observe the
which tried to steal in and obscure the ladies in the barouche. " inquired he
joy of the present moment. Aberney, of Skuldfrid.
like Skuldfrid, felt too deeply all that   " No," was the answer.
appealed to his sense of the beautiful to    Aberney had  observed  Skiuldfrid's




216.                    GUILT. AND INNOCENCE.
changed appearance as well as, Tage's I should bring it to Madame immediintention to torment her. In the most ately."
indifferent tone in the world he said, -  Skuldfrid cast an indifferent glance at
" I believe you are entirely mistaken the singular bouquet and said,in supposing that Canitz intends to mar-   "Put it among the others that I have
ry. And besides, that matter does not received during the day."
concern us. Is not the scenery here   Anaise went to a large flower-stand
singularly varied l." asked he, turning that stood before the middle window of
to  Skuldfrid.   " There at Rosendale the saloon, and was about to place the
everything is so smiling and full of flow- nosegay among a quantity of magnifiers; and here again we find a chain of cent and costly bouquets which had
hills clothed with trees, and resembling been sent to Madame Dorbino since the
a wall which separates this road from  morning.
the rest of Djurgarden."                "Madame has to-day received over
Skuldfrid turned her pale face to Ab- twenty bouquets," said Anaise, "but
erney and responded to his question in this is the only one that has not been
an absent tone. Still she was forced to accompanied by a billet.  It must cerresume the thread of conversation. She tainly be an Englishman that has sent
did it with that fine tact which marks you this, for no sensible and sane man
good breeding.  It is true her hearty would send you only myrtle and orange.
laughter was heard no more, neither were Besides, it is tied with a broad black ribher features lighted by any beaming bon. The very paper that is around it
smile; for the sun of joy had enveloped is black."
itself in a veil of melancholy, which   "Let me see," said Skuldfrid, who,
hindered its rays from  breaking forth; although engrossed by other thoughts,
but it was yet bright and full daylight still felt a peculiar interest for the
above it. Her free, open, and true artist strange present.  She examined it caresoul, which lived and had its being only fully. A finely stamped black silk pain the ideal, could not clothe its grief per was wrapped round  it, and the
and-sorrow in a complete vestment, but stems of myrtle and snow-white orange
lent to it something of the rosy hue that blossoms were tied with a black ribbon.
surrounded everything to which her soul If there was any meaning in this gift, it
ciung.                                could only signify sorrow and love.
Tage again, a child of reality, with the   "If it could be from  him," thought
ordinary weaknesses of humanity, al- Skuldfrid. "What other would —  Folthough endowed with many good quali- ly! Anaise, put it away among the
ties, had the very common fault of letting rest."  Skuldfrid intended to leave the
his feelings appear in his face when he roon, but Anaise checked her with the
was out of humor.  He now sat quite question, -
sullen and silent, without taking any   "Will Madame not read this quantity
part in the conversation.             of billets that have arrived to-day  "
Thus ended the first jaunt.  In the   "No, burn them up."
evening, after Skuldfrid had got home   The following day was the rehearsal of
and the Aberneys had left her, the "Robert."  All the artists, both lyric and
French maid entered her room holding dramatic, were now assembled to take
in her hand a bouquet of myrtle and Madame Dorbino in closer examination,
orange blossoms.                      and if possible find a multitude of faults
"A servant just now left this at the in her. Besides, they wanted to hear a
door," said she, " with the direction that voice that had had the power to warm




GUILT AND, INNOCENCE..                         217"
even English blood, so that Britain it- Adolfs Square they met Tage.   His
self had been entranced with it. The appearance now denoted a more cheerful
most beautiful ornament of the Swedish state of mind than on the previous afterstage, Mademoiselle H-, was also noon.
present, and declared with her charming   When they stood before the Professmile that Madame Dorbino  was so sor's door and he was about to ring,
beautiful that all felt themselves thrown Skuldfrid asked, -
into the shade by her.  In another   "Does Aunt Sara know that Skuldgroup they were engaged in praising the frid is her nephew's child I"
distinguished singer enthusiastically, and   "No."  The bell was now rung. The
in a third they left no efforts unspared door  opened and the next moment
to hit upon something really infamous to Skuldfrid stood before Sara, who at this
say about her. A fourth group repeated sight came near fainting.  Then foleverything good and bad that they had lowed exclamations, tears, embraces, exheard, without pronouncing any inde- planations, etc.   When all this was
pendent judgment.  These were those at last done away with, and Aunt
who willingly reiterate what others say, Sara had got her cap in order and
but are afraid to hazard any opinion of smoothed her apron, they sat down to
their own.                           ithe dinner-table.  Sara had entirely forWithin  this little world called the gotten the terrible fact that her dear
theatre we find precisely the same ele- Enoch's daughter, her darling Skuldfrid,
ments as in ordinary life; and I dare say was an opera singer, so glad was she to
it is in its judgment of others neither see her again. Aberney, Skuldfrid, and
better nor worse than the so-called higher Tage did all in their power to preserve
society.                              the cheerful conditions. Time flies-fast
A few minutes before the rehearsal when joy visits our souls.  At seven
Skuldfrid arrived, but this time attended o'clock Skuldfrid was obliged to leave
by Professor Aberney, who supported her her friends. At this breaking up Sara
upon his arm.                         remembered the sad side of Skuldfrid's
Aberney was one whom  everybody position- in life.   Some sharp  words,
knew, and whose name was mentioned slipped over the old lady's lips, but
with respect even by the most illiterate. Aberney interrupted them immediately.
There were consequently none id the   Tage, who heard that Skuldfrid had
theatre who were not aware of the promised Countess Renstein to spend the
Professor's standing.  He had made him- evening with her, as she had invited
self known as a favorite composer, a fact company for Madame Dorbino's sake,
that had weight with the lyric artists; became in a bad humor directly, and
therefore his appearance with Skuldfrid added some bitter remarks to what Sara
awakened a certain attention.  The curi- had said.  Skuldfrid did; not reply to
ous instantly arrived at new conclusions, Aunt Sara's attack, but to Tage she said
and while the overture was being played earnestly,they had found out the whole connection   "Tage, beware of showing injustice
of affairs. Professor Aberney was noth- towards a friend; for it becomes sooner
ing more or less than one of her hus- or later the death of friendship."
bands, possibly that composer who had   Aberney was the only one who did not
shot himself. When the rehearsal was make any reproaches. He was always the
over they had the story ready.        same. This day also Tage and Skuldfrid
From  the rehearsal Aberney took separated with unpleasant feelings.
Skuldfrid to his home.   At Gustaf   After Skuldfrid had driven away from




218                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
Aberney's home, Tage took his hat to my future to the theatre or the home I
go out and get the fresh air while he Perhaps this very evening will decide.
at the same time calmed his disturbed Nathalie has told me that —he is commind.                                 ing."
"You are also invited to the Count-   She fastened a dark red flower as a
ess's reception this evening; are you not breastknot upon the black dress which
going there?" asked the Professor.   fell in rich folds around her.  Her hair
"I do not believe I can stand it to was without ornaments; she displayed
stay there the whole evening," answered the greatest simplicity in her dress. She
Tage.  "Are you going, father I."     was beautiful, so beautiful that she could
"Of course; as Skuldfrid is to appear have been sure of her victory beforehand,
among that aristocratic set, she ought to if her design had been to captivate. Yet
have her uncle at her side."          the fresh color of her cheeks was veiled
Tage made no reply, but left the room. this evening by a slight paleness.
" She must abandon, theatrical life,"   It was half past eight when Skuldfrid
thought he as he turned his steps to- went down stairs and into the Countess's
wards Norrbro, "or I cannot answer for reception-room.  She almost gave a cry
the consequences.  0, how deeply, how of surprise when she found Aberney there
madly I love her! How faithfully has waiting for her.
my heart been bound to this attach-   "Why, Uncle!" she exclaimed. "You
ment! She owes me a recompense for here!"
all my love, for all that I have suffered   "I am invited by the Countess to meet
through her, and she shall not remain on Madame Dorbino," said he, smiling, " and
the stage."  Tage entirely forgot when I have presented myself to escort the
he praised his faithfulness that it had distinguished singer, who must not be
been exceedingly fluctuating in its nature. allowed to appear without her natural
Aunt Sara thought, as she went into protector."
her room,-                   -           Skuldfrid smiled at him very gratefully
"Skuldfrid must leave the theatre. as she took his arm.
Enoch's! daughter shall not be an actress, should I be obliged to tear down
heaven and earth to get her away from
there."                                  Countess Renstein, with whom we have
Aberney had gone to dress himself. previously become acquainted, was one
He thought, while he was tying his cra- of those women who aie rightly called
vat,-                                 dangerous and irresistible.  It is impos"Skuldfrid must not remain on the sible to say wherein their power lies, but
stage; she must not spend her life sur- it is equally impossible to escape them.
rounded by crazy admirers, whose flat- She was far from handsome, could scarcely
tery will sooner or later destroy her, or upon a closer examination be called good
beset by an unscrupulous envy that will looking, and yet she was spoken of for
soil her reputation. She cannot remain her beauty.  Her features were irreguthere; but she must quit the stage of. lar, and only the flashing and intelligent
her own free will, not through any per- eyes could account for her being called
suasion."                             the beautiful Countess Renstein.  Her
While Skuldfrid was attiring herself eyes were rather small than large; but
for Countess Renstein's reception, she they had an expression which captivated
thought, -                            magically, and made it. impossible for
~"-~Artist or woman I. Am I to devote one to forget them or to weary of looking




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                         219
into their depths. They made one forget that nonsense, which after all will not
that the nose was too small and that the hinder them  from  being; tedious and
mouth was not beautiful. Her hair was growing old," thought Nathalie. She
unusually abundant and of a light chest- determined to be original, and that in a
nut brown, assuming at times a reddish way that would  make her the most
tinge when seen in a certain light, which courted of all attractive women. She
gave it the appearance of being sprinkled knew perfectly well when, as a young girl,
with gold dust; it was also wavy, so she entered society, that she was not esthat it resembled a light cloud. The pecially beautiful.  Her parents had left
Countess was tall, lively, gifted, proud, her a comfortable, but by no means large,
and thoughtless, changeable and impe- fortune.  It was not sufficient to attract
rious, wilful and coquettish. Always va- lovers or admirers, although it was fully
riable, always new, never the same. One equal to her needs and caprices. The
moment gentle as a dove, the next pas- first year of her entrance into society
sionate and capricious as a tyrant. One she spent in studying the ladies of style,
day rapt and absorbed, abandoning her- while she held herself in the background.
self to romantic dreams, the next laugh- The next she went to Paris, where she
ing at idealism  and worshipping folly. remained two years, and after this peShe displayed an unheard-of perseverance riod she married Count Renstein. The
when a conquest was to be made, either Count was sickly and took a journey to
of a man or woman, who did not appear Italy and to Egypt for the benefit of his
willing to render her the homage she health; it was on this journey that we
was accustomed to receive; but the made the acquaintance of Nathalie, who
moment she had conquered the reluctant returned from the land of mystery and
subject she lost all interest for the one the black art as a wealthy widow. The
she had made so much effort to win.  Count had willed her all his property.
Although no actual resemblance ex- She had now beeni f6r two years the meisted between her and Skuldfrid, there teor around which gathered the fashionawas still a certain something in the bles of the day, the star which was not
Countess that reminded one of her, as we eclipsed by any other, the object which
have already indicated. One never saw envy regarded with suppressed indignaone without thinking of the other. The tion.
vivacity, the grace of movement, were   Rich, independent, and passionately
the same in both, so also the undisguised fond of distinguished society, her house
frankness, which: surprised through the became a gathering-place for genius, art,
nzaivete with which they told people the and learning. In her saloon, surrounded
truth. With Skuldfrid this was a con- by a flock of adorers, Nathalie had never
sequence of nature and education; with yet experienced love or known what jealthe Countess Nathalie it was the result ousy meant. She liked to have the most
of study. She had too much ability to beautiful women around her, the most
be a coquette of the usual order. She dangerous rivals to the power upon which
did not attempt to captivate'with bare she set so high a value, for the triumph
shoulders, a small waist, languishing of preserving her supremacy became so
glances, charming smiles, nor the fash- much the greater. -What she possessed
ionable style of her dress. Nathalie em- of actual good or evil would be difficult
ployed neither rouge nor padding, jewelry to determine; she resembled a fine artinor flowers, to enhance her charms: she ficial flower which borrowed everything,
had chosen quite other means.        even to its fragrance, from the natural,
"The silly may busy themselves with but still lacked the essential life. That




220                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
is to say, her heart had  not yet   "You are mistaken, Baron Canitz, if
awakened to any other interest than you think that I have any interest in
the triumphs her vanity reaped. Her you. No, not at all; I intend to divert
life was like a foaming beverage, but she myself in proving to you that you have
had no idea of what was hidden at the spoken an untruth."
bottom of the cup.                     "Allow me to doubt if that pleasure
There was no name of distinction in will be conferred upon you. I never
the world of art, literature, learning, or speak an untruth."
music, that the charming widow did not   " Indeed; then I know more than you.
try to get upon the list of her associates. Apropos, how long do you intend to conShe was ambitious of placing the aristoc- tinue to pay court to me V"  Nathalie'racy of genius before that of birth, and laughed.  "Admit that it has not
amused herself in making the sharpest brought you a step nearer your aim."
sallies against nobility's "decayed ances-   "I concede it, therefore I will not imtry and ragged banners."             portune you hereafter. I shall not preOn the evening in question a large as- sent myself oftener than I am called for."
semblage thronged her saloon, the ma-   "Truly! And  vet you  once said
jority, however, belonging to the noble that  " Nathalie looked at. him with a
-classes; (and besides these some noted mischievous expression.
artists, savans, thinkers, and authors.   "That I should be your chevalier unBerzelius was there seen in conversation til you told me what I wished to know."
with Count Woyna, the Finnish artist,   "Precisely. You then  desist from
Ekman chatting with the beautiful Count- your purpose of sounding me.?"
ess F. The atheist A-g-t talked   "Yes."
theology with Professor F —, and the   "How shall I understand this? You
French Minister, Count M:, discussed are not one to be deterred by difficulties.
politics with Count C. H. A, etc., etc. Can it be that you - "
The hostess was in the midst of this   "Know where the person is on whose
assemblage, reclining negligently on a account I have plagued  you?' Yes,
sofa and talking with a young man who Countess." Lothard looked at her with a
leaned against the back of it. In this cold glance.  "Do you know where she
circle of ladies, covered with silks, laces, lives?" added he.
velvet, and precious stones, she was the   "Yes, I do."  Nathalie looked ansimplest. She wore a light blue dress of noyed.
some thin material. Her coiffure differed   "In that case," Lothard smiled, "I
entirely from the rest, being in a style congratulate myself upon knowing still
between a man's and a woman's. Skuld- more than you. I greatly fear that you
frid had not yet appeared.           have  amused yourself in feigning a
"I assure you, Baron," said Nathalie, knowledge that you did not possess."
"that I intend to give you all a great   "Leave this, I beg of you; I -am too
surprise, and myself a triumph; try to impatient at present to occupy myself
guess whom I am expecting. It was my with anything but seeihg you abandon
wish to enjoy your astonishment that the part you are playing, and in this reprompted me to exact the promise that spect at least I am not mistaken."
you would come."                       "Mistaken, what do you mean?"
"You are too good, Countess, to at-  "That your indifference is not real,
tach so much importance to my humble but only an assumed manner with which
self," answered the young man with a you wish to attract attention."
smile at once cold and ironical.       Canitz bowed.




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                          221
"If that is so, thenyou.must admit rounded by persons, who complimented
that I have one merit, that of never for- her upon her appearance in Freyschiitz.
getting my part."                     They pressed around the distinguished
"O yes, but you have, though -"    singer to offer her their homage, and to
"I defy you to prove that assertion."  convince themselves upon a nearer view
"Do you wish me to do it  "        if she was as beautiful, engaging, and fas"I should be very much obliged to cinating off the stage as she was upon it.
you, Countess."                       For the first time Nathalie saw herself
"Very well, do you remember when deserted by her admirers.  They had all
I met you at the entrance of the opera- hastened to pay tribute to the newhouse the first time Madame Dorbino ap- comer.
peared, how agitated and disturbed you   Nathalie was however for the moment
looked.  You were so out of balance engrossed by other thoughts than her dethat you nearly forgot to salute me."    sire of pleasing. She understood those
"Yes, I remember it all," replied Lo- who drew  her car of triumph too well
thard with unaltered composure; " but it not to know that she had but to enter
was a consequence of the excessive heat. their midst, making some of her irresistI did not feel well."                ible sallies or witty remarks, to have
" Madame Dorbino and Professor Ab- them all enrolled again under her banner.
erney," announced the usher.            While Skuldfrid was being waited upLothard actually started. The Count- on with flattery and the Professor with
ess forgot to observe him, so surprised questions, the Countess passed through
was she to see Skuldfrid leaning on the the two adjoining apartments, but witharm  of the Professor. She had known out finding Canitz. Finally she came to a
nothing of their relationship or acquaint- little cabinet, where she saw him standance. She had invited Aberney to meet ing by the window. His back was turned
Madame Dorbino, in order to afford him  to the Countess. She hurried towards
the pleasure of her acquaintance.    him, saying, -
~ Always polite to celebrities," said the   ",What, Herr Baron, are you so fright,
Countess to the Professor when he sa- ened at the sound of Madame Dorbino's
luted her.                            name, that you take flight  "
"' This time, Countess Renstein, it is   Lothard turned.   Nathalie fancied
not onlv courtesy, but a duty that I ful- that he was paler than usual  and that
fil. Madame Dorbino is a relative of the cold, proud expression had disapmine."                                peared. There was a trace of melancholy
At the announcement of her name all and bitter grief in his countenance which
eyes were directed towards the singer. struck Nathalie in a wonderful manner,
After the Countess had in some courteous child of folly as she was. This man, who
words expressed her agreeable surprise always showed such a cold politeness,
at finding Skuldfrid related to such a who towards her especially displayed
man as Aberney, she suddenly remem- such a sarcastic irony, in whose glance
bered Lothard, and that she Tad not ob- she could not discover a shadow of feelserved what effect Skuldfrid's appearance ing, who had irritated and tormented her
had upon him. She turned with a quick with his reserve, whom she had regarded
motion of the head; but lo and behold, as a frigid egotist, he then had a heart
the Baron had disappeared; her eyes that could experience sorrow and pain.
sought him in vain. She could not dis- So there was some warmth behind the
cover him in the saloon.             cold mask.In a few minutes Skuldfrid was sur-   Nathalie never thought him so hand.




222                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
some before. This face, now freed from  eager to fathom.  Lothard had found in
its mocking smile and its stern earnest- this engaging woman an enemy to his
ness, seemed to her beautiful.  She peace. It was now too late for him to
thougJht, -                           put on the mask of indifference. She
"How these eyes would glow if his had once for all discovered that it was a
soul was filled with love!"         mask, and cost what it would she must
Canitz, who had no idea of the impres- have it away. But to return to their
sion his sorrowful aspect made upon conversation.
Nathalie, answered with a melancholy   ";Of whom do you speak, Countess  "
smile,-                               asked Lothard, with such an appearance
" Countess, nothing frightens me, but of ignorance that the Countess was duped
I sometimes like to keep company with by it.
myself."                         -         "Ah, sir, I truly do not know what to
"With what a tone you say that! " think of your absent-mindedness."
Countess Nathalie forgot' to jest.    *  "Whatever you please,' Countess, if
Lothard passed his hand over his brow you will only inform  me why I should
as he resumed his usual voice and cold abandon my role."
demeanor.                               "Well, Madame Dorbino is here."
"What is there in my tone that sur-   "I expected to meet her at your house
prises you. Do not think so ill of me as this evening."
that I seek solitude to abandon myself   "Ah, indeed. Now give me your arm
like a sighing Werther to sickly reveries. and I will present you to her and at the
No, I can assure you that when this oc- same time make my observations."
curs it is because I am tired of the bustle   "Present me! " Lothard, with all the
around me. But you promised me a power of his will, could not hinder the
surprise; I have not yet been surprised blood from rushing to his head. He felt
by anything that I have heard or seen."  that the Countess's eyes were fastened
"Have you not!   And yet you heard upon him, and he would have'given
who was announced."  The Countess much to have had as good command over
looked at him.                        his blood as over his muscles.
In a few minutes a complete revolu-   "It seems that my proposition disturbs
tion had occurred within her. Incomr- you    You cannot know Madame Dorprehensible'enigma, called the human bino 3 "
heart! It is highly probable that Nath-   "No, Countess, I do not know the
alie could have associated with Canitz singer Madame Dorbino," answerel Loher whole life through, without feeling thard, coldly.
for him any other interest than that for   "Your arm."  The Countess took Loa person who amused or vexed her. thard's arm and they proceeded through
Hitherto she had only thought of Lo- the smaller rooms. During the short
thard when she, saw him,.forgetting at transit Lothard tried to subdue every
other times that he existed. - Now the emotion. He jested with Nathalie. The
bronze figure had revealed a glimpse of sharpest otbserver could not have dissomething that resembled feeling. There cerned any remnant of agitation in this
was then a heart in that breast.  Why cold and proud face. When he at length
should she not be able to captivate it? stood beside Skuldfrid's chair he looked
This impervious mortal, against whom like a piece of granite. The young woshe could hurl her wit, or — attack at man was engaged in' a lively conversation
pleasure, now became a being that she with Madame St. G,,and her head
wished to know, a character:that she was was. tnmed in the -direction opposite to




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           223
that in which Lothard and Nathalie tiful woman, clear and brilliant.  As
came.                                 long as her face betrayed a sign of inner
"Allow me, my dear Frida," said the emotion, Lothard continued to speak of
Countess to Skuldfrid, "to present to the Swedish people, its culture, efc., etc.
you Baron Canitz."                    Once only had she dared to lift her eyes
At Nathalie's first word Skuldfrid had to his face, but lowered them  immediturned round. Before her stood Lothard, ately. After speaking yet awhile upon
pale, cold, and proud. He played his role indifferent subjects, he rose, uttered some
surpassingly well, but the distinguished words of courtesy, but so low that -they
actress, who had had as many plaudits, could not be caught by the bystanders,
bouquets, and laurel wreaths showered and then left her. An hour after this
upon her for her transcendent acting as Skuldfrid whispered to Aberney,for her singing, now changed color so   "Dear Uncle, take me away from here.
rapidly and showed so much perturbation I cannot endure it any longer."
when she responded to Baron Canitz's   "And I no longer doubt," thought the
polite, almost reverent bow, that it was Professor.  "I now know  all.  Poor
obvious to all. She did not by any means children, it seems that no happiness will
confirm the assertion that an actress, in grow from the graves of your guilty parstudying other characters, seals up her ents."
own feelings and loses the power of ex-   When Skuldfrid reached home, Anaise
periencing any deep and serious impres- again handed her a bouquet of myrtle
sion.                                 and orange blossoms, tied with a black
The Countess thought, -             ribbon and surrounded with a black pa"Frida knows him, but she plays her per.
part very poorly in not concealing her   Skuldfrid did not put it among the
emotion. Yet that signifies nothing; she other flowers. Why? She did not know
is beautiful even now. 0, how that man herself, but the strange gift interested
provokes me; see, how calm he is, and her.
yet I could venture my life that he also
knows her; I saw that when I proposed
to introduce him. I must find out the   In "Robert," Skuldfrid appeared for the
secret."                              second time as Alice.  Now also she met
Nathalie left Skuldfrid. Lothard took the beam of a pair of dark eyes from the
a vacant chair at her side, which a young lower private box; again his hands reman had left when the Baron was pre- mained motionless asbefore; andalthough
sented. It was impossible for Skuldfrid the whole house resounded with acclato get a word over her lips, although she mations and applause, although the stage
knew all eyes were turned upon her. was covered with flowers, he, for whom
Lothard, on the contrary, realized fully she sang especially, remained impassable.
that no attention should be attracted to What cared Skuldfrid forthe applause of
their meeting; he therefore said inFrench, all the others? A single look, a single
with a calm voice, although there was gesture of satisfaction, on his part would
something unnatural in the, accent,-  have been more to her than the admira.
"How does Sweden please you, Ma- tion of the world.
dame  I'understand that you visit this   When she drove home that evening
country for the first time? It ought from  the theatre, she felt sad in the
consequently to possess the charm: of very depths of her heart.  The only
novelty,"                             time fate brought them  together he
Lothard's glance rested upon the beau- had not indicated by a word -that he re



224                     GUILT; AND INNOCENCE.
membered Skuldfriid. Was not this the more smitten every day, and.voided the
strongest confirmation of what his con- Countess.  No meeting with her had as
duct in Naples had given her to under- yet taken place in Skuldfrid's presence.
stand?  Skuldfrid was miserable, and a But in the same measure that his inclihost of depressing and hopeless feelings nation for Skuldfrid became more contook possession of her mind.          spicuous, she grew more retiring, which
That evening no bouquet of myrtle and only increased Tage's feeling instead of
orange blossoms was handed to her, but quenching  it.  He sometimes became
a wreath of cypress and laurel.  Sorrow quite bitter and inveighed sharply against
and fame.                             Skuldfrid's choice of vocation.  She reThe morning after her appearance in tained her coolness under these attacks;
"Robert" she was besieged by persons sometimes replying  in  few words, or
who were not received, by billets that were again hearing him without giving any
not read, and bouquets which Anaise took answer. Aunt Sara also treated  her
charge 4of. After Nathhlie's reception to long sermons over the sinfulness of
invitations poured in upon the beautiful her life. If it then happened that the
singer, who was related to the Countess old lady and Skuldfrid were alone toand the celebrated Professor Aberney. gether, the sermons were accompanied
She was then of good family, and this with tears and supplications that she
heightened her value considerably in the would not continue upon this road of
goodly city of Stockholm. With us Swedes destruction.  There was often in Aunt
family connections are very important. Sara's simple words, full of prejudice
In  short, Skuldfrid was courted and as they were, such a stamp of sincere
eulogized;,everything  contributed  to conviction, that Skuldfrid listened to her
spoil her, especially as envy itself could without feeling offended or interrupting
-find nothing to say against her manner her with a haughty mien and decided,,of life. To be sure, many reports were tone; but yet Sara perceived very soon,circulated to the effect that she had been that she did not accomplish anything
married, and that she had had strange with  all her discourse.  Some other
adventures, etc.; but Professor Aber- means must be employed.  What re-,ney's appearance as her natural protec- mained to be done? Yes, scandal should,tor and near relative made people utter be made to serve; Skuldfrid must know
-such things quite low among themselves. what people said about her.  She should
The ladies thought there was an al- be snatched from the illusion that she'most shocking warmth in the manner in enjoyed any esteem.  That aristocratic
which Skuldfrid sung. Yes, there was people invited her did not by any means
undoubtedly in that transport, ardor, prove that honest people respected her.
and inspiration something wanton, un- Aunt Sara had besides the full conviction
womanly, and unbecoming, etc.; but as that there was no smoke without fire;
London and Paris had been charmed ergo, Skuldfrid must in some way have
with it, it was quite as well to overlook given occasion to all this talk. Aunt
what one did not understand.  Besides, Sara had in fresh remembrance that
there was in Skuldfrid's performance Skuldfrid even as a young girl gave insuch a stamp of truth, that censure itself dication of very free ideas. Had she not
wag forced to silence.                taken  walks with that young fellow?
A week elapsed.  Skuldfrid had de- Sara did not yet know positively whethelined all invitations and devoted her er it was Canitz or some one else. Those
leisure hours to the society of Aberney rambles were, according to Sara's opinion,
or Nathalie.  Tage became more and plain proofs of a frivolous nature. There



GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            225
fore she was going to avail: herself of the and character utterly foreign to the one
first opportunity to talk reason to Enoch's who represents them.  If this were so,
child.  It was her duty to save the the consequence would be the extinction
erring one.                            of everything true and noble'in the
Singularly enough, Aberney remained effort to act well.
quite neutral; and yet Aunt Sara could   Had Skuldfrid merely sung, had she even
not possibly have a greater aversion to sung with fervor and spirit, but without
Skuldfrid's being a singer than he.  His the dramatic action, the danger would
reasons for this repugnance were very have been less. At it was, this idolatry
different, however, from  the old lady's. of the moment, these storms of applause,
He did not see in it a road to perdition, this ephemeral glory of renown, would
but a career in which Skuldfrid must some time or other plunge her into that
sooner or later encounter two evils: First, danger'ous intoxication which so easily
to fall a victim to the machinations of passes over to self-worship.  No, she
those whose aim was to sully her name. must be snatched from  all these perils.
The. same report, which with swift wings And yet Aberney remained passive.  He
had made her known as an artist, would -only redoubled his tenderness and his
eagerly snatch the first scandal that consideration for her welfare.  He never
could in a piquant manner cast a shadow  wounded her with  anlly  attacks. - He
over her who had just been eulogized. knew that the first condition in getting
Aberney understood the world and knew  a person to follow adwvce is to gain confithat hungry newspapers gladly insert any- dence and control through the power of
thing that can interest, making them- affection.
selves too often the'heralds of scandal.   Tage, on his part, had, after Skuldfrid's
He knew also that every kind of publicity fourth  appearance, resolved  to  bring
is hazardous, especially for a woman, things to a focus by a declaration.
whose honor is so easily assailed.  In   Thus a storming was intended both
the second place, Aberney could not pos- by Aunt Sara and Tage.  Aberney again
sibly understand or rightly judge the relied upon attaining his object through
dramatic art.  He saw in it artifice and the power of influence.
deception.  He could not comprehend   While all this was in- preparation,
that there is a quality in the soul that Skuldfrid had not visited any one but
resembles an echo, which gives a response her relatives.  Nathalie bestowed an ento the thought of the poet and the crea- thusiastic admiration upon her, which
tion of the composer.                  bore the resemblance of true affection.'The true dramatic artist is like an in- It was very evident, that she wanted to
struiment.  His soul has a response for gain  Skuldfrid's confidence.  Nathalie
the beautiful as well as the ugly, the was with her daily, and, despite all objecgreat'as well as the small, the ridiculous tions on Skuldfrid's part, she' was obliged
and'the sublime, in the author's concep- to accompany the charming Countess in
tioli.. He does not possess the power of her trips to Djurgarden, Haga' and Carldrawing these images which spring up in berg.  Upon all sucih,occasions they saw
the fancy, but he is able to comprehend Lothard, who generally'met them someand' give them  life.  The.learned man where on horseback, and then rode' awhile
understood nothing  of all this.  He at the side of the carriage, converslooked upon the drama as merely the art ing with the Countess, after he had saof':impersonation acquired with much luted Skuldfrid respectfully but' coldly.
effort and study, or a highly cultivated It occasionally happened that Skuldfrid
talent' for simulating thoughts, feelings, mingled in these short conversations with




22.6r                   GUILT AND'.INNOCENCE.
a word' or two, but generally she avoided for two whole years been the most zea1saying anything in Lothard's presence.   ous of all who have paid me their: homage.
One day when they.met Lothard at At promenades, balls, suppers,: concerts,
Djurgaden, Nathalie exclaimed to him, — soirees, and operas, everywhere has ]he
"Truly, my dear Baron, it looks as if waited upon me and at each occasion
you were still trying to find out a cer- exerted all his power to be amiable."
tain person's residence, so persistently do   "Pardon me, my gracious Countess,
you attend me."                       you slander me. I have never attempted
"Countess, I protest, it is chance alone anything so impossible as to be amiable."
that brings me in your way," answered   "Take care, Baron, or I might take
Lothard.                              the notion to mention the whole story to
"I do not believe you. You certainly Madame Dorbino."
deceived me when you said you had   "That is not verf likely, you shall not
found the one you were seeking."      betray me," said Lothard.
"I had found, but now again have lost   "Shall I not " asked Nathalie, defiher," said Lothard with emphasis.  His antly.
eyes and Skuldfrid's met.                "No."
"That is, to say, you have lost the   "Since you defy me, I will immeditrace," jested Nathalie,'and you hope ately prove that I do what pleases me.
to find it again through me."         Do you know why the Baron has waited
"Countess, it is so long since I hoped, upon me 3" continued Nathalie, turning
that I dare not venture again."  Lo- to Skuldfrid.  "For the simple reason,
thard's eyes rested on Skuldfrid, whose that he wished to know of me -"
heart threatened to burst.                I "In the name of grace, Countess, do
"Well, why then do you pursue me 3'" not continue, I beseech you!" exclaimed
asked Nathalie, laughing.             Lothard, with so much intensity that'"I am like the steel which is drawn his whole appearance changed.
to. the magnet; I obey the power of at-   "He does not wish her to know of his
traction, in defiance of my will and my interest for Mademoiselle Smidt," thought
reason."                              Nathalie, "and just for that reason she
"You are divine. By and by you will must hear of it."  Aloud she said: "I
end in making me a tender proposal, give no grace, and therefore Frida shall
against your will," said  Nathalie  in know that you followed me in the hope
sport. -                               of finding out where. a certain Mademoi"Countess,. I shall never make any selle Smidt lived."
tender proposal.  I shall never say to    "Mademoiselle  Smidt!"  repeated
any woman the words,' I love you."' Skuldfrid, putting her handkerchief beAgain Lothard's and  Skuldfrid's.eyes fore her glowing face.
met.  At the same instant Nathalie. Lothard rode silently at the side of the
turned to Lothard and caught the glance carriage, without throwing a glance inside.
he fastened upon Skuldfrid.           The Countess continued, -
"Aha,!" thought she with a certain   "And I have decided that he shall
resentment,." Ibelieve the words are ad- not have his wish gratified through me."
dressed to; me, but their meaning to   "The Countess's decision proceeds from
Frida.":               the fact that she does not know her:: Without allowing her unpleasant feel- residence," rejoined Lothard.  He raised
iipgs to be perceived, Nathalie said, turn- his hat, bowed, and was soon out of sight.
ing to Skuldfrid, -
"What. do.you think, the Baron has




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           227
Ever since the evening when Skuldfrid faithful admirers, one of the few in
and Lothard met the first time at Na- whose affection I almost trusted."
thalie's house, the latter had been seized   "And who is that?" asked Skuldfrid,
with a violent fancy for him. It was not smiling.  "I am not conscious of having
yet anything but a fancy; what it might caught any admirer, and consequently
become was still uncertain.  Her ordi- cannot have robbed you."
nary admirers seemed to her flat, her   "But Lieutenant Aberney":
friends and associates stupid and tedious,   "Ah! Tage." Skuldfrid laughed. "If
the only one except Lothard that inter- he has been in love with you, then I am
ested her was Skuldfrid.  This interest willing that you should keep him. He
was -at the present period real, though and I are only friends of childhood."
the motives which actuated it were self-   "That is all well and good; but ever
ish.  She found pleasure in Skuldfrid's since your arrival here he has not visited
lively and spirited conversation, and she me, although I have invited him, and
had much to study and learn of her. besides he has evidently avoided me.
Nathalie felt that in grace and attraction, Admit that he is in love with his childin that irresistible power of charming, hood's friend."
she stood far behind the singer.  These   "God forbid!" said Skuldfrid quite
qualities, which were natural with Skuld- devoutly.
frid, Nathalie could and must appropri-   "She is not attached to young Aberate to herself.                       ney," thought Nathalie; "she is decidedly
The day after their drive to Djurga.r- in love with that man of granite."
den, when Lothard and Nathalie had ex-   Nathalie leaned her head on her hand
changed the words so full of significance and happened at the same time to cast
to Skuldfrid, we find the last named in her eyes on a flower-vase, containing a
her cabinet.  Her whole being bore the bouquet of myrtle and orange-blossoms.
impress of hope and joy.                 "From   whom  have  you  received
The Countess came in, and after she that!" asked she, drawing the vase tohad spoken at random about indifferent wards her.
things, she said quite suddenly, -       "I do not know, it has been sent to
"When and where have you and me," replied Skuldfrid, but at the same
Canitz met?"    *                    time colored; forshe thoughtof Lothard
"My dear Nathalie, why do you per- unavoidably.
sist in asserting that he and I have   The Countess said nothing, although
met before?" answered Skuldfrid evasive- she very well remarked the change of
ly. Nathalie perceived from her tone that color. She looked at the bouquet attenshe was displeased.                   tively, as if she wished to find out all
"I do not persist at all, I merely about it.
ask a question.  It seems to displease
you "  
"Yes, it does."                       Skuldfrid  had appeared four times.
"Well then, I will not repeat it."  On each succeeding occasion she received
"'She knows him," thought Nathalie livelier demonstrations of approval from
with vexation.  "She always gives eva- the public. She always found Lothard
sive ianswers whenever I make an inquiry in the lower private box, and upon her
in regard to this matter."            return home after the opera she found
"My special errand," resumed  the a wreath of cypress and laurel in -placie
Countess, "was to scold you for depriv- of the bouquet of myrtle.::::
ing me of one of my warmest and most   The day before Skuldfrid's: fifth ap?




228                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
pearalice the Countess had begged her time Tage had carried her around in the
persistently to attend the ball that she whirl of the dance.  God and Skuldfrid
was to give as a farewell to the winter's only know how it was possible that he
entertainments. Skuldfrid knew that she did not in his delirium betray all that
should there meet Lothard, which she his heart felt.  The truth is that Skuldvery much desired after that last conver- frid's cold mien almost frightened him,
sation, and yet she hesitated.  Did she and was all that restrained his feelings.
fear to see him. No, but she feared When the waltz ended and Tage was to
to see the hope she still cherished de- conduct her from  the dancing - saloon,
stroyed.  His frigid respect was to her they passed by Lothard.  He greeted
a torment, which occasioned her acute Skuldfrid with a colder and more polite
suffering.  Finally she took the resolu- bow than usual.  Tage threw a triumtion to fulfil the Countess's desire by phant glance at him, as if he could have
being present at the ball. While Skuld- said, "She belongs to me; she is lost
frid was dressing herself for the occasion, to you."
she held  the following mental solilo-   Tage had feared that Lothard, through
quy, -                                 an explanation of his absence in Naples,
"I must have a conversation with him  should completely ruin him and at onde
this evening.  I must know why he has resume his former place in Skuldfrid's
been seeking Mademoiselle Smidt and heart; but as this explanation had not
yet refused Skuldfrid a meeting.  I wish yet taken place, although two weeks had
to understand what he meant when he passed since their first meeting, he took
said, I have found her and lost her'it for granted that Skuldfrid had averted
again."  She pressed her hand to her it.  Tage's self-love whispered to him
heart and looked at her truly lovely fig- besides so many foolish hopes, that upon
ure in the mirror, continuing in thought, these he felt sure of Skuldfrid.  Was it
"O, if I could only for this single even- at all likely that now, after she had
ing be beautiful, so beautiful, that- I found him to be the same friend as of
might in his soul recall the past."    old, her heart could betray the faith she
Skuldfrid, who naturally liked a cer- owed him I No! To prevent all unseatain richness of attire, was this evening sonable declarations between  her and
extremely simple.  She was dressed en- Lothard, Tage determined to advance his
tirely in white, and her hair was adorned own claims the very next day. Skuldonly with blue flowers and wheat.  She frid should decide the future.  She must
wore no glittering jewels, but merely' a and should keep her faith to him. These
garniture of the same blue flowers.    were the thoughts that revolved in his
Professor Aberney was again her es- brain while he stood beside her chair,
cort.  Tage, at Skuldfrid's solicitation, talking of indifferent things.
and in order to escape her jesting asser-   "Herr Lieutenant, how shall I explain
tions that he did not dare to brave the your behavior lately' " uttered a jesting
danger of the Countess's presence, had voice behind him, in such accents that
decided  to attend the ball, to show one could'have taken the voice for SkuldSkuldfrid that he took no especial inter- frid's.  Tage colored and turned round.
est in the Countess.                   Before him stood Nathalie, with her finSkuldfrid  liked to  dance, for she ger raised threateningly.  Her gaze was
danced well. The evening was- far ad- directed upon the young man with a pevanced when Lothard arrived.  Skuld- culiar expression.
frid discovered him while in the midst   "Countess Renstein, I do not comof a waltz with Tage. It was the first prehend your meaning," answered Tage,




IGUILT AND INNOCENCE.                          229:who felt with an inner shudder that not lady for the whole evening, either for
even Skuldfrid's presence could protect dancing or conversation, or both. -In
him from the dangerous influence of the short, she belongs to her partner during
Countess.                             the hours of the ball, and in this way a
"Do you not? "  Nathalie leaned her ball may acquire something of real inhead to one side and smiled in such a terest.)'charming way that she made Tage quite   "You have said that you did not inuneasy.                               tend to dance any more this evening; is
".Give me your arm, Lieutenant Aber-. that so?"
ney, and I will explain myself."  With   "Most surely; the heat is so oppresthis- the Countess withdrew, leaning on sive."
Tage's arm, saying to Skuldfrid as she   "Good, in that case I take the liberty
left,-                                of inviting you to converse through this
"I will rob you of your cavalier for a polka. Do you accept it l"
moment."                                 " With pleasure."
"And I, I must speak with hiim,"   "When the music begins I will be
thought Skuldfrid.  "Cost what it will, here again."  Lothard rose and went to
the., ice shall be broken."           a lady who sat at a little distance from
She rose to go and try to find Lothard, them.  He took  a seat beside her.
but reseated herself immediately, for he Skuldfrid dismissed her partner, alleging
was coming towards her from the oppo- the heat and her fear of becoming hoarse
site direction..as her excuse. Lothard thought while
".I hope, Madame, that you are well he was speaking to Countess *a*,this evening V" said he in French, and   "Shehas understood my unexpressed
seated himself beside her, casting a rapid wish. She still preserves the heart's inand searching glance upon the persons stinct.  Now, Skuldfrid, it remains to be
in their vicinity.  Skuldfrid answered seen how well you can stand the proof
the question, but in a voice that totally you are to undergo, whether your feellacked the calmness which characterized ings.are truly attached to me, or if you
Lothard's.                            will again sacrifice Lothard for him.
"Are you engaged for this polka?" Yes, I must be on my guard, that my
asked he in Italian, when he discovered all-engrossing weakness does not again
that people were observing them  with master my reason and make me her
curiosity.                            slave.  O Skuldfrid, Skuldfrid!l would
"Yes, for this as well as all the rest," that you could restore my faith in you,'
replied Skuldfrid in the same language.  then I should forget all the pangs you:"And you intend to dance it? " Lo- have occasioned my heart.  May you
thard looked at her. His eyes said: "Do never hope, however, that I shall be the
not dance."                           first to speak of love to you. No, the
"No, I do not mean to dance any more heart you once rejected, you must' now
tlis evening."  Skuldfrid smiled quite take, it can never more be offered you."'
mischieviously.  The first measures of the galop sound"' Indeed!"  Lothard looked up at the ed.  Countess **"'s partner came to'
ceiling with an indifferent air. "You lead her away. Lothard resumed his'
wish to: retain the impression of the last place by Skuldfrid.
waltz unweakened."                      "We mortals can never act without a
"No, not that; but dancing does not motive," began Lothard, in a somewshat
entertain me any longer."             unsteady voice; " and as this is a gener(In Naples it is customary to invite a ally accepted rule,'Madame, so there was




230                    GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
a purpose in my requesting this dance of   "I ask what every woman has the
you."                               right to demand."
"I have understood this," answered   "Even that is impossible.  When I
Skuldfrid; "and if you had not prepared found in Madame Dorbino the one who
an opportunity for us to converse, you had once been Skuldfrid, she could not be
would have obliged me to do it. You an object of my courtesy, but merely a
owe me an explanation."              person to whom I showed respect."
"That is true."  Lothard  exerted   "Respect," repeated Skuldfrid, smiling.
himself to control the emotion that "Do you show your respect in respondthreatened to overcome him. "I ought ing with silence to the request I once
to have given it to you at our very first addressed to you? You did not even'
meeting, but -"                      send a word of empty politeness as an
"You did not consider Skuldfrid de- excuse, but you allowed the woman who
serving of it," whispered the young wo- asked of you an interview to wait in
man.                                 vain. You said to her through this that
" Madame, had I found Skuldfrid again, you did not consider yourself bound to
I would not have delayed a minute in observe the requirements of politeness
giving an explanation which has been towards her. You did not then know
my greatest grief for two years not to be however that Skuldfrid had entered upon
able to render."                     a career which you disapproved. It was
Lothard passed his hand over his brow, not Madame Dorbino to whom  you
fastened a stern look upon Skuldfrid's showed disrespect in Naples, but it
glowing face, and continued,-        was  "
"One evening I visited the opera to   "The woman I once adored," interhear a celebrated singer, a woman, one rupted Lothard in an agitated voice.
who had travelled around the world to " Madame, may God spare you from exwin admiration and applause; in a word, periencing what I felt when I received
an actress. Madame, it was impossible your note too late."
for me to recognize Skuldfrid in.her.  "Then you did receive it?"
It was almost repugnant to me to   "Yes, but through an unfortunate
render the explanation that burned in event, which I cannot explain more fully,
my heart- to Madame Dorbino.  Skuld- I did not receive it until seven o'clock of
frid could not possibly be the widow the same evening that you desired to see
of the composer Dorbino."  Lothard me. Ah! did you not make it imposceased.                              sible for me to find you again? Could
"It may be," said Skuldfrid in a tone you believe for a moment that I would
perfectly free from the emotion which a not have hastened to obey a call from
moment before had revealed itself in her Skuldfrid.?"
voice, "that you, like the generality of   "Thanks for these words."  A tear
people, can not and will not understand trembled on her eyelash, and she smiled
that the singer is an- artist, but allow gently.
your prejudice to rule you; still you   A tear in Skuldfrid s eyes. Lothard,
ought not to have forgotten what' courtesy Lothard, what had become of your proud
demands, especially towards a woman." resolutions? were you prepared to resist.
Skuldfrid now spoke with that unre- this danger? Most assuredly not; he
strained frankness which distinguished bent hastily forward, as if to seize her
her as a young girl.                 hand, his lips parted to utter words of
"Do you require me, to act from far different import from that which the.courtesy towards you, Madame  "     cold reason dictated; but just then the




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                          231
dancers swarmed into the saloon and the   The following day, on which Tage had
next instant Nathalie, leaning on Tage's determined that his fate should be dearm, stood before them.               cided, Skuldfrid had to attend rehearsal
"What, Herr Baron, are you not in the forenoon, and in the evening she
dancing' " exclaimed Nathalie.       was to appear; consequently the young
"I am waiting for the waltz that you gentleman was not received, and was
so kindly promised me," answered Lo- thus obliged to postpone his assault unthard, rising.                       til another day; but who knows what
"And in the mean time you hinder the future may have in store'
Madame Dorbino from dancing."           That evening the left-hand box was
"By no means, Madame Dorbino does empty. The clear, cold dark eyes did
not dare to dance any more this evening, not meet Skuldfrid's. When she reached
for fear of becoming hoarse. We have home Anaise did not present her as
been conversing about Naples," added usual any wreath of laurel and cypress.
Lothard, and looked at Tage.          Skuldfrid missed it and felt sad, both
"Yes, you were both there at the over this and Lothard's absence from
same time," returned the Countess, look-'the opera. Was he sick, or why did he
ing fixedly at Lothard.  "It was just stay away I
there that Frida inquired after you of   Tage was also hindered the next day
one of the officers of the Carolina."  from calling on Skuldfrid.  His service
" Countess, you are too good, you compelled him to remain where duty decondescend to flatter," said Lothard, bow- manded his presence. Skuldfrid spent
ing coldly to Nathalie.              the day with Nathalie, as she was accus" Ah! that man makes me frantic with tomed to do when not at the Aberneys' or
his unapproachable manner," thought desirous of being alone.
she.                                    Nathalie had a few of her intimate
"They have spoken of Naples," said friends to dinner; among these was
Tage mentally, and pressed his lips to- Lothard. They chatted merrily at the
gether.  "But what then l Skuldfrid will dinner-table; Nathalie was charming,
only see in my conduct another proof of Skuldfrid glad.
how madly I l6ve her. To-morrow the   However deeply Skuldfrid loved Lolot shall be cast."                  thard, she had never allowed grief or the
A little while afterwards Lothard ap- sorrow her love caused her to depress.
proached Tage, saying,-              her soul or change her naturally happy
"You can be calm, I neither have nor disposition into a sickly peevishness.
ever will tell Madame Dorbino who or She had folded her bitterest sorrows, her
what it was that hindered me from obey- most painful sufferings, in a mantle of
ing Skuldfrid's call."  Without awaiting trust, which made her always look upon
Tage's reply Lothard left him.       the future with faith and hope. If she
During the remainder of the evening found that hope deluded her, then. she
it was impossible for Lothard to get a bowed her head humbly under trial, but
chance to exchange a word with Skuld- lifted it again thinking,
frid, so environed was she. Those who   "That which I hoped and wished for
were the most captivated expressed their could not have been right, therefore I
encomiums over Madame Dorbino to was deprived of it; or may be that I
Tage. Lothard heard him say, to those employed the wrong means. Well, then,
who praised Skuldfrid, that he was a rel- I will begin to- work again, sustained by
ative of hers.                       faith and hope."
Often when Lothard saw Skuldfrid's




232                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
beaming and lively eyes, her smiling lips,   The conversation continued in this
and heard her fresh laughter, he doubted spirit. Skuldfrid jested and forced Loif her heart could contain any deep feel- thard to take part in a more joyous tone
ing or if it was capable of great joys or than usual.
griefs; but he had only to meet her eyes   A little later we find Skuldfrid and
in an unguarded moment to change his Lothard alone at the window, others
opinion.  Here was then so much of having withdrawn, but how this happure feeling and warmth in these mir- pened neither of them  could tell; the
rors of the soul, that he realized the reason could easily have been found in the
fervor and intensity of her nature.   fact that Lothard held the thread of conYet it was not of this that we intend- versation almost exclusively, and that in
ed to speak, but of Nathalie and her such a way that Skuldfrid became the
guests.                               only one who took part in it. When the
They had left the table, and the coffee last gentleman left them, Lothard said
was passed round.  Skuldfrid was sitting with his ironical smile,- 
at one of the open windows of the saloon   "I have now forced them all to leave
and several gentlemen were standing the field."  He took his seat opposite
before her, Lothard among the rest. Skuldfrid adding,  "So you think, MaThey were speaking of music and com- dame, that I detest music I "
posers. One of the gentlemen said to   "At least those who devote themLothard,                              selves to it," answered Skuldfrid.
"Baron, you were not at the opera   "Have I ever expressed anything of
last evening to be enchanted with Ma- the kind "
dame Dorbino's tones."                  "Most certainly, you said it here two
"No, I did not dare to expose myself days ago."
to that danger," replied Lothard with a   " Pardon me, I only said that I could
peculiar accent.  "I retained too lively not find Skuldfrid in Madame Dorbino."
an impression of the last time I heard   "And therefore you did not go to hear
her, to venture again within the sphere the' latter yesterday."
of the singer's influence." -           " I have heard her four times, and if I
"Say  rather," interposed Skuldfrid had heard her the fifth, I might have
laughing, "that you wished to spare been in danger' of forgetting Skuldfrid."
yourself an infliction."                " Your meaning is so ambiguous that
"An infliction, Madame h." repeated I do not comprehend it."  Skuldfrid
one of the gentlemen with astonishment. looked up fearlessly into his dangerous
" Precisely.  Baron Canitz is not a eyes.
friefid of music."                      "The encomiums and applause that
"Indeed! That sounds strange. The overwhelm  Madame Dorbino  profane
Baron attends nearly all the concerts the Finnish girl; so it seems to me."
and is always to be found at the opera   "Baron, you are as full of prejudice as
when a good one is to be rendered."   a woman or a child.  Let us leave this
"Sacrifices are sometimes made to subject."  The tone in which Skuldfrid
fashion; is it not so, Herr Baron?" Skuld- said this had something of the old temfrid turned directly to Lothard and fas- per which reminded Lothard but too
tened upon him a roguish and challenging vividly of the Finnish girl.
look. Lothard, who had remained mute,   " You accuse me of being full of prejunow found himself forced to reply.    dice, you are wrong; I am only faithful
"Madame, one never contradicts a to my once established principles."
lady.  I could never so forget myself."  "Antipathy to a certain class or voca



GUILT. ND INNOCENCE                           233
tion cannot be called principle; it is adoration on you women, that you can
only prejudice. You belong perhaps to never afterwards return us what we then
those who do not consider that woman give you."
has the right to avail herself of the   "You think so; but I fear your selfadvantages nature has given her to make sacrifice and adoration are not of the
herself independent.  In your estimation true kind; you are too egotistical and
she is probably something so inferior, changeable for that.  How many times
that-she ought not to take a single step have you, for example, been in love?"
without the direction of some man."      "Only once."  Lothard's glance flew
"Not at all; I place woman so high, over to Skuldfrid.
that I consider her created for some-   "That is to say one love and many
thing nobler than to be a diversion for objects."
the multitude.  She is the superior of   "My heart possessed only one object
man in actual human worth.   It is for its love."
therefore painful to see her occupy a   "Possessed.  You speak of a time that
position in which she makes herself an is past."
object that all feel themselves free to   "True."
criticise, praise, elevate, or degrade, ac-   "But you -may love once more?'
cording to their pleasure.  Woman is   "Be loved, you mean," said Lothard,
the secret power that rules the world; and again threw a glance at Skuldfrid.
and just this unfits her for any kind of   "That is to say, you have decided to
publicity, or then the enchantment is allow yourself to be loved."
broken and her power destroyed.  There   "Exactly," replied Lothard, smiling.
is no great and noble action, no revolu- "I desire nothing more deeply than to
tion in society or important event in the be right heartily loved."
world at large, that has not started from    " But if you desire that," said Skulda woman. She is the mother of virtue, frid, "must not you yourself love!"
heroism, and courage, and therefore -"    "Yes," added Nathalie, "you certainly
"She ought to be a nun," retorted cannot hope that any woman will come
Skuldfrid, laughing.                   to you and say,'Baron Canitz, I am in
"Madame, her mission is not to bind love with you.'"
laurels for her own vanity, but to twine   "Countess, that is just what I do
myrtle around the altar of love."      hope.  Before she gives her heart to me,
"What are you talking about?" ex- I shall never express what mine contains;
claimed Nathalie, coming towards them. this I have vowed to myself."
"About love and fame," answered Lo7   "Then you are likely to keep your
thard.  "I affirm  that the laurels of heart's secret until your death," declared
fame are for man, but the myrtle wreath Nathalie.
of love for. woman."                     "Hardly would any woman of fine
"That is to say, the Baron maintains feeling so degrade herself as to declare
the theory that we women ought to spend her love to you, before you had first done
our lives in adoring you men, while you it to her," said Skuldfrid.
adorn yourselves with all the distinctions   "Madame, I think you said degrade
that fame can bestow, and reap every herself," rejoined Lothard, with animaadvantage that life can yield. You wish tion.  " In what does the degradation
to be loved, without the trouble of lov- consist, if I may ask?"
ing."                                    "In giving her holiest feelings as a
"' Countess Renstein, we waste in our prize and exposing herself to the humilifirst love so much of self-sacrifice and ation of seeing them rejected and tram



234                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
pled upon by the man to whom  she an extreme, so that she fails under the
reveals them," replied Skuldfrid, also struggle, I must eventually get her to'with spirit.                         give me her heart voluntarily and say
"Why should they be trampled upon to me that I am dear to her."
and rejected   Is it then more culpable   "But if she first desires to hear this
for woman to possess a heart than for from you  "
man? You told me awhile ago that I   "Then her will must yield to mine."
was full of prejudice; permit me to   "You demand the impossible."
throw back the accusation. It seems to   "Mark, Madame, I demand nothing;
me unnatural that woman should wait I only say that I have decided. never to
like a slave for the moment when man speak the language of love to any woallows her to clothe her feeling in words. man but the one who has first slhown that
Is it not more in accordance with her she loves me."
worth that she, like man, should possess'Then I fear you will never speak
the right to offer her heart to him, with- this language."
out being obliged to wait for the moment   Skuldfrid rose from her seat. A pewhen he pleases to take it. A woman culiarly indignant flush  suffused her
perceives more quickly and surely when cheeks.
her love is reciprocated than man ever   "I do not share this fear with you.
does. She is not blinded by an engross- Fate owes me the recompense of bringing self-love, but she judges of the feel-' ing in my way a woman heroic enough
ings with the swift and sure intuition to be true. My whole life will I sacrificethat belongs to her. She is consequent- to her after she has given me an affection.
ly less subject to mistake than man, and which I never would have dared to ask.she does not risk seeing her hopes de- for."
ceived. It is very certain," continued   "Baron Canitz, you will look in vain
Lothard, "that the words I love shall for a proud woman who would offer her
never pass my lips until I have first heart upon the altar of your self-love.
heard them  addressed to me. Never She would rather let it break."
shall I say,'Become mine,' before she   "And in that case mine with hers.
has said,' I am yours.' Once I offered She then becomes the destroyer of both
my heart to a woman, she rejected it; her own happiness and mine."
and now   "                             "It will be somewhat difficult for her
"Now you desire that the one you to realize that she has destroyed your
next honor with your attention shall lay happiness, when you hake not apprised
her heart at your feet?" rejoined Na- her that she held it in her hands."
thalie.                                 Lothard (who had also risen and now
"No, she shall give it to me without stood before Skuldfrid) fastened his eyes
my asking for it."                    upon her as he said,
"Under such conditions you will cer-   "Madame, you do not mean to say
tainly never have it," said Skuldfrid.    that a woman who loves does not know
Nathalie was forced to leave them. when her feeling is responded to? Love
She was obliged to go and receive a new has no need of words; it speaks through
guest.                                acts."
Lothard now  said in  a  quivering   "In that case she need not declare
voice,-                               herself either, but only let actions do it."
"Then you think I shall never obtain   Skuldfrid went away. Lothard looked
what I desire? And yet I have resolved, after her and murmured to himself,that even if I am obliged to drive her to   "Skuldfrid, you know Lothard Foorly;




QGUILT AND INNOCENCE.                          235.
suchl as he now is, if you think he will meeting Nathalie after he had found
not induce you to show him both by Skuldfrid again, and he consequently
words and acts that you realize that his avoided her.  The cunning woman had
love merits the sacrifice of your pride."  however forced him to be present at the
ball, and while waltzing had reproached
him mildly for his absence; this inspired Tage with the daring hope that
In the forenoon of the next day, Tage she cherished a warm interest for him, espresented himself before Skuldfri'd.  His pecially as these reproaches were accomrecent decision had changed somewhat. panied by a few tears in those wonderful
He desired to test his influence over eyes.  He was not indifferent to her this he
Skuldfrid, by trying to persuade her to read in every feature of her face. Her tearleave the stage.  He, who loved her so ful eyes told him that he was dear to her.
deeply, had the right to demand this   Our poor Tage was, in spite of his
sacrifice; and before this was accor- Finnish blood, a true son of Adam, weak
plished, he would not claim the fulfilment when he believed himself the object of
of, a promise which, according to his the woman's tenderness he had been tryidea, bound her to him.                ing for two years to win. She blinded
Besides there was a little secret which his reason, she intoxicated his senses, and
had the effect of deterring him  from  although he would not have sacrificed an
rushing ahead with his courtship accord- hour's favor from  Skuldfrid to possess
ing to his first impulse, and this secret her, it was still something that flattered
was -Nathalie.                         his self-love. When the first day afterTage did not love her; there was the ball passed without his being able to
nothing in his fancy for her that could declare himself to Skuldfrid, fate so
be compared to the deep and strong feel- ordered it that he met Nathalie in the
ing that, attached him. to Skuldfrid; but evening at the opera, and was treated by
she nevertheless exercised a great influ- her in a way that inspired him with the
ence over his mind and imagination. firm belief that'he was loved.  He now
He had waited upon her zealously for found it difficult, just as the victory
two years, was jealous of all who rejoiced seemed to be his, to inform her of his
in her favor; and especially of Lothard, love for Sku]ldfrid, and to declare with
who appropriated her attention at every sympathy that he had never loved her,
opportunity.  Tage had in the beginning etc. He was not quite sure enough of
paid Nathalie his homage, fully convinced Skuldfrid to. throw  away a happiness
that she, one of the foolish children of that smiled at him so fair and charming..
the world, would become an easy con- If Skuldfrid should  now  retract her
quest and reward him  very soon with promise, if she, ruined by theatrical life,
some favor flattering to his vanity; but lightly played with his heart and sacrito his great surprise he found that Nath- ficed his faithful devotion, what should
alie could play with her adorers, without then mitigate his despair and console
bestowing any preference whatever.     him for his grief, if he repulsed the heart
The temptation of conquering one who that was offered him I Tage was to test
had not allowed any other to do it had Skuldfrid, he would give her an opporduring the past two years driven Tage to tunity to prove whether she had any
the commission of many a folly and in- affection for him. He would be conduced him  to utter words which very stantly at her side, giving her a thousand
much resembled declarations of love. All opportunities of seeing how sincerely he
this made him feel an actual aversion to loved her, but he should not remind her




236                      GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
of the promise she had once given before conclusion, seizing her hiand, I have told
he had had time to convince himself you my conviction, and this view of your
whether she possessed the same faithful position I believe to be the right one."
character that she manifested as a young His eyes rested upon her with so warm
girl.                                  an expression that they told but too
The letter to Lothard in Naples had plainly what his lips still concealed.
in a terrible manner shaken his faith in Skuldfrid's answer would decide whether
her love.  There were moments when this declaration should yet for a while
reason told him  that every word con- remain within him, or whether he slhould
tained in it disclosed that Skuldfrid was let the impulse of the moment conquer.
attached to Lothard.  But then came One word of approval or compliance, and
egotism, suppressing reason, and declar- Tage would have forgotten Nathalie to
ing that he, Tage, had had the promise throw himself at Skuldfrid's feet; but she,
of her hand for six years, and that she who read in every feature what was passas an honorable woman could not break ing in his soul, took good care not to
it. Besides Lothard's cold manner to- give the smallest occasion for a declarawards Skuldfrid had given Tage the con- tion that could not fail to be painful to
viction that his feelings for her were them both.
subordinate to his pride, and that he   "Thanks for your good intentions,
with perseverance could regain the first Tage," said Skuldfrid, "but you must
place in her heart.                    forgive me if I smile at all the dangers
Tage's behavior was in accordance with you have pictured.  The career I have
this minner of reasoning.  At his visit chosen is not so thorny as you wish to
to Skuldfrid he spoke as a tender brother; imagine, and therefore, my friend, I do
entreated her in the name of their friend- not intend to abandon it.  I love my
ship to abandon a career inl which she artistic calling with all my heart and
had already won so much celebrity that soul.  I am only twenty-three," Skuldfrid
her vanity ought to be satisfied, and in smiled so hopefully, "and this is altowhich she had accumulated sufficient for gether too early to withdraw from  the
her pecuniary independence.  He spoke world, become a philosopher, and rest
of the dangers, intrigues, and of all the upon my laurels in some obscure corner
malevolence that pursues a person of of the earth.  No, my right place is on:
distinguished talent.  He showed that the stage, and there I will remain.  If
Skuldfrid had hitherto escaped these an- you are willing, we will waste no further
noyances very fortunately, and that it words upon the subject."
was always wisest to withdraw from pub-   "You then scorn my advice  "
lic life when at the meridian of success,   "Not at all; but I think your speech
rather than when'it began to decline.  pedantic, and, allow me to say it, someSkuldfrid listened to him with the same what too narrow and fiull of'prejudice.
mischievous look that she had as a young It savors a little of the country town."
girl when Tage used to moralize.  She   Skuldfrid had chosen her words with
let him  speak to the end without in- perfect knowledge of Tage's sensitive
terrupting him, and though her roguish vanity and with that lack of mercy which
expression did not indicate that she took even the best women'show towards' the
his words very deeply to heart or attached man who loves them, but whom they do
any serious importance to them, still he not love in return.  She wished to pique
was content that she let him  express Tage, so as to restrain him from speakhimself fully without interruption.    ing of feelings that she did not share.' "Now, dear Skuldfrid," said Tage in   Tage left Skuldfiid'that':  day:deeply




GUILT AND, INNOCENCE.                          237
wounded by her words and less confident intended betrothal.  I do not think you
of his success than ever. All-this had a are very well pleased with it."
depressing effect upon his mind, and he   ".Countess, I am never displeased at
in vain tried to cast it off through a the success of others."
visit to Nathalie.                       "I can assure you that young AberTage, however, was not one of those ney intends to offer Madame Dorbino his
who give out because they meet opposi- heart, and I know from good authority
tion.  No, he now resolved firmer than that No will not be the word with which
ever to be with Skuldfrid as much as she answers his proposal."
possible, to attend her in her promenades,   Just then the Countess and Lothard
go with her to and from the opera, visit turned at the end of the avenue and
her as often as she was at home, and found themselves opposite a lady and
arrange it so that she could be at Aber- gentleman.
ney's house most of the time. Tage car-  "'Ah, there is Frida!"  exclaimed
ried out his purpose with perfect con- Nathalie.  "How do you do, Lieutenant
sistency.                             Aberney," added she, turning to the latSome days after this Skuldfrid ap- ter with one of her most charming smiles.
peared for the sixth time and with in-   "We have come to find you, Countcreasing success.   That evening she ess," said Tage.  "Skuldfrid said that
found Lothard in his box, and at her re- you had agreed to meet her here."
turn home she received a wreath  of   "But not with you," answered the
laurel and cypress.                   Countess, laughing.
"It is from him," thought Skuldfrid,   "I accompanied  Skuldfrid."   Tage
and kissed the wreath.                bowed.
The next day Nathalie met Lothard   Lothard took his leave with a world of
while she was promenading in Charles doubt in his breast.
XIII. Square.
"You were at the opera last evening,
how  did you like Madame Dorbino'"
asked she.                              Quite early the following morning, be"She sang ravishingly as ever," was fore Skuldfrid had yet risen, Nathalie
the reply.                            came in to her.
"You are right, and it would be a   "See here, Frida, hurry and dress
pity if young Aberney succeeded in ob- yourself!" she exclaimed.  "I have detaining her hand, for then she could not cided that you and I shall spend the day
as his wife return to Paris and London, out at Rosenvik, our summer residence."
but would have to remain here. Our   "No, that is out of the question," deSwedish stage is too insignificant to ap- dared Skuldfrid; "I have made another
propriate talent of the first order."  engagement."
"It is not very likely that 3Madame   "Without my consent; but where  "
Dorbino will marry."                    "At Uncle Aberney's."
"On the contrary, it is more than   "That promise cannot be kept.  I inlikely, it is highly probable.  Have you tend to carry off the Professor, and what
not seen how  persistently  Lieutenant is worse still, I have already obtained his
Aberney pursues her?."               consent.  So hurry up and make a rustic'What does that prove I Only that toilet.  I will be your lady's maid."
he as a relative tries to press his   She gave no grace.  Skuldfrid was
claims."                              obliged to let Nathalie dress her just as
"You do not wish to believe in their she pleased. The result was that both




238                     GUILT AND INN(OCENCE.
ladies were attired alike. When Skuld- admiration.  Have; you not felt proud of
frid was ready, Nathalie placed herself yourself at such moments 1"
beside her in front of the toilet-glass,   Lothard looked at Skuldfrid when she
saying, -                             answered, -
"You are far ahead of me in beauty,   "No, not proud, but very grateful to
and yet I have made up my mind to God for allowing me to succeed."
keep your adorer, young Aberney, for   "But how is it possible for a young
myself;. a pretty resolution, when he is woman voluntarily to become a singer  "'
so desperately in love with you."     said Lothard.  "From  whence do you
"I will resign him with great pleasure," derive the courage to appear before hundeclared Skuldfrid.                   dreds of people I"
"And moreover I have resolved that"   "You ask me two questions at once,"
- Nathalie looked at Skuldfrid- "that said Skuldfrid, smiling.
marble statue Canitz shall become in   "Answer them  one at a time, dear
love with me."                        Frida," suggested Nathalie..If Skuldfrid's life had been at stake,   "Well then, I will answer the first by
she could not have kept from changing asking the Baron another: how is it that
color.                 ~              you have become a seaman "
"Why, my dear child, I believe you   "From calling.  It was the only vocaare blushing.  Could you possibly have tion that I was inclined to, the only one
any designs on him  on your own ac- I was fitted for."
count."                                 "Very well, one who becomes a singer
" Dear Nathalie, do me the favor not also follows her calling, and, what is more,
to talk about Canitz," said Skuldfrid.    she uses this vocation as a means of
"With pleasure, my friend; though making a living.  I was a poor girl;
you must excuse me if I. find your beha- God had given me a good voice; I was
vior a little strange; but never mind, put told that I could gain a support by it;
on your hat and let us go to Djurg~ar- I became a singer."
den."                                    "And art and the world made a conThe Countess's equipage was waiting at quest," observed Nathalie, who perceived
the entrance, and a tall, slender gentle- with inner vexation that Lothard did not
man stood at the door of the carriage. turn his eyes from Skuldfrid. A pause
Skuldfrid recognized Lothard.         ensued, during which  Skuldfrid  was
"The Baron is going with:us to Rosen- wrapped in thought.  She resumed after
vik,' said Nathalie.                  a moment,The next moment the two ladies and   "You ask how I can have the courage
Lothard sat in the comfortable barouche to appear.  What I am now going to
which rolled away over Gustaf Adolfs say you will perhaps not believe, and
Square, past the Opera House, and so to yet it is the truth, When the curtain
Djurgarden. As they drove by Thalia's rises and I step upon the stage, I have
temple, Nathalie, who was that day in only one thought, one that fills my whole
the best of spirits, said,-.      soul, and that is the idea of the compos"The Stockholm public have here ren- er whose music I am to sing. It is.-the
dered you their enthusiastic homage; same to me whether there are:a tho'uhere you have enchanted them with your sand persons or one in the Opera House.
tones, charmed them  with your acting,; The audience is forgotten, I am unmindand made them crazy with. your beauty. ful of all these listening ears  it is- as if
There must be an intoxicating pleasure: I had the spirit of the composer- at my
in being able to call forth such.exalted side, to watch over me that I do not




GUILT;AND INNOCENCE.                           239
render his beautiful' conceptions un-"   Be it far from  me, MNadame, to
worthily."                             wound any in my remarks upon this
"But'the applause, the encores and subject; what I have said is only the
loads of bouquets, all this must call you expression of my individual opinion."'
back to reality," said Nathalie.         Nathalie changed the subject.  In a
"Most certainly."   Skuldfrid  now short time they alighted at Rosenvik,
smiled in the same childish manner as where Professor Aberney, Tage, and a
when she had so often driven away Lo- couple of ladies related to Nathalie, bethard's gloomy thoughts in  younger sides several other gentlemen, were alyears, and which Nathalie had imitated ready there to meet them.
so perfectly.                            Tage grew pale when he saw Lothard
"And your heart beats with joy."    in company with Skuldfrid and Nathalie.
"I then dare to believe that I have He muttered a curse over the latter's
not spoilt the beautiful creation."    notion of having him for escort.
The conversation dwelt'for a while   Nathalie observed Tage's' dissatisfacupon art,: music, and the drama.  They tion. She knew how to dispel his gloomy
spoke of celebrated artists and singers, looks, however, and the little company
their success and prosperity, etc. Lo- that assembled in the pavilion chatted
thard expressed himself generally with. a away quite merrily.
certain prejudice against the stage, and a  - Professor Aberney was particularly anlively debate consequently ensued.  The imated,' saying a thousand pretty things
vexation that Nathalie had experienced to Nathalie, knowing how to unite the
when Lothard looked at Skuldfrid disap- intellectual and agreeable in his manner,
peared when  he expressed himself so as well as to give life and interest to the
openly in her presence against those who most commonplace conversation.
devoted -themselves to the stage.  She   The Professor related some droll anectook Skuldfrid's part, and Lothard was dotes about Englishmen.  The subject
thus obliged to  contend against two. was taken up by-the rest of the company,
When all arguments for and against had and each one had something t6 tell about
been -advanced, and both sides had ex- Britain's highly original sons.
hausted their resources, Lothard' said in    "The desire to be'peculiar is certainly
conclusion, -                          a disease with the English," said Nath"With two such opponents as you alie, who had been laughing heartily
ladies, it is impossible for me to hold out at one of the stories.  I will venture a
any longer.  One thing  I know, that if bet that Frida has an Englishman for an
my opinion is never so erroneous, it still admirer, and that it is he who sends her
proceeds from my conviction.  I should those ridiculous bouquets.  What do you
never dare to believe in the one who, with think about it yourself, my friend? Just
the ease of an actress, can assume feel- think of it," continued the Countess, adings that are alien to her, and give such dressing the company, without waiting
a natural stamp to her performance as to Skuldfrid's'reply,  "Madame Dorbino
draw tears from the eyes of the spectators. finds a bouquet of myrtle and orangeThe question springs up involuntarily, blossoms on her table every evening, tied
When does art cease and truth begin. "  with a black ribbon."
-" With such a' conception of the dra-   "That is a singular gift," exclaimed
matie'artists' mind and character, it is several of her hearers.
natural that you should have an inferior   "And full of meaning besides," reopinion  of their -moral worth," said marked the Professor, smiling. "Myrtle
Sl. dfrid.'                           signifies love."




:240                    GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"And the' black  ribbon,' sorrow," now as ever," declared Skuldfrid, laughaffirmed Nathalie.  "Consequently it is ing, and took his arm.
some Englishman that has conceived an   "Impossible! Madame Dorbino must
unhappy love for her and wishes to ap- be French, else she could not allow  a
prise her of his feelings in this way. thoughtless friend to know of things that
Frida has been very considerate. towards have a serious significance."
the melancholy sprigs of myrtle."       "Ah! you mean the laurel and cy"In what way  " asked Lothard.      press."
"Madame Dorbino has placed them in   "Have you thought of their meanan especial vase on the table in her cabi- ing 3"
net.  The other poor bouquets were all   "Uncle Aberney has interpreted it."
crowded together on the flower-stand in   "And you have not sought any other?"
the saloon. Anaise declared the other   "No."
day that she felt provoked at the queer   "Do you wish me to give you one  "'
present, and said that she had never seen   "Let me hear what it is."
anything more stupid,+ especially as the   Lothard stopped where they had a fine
bouquet is exchanged for a wreath of view, as if to contemplate it, and then
laurel and cypress every evening that continued, -
Madame Dorbino appears."                 "It may signify that your celebrity is
1" Laurel and cypress signifies the tran- another's sorrow. You purchase your
sitory nature of fame," said the Professor. laurels at the expense of another's peace."
"This is an allegorical adorer."        " And whose  "
"And silent into the bargain; for   " How  should I know; the giver's
Anaise tells me that she has searched perhaps."
through both bouquets and wreaths,   "Can he envy me my success?"
without finding as much as a single syl-   "Is there then no other grief than
lable."                               that of envy  "
"' It is easily seen that Anaise at least   "Yes, certainly; but I do not underis not silent," remarked Skuldfrid, rising stand its application in this case."
and going out into the garden. The   "Take a seat and allow me to tell you,others soon followed her.            a story. There was once a boy, who had
"Offer Madame Do'rbino your arm, a rose-bush, which was his joy, his happi-Baron Canitz," exclaimed Nathalie, who ness, and all his wealth.  The bush grew
~was leaning on the Professor's, "and unobserved in a wild wood; its beautiful
we will take a turn round the gar- snow-white buds charmed no eye but his;,,'den."                              he only inhaled their fragrance.  Every
Tage flung an enraged look at Nath- day he went to kneel there, offering the?alie. She continued laughingly,-      rose-bush his homage and his heart's ho"You, Lieutenant Aberney, will be- liest admiration.  It was his sanctuary,,:come Aunt A's escort."          its innocent purity his joy, and every
"Will you take my arm, Madame,' time he approached it he felt as if he
said Lothard to Skuldfrid, "or are you ought first to examine his heart and his:till afraid to receive the support of a emotions ere he appeared before it. The
Russian." 3  rose-bush became a link between him and
":You have ceased to be a Russian, God. It shall be mine, thought he, and
-and I have   "                       only my love and my caresses shall touch
i":Ceased to be the Finnish girl," re- it; it shall never be sullied by the evil
J.ined Lothard.                       of the world.  It shall die as it has lived' "You are mistaken; I am  Finnish  in innocence, love, and peace.'  Thus




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           241
dreamed the boy, when one day he awoke   "Death! " repeated Skuldfrid.
and found the bush gone."                "Yes, a dead love. Put it all together
Lothard  ceased.  He looked sadly and you have: Your artistic celebrity has
before him..                          occasioned a grief so great that it has
"And afterwards, how was it then?" killed love."
asked Skuldfrid.                        Lothard felt Skuldfrid's arm tremble.
"Then years rolled on, and when he He felt the flutter of pain that his words
found the beautiful rose-bush again, it had caused, and at this his heart beat
was no longer in the bosom of nature, with joy.
but was paraded in a fine vase within an   "It was a dearly purchased celebrity,"
elegant saloon, surrounded by those who faltered Skuldfrid.
admired its beauty.  It was as beautiful   "But it will surely console her for the
as ever, but it was no longer the same. -loss sustained I" Lothard's dark  eyes
Madame, another had owned and trans- rested searchingly on Skuldfrid's, pale
planted it.  The boy's saint was no cheeks.
longer a being who was worshipped only   "I hope so," replied she frigidly.
by him, but a showy ornament that all   "If I loved a woman who was an actpaid homage to. The magical dream  ress or a singer, and she told me that I
was destroyed, the blissful spell broken, possessed her heart, do you know what I
and the boy's saint changed into one of would answer."
the idols of the day, which is crowned   "That you had forgotten her, that her
with laurels one moment and forgotten celebrity as an artist had killed your love.
the next.  The applause that was be- Prejudice would be more to you than the
stowed upon the boy's former idol was a warmest feelings of the heart," answered
source of bitter grief to his heart; it Skuldfrid, not without bitterness.
reminded him of what he had possessed   "You are mistaken, Madame; if she
and what he had lost never to regain. loved me, then I should say:- Sacrifice
In this way, Madame, may the reputa- your celebrity for me, as a proof of your
tion of one cost the peace of another." love, and I shall dare to believe in its sin-.Lothard rose.  "Now, if you please, we cerity."
will seek the others," added he, "or   "You demand much."
we shall become a butt for the Count-   "True; but that comes from the fact
ess's sarcasm."                       that I formerly gave alland asked almost
Skuldfrid rose to leave the place. nothing."
There was a strange mixture of feelings   "Now you demand all and give nothin her heart.  Wounded pride, bitter ing."
grief at the thought of the past, and yet   "You are right; should I once more
a firmer faith in the future than ever. feel my heart warmed and my soul swayed
When  she took  Lothard's arm, she by that all-powerful feeling.we call love,
said, -                               then may my acts speak, not my words,
"You have in your way interpreted never shall I ask her heart. She must
the meaning of laurel and cypress; what take mine.".explanation do you give to the myrtle   The Professor and Nathalie now came
and orange-blossoms'      I"         to meet them. Somewhat later. they:all
"They need no explanation," answered partook of an exquisite repast on theLothard.                              veranda.'And the black ribbon I"              Nathalie was charming; Lothard de" Black, Madame, signifies either sor- voted himself to her almost exclusively.
row or death."                        Skuldfrid was glad and playfll as a'child




242'GUILT: AND INNOCENCE.
Tage dark and moody as an autumn sky;   "Yes, you are right, Tage, I love my
the Professor amiable and attentive to- artistic career very dearly; and: that
wards all.                            which could now induce me to abandon
it must be something that is mightier
than all other feelings in my breast.
After the repast the company sat in You are also right in siupposing that I
the saloon engaged in small talk.  Tage am proud of the approbation my countrythrew  himself down behind Skuldfrid. men bestow upon me. That will always be
He maintained a consistent silence.   the most precious recollection of my ar"I intend to prepare the Baron a sur- tistic life, when it some time ends.  I am
prise this afternoon," said Nathalie, turn- to appear in La Dame Blanche in a few
ing towards Lothard.                  days," added she with a proud look at
"What may it be, if I may ask? " said Tage.
Lothard.                                 "The foolish boy," thought the Pro" I have invited a person in whom you fessor; "he so irritates her with his unare much interested."                 timely attacks, that he will frustrate what
"It cannot be the one whose residence other reasonable people accomplish. I
you have so persistently  concealed." have never seen a more senseless'dolt
Lothard smiled ironically.            than he is, when the question concerns
"0 no! It is a very, very old ac- women."
quaintance."                             "Skuldfrid," said the Professor, "sing
" I will not indulge in a guess, but for us some of the old Finnish songs you
rather give myself up to the surprise that sang as a child, if you have not forgotten
you have so kindly intended me."      them."
"Good; apropos, when do you sing   "Forgotten anything that reminds of
again, Frida'  This somebody, who is Finland, of home, of my happy childhood.
coming here, told me that he would be Impossible! "
very glad to hear your beautiful voice   Without further solicitation, Skuldfrid
upon the Swedish stage."              went to the piano.  Her marvellously
"I do not know when it will be," re- beautiful tones were soon heard through
plied Skuldfrid quite carelessly.     the saloon. She'sang one of Aberney's
"You have only sung six times, and compositions, the very same that he had
you have promised eight."             listened to when he met her as a little
"I have not given any decided prom- child.
ise as to the number of times I was to   The strong, calm, and sensible Aberappear."                              ney was so overcome by his recollections
But, Frida, you do not mean to say at hearing this song, that he rose and
that -"                               went to one of the windows to conceal
"I appeared yesterday for the last his emotion.  Melancholy, deeply melantime," interrupted Skuldfrid, laughing. choly, was the gaze with which he looked
"No, my friend, I certainly did not."    out; and although this song evoked many
-"How you do scare a person for noth- bitter and sweet memories, the rememing!"                                brance of Skuldfrid as a charming child
Tage joined in with no slight shade of was the most vivid. Ah! he fancied
bitterness in -his tone,-             that he still saw her sitting at his side
"Skuldfrid loves her artistic career and soothing his ear with her tones. How
and her -fame too much to wish to re- many delightful and yet foolish dreams
nbunce the laurels which the Swedish had not the -child's voice awakened in
public lay at her feet."              the breast of the Professor, who was then




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                            243
bhut thirty-eight.  The tones ceased, but trigues.  Nathalie laughed, and with her
the recollections'they called forth stood usual audacity made some piquant revividly before his soul. Suddenly Skuld- marks upon'the effect the Doctor's apfrid struck some brilliant and spirited pearance had produced.
chords, and again her voice was heard;   Wagner then approached Skuldfrid with
it. was not a dreamy Northern melody those courteous- and obliging words that
thatnow chained the ear with its magic are always addressed to'distinguished
power, but'one of the fiery songs of the persons.  Lothard fancied that SkuldSouth.  It was a gondolier song. Was frid's demeanor was unusually proud
there any one who now remembered when while the Doctor was talking to her, and
she had sung it'  When the last tones that her answer; although polite, had yet
died away, she left the instrument and.something cold and repelling.
went to Aberney, saying in a low voice, -    "Why, it seems that the Doctor knew
"Dear Uncle, I could not sing more. Madame  Dorbino  before,'  exclaimed
My heart became so full."             Nathalie.
"So also with me."  The Professor's   "Yes, Countess, I had the honor of
lips touched her brow quite lightly; then making Madame Dorbino's acquaintance
he went from her.                     in Finland, when I was the physician at'i When do you'sing in La Dame Kronobro."
Blanche?' asked some one of Skuldfrid,   "Kronobro," repeated the Countess as
as' she'stood looking out thoughtfully. if she had been searching her memory.
Without turning her face towards the   "Kronobro used to belong to Baron
speaker, she answered in a firm voice, -   Canitz," said the Doctor to enlighten
"Never," and walked away from the her.
questioner.                              "Ah!"
"Never, that word you have once be-   Nathalie did not continue the converfore uttered to me, and yet you now bear sation further, but determined to find
the name of Dorbino," thought Lothard. out from the Doctor all about Skuldfrid
A little while after this a servant in and Canitz.  Her breast heaved with
livery announced that a gentleman wished disquietude; while an instinctive feeling
to' see the Countess.  With a captivating told her that she would never succeed in
smile she left the saloon, whispering to captivating Lothard, and that a secret
Lothard in passing,                   link existed between him and Skuldfrid.
"Now comes the surprise:"             "I really believe I now experience'" Some one from Russia," thought Lo- envy and animosity for the first time in
thard.''my life!" thought Nathalie, looking at: W: hen Nathalie again entered she was Skuldfrid.  "Is shQ not my very self,
accompanied by An elderly gentleman, only more beautiful and engaging? I
dresse d entirely in black. She intro- feel that I could detest her, if — if -he
duced,:-                              prefers her. He- but is he then any"'Doctor Wagner."                   thing to me. Yes, in this moment all!"
The name made a lively impression on   "Why  are you so thoughtful,. my
most0of the party.  Lothard's eyebrows gracious lady," said Lothard, who 0apcontracted, Skuldfrid's cheeks became proached the Countess.
somewhat paler, and Tage's eyes flashed   "I was thinking of you.j' "
as if with joy.                          "A  very unworthy  object for the.'he Doctor was not a little surprised'thoughts of so lovely a woman."'
to find' here assembled those'whom'he   "Lovely, did you say."
had entangled in the meshes of his in-   "Yes, and I repeat it.'"




244                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"An empty word, Herr Baron; who conquest of Nathalie had given his vaniloves me? "                          ty was gone, and with passionate impa"Most certainly he to whom you will tience he awaited the day to rush precipsome time give your heart."           itately into Skuldfrid's presence and in
"Are you convinced of this'"       the name of love and honor demand her
"Fully."                            hand.  He must, at whatever price, pur"If I should now yield it to Aberney, chase the right to step between her and
do you believe that he would love me? " this hated rival. She should become his,
"Yes, if he did not previously love even if he were obliged to force her to
another."                             the fulfilment of the promise her mothel
"T' hen you do not think me capable and she had once given him. Rather
of conquering a rival  "              death, both for Skuldfrid and him, than
"Countess, you can make the impossi- to survive the moment when Lothard
ble possible. You conquer wherever you became the possessor of the woman he
are so disposed."                     loved  to  insanity.   So  ran  Tage's
"Thanks! I shall remember your thoughts, while the fierce tumult of his
words; and if ever I should earnestly feelings kept him awake. The morning
desire to win a heart, I hope it may be- came, and with it the renewed determicome mine."                           nation to have his fate decided.
"She'is jealous," thought Lothard.   He was just dressing himself when the
"' Could she really be attached to Aber- Professor's old servant came to him with
ney? "                               a letter. It was a rose-colored, perfumed,
"Canitz has dared to say something and dainty little billet, whose whole apthat displeased Nathalie," thought Tage. pearance indicated that it came from a
"She is out of humor. Why can I not lady. The careful and beautiful handlove her, charming being that she is? writing showed that a woman of culture
Why shall I be compelled to betray her had held the pen.
affection, to throw my heart at Skuldfrid's   Tage opened it immediately.  Howevfeet   The one loves me, I love the er down-hearted a young Lieutenant may
other. Ah, that cursed Canitz!"      be, he is always interested at the sight of
Tage threw an enraged look at his a letter which suggests that the hand
rival.                                which wrote it is beautiful.  The coLate in the evening the party separat- quettish little note contained the followed and returned home. When Nathalie's ing:carriage stopped before her door and    DEAR LIEUTENANT ABERNEY  From
Lothard took leave of the ladies after assitnihmoaih, hesthe eyes of a tender friend it is vain to
sisting them to alight, he said to Skuld- attempt to conceal anything belongin
attempt to conceal anything belonging
frid quite softly,.  to the heart's world. I know  your
"You will not receive any myrtle with secret, although you have kept it from
a black ribbon to-night."
"I know  it,"  answered  Skuldfr id. me; perhaps you have been silent benocause you guessed mine. Visit me to"For me no myrtle longer bloomsw."   day at noon, and I will as your best, that is true, you are a widow."  friend endeavor to advise you in regard
After  a night of torment,  Tagee you in regard,   to your happiness, and in so doing engreeted the morning with gloomy looks. tirely forgt what your feliity will cost
The'trip to the'country had increased                       "NATHALIE."
his passion for Skuldfrid in the same
measure that it had stimulated his jeal-  0, height of female strategy!' How
ousy. The pleasure which his' imagined well did not Nathalie know the instru.




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           245
ment upon which she played.  Man's   Tage found Nathalie in a charming
heart is in general a singular combina- boudoir, attired in a simple but tasteful
tion of nobility and baseness. Magna- morning-dress. When he entered, she
nimity associates quite amicably with offered him her hand with a winning
littleness; the  meanest vanity  goes smile, pensive and full of tenderness,
hand in hand with the most all-embra- saying,
cing ambition. Nathalie was aware of   "Welcome, faithless knight, who does
this, and consequently knew how at once not deserve one's interest. You are unto flatter and excite Tage's vanity, thus grateful, and ought to be left to the
usurping through her feigned regard a mercy of fate."
great power over his fickle and passionate   Tage seized her hand and kissed it
soul. The friendship of a fascinating with an ardor that was not simulated.
woman is a means by which she acquires He was, alas! a too willing slave to the
a sure influence over a young man. moment's impression, to be able to act
Why?  Because friendship does not bind otherwise than in accordance with its.
to anything. It is not, like love, a usurer dictates.
who demands a hundred per cent. No,   "In what respect, Countess, have I
friendship seldom asks anything in ex- trespassed  against you I" said  Tage,
change, and is on the whole a great seating himself in an easy-chair that he
spendthrift.  A woman's friendship is had drawn quite near the sofa, upon
always something that at once flatters, which the captivating woman was sitpleases, and calms man. It affords ten- ting.
derness, without his being obliged to   "And you can ask that?" Nathalie
sacrifice any of it to the fair giver. Man's looked at him with well-feigned earnestegotism is always best regaled when he ness.  "How many times have you told
can take, without having to give anything. me during these two years that you
So was it with Tage; he felt something loved me! How many epistles have you
like peace and comfort after the perusal not written, in which you say that I am
of this little note. This Nathalie, so the only star left in the firmament of
courted, so praised and admired, she your life, and that you adored me! "
spoke to him of her affection, she called    Tage looked  a; little  embarrassed.
herself his tender friend; she hinted that Nathalie continued, -
his happiness with another could give   "Did  you mean what you wrote?
her pain. Tage threw  a look in the Did you feel what your words expressed 
glass and found that he, in spite of his Lieutenant Aberney, answer me frankly
sleepless night, was quite a good-looking and honestly, as it behooves a man..
fellow, and this appearance entitled him  Were you trifling with me?"
to such a conquest.                      "No, Countess, I was not trifling."
Well then, if he had succeeded in in-   "You were then in earnest; it was
spiring Nathalie with love for him, why the truth that you loved me?  "
should he not be able to revive the   "Truth at the moment I said it," resincere, regard that Skuldfrid had for plied Tage, who perceived very plainly
him  as a child?  Hope again smiled, that it was best to speak honestly.
self-confidence again whispered a multi-   "You thus intended to decoy my
tude: of flattering promises to his heart; heart for the gratification of the moment,
and when, after a careful toilet, he went and after you had succeeded, leave it, as
to the'Countess, his expression was no a plaything that no longer amused you."
longer downcast, but his eyes shone with The Countess bowed her head and hid
reliance.                             her face in her hands.  It seemed as if




246                     GUILT ANDI INNOCENCE,
she was weeping.  Tage's situation was furtherance of your suit.  I am  now
anything but agreeable, especially as your ally, since you have deprived me of
Nathalie seemed to be Skuldfrid's best the joy of constituting your happiness."
friend. Besides, to see the woman who The Countess's eyes were veiled as if by
had so long been the object of his atten- tears.
tion weeping in that way was something   Some questions now  followed from
that completely disconcerted him. These Nathalie's side with regard to the conditears told him that he had gained the tion between him and Skuldfrid, and as
prize for which he had so eagerly striven. to whether any declaration had yet
That it no longer possessed the same taken place, etc. Tage confided to her
value as before only made his position all that concerned the present, but conyet more embarrassing.  He bent one cealed all that had reference to the past
knee before the Countess, stammering and the rAle Lothard had played in
in a perturbed voice,-                Skuldfrid's life. He did not once men"Hear me and then judge."          tion his rival's name, nor allude to him
" I wish to hear nothing," whispered in any way. He spoke exclusively of
Nathalie, and raised her bowed head, what had occurred between Skuldfrid
looking tenderly at Tage.  "I know it and him since her arrival in Sweden; he
all. I know that you love Madame Dor- told Nathalie of his attempt to persuade
bino with your whole soul. Your hap- her to leave the stage, and that he did
piness would be to unite your fate with not wish to claim the fulfilment of her
hers."                                promisb until she had had time, through
Tage seized the Countess's hands and a longer intercourse with him, to recall
kissed them, murmuring,-              their former affection for each other.
"Forgive  me; but I  have loved Nathalie listened attentively, but when
Skuldfrid since my fourteenth year."    he mentioned in conclusion that at the
" Does she love you? " asked Nathalie, receipt of Nathalie's letter he was firmly
drawing her hands away.               resolved to go to Skuldfrid and have his
" Once she did; once she gave me the fate decided, the Countess interrupted
promise of her hand and her faith; since him quickly and said,then we have been separated for several   "You would by so doing spoil it all.
years, and now —"                     A precipitate proposal would only re"You fear that you have lost her move you from  Skuldfrid.  No, your
heart."                               resolution to endeavor in the first place
"There are moments when doubt and to revive her affection is more correct.
distrust fill my soul."               I will work for you in the mean time.
"Rise."  Nathalie leaned her head on You will yet, ungrateful boy, owe me
her hand with a painful gesture, as if thanks for your happiness."
she was not able to hold it up. "I have   Their conversation lasted a short time
surmised your secret ever since I saw longer, and when Tage took his depart-,
you with'Frida the first time. Yesterday ure he regarded Nathalie as his good
it was perfectly clear to me."  Nathalie, angel.  His affection for her was now
sighed.  "The discovery was painful; I considerably greater and more real than
had believed in your love, and was hap- before.
py in my trust.  Hush, do not interrupt   Lamaratine  says, I  do not know
me. When we have lost the hope of our where,own happiness, it only remains to pro-   "Through devotion and goodness womote that of the one who has robbed us man conquers our hearts; through beauty
of it; therefore I offer you my aid in the and talent she only intoxicates our senses.




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           247
The beautiful and gifted women must plied  Sara, who, notwithstanding  her
appear devoted and good, if they wish to great resolution to be severe, could not
rule over us with the power of love."    refrain from  smiling  at the "pretty
We believe~ that Lamartine is right. child," who to-day appeared more beauNathalie at least had  gained more tiful than ever.
through the r6le she now performed than   "Come and sit down, dear Aunt.  I
through all she had hitherto played. She am so glad that you could at last make
had gained Tage's respect, admiration, up your mind to enter the abode of a
and affectibn. Should she be able to singer."   Skuldfrid raised her finger
keep this gain 1  Yes, so long as he be- threateningly.  "It was very bad indeed
lieved in what she appeared to be.    of you to say that you would not cross
my threshold so long as I was an actress."
"That was perfectly right," retorted
A short time after the country trip Sara sharply, " and the only reason that I
one of those days came in which people have come here is because I have firmly
seem  seized with an absolute rage to decided that you shall not continue to be
make life as disagreeable as possible to a theatre person."  The old lady spoke
each other. Aunt Sara woke with the with so much  energy that her bead
resolution of going to Skuldfrid and talk- shook.
ing reason to her about theatrical life.   "So you intend to wage battle," exHad she not again heard the most dread- claimed Skuldfrid merrily; "but it is
ful reports? Lady G-,  Mademoiselle not chivalrous to attack an adversary
D —--  and Fru F — had all in their without any preparation. Just think if
turn, contributed to inform  Sara that you had taken me so unawares that I
Madame Dorbino had led a more than laid down my sword."
dubious life, and that it was only her   Sara stared at Skuldfrid a moment,
relationship  with  Countess  Renstein perfectly confounded by her merriment.
which sustained her somewhat in public'Usually, when she made her small atesteem and enabled her to be invited in tacks, Skuldfrid either said nothing at
aristocratic circles, etc. In short, Sara all or answered her in a cold and redressed herself and set off quite early for pelling tone.
Skuldfrid's home, before Aberney had   "You  are jesting," resumed'Sara,
yet been seen.                        "but I will tell you that I have not come
" Madame, an elderly lady wishes to here to joke, but to speak in downright
see you," said Anaise, sticking her head earnest and demand an account of the
in- through  the  door of Skuldfrid's life you have led."
cabinet.                                 "What is there in my life to render
" What is her name! " asked Skuld- account for i' Skuldfrid still smiled quite
frid without looking up.              mischievously.
"'Mademoiselle Hederman."             "Can you ask what it is!"  Aunt
"Aunt Sara!"  Skuldfrid rose imme- Sara smoothed and  straightened  her
diately and laid aside her writing. "Ask dress.  "Are you not separated from
her to walk in."                      your husband?  Have you not since
"What happy chance have I to thank then suffered yourself to deviate from
for the pleasure of seeing Aunt Sara in the right path "
my -home?" exclaimed Skuldfrid, smil-   Skuldfrid burst into a ringing laugh.
ing, as she went to meet the old lady.  "What in Heaven's name' are you say"My affection brings me here," re- ing?  Am  I separated from  my hus



248                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
band -"  Skuldfrid could not continue what she had just been saying; but her
for laughing.                        apprehensions soon vanished when Tage
0, height of frivolity! Such beha- entered. After he had greeted Skuldfrid,
vior could have irritated a more meek throwing a dissatisfied glance at Aunt
and gentle mind than Sara's, and she ac- Sara who was ensconced on the sofa, he
cordingly exclaimed in a voice trembling said, turning to the latter, 
with indignation,-                     "Have you anything especial to say
"Enoch Aberney's daughter guards to Skuldfrid, Aunt Sara? If so, I will
her honor in such a way that she laughs leave and come again' when'you ladies
at the disgraceful things that are said have finished speaking."
about her. But you owe more respect to   "What I had to say Skuldfrid does
your father's name, and you ought never not seem disposed to hear; therefore, it
to have forgotten the ineffaceable shadow would be wisest for me to take my
your mother's crime cast over it, you   " leave." Sara rose. "You will not listen
"Enough!"   exclaimed  Skuldfrid, to sensible advice," added she looking at
grasping Sara's arm  violently.  The Skuldfrid, who, pale and cold, stood beyoung woman was deadly pale, her whole fore her.
frame shook, and she said in a voice that   "Not now," answered Skuldfiid. "The
had something hollow:  "Do not pro- words you have uttered still pain me
nounce my mother's name; never mention here."  Skuldfrid laid her hand on her
her, unless you wish to drive me into ex- heart.
ile."  Skuldfrid put her hands to her   "You do not consider what I must
head, murmuring with anguish: "0  mer- feel when- "
ciful Father, shall not even her ashes be   "Aunt Sara, say nothing more. Do
allowed to repose in peace; has she then not draw the bow any tighter."
not expiated her wrong by so many and   Skuldfrid's manner was such  that
bitter sufferings!"                 Aunt Sara found it most advisable to
Skuldfrid now raised her bowed head take her departure.
proudly, adding: "Aunt Sara, Harmen'  Tage had come to propose to Skuldfrid
Aberney's daughter knows that she ought to take a walk; but she declined the
to stand guiltless before God so that she invitation, declaring that she needed to
may atone in part for her mother's trans- be alone. Skuldfrid received no one for
gression, but she knows equally well the whole day, but remained shut up in
that she has not been guilty of any her room.
wrong, that her life is pure and spotless   When Tage came down from Skuldas the day.  With this consciousness frid's apartments, he met Lothard at the
she considers herself entitled to the right entrance.  The latter looked after him
of deciding for herself about the future. and thought,
And now, Aunt Sara, we will leave this   "He comes from  her: if Nathalie
subject."                            should have been right. Impossible, fate
"Monsieur Aberney," announced An- could not so dreadfully plunder me of
aise, and again the worthy Frenchwo- happiness, trust, and hope." He rang
man's head appeared at the door.     Nathalie's bell.
"He is welcome," replied Skuldfrid,
coldly and shortly. 
Aunt Sara had felt a little quake at
the name of Aberney. She was afraid   While Aunt Sara.was preparing to
that it was Victor, and then it might visit Skuldfrid and deliver her moral
have been very annoying if he found out lecture, Nathalie had despatched two




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           249
notes: one to Dr. Wagner, containing ence, this superiority, may be feigned,
these words:-                         and may cover a heart as weak as all
the rest. For two years he has amused,
"HERR DOCTOR: As soon as you re- interested, provoked, and tormented me,
ceive this call on
T IE  RENTEIN.    but'has never put my whole soul in a
tumult as at present.  Tumult, yes, that
The other was to Lothard, and ran is the right word. Resentment, anger,
thus: -                               and bitterness is what I feel, and noth"HERR BARON: If -your time per- ]ing else. My pride cannot tolerate it
mits, then visit me to-day in the fore- that he should be the only one to resistN
noon. You will find  me at home about me. I endured it so long as I believed
noon. You will find me at home about
him to be invulnerable, but now-"
one o'clock. With all respect,            C      
"iNtHaLIE REN11TEIN-')   "  Doctor Waganer, announced a ser."NATHALIE RENSTEIN."
vant.  The Doctor entered.
The Doctor's note reached him just as   "Welcome, Doctor, I have been waithe was intending to go out, and the re- ing for you impatiently," said Nathalie.
sult was that he immediately directed   "Are you ill, Countess'." inquired
his course to the Countess's house.   Wagner, with a subtle smile, and taking
When Nathalie had sent off the two the little hand he laid his finger on her
notes, she began to walk back and forth pulse. "C Your pulse is nearly a hundred
in her library.  Her appearance was per minute. You have a fever."
disturbed, her cheeks pale, and her eyes   "Possibly I have; that is the reason:
were alternately veiled with melancholy I have sent for you, but leave my fever
or flashing with indignation.  After she for the present."  The Countess took a
had walked for a time, she stopped be- seat and made a gesture to the Doctor
fore a mirror, contemplating her own im- to do the same.
age and holding the following soliloquy   "Do you remember our first acquaintin thought: -                         ance'." began Nathalie.
"Can it be possible that I who have   "On board the frigate Carolina. Very
for so many years disbelieved in love, well indeed. I had the honor Qf being thelaughing at the fools who threw them- Count's physician during the voyage."
selves at my feet, and carelessly playing   "It is over two years since then, and
with their hearts, have now in my turn during that time you have resided in'
become a victim to this miserable epi- Sweden."
demic and attached my feelings to a man,   "Yes, and last summer I had the
one of theselords of creation, who re- pleasure of meeting you in Skane at
garded more closely, resemble puppets? lCount, during your visit with the
We beautiful women have but to pull noble family."
the wires and we make both heroes and   "I was sick and you cured me."
men of genius, great men and pygmies,   "What is her intention in repeating
dance according to our caprice or lower things that I know," thought the Doctor.
themselves to be our slaves.  That I " I shall have to make a little direct atshould love such a shell of a man, with- tack to find out what she has in view."
out anything to testify that he is one, Aloud he said,except the name i Ah  that would be   "Your illness was only a consequence
degrading. Is he really like others? No. of low spirits; but it was quite different
He has not made himself the slave of any with young Aberney.  He was on the
woman, and it is this that enchants me. point of losing his life to save -your
But how do I know that 1 This indiffer- glove."




250                    GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"Do not remind me of all the follies with Mladame Dorbino that I had become
he committed at that time," said Nath- acquainted with her in Finland."
alie, impatiently.                     "Before she was married'."
"It does not concern him," thought   "Yes, you know yourself that she
the Doctor.                          lived in England and France after her
"When did you arrive in Stockholm I " marriage."
asked the Countess, changing the theme   "Where or at whose house did you
abruptly.                            make her acquaintance.'
"About a month ago."                 "At her mother's."
"How long do you remain here."      "Was her mother called Aberney i"
"Either for good, or I leave Sweden   The Doctor made an affirmative bow
never to return."                    and assumed his most reticent man"Why did you not let me know be- ner.
fore that you were here  " -             Frankness is not his weak side,"
"She enters upon a formal examina- thought Nathalie, with inward impation with me," thought the Doctor. tience.  "I must change my plan of
"She has some difficulty in coming to attack."
the subject."  He replied,-            "Thanks for the information.  My
" Because my time was occupied with distinguished relative is so reserved, that
business. Besides, my dear Countess, I I never hear her speak of her past life.
heard that you were well and not in I do not yet know how nearly related
need of me as a physician. I had your she is to the Professor, but only that she
words of last summer in lively remer- belongs to the Aberncy family, and I
brance."                             supposed she bore that name before she
"Ah! I know.  They were these: was married."  The Countess leaned'Come and live in the Capitol and you back against the sofa and said with apshall be my physician.' From this day parent indifference,you will become so; that is the rea-   "You have resided in Finland quite a
son why I have sent for you.  I am long time, and if I am not mistaken in
sick."                              the vicinity of Abo."
The Doctor made a bow that could   " Both there and in Helsingfors."
have been interpreted thus: If you say   "What a strange people the Finns
so, I must believe it.  -            are!"  Nathalie spoke at length about
" Understand me rightly, I. am so pro- the Finnish people, the last war, and the.
voked that I feel indisposed."       conditions in the country. The Doctor
"Can I do anything to relieve your entered into the conversation with a cervexation. "                         tain caution and gave close heed to every
"You can gratify my curiosity,"   word of the Countess, but without letting
"Ah!"                            her perceive it.  After Nathalie had
"You know Madame Dorblno. Where spoken of some families of rank in Finand how did you become acquainted with land that she knew, she said quite careher?"  -                            lessly, -
"At last we have come to the sub-   "Has not Baron Canitz a large estate
ject," thought the Doctor.  "See to it, there?"
Wagner, that you do not betray any-   "It is then about Canitz that she
thing before you have learned the motives wants to know something," thought the
that actuate this artful woman."  He Doctor,  "The Baron formerly owned
said aloud with a reserved mien, -   an estate there," said he; "!but he has'a Counitess, I told you at my meeting been obliged to sell it."'




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                          251
"Was there not a family by the name emoiselle Smidt, Baron Canitz, or Madame
of Smidt in the neighborhood'."      Dorbino."
"Countess, there are many families   Nathalie said nothing. The Doctor
in Finland of that name."             continued after a moment,"Doctor," exclaimed Nathalie, half   "I am the only person who can give
jesting, half impatient, "you give me any information in regard to them; so,
only evasive answers."                Countess, if you desire frankness from
"That is because you ask me such me, you must set me a good example.
singular questions."  The Doctor looked Do you love or hate Canitz, that is the
at the young woman with a penetrating point that I must have clear."
glance as he added with emphasis: "You   "I detest Baron Canitz."
desire to know of me something concern-   "That is to say, you love him," fell
ing Canitz, but you want to find it out in the Doctor, smiling.  "What is your
without exposing the motive which lies design, what object have you with your
at the base of your inquiries. Why not detestation' "
rather ask me frankly?'  "To humiliate him."
"'I distrust. you.  You are a very   "I understand; to bring him to your
crafty and dangerous man."           feet. Countess, that is difficult, if not
"Countess, I venture quite humbly to downright impossible.' 
declare that I have the same opinion   "Nothing  is im'psUible,"  rejoined
about you."  The Doctor bowed.        Nathalie quickly.
"Well, then, if that is so, we shall not   " I fear, however, that it will be so in
be likely to outwit each other."  Na- this case. I know Canitz: he does not
thalie laughed.                       change feelings."
"That would be impossible; there is   "Well, then, he ought to take care of
only one way for us, and that is for each himself. I shall never forgive him if he
to trust to the mercy of the other and disregards me."
play honest.  What do you wish to   " For six years he has been attached
know of me'"                          to  a person that he will love until
" I want to know if you are acquaint- his death.  There is but one means
ed with a certain Mademoiselle Smidt of drawing him from this foolish love."
from Finland "                          "And that is? "
"I am."                               "To ruin her in his esteem; and that
" Has Baron Canitz been in love with is no easy matter. She is chaste and
her."                                 pure as a vestal."
"Yes."                                "And this vestal, who is she?"
"Where does she live at present "     "Mademoiselle Smidt."
"Here."                               "Where find her?"
" In Stockholm?"                      " In this house."
" Yes."                               "Doctor V?"
" I must know where."                 "Madame Dorbino and Mademoiselle
"You shall; but I must first possess Smidt are one and  the  same peryour confidence, and you must tell me son."
whether you are attached to Baron   " O, my suspicion!"
Canitz."                                "Baron  Canitz wishes to see the
"Doctor, you overstep the limits of Countess," announced the servant.
punctilio."                             "You look agitated, Madame," said the
"In that case I will fall back and Doctor in French.
have nothing to say either about Mad-   "I am sick."  Nathalie threw herself




252                    GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
back on the sofa, saying to the servant: not have played her part better.  "I
"Ask the Baron to walk in."          wish that you would afford me and the
Wagner seized the Countess's arm Russian Minister's wife the pleasure of
as if to examine her pulse, and when your company on that evening. You
Lothard entered he heard the Doctor know that Countess P     is in delicate
say, -                               health. She has not ventured to attend
"I shall inform myself in the morn- the opera on any previous evening. She
ing  if my  prescription  has proved therefore asked me to procure her a box
beneficial and your condition improved." in the first tier. I promised her this as
He rose, bowed politely to Nathalie, well as to go with her. But you see the
saluted Lothard, and then left the room. Countess is exceedingly tiresome; come
therefore and help me to drag out the
long intervals between the acts. You will
then perform two good deeds, - cheer
"You are indisposed, Countess," said up the sick woman, whose favorite you
Lothard as soon as they were alone; are, and divert me."
"perhaps my presence will annoy you. "    Lothard's brow darkened.  Nathalie
"Have I not asked you to come?" had prepared a regular ambuscade; she
replied Nathalie, whose voice was some- first ascertained whether he intended to
what tremblingt                      go to the opera or not, and then made it
" I have obeyed your call as you seg." impossible for him to refuse.
"My intention was to make a requisi-  "When La Dame Blainche is pertion upon your politeness."  INathalie formed," answered Lothard, "I will have
leaned her head on one side a la Skuld- the honor of accompanying you ladies."
frid and smiled at Lothard, who at this   " I thank you, Baron; and now a word
movement frowned  almost impercep- in conclusion. I hope you will forgive me
tibly. He replied however in an oblig- for amusing myself during the last two
ing tone, -                          years in letting you believe that I knew
"You may command me."             Mademoiselle Smidt. I now regret this
" On Monday La Dame Blanche will prank, and frankly confess that she is enbe given; I intended to ask you to give tirely unknown to me."
up your box to me that evening. You   "I believe, Countess, that she has
have secured it for every time that Ma- been so; but I am now fully and firmly
dame Dorbino appears."               convinced that you know the person who
" I will resign it to you with pleasure. has borne this name."
I did not make use of it the evening pre-   "What a supposition! Upon what
vious to the last.".             do you base it?"
" Indeed! But you have intended to   "On my knowledge of you. You are
use it when La Dame Blanche was per- never more dangerous than when you
formed? "  She looked at him.        are gentle.' Wisdom  then bids one be
"I scarcely think so; and in any case, on his guard."
Countess, it is now out of the question.   "Dangerous, what do you mean by
If I wish to hear La Dame Blanche, I that'."
can always find a place in some part of   "Those are dangerous who believe
the house. Is there anything further themselves capable of wounding."
that you desire?"                     " And this you say to me."
"Yes!"  Nathalie reached him her   "Yes, Countess Renstein, just to you;
hand with an almost, beseeching look. for behind the open acknowledgment
Thei  most distinguished actress could that you did not:know Madenioiselle




GUILT AND INNOCENCOE.j253
Smidt, you conceal your knowledge of in general, and the lovely ones in:parwho she is. You know now that Ma- ticular."  Lothard lifted the Countess's
dame Dorbino bore that name. Dr. hand to his lips and then took his leave.
Wagner has informed you of it. You   "Ah! the presumptuous mortal, he
also know that the only worman to whom will not even have my friendship; but
I have rendered all my admiration and he will yet have to repent it," muttered
esteem is Skuldfrid Smidt. Now since Nathalie.
I have myself confirmed this, you must
certainly perceive that any further
words upon this subject would be out of  In the evening of the same day, when
place."                              Lothard went home, he threw himself
There is nothing which so takes an upon a sofa to read the newspapers.  He
-intriguing character by surprise as a can- opened one with the most uninterested.
did expression of the truth..Nathalie air in the world. He cast his eyes quite
was completely disconcerted by it. She mechanically over the first page. and the
was, however, too skilful an actress to let announcements of amusements. The fol-'her surprise or chagrin be perceived. lowing was printed in italics, --
She therefore said, laughing, -        "Wednesday's representation of La
"You have disarmed me, Baron, and Dame Blanche is postponed on account
that so thoroughly that you have de- of Madame Dorbino's hoarseness."
prived me of all my weaplons.  With   Lothard sprang up, exclaiming,what shall I hereafter attack you?"   "What does that mean l   Is she
"With your charming gayety, your hoarse or —"  He threw himself back
wit, and your talent," said Lothard po- on the sofa and turned over the paper to
litely. " In these you possess weapons of see if there was anything that threw any
which you can never be deprived. You further light on the subject. There was
are so richly endowed that you will al- actually a long notice regretting the loss
ways remain a woman dangerous to our the public were compelled to sustain in
hearts."                             not being able to hear Madame Dorbino
"Ah, I am not particularly danger- in La Dame Blanche.  It was hoped
ous."  Nathalie sighed. "Never have I however that her hoarseness was merely
been so to you."                     accidental, and that in a week's time
"You are so to all whom you desire they might again have the pleasure of
to please."                          hearing her beautiful voice.
"But that is an evasive answer."     "So it is only a respite," thought Lo"-Not at all.  I meant to say by it, thard, throwing down the paper. At the
that you had not honored me with any- same time his eyes fell upon a letter that
thing but your disfavor. You have not lay on the table. The first glance at it
considered me worth pleasing."       made him start. He opened it quickly,
Did Nathalie comprehend the inner reading these lines,meaning of this reply   We think she   "Madame Dorbino is not hoarse,
did, for she changed color slightly.  she will never appear in La Dame
"You are right, and you will certainly Blanche."
never become the object of my coquetry.   There was no name, nor was any needAfter this declaration we ought to give ed; Lothard would have recognized this
each other the hand as friends."     handwriting among a hundred.  Had
"My gracious Countess, I assure you this little paper contained an appointthat it can never enter my mind:to be ment to the highest post of honor, it
other than a chivalrous friend: to ladies could not have called forth a truer joy




254                    GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
than that which he now experienced.   "I did not know then -"
Every feature of Lothard's face reflected   "That Skuldfrid was going with me."
a happiness and satisfaction that ren- Aberney smiled. "Well, why did you
dered it actually handsome. A few min- wish to know if I had read the evening
utes afterwards he left the house.   paper? "
Skuldfrid had spent the afternoon at   "One more question, papa."
Drottningholm in company with Aberney.   " Certainly."
She came home somewhat late in the   "Was Skuldfrid troubled with hoarse-,evening; Anaise then handed her a bou- ness to-day? Did she speak of -it to
quet of myrtle and immortelles, tied with you?"
a rose-colored ribbon; a slip of paper   "Not in the least; she sang at my
was placed in their midst.  Skuldfrid request several people's songs, before we
carried the bouquet to her lips with a went to Drottningholm. Her voice was
radiant smile and whispered as she un- clear, full, and charming as ever."
folded the little billet, -            "0 good God, let me not become
"He has understood me." Then she.wild with delight!" exclaimed Tage,
cast her eyes upon the paper; it con- with a tone and expression of countetained but a single word, and that nance that revealed the most intense joy.
was,-                                  "May I be allowed to know what it is
"Thanks!r"                       all about?'" inquired Aberney.
"Ah! So his wounded self-love de-   "Has Slk'ldfrid said nothing in remands that I shall prove to him how in- gard to La Dame Blanche on Monday "
finitely dear he is to me. Yes, prove it   "Not a word. But it is high time
I shall; but he will not obtain the tri- that you finished your interrogations, and
umph of having me lay my heart in his informed me instead as to what you
hand as a gift. No, Lothard; this heart mean."
deserves that you should sacrifice some-   "Read, and you will find the explanathing of your pride for its possession. I tion."  Tage handed him the paper.
know that he loves me. His cold, his   "That is very singular," said Aberney
bitter words have only shown me that he after he had glanced through the notice
would conceal the warm and strong feel- about Madame Dorbino. Skuldfrid was
ings that attach him to me."  The bou- not hoarse in the least, and made no
qulet was again caressed and again she mention of the postponement of La
smiled at it with that expression of hope Dame Blanche.  I do not understand
and trust which only they who love can this."
experience.                            "But I do!" exclaimed Tage joyously.
When Aberney came home he met   "Then you ought to inform  me."
Tage in the saloon with a paper in his The Professor seated himself on the sofa.
hand. As soon as he saw the Professor   "Skuldfrid has pretended hoarseness
he exclaimed,                       in order to withdraw from the stage."
"Papa, have you read the news this   "Where do you find the cause of this
evening  "  action? "
" No, I have just come from Drottning-   " In her affection for me."
holm. Skuldfrid and I have been there   " Childish illusions, my dear Tage. I
the whole afternoon."                do rnot doubt that Skuldfrid thinks much
"Why did you not allow me to go of you; but it is not of the nature to
with you".                          induce her to make any such sacrifice.
"You said that you were engaged, I have warned you several times not to
when I asked you."                   overestimate it."




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           O55
"But now I have well-founded reasons of her parents to abandon such a sinful
for believing that her friendship is of a career as the one she has chosen. With
more tender character than you suppose. her warm and good heart Skuldfrid has
It is I who have prevailed upon her to acted in accordance with the advice I
leave the stage.   I have spoken to gave her; she has now proven it."
Skuldfrid about it. I have represented   Aberney rose and said with a smile,the dangers to which she exposes herself,   "Blessed are they who believe.  This
and I have conjured her in the name of holds good for Aunt Sara and Tage.
our childhood's attachment to abandon You both entertain the conviction that
a career which will sooner or later bring you have influenced Skuldfrid. I could
her into trouble."                    venture my honor that neither of you
"Well, what did she say in reply?l" have had any share in her decision.  He
asked Aberney, looking thoughtfully be- who lives to see will learn which of us
fore him.                             three is right!".
"She turned it all off with a jest;   "I suppose you mean to take the
but that you know is Skuldfrid's habit. merit of it yourself," retorted Sara with
She treats everything in a sportive way spirit. " How could anything reasonable
and makes merry with even the most be accomplished, unless you had your
serious things.  Therefore it is not her finger in it!"
words, but her acts, that ought to speak."   "At least nothing sensible occurs in
" I think however that you ought not my house when I am not by," answered
to attach too much weight to this act of Aberney, laughing.  "As far as Skuldhers. She has not by any means signi- frid is concerned, I have never tried to
fled through this that she intends to persuade her to quit the stage. Good
leave the stage; and even if she had, I night."
fear that this step does not proceed from
her desire of doing as you wished, but
from very different motives."           Tage did not attach the least weight:
"And what are they?".          to Aberney's words.  He only regarded
"'Could there not be some other per- them  as an ordinary pedantic' sermon
son who also felt an antipathy to her from an old man to a young one. As to
artistic career, and for whom  she has Aunt Sara, his thoughts did' not for an
made this sacrifice?"                instant' dwell on the possibility of her
"Who could that other be?"         having any influence over Skuldfrid. No,
"I," said a voice behind Tage.  It it was he alone, Tage, who had prewas Sara, who, faithful to an old habit, vailed upon Skuldfrid to renounce these
had been listening to what was said in triumphs to her vanity, and now, when
the saloon.                           he had obtained this proof of her ten"You, Aunt Sara!" exclaimed Aber- derness, he considered all delay unnecesney and Tage- both at once.           sary. The morning should witness the
"Yes, just I," replied Sara. "You confirmation of the happiness he had so'are astonished at it, because you two long dreamed of.
never care for what I say, and think all' Before he retired Tage wrote the folothers like yourself; but mind you, that lowing letter:is not the case. Skuldfrid has now given
evidence that she has true confidence   "MY NOBLE FRIEND: YOU who have
and:respect for me.   It was I who treated me with so much kindness, andli
spoke with her in all seriousness, show- manifested such a lively interest in alP
ing her that she owed it to the memory that pertains to my happiness, -'will'




256                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
undoubtedly  find  it natural that I   "No, Doctor, I only desired to inform
should hasten to inform you that I now you that I am  now completely recovstand at the goal of my desires.      ered."
"Countess, Skuldfrid loves me! She   " Indeed!"  The Doctor laid his forehas this evening proven it to me. I am  finger on her pulse and looked at her
the happiest mortal upor the earth. fixedly.  "Allow  me to dispute this.
To-morrow she is mine before the whole Your pulse is still too quick for me to
world.                                dare to pronounce you well. You are
"Dear, adorable Countess, forgive me suffering from a violent inflammation."
my felicity and that I can be happy in   "'Do you think so I"   The Countess
possessing any other's love than yours. smiled with a certain presumption.  "If
Take away Skuldfrid and my childhood so I have a cooling remedy at command."
at her side, and the earth would not con- Nathalie disclosed a paper which she
tain any woman so worthy of being loved held folded. " But that which call dispel
as you. It must surely be you who have my ills may possibly increase yours."
so influenced Skuldfrid that she hastens Nathalie laid the forefinger of her right
to give me this tangible evidence of her hand on the Doctor's pulse, imitating
love.                                 him.  "You are suffering from a violent
" Adieu, thou creator of my happiness! inflammation."
To-morrow you shall see at your feet   "That is perfectly true," rejoined
your grateful slave,                   Wagner;' but however skilful you may
"TAGE ABERNEY."   be, my gracious Countess, in discovering
the evil, I fear you will not be able to
When Nathalie awoke the' next morn- discover its cause. I, on the contrary,
m;ig Tage's letter was handed her; it had know  that yours has its root in the
been left with her porter late the even- heart.  From what does my illness start,
ing before.  When  she had glanced can you tell me that?"  The Doctor's
through it she started up with a cry of face was so cheerful and smiling, that
joy.  She dressed herself in great haste Nathalie  tried in vain to  penetrate
auid.sent for Dr. Wagner.             the subtle and mobile mask which conHe.presented himself without delay. cealed his dark and wily disposition.
When he entered Nathalie's boudoir he   " I do not feel at all inclined for such
was received by her with an affable but a herculean task as to fathom you. You
reserved smile. The Countess had made have covered yourself with such a smooth
up her mind to possess the Doctor's con- and impenetrable exterior, that I should
fidence and to find out why he worked never succeed in getting hold of you
against Skuldfrid and Lothard's attach- without your assistance.   It is this
ment. She was too artful and calculat- which I now intend to prevail upon you
ing to believe that' any one could act to lend me."
without being led by selfish motives.   "You believe very firmly in your powThe Doctor, a keen observer, remarked er over us men."
the Countess's reserved mien, and under-   "As far as you are concerned I only
stood immediately that it covered some believe in my finesse."
attack, against which he -ought to be on   "Do you intend to measure it with
his guard.                            mine? Then, Countess, I consider myself
"You have sent for me, Countess," already vanquished."
said he.  "Are you again indisposed?"   "Hypocrite!   You mean rather to
These words were uttered with a certain say that I shall not succeed. Let us
irony.                                leave all controversy.  In an hour Baron




GUTILT AiND INNOCENCE.              ~257
Canitz will be here.  He must not meet clare that everything which can favor Baryou. I wish to know what degree of affec- on Canitz's happiness is hateful to me.
tion you cherish for the Baron."     Cost what it will, I shall try to change
"What degree? " repeated the Doctor, his happiness into misery, his joy into
looking at the ceiling.  "That would be grief. Are you content with this expladifficult to estimate."               nation, the only one I can give you'"
"See here, Doctor, let us have no   "Perfectly!  Read this."  Nathalie
more twisting of words," exclaimed Nath- handed the Doctor Tage's letter.
alie impatiently. "Answer me briefly and   "What use do you intend to make of
fairly: have you any friendship  for this!" inquired the Doctor when he reCanitz?."                            turned it.
"A good deal, Countess.  Have I not   "I have asked the Baron to come here.
been his teacher'"'                  He shall read this letter."
"Then we have nothing to say to each   "The last lines too? i'
other. I neither can nor will confide to   "Yes, what matter; he may think
the Baron's friend and teacher a matter that I am attached to Aberney, it suits
that involves a painful blow to Canitz." my plan perfectly."
The Countess rose, adding: "You must   "Good!  Allow me now one quesexcuse me for troubling you; but I be- tion: why did you make me a confidant
lieved that you for some reason were hos- of this! "
tile to Canitz, and if so I should have   "Because you must give me some inforhad something to impart to you in confi- mation. I wish to know in what reladence."                              lation young Aberney and Skuldfrid
"Curse the woman," muttered the stand to each other, and whether Canitz
Doctor mentally.  "She is almost as considers Aberney as his rival, etc. I
shrewd as I. Nothing remains for me but have been careful not to question the latto let her into the secret of my hatred."  ter so as to prevent the suspicion that I
"Adieu, Doctor," continued Nathalie, have any other interest -than Tage's hapafter a short pause. "I must make my piness."
toilet before the Baron arrives."  She   Half an hour later Baron Canitz was
went towards the door.                announced.
"A few words, out of grace, Countess,"   "It is the second time within two
exclaimed the Doctor, who had also risen days that you have received a note from
and approached her.  "You have misun- me requesting a call," said Nathalie.
derstood me."                         "Has this not astonished you?"
" No, Doctor, I have, on the contrary,   "Countess, nothing that comes from a
understood you perfectly.  I now say to beautiful woman astonishes me."
you, that before you have told me what    " What do you think is the reason that
interest you have in wishing to separate I now desire to see you "
Skuldfrid and Canitz, you shall not be   "I have obeyed the summons, without
informed of the blow which within an presuming to guess the occasion of it."
hour's time shall reach the Baron.": "You have seen, I suppose, that La
"'Well then, Countess, my friendship Dame Blanche has been postponed?i'
for the Baron very much resembles the   "Yes.  Madame Dorbino's hoarseness
reverse. I have reasons for not desiring will probably soon be over, and then my
his welfare."                         box is always at your disposal."
"And these, what are they?"          "But this is not the reason why I
"I neither can nor will tell them to wished td speak'with you."
you. You must be satisfied wheun I'e-   "I did not suppose iti w6"




258                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
"Madame Dorbino is not hoarse," re-   Lothard returned the letter, saying in
sumed the Countess.  " I heard her a perfectly calm voice,singing yesterday up in her room with a   "Aberney is to be congratulated, if
full and clear voice."                he actually obtains Madame Dorbino's
"Then  she must have  pretended hand."
hoarseness," answered Lothard coldly;   "If, you say. That sounds as if you
"but you could not have sent for me still doubted it."
merely to tell me of this."              "It is a fault of mine, Countess, to be"Not exactly, but in a certain sense. lieve nothing but what I see. Fate is
Do you know, Baron, I suspect that Frida so capricious."
intends to leave the stage."             "Do you then not know that Tage
"Have you any reason- for this appre- Aberney has had the promise of Frida's
hension."                            hand for a long time; a promise that she
"Yes; but we will speak of this by seems to have given him before she left
and by. Do you recollect that I told Finland "
you a few days ago that Frida was on the   "In that event she is right in followpoint of becoming engaged. "         ing the bidding of her heart and honor.
"Yes, I remember that you said some- Have you anything further to say to me,
thing of the kind."                   Countess?"
"You did not believe my words."       "Only that young Aberney has de"At this moment I am still more in- manded as a condition of their union
credulous," replied Lothard, smiling.    that she should leave the stage.  This
Nathalie observed with surprise that gave me reason to suppose that she
Lothard's face no longer wore the expres- would never more appear."
sion of coldness and indifference that   "Art sustains a loss and domestic life
usually distinguished it.  The blood's is the gainer."  Lothard rose and took
warm current had diffused color and life his leave.
into every feature.                     "Ah! that man is created to make me
"What a pity it is that I should be frantic.  He did not even give me the
the one to shake your conviction. We triumph of witnessing his grief. It was
women do not like to be accused of only the first shock of it that he could
spreading false reports, and upon this not command; but afterwards he disground I consider myself entitled to cor- played the same unheard-of indifference,
roborate my words.  Therefore be so the same unapproachable manner, that
kind as to read this."                irritates more than the grossest affront."
Nathalie handed Lothard the letter
which Tage had written. With visible
reluctance Lothard took it and glanced
it through. A quick motion of the eye-   When Lothard left the Countess he
brows, a sudden paleness, and an involun- took his way up to Skuldfrid, thinking.:
tary contraction of the muscles of the "I must hear the confirmation of this
face indicated that its perusal had occa- from  her own lips.  I cannot believe
sioned him acute pain. The Countess's that she is capable of so much duplicity.
eyes detected his emotion. She experi- What have her written words served, if
enced a feeling so bitter, that she invol- she forsook the stage to become his wife?
untarily brought her hand to her heart To trifle in this abominable way with
as she thought,-                      the feelings of another is not in accord" He loves deeply, with his whole soul. ance with Skuldfrid's character.  If she
0, how I detest her!"    -            from attachment or other motives gives




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           259
him her hand, it is not possible that she   Tage seized Skuldfrid's hand and folded
could wish to have the appearance of lov- itbetween both his. At this moment
ing me. No, a thousand times no; it is his heart beat with the same feelings as
some misunderstanding or some game when he in younger years sat by her
that the Countess is playing me."  He side, before his selfish desires became the
rang Skuldfrid's bell. He, who had re- ruling power. Tage fancied that he was
solved not to cross her threshold before a better man than he had been for many
she called him, was now  prepared to years. Everything appeared to him  as
forget his resolution.                when. he left Finland.  His heart was
Anaise opened the door.             filled with hope and trust, and he had
" Is Madame Dorbino at home  " asked but one desire, that of living and dying
Lothard.                              at Skuldfrid's side.
"Yes, Monsieur."                      "Let me sit so a moment," whispered
"Has she any visitors?"            Tage. - "Perhaps I shall never more
"Messieurs Aberneyare with Madame." experience the peaceful and happy feelLothard's blood became like fire in ings which now  sway me. O, let me
his veins; it was with the greatest effort yet for a moment believe that all is as it
that he was able to say that he would used to be! "
call again. Then he hurried down the   Skuldfrid drew her hand away slowly,
stairs, a prey to the most violent feel- saying in a mild and earnest voice,
ings.  Tage's words, "To-morrow she is   " No, Tage, you must not cherish such
mine before the whole world," came an illusion, things are now very different."
back to his mind.                        "Only that you are not changed, then
Father and son were then with Skuld- I am content."
frid to settle the betrothal. His heart   "I am  not changed, Tage; but tothreatened to burst its confines, his pulse day I understand the feelings that fill
flew, and his blood burned. It was as my heart, and that I did not formerly."
if a whole hell of torture had been let   "0 tell me that you hold me as dear
loose in Lothard's soul.              as before."  Tage looked at her and conIn the mean time the following scene tinued passionately: "The tenderness
took place in Skuldfrid's room.       you once cherished for me cannot have
Tage had presented himself quite early died out, it must still live in your heart
in the morning.  Skuldfrid received him  as well as mine. Ah, Skuldfrid, I have
more cordially than usual, and Tage saw from  boyhood loved no one but you.
in this friendly greeting an additional You alone have swayed my whole soul.
proof that she held him dear.         To the youth you were his sweetest and
"Skuldfrid, I have come to thank you most beautiful dream; to the man the
for not appearing in La Dame Blanche," object of all his longing, the source of
began Tage in a voice so tender that its his good and evil thoughts.  I stretched
accents already interpreted what he was out my arms after you in despair when
about to clothe in words.             you had disappeared; with death in my
"You do not owe me any thanks," heart I feared that you loved another;
assured Skuldfrid, looking at him with and with redoubled love I now ask you:
her honest eyes. "What you said against have you betrayed your first youthful
the theatre has not influenced my de- fancy, your faith towards your childhood's
cision; that proceeded from quite other friend?  Is it possible that you have
motives.  Let us therefore say no more deceitfully transferred this to another l
upon this subject."                   Is it possible now, when fate has brought
"As you will."                      us together again, and you perceive in,




260                     GUILT AND  IN.NOCENCE.
every glance, in every feature of my face, sofa beside her, laid her clasped hands
in every word from my lips, how dear upon his shoulder as in childhood, and
you are to me, that you can close your said in a deeply serious voice,heart to the feelings that once ruled it I   "Uncle, you and I know  to what a
Skuldfrid, speak, say that you have been marriage without mutual love can lead.
faithful to the Tage to whom you once We could weep blood at the remembrance
gave the promise of your hand."  Tage of it. You could never desire either of
seized both her hands, adding passion- us, Tage or I, to enter such a union."
ately: "You have no right to become   "No, may God preserve you!" said
anrother's."                         the Professor.
"Tage, you must be calm and listen   "Well then, when you and my mothto. me," said Skuldfrid.  "Not through er, six years ago, desired that I should
this passionate language, this reference one day become Tage's, you considered
to times long since fled, or these claims, that this would promote the happiness of
can you come to a clear understanding of both. You believed that my heart beour relative positions. You must hear longed to Tage. Was it not so "
what I have to say with composure and   "Your mother thought so, and  I
reason. If you cannot, then, Tage, we hoped that when you became separated
will postpone this explanation until you from  the one who then occupied your
become calmer."                       fancy, your whole affection would con" I will listen to you," said Tage in a centrate upon Tage."
smothered voice, and dropped her hands.   "Then you already suspected," ex"Monsieur Aberney," announced An- claimed Tage, " that -"
aise.                                   "Silence! " said the Professor in a
" Ask him to walk in," replied Skuld- commanding tone.  " Let Skuldfrid comfrid.                                 municate what she has to say, and then
"Papa!" exclaimed Tage, starting to you may talk."
his feet, "why did he come just at this   "I," resumed Skuldfrid, "was at that
moment!"  He clenched his hands with time too much of a stranger to the world
convulsive violence. Skuldfrid looked at of the heart to be able rightly to judge
her inconsiderate cousin in astonishment. of my own feelings.  I was equally unThe Professor entered.              acquainted with life and the mournful
"Ah, are you here, my dear Tage? " drama which is there enacted. The consaid he and nodded to his son.        sequence of this was, that I only listened' "Tage and I were engaged in a serious to two voices within me: the fervent deconversation," said Skuldfrid, offering the sire to meet my mother's wishes and my
Professor her hand; "you came as if hope of making Tage happy. Then I
sent from Heaven to hear the explana- promised one day to become Tage's betion I have to give and then pronounce trothed; but scarcely was the promise
your verdict."                        given when I repented it; I discovered
"Skuldfrid, what do you intend to do? " that - " Skuldfrid paused. She leaned
asked Tage.                           her glowing face against Aberney's shoul"I intend to make your father and my der. Her breast heaved with emotion.
best friend the judge between us. He During the silence which ensued, the
was in your younger years the confidant blood boiled like fire in Tage's veins.
of your feelings, and he must be so still;   "What did you discover?" asked the
he may also become acquainted with all Professor.
the weakness my heart contains."        "T Ihat I did not love Tage."
Skuldfrid drew the Professor to the   "Say rather that you loved another;




GUILrT -AN-D INNOCENCE.                      -261
that you faithlessly betrayed my true love Tage; my heart has only a sister's
heart! " exclaimed Tage, starting up.    affection to give him. Forgive me for
"Resume your seat and be still," corm- this, Tage," added she, and offered him
manded, the Professor.  "Mark, that all her hand.
reproaches are ill placed, when they are   "Shall I forgive you for changing me.uttered by a man to the woman who into a miserable wretch without a future,
honestly tells him the truth."        without hope, without an aim for my ex"Tage is right, Uncle, I actually did istence?  O Skuldfrid, I hope God may
love another.  I loved him even in the not punish you! You have in a terrible
moment when I thought that I ought to manner deceived me."
despise him. He had taken -my whole   Tage rushed out of the room. Skuldheart."  Skuldfrid pressed her hands to frid sprang up with the intention of hasher breast.  "And. yet I went away, fled tening after him, but' Aberney held her
from him and you. The veil had been back with the words, -
torn away which covered events that.  "Stay! Suffering makes him unjust
occurred long since; at the sight of what and bewilders his mind. To-morrow he
it concealed I fled, trembling for the con- will judge of your behavior'and his
sequences of the past. Years rolled by, own position with more calmness and
but neither time nor distance could efface sense."
his image. I loved him  more deeply   "Uncle, can I act differently "
every year. The calm examination of   "No, my child, you cannot. Only
his acts, everything taught me to respect mutual love insures domestic happiness.
more and more the man whom I thought When that does not exist, it is vain to
I had the right to despise. After learn- hope for any felicity. Better than that,
ing the sad marriage history which Tage now suffers from his disappointed
darkened the lives of so many persons hopes; he will some day console himself
and wrought so much evil, so many bit- for them; nothing could compensate him
ter sufferings, I made a solemn vow to for a life without love, dragged out at,God never to unite my destiny to any the side of a wife who does not care for
other than the one I loved."          him."
"But yet you are now a widow. Did   In a little while the Professor took his
you love the man whose name you bear  " leave.
said Tage with bitterness.              Never are human beings more selfish
"He was my benefactor; I took care than when they are in love. All'their
of him during his illness, and received thoughts and feelings are then concenhis name and the title of his wife in ex- trated upon a single - object. Skuldfrid
change," replied Skuldfrid earnestly. -   forgot the painful impression of Tage's
She put her arm  around Aberney's words, the feeling of sadness his grief
neck, adding: "Now, Uncle, just before left with her, in the thought of Lothard,
you came, Tage told me that he still and she went to caress the bouquet he
loved me, and that he desired the fulfil- had sent her the previous evening.
ment of the promise I once gave. He
demanded it in the name of his happiness
and my honor."
"What was your answer V" asked the   When Tage rushed from Skuldfrid in
Professor.                            despair, he took his way to Nathalie. It
"I had not yet given any answer when was a half-hour after Lothard had left
you came. What I have now imparted her. At Tage's entrance the Countess
to you both is my answer.  I do not had assumed a gentle and melancholy




262                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
expression; but this disappeared instant- Tage, who listened to her with a beam
ly when she saw him.                  of hope, while he kissed the Countess's
it What in the name of heaven has beautiful hands and looked inexpressibly
happened!" exclaimed Nathalie  with unhappy.
undisguised amazement. She had a pre-   Nathalie asked him to come back the
sentiment that it was something which next day, when she would tell him the
would make a disagreeable impression on result of her efforts in his behalf.
her also.
"She has rejected me!" exclaimed
Tage.  "She has declared that -that
- she does not love me, that she loves   In the evening of the same day there
another."                             was a large party at Bla Porten, given by
Tage forgot the requirements of eti- the officers of the navy in honor of two
quette and threw himself recklessly upon Englishmen belonging to the British
a chair with his hands before his face. fleet. Lothard and Tage were both there
At Tage's words Nathalie changed color, as a matter of course.  The company
but with this exception preserved a per- drank to their hearts' content, and the
fect command over herself.            greatest hilarity prevailed.  The conver"What do you say, Lieutenant Aber- sation fell naturally upon women;- that
ney; has Frida rejected-you?  She who eternally new yet wellnigh  exhausted
yesterday proved her love to you, as you theme. From  women in general they
wrote me, and who to-day was to become began to speak of several in particular,
yours before the world? "            and then the favorite musical artists be"Ah, so I thought!"               came the subjects of criticism, being cen"You thought; then you were not sured or praised according to the differconvinced of it.",                  ent views of the speakers.
" Yes, fully and firmly."             "I suppose you heard Madame Dorbi"Did she tell you yesterday that her no when she was in London." said a
heart belonged to you, and has she to- Swedish officer to one of the Englishday taken back her words?"           men.
Tage gave her an account of what had   "Yes, I had that pleasure the last
mccurred. He wept like a child when he time she was in London," he replied.
repeated that he had lost her, whom he " She possesses a ravishing voice and rare
said -that he could never cease to love. beauty besides."
Nathalie listened to him with a thought-   "And is, with all this, as impregnable
ful mien. She forgot to pay any atten- as a well-fortified castle," remarked the
tion to the pitiful sight of a man, weak other Englishman.
as a child, crying over his own suffer-   "Indeed; report however seems to
ings.   At last she interrupted  him  assert the contrary," said one of the
with, -                               lieutenants.
"Who is it that Frida loves?"        "What can report have to say about
"It is that detestable wretch, Canitz." Madame Dorbino, except that she is a
" I knew it," thought Nathalie, and person of distinguished talent? "
pressed her lips together; to Tage she   This was uttered with that gruff Engsaid with a friendly look and a cheering lish assurance which gave one to undersmile: "All is not yet lost. I have stand that any contrary opinion was
promised you my assistance. You can something which the Briton did not
count upon it."                      intend to listen to.
Nathalie spoke comforting words to   We Swedes, with our many excellent




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           263
qualities, yet possess one fault, in which Swedes, especially as the lady whose
we, resemble the inhabitants of small honor has been so shamefully attacked
towns, and that is our passionate love of has a relative among us."
gossip; we lend a willing ear to it, and   The Swedish officers looked at each
repeat it with a thoughtlessness that is other, slightly amazed.
fearful. This is true of men as well as   "Lieutenant Aberney," continued Loof women.' Gentlemen rob their neigh- thard, "come forward, you who are a
bors of honor and reputation while en- cousin of Madame Dorbino's, and defend
joying their punch, ladies while sipping her, or you will force me to usurp your
their tea or coffee. The uniform as often place, thus depriving you of the fulfilas the mantilla covers a censorious heart. ment of a holy and precious duty."
This was'proven in the present instance.   A grave-like silence succeeded these
The Swedish officers did not allow'them- words.  Tage did not move from  his
selves to be abashed by the Englishman's place.
decided tone, but one of them  imme-   "What, sir!" exclaimed Lothard with
diately commenced a highly interesting flaming eyes, "do I need to prompt you
story about Madame Dorbino. It was the second time to fulfil the requirements
the same compilation with which Fru of honor? Did you not hear the reputation
-    had treated the opera troupe.  It of a respectable woman lightly tampered
now appeared in a considerably improved with "  He took a step towards Tage.
and enlarged edition.'An English lord   The latter rose, mastered completely
played the chief role in it. This gave by the demons within him.  He looked
the younger and more frivolous portion at Lothardwith withering scorn, saying, —
of the guests occasion to add some piquant   " You are mistaken, Lieutenant Canitz,
allusions to the effect, that as the beau- I am not related to Madame Dorbino, at
tiful singer had shown a certain weak- least I shall never acknowledge such a
ness for Englishmen, it was no more relationship  hereafter.  I neither can
than right that these should take her nor will defend a person whose life and
part.  Two members. of the company adventures I do not know, and upon
maintained  a complete silence during whose honor there are so many stains."
this scandalous account; these were Lo-   Lothard had once said to Tage, "Hapthard and Tage.   The former stood pen what may I shall never lay hands
leaning against the back of a chair di- upon your person"; and yet he now
rectly opposite the narrator, looking at gave Tage a sharp blow  in the' face.
him sharply; the latter had thrown him- The sound of it became the period to
self on a sofa, as if thus to withdraw  the spoken sentence. A perfect tumult
from  all participation  in the subject. followed this, as one could say, unconThe two Englishmen  interrupted the scious act.  The Englishmen went over
story frequently, declaring it all to be to  Lothard's side, Madame Dorbino's
untrue. When the calumnious recital calumniators to Tage's.  Lothard's act
was ended, Lothard said in his peculiarly demanded satisfaction.  At the words
clear and harmonious voice,-           "weapons, time,"etc., Lothard awoke from
"There are here present about thirty a dream. What had he done?  Broken
Swedes and two Englishmen.  Of my a resolution, provoked a challenge, and
thirty countrymen, who are also Madame that notwithstanding his declaration that
Dorbino's, not one has lifted his voice in he never could be brought to do it.  He
her defence, but this the two strangers had forgotten himself, mortally offended
have endeavored to do. Gentlemen, do a comrade, and that comrade was Tage.
you not consider this derogatory to He had allowed these strangers to wit



264                    GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
ness such a scene between two Swedish now only added a few'words to the effect
officers.:Lothard would have given years that he and Aberney, being the disturbers
of his life to be able to take back the of the peace, ought to absent themselves,
inconsiderate blow. Poorly had he de- so as not to hinder the rest from the
fended Skuldfrid's honor in giving occa- enjoyment which had through them been
sion to such a scandal, which would interrupted.
spread unavoidably in many ways. It
was long since Lothard had had to repent
a hasty act. He perceived immediately   After Lothard had separated from the
that he could not then do anything to company, he walked slowly towards the
atone for what had occurred, but turning plain and was rowed over to Holmen.
to the Englishmen he said with his usual His mind was gloomy;: he realized with
self-possession, -                   bitter regret that he had broken a reso"I must beg you to overlook the un- lution. If he fought a duel with Tage,
pleasant scene which you have witnessed. he violated his word, and yet no other
I neither will nor can excuse my beha- course remained to him. He had done
vior; I can only regret that Lieutenant Tage a wrong; he had allowed anger so
Aberney and I have given you such a to govern him that he had been guilty of
poor idea of the concord existing among rudeness; but, on the other hand, was it
the officers of the Swedish Navy. That possible to listen coolly to Tage's vilifythe honor of a respected woman was in ing words? No.
question is my only apology."          Lothard knew little of Skuldfrid's life
"No apology is' needed, Lieutenant during the* past years; but she was the
Canitz; you have acted like a man of holiest treasure of his heart, and he behonor."                             lieved in her as in the good and the
"As only weapons can adjust our noble.  Notwithstanding the pain of
difficulty, I have a request to make of finding Skuldfrid again as an actress and
our comrades, that this whole affair may a widow, his love was still too true and
remain with those here assembled."   genuine for him to cast any slur upon
"You have our word of honor," was the woman he adored by miserable and
the response.                        degrading suspicions.
Lothard bowed to the company. Then   "Tage's behavior," thought Lothard,
he turned to the narrator of the scanda- "showed but too plainly that Skuldfrid
lous story with the words,-          did not meet the hopes which he spoke
" Herr Lieutenant, you have repeated of in his letter. Is it possible that he
what others have told you, and cannot could have such a weak and despicable
vouch for its veracity. This, to say the character, that this story could have any
least, is thoughtless and inconsiderate, influence upon him? No, that cannot
especially when it concerns a woman. be, for with all his faults he has still in
Chivalry enjoins one to defend, not to his way loved her. His conduct could
attack, a woman's honor. The unpleasant only have proceeded from a slighted love
consequences attendant upon your story and a deep-rooted hatred towards me.
will undoubtedly teach you to be pru- He has understood me sufficiently to
dent, when you again repeat what others realize that a base act committed against
have said."                          her was a means through which he
The poor talebearer looked quite em- should certainly succeed in throwing me
barrassed. He felt that he had played a out of balance."
pitiful role.  This consciousness made   Lothard entered his abode and went
him  ill-disposed towards Lothard, who into the little saloon, which was the first




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           265
room. A  couple of letters lay on.the Tage threw himself upon the sofa, flung
table; Lothard threw  himself into an his hat far away from him, and running
easy-chair, stretched out his hand for one his fingers through his hair exclaimed, -
of them, which he opened and glanced   "I am  the most unhappy man on
through rapidly. He then took up the earth; there is not a single being who
other; at the first glimpse of it his ex- sympathizes with me in my grief, my
pression  changed.  The envelope was misfortune, my despair."  He hid his
torn open in great haste and he read: -  face in his hands.
"  Good God, how sinfully you talk!"
"' The morning papers will annournce said Sara; and going to Tage, she laid her
that Madame Dorbino has left the stage hand on his bowed head and added in a
forever, that the celebrated singer will
forever, that the celebrated singer will tender voice: "My dear, dear boy, have
nevermore appear.
you not always my heart, which is so
-"Skuldfrid thus brings Lothard  the  fond of you that it holds you dearer than
offering of her artistic reputation; and  your father? Besides, have you not his
~~~~~your thshe believes thave rigyht moment is now athis
she believes the ri.glt moment is now at affection, he who has upon all occasions
hand for the interview which could not shown himself so tender and good. "
take place in Naples.  To-morrow fore-   "Do not speak of father; when it is a
noon Lothard is expected by
" SKULDFRID.  question of Skuldfrid and me; she always
stands nearer his heart than I."
What did Lothard think and feel at   "But of me you cannot say that I
the perusal of this note?  Those who place any one before you," whispered
love alone know.                      Sara caressingly.
While all these important events were   When a human being is deeply troubled,
transpiring, Aunt Sara was engaged in or very much oppressed with sorrow, reputting away the Professor's and Tage's sentment, or grief, he gladly listens to
winter clothes very carefully in camphor, the voice which speaks the language of
so that no moths should make depreda- affection, even if he at other times does
tions upon them  during the summer. not care for it.
She looked quite genial and contented.  Tage had, from the moment the ProSkuldfrid, the blessed child, was now fessor had adopted him, been Sara's fagoing to leave the theatre. Sara was fully vorite.  She lavished  her tenderness
convinced of it, although Skuldfrid, it is upon him, gratified all his wishes either
true, had not said anything, except that openly, or, if they stood in opposition to
she should not appear for the present.    Aberney's will, in secret.  The old lady
Sara had just finished sewing together had, so to speak, fed Tage's egotism and
the linen in which the winter garments given it all possible nourishment.  That
were stowed, and was humming mean- Tasge had faults was something that Sara
while,                                would not admit, when any one wanted
"Come beautiful May," etc.,   to draw  her attention to them; that
when the door-bell rang.  The next mo- Tage could be wrong was equally imposment the door was flung open and Tage sible. All others might be, but not he,
came in with his hat on his head and an unless he trespassed directly against the
appearance of the.wildest disorder.   old lady; but even this was forgotten
" Is father home? " asked he, without the next moment.  She always found
saluting his aunt.                    some way of exculpating him. Tage's
" No, he is not; but what in heaven's feeling for Sara was neither grateful nor
name is the matter with you?" cried affectionate.  It seemed as if the handSara, dropping needle and thimble.    some young Lieutenant regarded all the




266                    GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
tenderness the old lady lavished upon'  "Certainly, Baron Canitz lives here,
him as something to which he was en- but he does not receive visits at night."
titled. He never told her of what con-   The lady made a motion as if she incerned him, and very seldom thought of tended to pass by the rude scamp, but
her, except when she was present.    he placed himself in the doorway with
At this moment, when so many bitter his arms akimbo, saying,feelings stirred his soul, he experienced   "My master has retired. You will
an irresistible need of a sympathizing have to come again to-morrow afternoon
heart to whom he could pour out his suf- at five o'clock."
ferings and his indignation, one that he   "I must speak with the Baron now,
knew would spare him all reproaches and immediately," said the lady decidedly.
disapproval. We will not however listen   "It is too bad, but it cannot be done."
to his complaints and lamentations, but   Steps were heard on the stairs, and a
content ourselves with learning the re- young man, clad in the uniform of the
suits.                               navy, was seen.
"Do you wish to see Baron Canitz "
said he politely to the lady, whose featThe tower watchmen in Stockholm's ures showed that shehad long ago passed
churches sounded  the  hour of ten the age in which any dubious significance
through their trumpets, the night patrol could be attached to her visit.
had begun their sleepy rounds, when the   " Yes, sir; I have something important
door of Professor Aberney's house opened to communicate to him which does not
and a little female figure stepped out admit of delay."
into the street, taking her way in the   "In that case, walk in. The Baron is
beautiful spring evening over New Bridge alone and has not retired, for I left him
to a solitary house situated somewhere just now. The door at the head of the
back -of HumlegArden. She gave three stairs."
knocks at the door. After a few minutes'  The servant stepped aside when he
delay a window was opened and a wo- saw the officer. As the lady was about
man's voice inquired,-               to ascend the stairs, he said,
"Who is there?"                     "Perhaps I shall inform  the Bar" Sara," was the answer. The window on   "
was closed and the next moment Sara   "It is not needed," replied the officer.
entered the house. She only remained The lady entered the room, and the man
there half an hour, and then returned resumed the  interesting  conversation
home. Soon a tall woman came out with his sweetheart.
from  the lonely house. She took the
same way as Sara, but only as far as
Holmen, where she stopped before the
entrance of a dwelling. A man-servant  In a little cabinet adjoining the saloon
stood there engaged in declaring his ten- Lothard sat writing. The door of the
der feelings to a little bright-eyed maid, outer room opened; he did not notice it.
who now, since the family had gone to Light steps were heard; they approached
rest, had some leisure moments to devote the cabinet, but even this did not attract
to the affairs of the heart.         his attention. The tall woman stood on
"Does Baron Canitz live here? " the threshold. She remained motionless,
inquired the lady. The man turned with her gaze resting upon the young
round, looked at her from head to foot man's bowed head. He was pale, his
with a lubber's mien, and answered,-   breast heaved unquietly, and it was easy




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                          267
to perceive that his thoughts were not   "You wish to know how I shall act.
of a calm nature.                    He may take my -life," answered Lo"Lothard!" whispered a voice, so thard, drearily.  "I cannot offer you any
mildly and yet so seriously that it greater sacrifice than to place myself deseemed to indicate both tenderness and fenceless before an enraged enemy, at a
reproach. Lothard started and looked moment when happiness smiles upon me
up. At the sight of the lady he rose, for the first time."
murmuring with pain,-                   "It would have been better not to
"Ah! I knew that you would come."  drive him to this extreme," rejoined the
The lady advanced, reaching him both lady almost coldly.
hands as she faltered,-                 "If you know our difficulty, you must
"You know it, and why l"           also be aware of the cause of it, and
Lothard seized her hands, pressed them  then -"
reverently to his lips, and said,-      "I shall always disapprove of your be" When you appear, then I have been havior. Yet I am no longer your judge;
guilty of some wrong or inconsiderate therefore I only wish you to tell me what
act. It has not been to reward, but to has transpired, so that I may have a
punish, that you have sought me. 0 clear understanding of the occurrence."
mother! did you actually think that you   With a calm voice Lothard related all
had to warn me against my quick tem- the circumstances. His usually proud
per. Have these last six years, during features had now an almost humble exwhich I have not seen you, been insuffi- pression.  He looked directly into his
cient to prove that I place the aim  mother's eyes, as if he wished her to read
you have set before me highest of alll his soul. Her countenance became dark
Do you really feel that you must warn and sorrowful. When he finished she sat
me against myself l  His look rested silent a long while, as if overpowered by
sadly on his mother's countenance.  She her inner emotion. At last she said,
pressed his head to her heart, whisper-   "You must not accept the challenge."
ing,-                                   "Do not ask the impossible; remem"My son, I have been proud of you; ber that, if I refuse, a shadow falls upon
I thank you."                        my honor."
"But you will not gladden your son   " But this duel cannot, must not take
with your presence, except when — " place."
Again Lothard looked at his mother   "I have promised you that not a drop
with an expression  of sorrowful re- of his blood shall stain your son's conproach.                               science. I shall not raise my arm in de"Listen to me."  The lady seated fence."
herself on the sofa and drew him to her   "But you will let him take your life,
side.  "I have come to demand an ac- and draw all this guilt over your mother's
count of'you, not to show you the right head V"
way or warn you against temptation;   "Would you rather that your son
but to ask you how you intend to act should be lightly esteemed by his comwith regard to the difficulty that has rades I"
taken place to-day between you and one   "Anything else but this duel."
of your comrades l "                    "Mother, I will make whatever sacri"Ah! you know then?"            fice you require, but not this. I must
"That an unpleasant scene has oc- let him take revenge upon me for the
curred in which you and Aberney took insult he has suffered."
the chief parts."                       "But I, I tell you that you and he




268-                    GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
must not meet as enemies. It must, it   "The question is not what I am, but
shall not be."                        whether you ought to try to assist your
The mother leaned towards Lothard son in-"
and whispered a few words in his ear.   "In making another unhappy," comTheir effect upon the young man was in- pleted the Professor.  "No, Countess,
stantaneous. He gazed at her'a moment, that I can never do."
seized her hands hastily, and murmured    "But, Professor, Frida once gave your
in a smothered voice, -               son the promise of her hand, and you,
" Only this was wanting!"          being her relative, are certainly the right
He rose, took a few turns in the room, one to exhort her to keep her word.
then seated himself again at her side, How is it possible for her to find any
saying, -                             happiness, when she destroys that of
"Now, mother, it is time that you her childhood's friend?"
told me' all, and then — then -"        "A promise given at the suggestion
The mother began a long story, to of others cannot be binding, especially
which Lothard listened with intense in- when the heart raises its voice against it.
terest.  It was a sad page torn from life's I will not think so ill of my son as that
great book. We will let night cover it, he could exact this promise, since Skuldand go instead to greet the morning.    frid has told him  that she loved another."
"And this other, do you consider him
worthy of becoming happy at your son's
The Professor was just taking his cof- expense? "
fee, when Sara handed him an elegant   "Yes, Countess, and so do you."
billet. A  servant was waiting for an   "What do you mean?"
answer. Aberney glanced through the   "That you as well as I have a high
few lines and said, -                 opinion of Baron Canitz."
"Tell the messenger that I shall   "I have none at: all, either good or
come."                                bad, about him; he is to me an indifferIn an hour or two we find the Pro- ent person; For your son I really interfessor in Countess Nathalie's boudoir, en- est myself, and regret that you do it so
gaged in a lively conversation with the little."
charming woman.                         "Countess, I cannot conceive that his
"Countess, I have listened attentively happiness consists in making two perto your words, although I truly do not sons miserable besides himself. Let us
understand what you wish me to do in therefore waste no further words upon
the matter.  I can only regret deeply the matter.  Tage's duty comnmands him
that Tage has so little strength and self- to do all in his power for the promotion
respect as to run about like a'peevish of the, happiness of these two who love
woman initiating others into his private each other."
sorrows."'                              "What you now ask is unreasonable."
"Others, did you say, Herr Professor?   "'Why more unreasonable than the
Do you then forget that I am your son's interest you show for my son?  I befriend."                             lieve, Countess, that' if you loved Canitz,
" If you are his friend, then you are a and knew that his felicity was comprised
very dangerous one," replied the' Pro- in Skuldfrid, that your dearest wish
fessor,. smiling; "and it would not sur- would be to favor their union."
prise me in the lpast if he consoled him-   "Do you think so  "
self over his disappointment."          "Yes, if you did not do all in your




GUILT AND: INNOCENCE.                          269
power to work against it. In the first everything to fulfil the demands of honor,
instance you would act like a good and and like me sacrificed every personal innoble woman, in the latter —"  The terest to win respect for the name he
Professor rose and added: "It cannot bears, to see the precipitancy of a moenter my mind to finish the sentence. ment frustrate these efforts. I shall thus
Adieu, Countess, and allow me to give add another stain to the name already so
you some advice; we ought never to sullied."
mingle in the affairs of others by trying   Steps were heard in the saloon. Loto  influence their action or destiny. thard started.  The blood burned like
What our selfishness covets by this fire in his veins, and yet an heroic coolness
means, we do not obtain. The stream  was just now required.
oft events often goes in direct opposition   Two of the officers of the fleet came in
to our calculations and desires."     to Lothard, who rose and greeted them
The Professor took leave of the Coun- with a silent pressure of the hand.  Betess and returned home.               fore they had time to utter a word he
said,"You have come to arrange the preliminaries for the duel between Aberney
While the Countess and the Professor and myself. I must, however, beg you
were conversing, Lothard sat, pale and to ask him  to consent to a reconciliagloomy, gazing before him.  The noctur- tion."
nal guest had disappeared, leaving only   " Aberney has requested us to say that
sorrow and grief in his soul. The en- he refuses every peaceable settlement of
trance of a servant with coffee brought the affair. He accepts no other satisfachim back to the world in which he lived. tion than that which weapons can renHe seated himself at a table to write a der."
few lines. When he had sealed the note,   "Then he demands what I cannot
he ordered the servant to take it to give," answered Lothard, coldly and deMadame Dorbino.  This accomplished, cidedly.  "I will not fight."
Lothard again threw himself on the sofa,   "Canitz, what do you say!" exclaimed
as if all else that could happen to him  the two comrades, looking at him in a
was indifferent. His expression resem- manner that expressed surprise and disbled that of a person who was prepared approval.  "If you refuse to meet him,
to let fate take its course. He looked you must give the reason for it."
at his watch and muttered,-             "I have none to give, except that I
"In an hour's time they will be here have decided not to fight."
to arrange the conditions; within an   "That is not an acceptable reason."
hour I shall stand in a doubtful light be-   "It is the only one I have."
fore my comrades.  0 mother, mother,  In spite of all that they now said, all
it will be a hard moment! I shall be their urging and entreaty, all the repreforced to leave the Swedish Navy, and as sentations that he had no right to refuse
a miserable adventurer again seek foreign Tage satisfaction for the insult he had
lands; for no one will wish to serve with suffered, Lothard remained unchanged.
a man who first publicly insulted a -com- The gentlemen took their departure, after
rade and then refused to give him satis- declaring openly that they considered
faction."                             Lothard's conduct such as to excite- the:
A- deep and agonized sigh escaped disapproval of all his comrades.
him.
"'It is terrible, when one has- done




270                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
We will make a visit to Skuldfrid Lothard in vain, and to-morrow —his
simultaneously with these events.  She honor is so stained that he neither can
had that morning risen unusually early nor ought to appear before the eyes of
and dressed herself with especial care. the woman who sacrifices for him  her
Was it not to-day that he would come I artistic fame and at whose feet he had
Skuldfrid smiled quite happy at her fair wished to die. A curse rests upon
reflection; she was glad that she was                         "LOTHARD."
beautiful, and became all the more
charming through her joy. Her whole   Towards dinner-time Nathalie entered
soul was filled with hope. Skuldfrid, Skuldfrid's room  unannounced.   The
unlike all others who are in love, had no charming Countess looked sad.
anxious fear that Lothard's heart had   "I came!" she exclaimed, "to inform
changed. From the moment he had ex- you of an extremely unfortunate occurplained his absence from the meeting in rence which took place last evening, and
Naples, in consequence of the letter not upon which occasion Canitz did not disreaching him in time, all her faith in the play an especially commendable chardepth and constancy of his love had re- acter.
turned.  He loved, her own heart told   "Then the occurrence has been considher that; he loved, of this she was so erably misrepresented," said Skuldfrid,
firmly convinced that neither Lothard's who felt annoyed by the Countess's visit.
cold tone, his bitter words, or anything   "0 no, not in the least; I have it
was able to affect this conviction.  She from the unhappy, object of his rudeness,
was therefore perfectly sure that he your relative, Lieutenant Aberney."
would obey her call and come. She was   " Has Canitz forgotten himself towards
so glad at the thought that everything Tage i"
would now become clear between them.   "He has; and that before an assemShe should beg his forgiveness for the blage of thirty or forty persons."
past and all the pain she had once oc-   "That is inconsistent with  Baron
casioned; he would pardon and love her Canitz's character," declared Skuldfrid
as before; her whole life would she give with spirit.
him, happy to be allowed to sacrifice her-   "However inconsistent it may be, it
self for the one she loved above all else.  has nevertheless occurred.  The naval
Time, which has wings when we are officers gave a party last evening to some
happy, seems slow as a tortoise when foreigners; the conversation fell upon a
we are waiting for some one with impa- lady, about whom Canitz expressed himtience. Skuldfrid commanded her un- self quite differently from Aberney. When
quiet heart to be still: she exerted all the latter wished to maintain his asserher power to be calm, but she could not tion, Canitz gave him a blow in the face.
succeed.   She listened- with burning Those present insisted upon Canitz's imcheeks to the least sound. Suddenly mediate withdrawal from  the company.
the door-bell rang;- it is he. Steps were This morning  Aberney  sent him  a
heard in the saloon, the curtains at the challenge, which he declined to accept,
door were pushed aside, and- Anaise without giving any reason for his refusal.
entered with a letter which she gave to The consequence of this highly ungenSkuldfrid.  The hand trembled which tlemanly conduct will be that the officers
received and opened it; there stood these of the fleet will not serve with a man
lines:'-                              who so little understands the requirements of honor. Baron Canitz will be'To-day also shall Skuldfrid expect compelled to resign. This very evening




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           271
we shall read the scandalous story in all church bells were ringing.  It was seven
the papers."                          o'clock. Holmen lay smiling in its green
"Has Tage told you all this l " asked attire upon the blue waters.  The peoSkuldfrid.  She was pale and carried her ple, those children of unrest, had finished
head high.                            their occupations for the day, and one
"He has."                           boat-load after another was seen on its
"I regret with all my heart that Tage way to Djurgarden.  A  close carriage
has such a poor idea of what his honor drove quite cautiously over the bridge
demands, that he makes himself the and thence to the house where Lothard
promulgator of things that pass between resided.  There it stopped and two ladies
comrades."                            alighted, one of whom was closely veiled.
"Canitz has no longer any comrades They went directly to the young Lieuin the Swedish Navy," rejoined Nathalie, tenant's apartments. The one who was
proudly.                              ulweiled went first and opened the door
"Then the Swedish Navy has sus- of the little outer room, in which a sertained a loss."  Skuldfrid looked at the vant sat asleep.
clock, adding: "You will excuse me,   "Is the Baron at home?" asked she
my dear Nathalie, but I must dress to in scarcely intelligible Swedish.
go out."                                 "Yes," was the answer.
Nathalie prepared to leave her.       "Is he alone?"
"Do you know, Frida," said she, "I   "All alone. Who shall I announce."
am  surprised that you have so little   "You need only announce a lady,"
sympathy and heart for one who has answered the veiled woman, and laid a
been your friend since childhood, that bill in his hand, adding, "Go before, I
you do him injustice for the sake of a will follow you."
stranger."                              The servant obeyed an order which
"Tage is at this moment more of a was accompanied by such an affecting
stranger to my heart than Canitz. Be- proof of liberality.  The lady whispered
sides, Nathalie, I know that if the latter something to her attendant, and then dishas forgotten himself, it has occurred appeared through the door of the saloon.
because the former has been guilty of On reaching the cabinet the servant ansome very blamable action."  Skuldfrid nounced, —
gave the Countess her hand in adieu,'A lady wishes to see the Baron."
and after a few brief words between   "Let her come in," was Lothard's rethem, Nathalie hurried down to her own ply.
room, to consider how to throw some   The servant drew  aside with the
obstacle in the way of a nearer approach words,between Skuldfrid and Lothard.  The   "Please walk in, the Baron is there."
Countess held the theory that he who He closed the door after her. Lothard
gains time gains all.                 turned toward the person entering, who
Skuldfrid went immediately to Aber- at the same instant raised her veil. He
ney. After an hour's conversation they started up, exclaiming,both left his abode.  Skuldfrid returned    "Skuldfrid!"
home and the Professor went to Lieu-   For the second time Skuldfrid entered!
tenant Steen, to learn from him as an Lothard's abode. Between. her first visit;
impartial witness the true state of the and this lay an interval of six years.
case.                                 Before she came to see all her beautiful,
This day also had an end. The even- dreams destroyed, and herself, an ignoing descended serene and still.  The' rant and inexperienced child, thrown into




272                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
a whirlpool of events, of which she could lines in reply to the letter I wrote
form no clear or definite conception. her." Sara handed the lady a letter,
Now - now - she came with a heart which she opened with  emotion and
full of hope and trust, firmly resolved to read  -
share with him the darkest destiny, joyous and happy if she could only remain   "DEAR AUNT SARA:- It is not worth
at his side. Then she rejected him; now while to take it so hard if two young
she went to give him her heart.  Would men happen to fall into difficulty, even if
he accept it?                         I am the bone of contention. I can assure you that no duel will take place.
This is all that I can promise; for to sacrifice myself quite romantically by givWe will conduct the reader to the sol- ing Tage my hand, according to your
itary house back of HumlegArden, the desire, I neither can nor will. Here are
same evening Skuldfrid went to Holmen. my reasons. When I gave Tage my
In a simply furnished room we find the promise six years ago, it was because my
lady whom Lothard called mother. She mother bade me do it. I did not then
sits leaning back on a sofa, with her face know my own feelings.  Now, Aunt,.
-hidden in her hands.  She is weeping. do not love Tage, and shall never com-'Aunt Sara is seated beside her.      mit the godless act of marrying without
i' I do not understand your distress," love. Besides, you must forgive me if I
said: Sara.  "Everything has gone hap- consider it pitiful in a man not to be able
pily and well, better than I dared to to bear the loss of the woman he thinks
hope."                                he loves, without complaining over' it like
" O, do anrot speak so," faltered the a child and making others the advocates
lady.  "I know  how  unjustly I have for that in which he has himself failed.;;acted."                              Come what may, Tage will never be the
"Unjustly," irepeated  Sara, looking one to whom I join my fate, this is my
quite astonishe.                      unalterable decision.
"Yes!" -The ladyt now raised her   "Now, Aunt Sara, not a word more
head and, looked at Saa.  "Let us not about the matter. I pity Tage less bespeak of:this, but of him. Skuldfrid cause he loves me than for his weak and
* could then make his happiness! The unmanly course. I have heard of the,loss of her would ruin-ihis,character."    scene between him and Baron Canitz.
"That is my convietion. Ever since The latter displayed then, as always, his
-she refused him her hand, he has been gentlemanly character.  God bless him
-;wild. He has said that he shall become for it, is the wish of
~a wretch, that he has nothing to live             "Your affectionate
for."  Sara put her handkerchief to her                   "SKULDFRID."
eyes, while she continued in a trembling
voice: " The poor boy will certainly de-   The lady folded the letter slowly and
stroy himself. Ah, his heart is so warm, gave it back to Sara, saying, -
and generous, and he has loved Skuldfrid   "Skuldfrid is forever lost to Tage."
so faithfully and sincerely, that she has   "But if that troublesome fellow Canow made him perfectly miserable."    nitz could be persuaded - "
"Does Skuldfrid know how much suf-   "Not to love her," fell in the lady
fering this refusal of her hand has occa- with a sad smile. "No person has such
sioned him V'".                 power over him as that. Everything can
"Alas, yes; and yet she sent me these this man sacrifice, except his love for




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                         273
Skuldfrid; what power has she not over besides, when a man loves, he forgets
the heart that once belonged to her!"   everything."
Aunt Sara was about to reply, when   "That is undoubtedly true; but there
at the same moment an old domestic are certain family relations which might
came in, saying in broken Swedish,-    influence him  considerably, should he
"A gentleman wishes to see you."    learn whose daughter Madame Dorbino
" You know that I do not receive any is."
calls."                                "Why have you not told him this."
"But he said that if I did not an- asked Nathalie.
nounce him or let him come in, he would' "Because it has not been a part of
force his way."                      my private plan."
" Those were my words," said a clear   "You must explain to us in what revoice behind the woman. The lady and spect the knowledge that Harmen AberSara looked up. The latter exclaimed ney was Skuldfrid's mother could affect
frightened,-                         Lothard," said Tage, leaning his head on
"Victor!"                        his hand.
The lady became deadly pale and   "General Canitz's brother, the "secreunable to move. She merely indicated tary of legation," married Edith Hederto the servant by a gesture that she man, Harmen's sister. This marriage,
should leave them.                   which in the beginning was a secret, excited a terrible consternation when it
became known, for the secretary was betrothed to a rich and high-born Russian
At Nathalie's charming country place lady.  The' result was banishment to
three persons had met. They were not Siberia for him and his young wife, the
enjoying the beautiful afternoon, but work of the General, who became by this
were shut up in the saloon, the blinds of means the sole owner of Kronobro. This
which were closed, so that only a pale occurred in Baron Lothard's early childgreenish light was shed over the elegant hood. One day during the young man's
room.                                stay at one of the German universities
"This is then Madame Dorbino's family he received a letter, which a travelling
history," said Countess Nathalie, who was Englishman gave him. This was from
one of the three.  "It is a dark one; his uncle, and had been intrusted by him
but alas! there is nothing in it that can to the Englishmen, who was then jourthrow  a shadow upon Skuldfrid. She neying through Siberia. The "secretary
stands pure and chaste, as innocence it- of legation" lay at the point of death.
self upon the grave of her guilty mother." The stranger promised him that somehow
"True; but Baron Canitz does not the letter should be put in the hands of
know that his loved one is the daughter General Canitz's son. In St. Petersburg
of a poisoner," rejoined Dr. Wagner, who the Englishman learned that the young
was also of the party. "What influence Baron was at the University of    berg,
this knowledge will have upon his proud and he went there to fulfil his promise to
mind is uncertain."                 the dying man. The letter contained a
"But, good God, that is not likely to short account of the cause of his exile,
change his feelings," exclaimed Tage, who as well as a fervent prayer that Baron
was the third.  "" He, with his arrogant Lothard would have the sentence remitcharabter, will consider his own name ted for his wife, who by the time this
sufficient to efface every shadow which reached him would in all probability  be a
might possibly cling to Skuldfrid's. And widow.




274.                    GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
Baron Lothard wrote immediately to manner towards her on the one hand,
the General and sent him the letter from  and his spirited defence of her honor
his dying uncle, adding, that if his father on the other.  He can thus fall from his
did not, without delay, procure the widow role."
of the departed leave to return from Si-   "The latter circumstance proves that
beria, he would never return to Russia, he loves her!" exclaimed Tage.  "His
but would send a bullet through his own refusal to fight proves- that he will not
head. The General, who for many rea- expose her honor through a duel."
sons was extremely anxious about his   "Not at all," replied the Doctor, " but
son's life, especially as he held the prop- only and solely that he does not wish to
erty his wife left by the law of primo- break his once-given word not to fight
geniture, losing it in the event of the with you, or that he does not consider
son's death, sent by return mail the you worthy of such an honor."
promise of his sister-in-law's liberation.   "No, Doctor, you are now in error,"
But in exchange he exacted the pledge said the Countess.  "There is some sefrom his son that he should never under cret, some powerful reason, that has
any circumstances form  any connection prompted him to act thus."
with those belonging to her family. Lo-   "Possible."  The Doctor took his hat
thard gave him his word.  I still have and prepared to go.
the letter in which this promise is given."   The Countess followed him out into
"Well," inquired Tage, "did Edith the next room.
leave Siberia! "                         "Doctor," said Nathalie, laying her
"Yes, she was sent over the Russian hand on his arm, "I must have that
limits with the order to choose whatever woman out of the way, cost what it will.
country she pleased for her residence, ex- Ah, you do not know how deeply I now
cept those included within the Russian detest her! "
Empire.  The next year she died in   "And love him," added the Doctor.
France."                -" Hush, and listen to me; you must
"Had she no children!" asked Tage. help me to get her away, but so that it
"No, not that I know of," was the looks as if she had gone off with that
Doctor's answer.                      simpleton in there."
A pause ensued. The Countess broke   The Doctor looked at her a moment,
it, -                                 as if Nathalie had given him an idea;
"So you believe that a promise, given then he answered, smiling,to one long since deceased, will be so sa-   "When Satan desires that some really
cred to Baron Canitz as to deter him from  infernal idea shall arise, he allows it to
an alliance which his heart desires'"  proceed from  a woman's brain. You,
"I believe nothing, Countess; but I Countess, have given me the thread of
try everything when I wish to attain an something which can bring us speedily
object. Baron Canitz has for the last few to our aim. Adieu, I will now leave
years made it his task to hold to his you, and when my plan is ready I will
word like a veritable Spartan, even when communicate it to you."
it has- cost him his dearest wishes."   The Doctor departed, and Nathalie re"Good! We will see what we can turned to Tage.
do," said the Countess, rising.  "You   The next morning, just- as Tage had
have, my dear Doctor, pictured to me left his bed, the Professor came in to
the Baron's love for Madame Dorbino in him. Aberney's brow was dark and his
such vivid colors, that I do not know look severe.
what to think of his cold and strange   "What has occurred between you and




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                          275
Canitz?" inquired he,'looking at his   "I!"  ejaculated Tage with flashing
nephew.                               eyes, "shall I give him satisfaction,"A  difficulty which ended with an him, who struck me so insultingly?"
affront from his side," answered Tage,   "Yes, you shall."
and looked at his adopted father quite   "Never. There is no human power
fearlessly.                          that can force me to this. I am  the
"What was the difficulty about?" offended party, and he may either fight
Aberney's eyebrows contracted.        with me or "
"About a woman."                     "Resign. Foolish boy! Do you then
"What woman?  I wish to know her not see how  contemptibly you have
name."                                acted. "
"Father! I did not think that I   " Contemptibly, and in what respect?
needed to be taken to task for my ac- I have said that I am not related to
tions at my age," said Tage defiantly. Skuldfrid, and I have spoken the truth.
" I am no longer a boy."              In order to know with whom I am relat" But you behave like a scapegrace."  ed, I must first know whose child I am
"Papa!" exclaimed Tage, and started myself."
to his feet.                            "So I believed when I adopted you as
"Silence, and listen well to what I my son, giving you my name and all the
have to say to you. The lady's name rights a child could claim of a father,
that you will not mention I know." that my niece should be regarded by you.
The Professor crossed his arms and con- as your cousin; but we will leave this.
tinned in a severe tone: "What is the You shall within an hour know  whose
man called who hears a woman's honor child you are. Dress yourself."
assailed and does not raise his voice in   The Professor left the room.
her defence?  He is called a man with-   Tage hurried to complete his toilet.
out any idea of chivalry; how is he des- A peculiarly uneasy feeling tormented
ignated who at such a moment denies him. He repeated the Professor's words,
his acquaintance and relationship with "Within an hour you shall know whose
the same woman who a short time before child you are."
he declared that he loved, but is the   Tage had troubled himself so little
first to abandon when she is slandered? with the question, Whose child am I 
He is termed one without honor, worthy that it seemed to him quite strange that
of receiving a blow in the face fiom  he now thought of it. Until the day
every'honest man, without the -Tight of when Aunt Sara allowed him to come to
demanding satisfaction  for it."  The Junta, he had grown up in a respectable
Professor laid his hand on his foster- family in Helsingfors; his maintenance
son's shoulder, adding with emphasis: was paid for and he received all possible
"Such a one are you."                care. During this time an elderly lady,
Tage'grew deadly pale and in an instant whom he upon his'arrival at Junta recogstood erect before Aberney.           nized as Aunt Sara, had occasionally visit"Open not your mouth iii defence or ed him. He had never known her name,
for the utterance of any proud words; only that she was a relative of his dewith me they avail nothing; you cannot ceased parents.  He had been told that
very well fight a duel with the one who his father and mother died when he was
has occupied a father's place towards you. quite young.  When' he at fourteen
Dress yourself quickly, within an hour years of age was adopted by Professor
Canitz shall have the satisfaction you owe Aberney, he took for granted, that his
him."                                 parents were related to the Professor.,




276                    GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
He had made some inquiries, but had of you will undoubtedly admit that my
then received from Aberney the express foster-son made himself deserving of the
injunction not to try to find out anything blow that he received, when I apprise
pertaining to this subject, but to be con- you that Madame Dorbino is my niece
tented with his present position. I-His and cousin to Tage Aberney. His denial
fancy for Skuldfrid and the various of relationship with her was thus an
interests connected with it caused him  extremely ignoble action, not to use a
to reflect very little upon his origin; es- stronger expression. However painful it
pecially as he supposed when he grew is, I must confess that Baron Canitz's
older that he had some weakness of rebuke was perfectly justifiable, and that
Aberney's to thank for his life. Now I in his place would have acted in the
came the Professor's words and quite same way. That the Baron refused to
suddenly awakened his thoughts on this fight with a man who had conducted
entirely forgotten subject.  When he himself in so ungentlemanly a manner I
said that he did not know whose child consider perfectly right, even if there
he was, he hoped to throw Aberney into were no other reason for this refusal."
embarrassment.                         "Baron Canitz has not given this as
As soon as Tage was ready he went a reason," observed one of those assemout in the saloon, but was surprised to bled.  "The Baron has only replied,
find Aberney's room full of people, as if that he would not fight. We do not
it had been a large party. He became consider such conduct towards a comrade
yet more astonished when he recognized whom he affronted before so many, in
in these guests all the comrades who had accordance with the requirements of
been present at the scene in BIa Porten. honor. If the Baron will make an apolHe greeted them with a mien, as if he ogy to Aberney before us, and he accepts
would have asked, Why are you here'   it, then we have nothing further to say;
They responded to his greeting with otherwise, Herr Professor, you perceive
an equally inquiring look.           that we must remain on the side of the
At the farther end of the saloon stood injured party, and declare that Baron
Lothard, conversing with one of the Eng- Canitz cannot be his or our comrade."
lishmen, who were also present. Profes-   "The gentlemen have singular ideas
sor Aberney stood in the middle of the of honor," rejoined Aberney, with a cerroom, with Lieutenant Steen.  When tain sharpness in his voice; "yet we
Aberney saw  Tage he looked at his will not contend about different opinions,
watch and said in a sonorous voice,-  but proceed to the explanation."
" I have taken the liberty, gentlemen, of   "Herr Professor," fell in Lothard,
asking you to be present here on account "you are more than magnanimous in
of the difficulty which took place between wishing to defend me, for I neither can
Baron Canitz and myfoster-son."  Aber- nor will justify myself; I do not even
ney laid strong emphasis upon this word. desire it. I will leave the Swedish Navy
"I am sorry to see from last evening's and go to England, in the hope that
paper that the public have been informed Lieutenant Aberney will then without
of it, and that this affair has been at- rancor or ill-will think of him who at
tended with very unpleasant, consequences this moment regrets the enmity existing
to Baron Canitz. I have therefore de- between us. Lieutenant Aberney's right
sired to right the injustice that has been as the injured party was to obtain satiscommitted, and render an explanation of faction from me; I have refused to give
the Baron's refusal to fight, which his it, and I leave the service."
delicacy did not permit him to do. Most  "Because you will not fight a duel




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                          277
with your — brother," interrupted the Pro- I felt unspeakably miserable.  On the
fessor. " My adopted son, Tage Aberney, third day my mother returned from her
is Baron Canitz's younger brother; this, journey to Abo.
my friends, is a family secret, which   "When she entered my room and my
only the Baron and I knew."           eyes fell on her haggard and sombre feat"His brother!" they murmured.      ures, I almost uttered a cry of passion"I his brother!"  exclaimed Tage ate grief, so terribly painful was the imstarting forward. "No, it cannot be so!" pression from  seeing her again, after I' If it were not so, then Victor Aber- knew  the horrible secret of the past.
ney would not have said that it was, When she pressed her lips to my brow, I
before all here assembled; and now, gen- closed my eyes, so that my glance should
tlemen, you have the solution of the not betray the torture which lacerated
enigma. If honor still demands that my heart.
Lothard Canitz shall run a sword through   "This was certainly one of the most bityour comrade, or send a bullet through ter and painfill moments of my life. I,
his head, or in the happiest case allow who from my tenderest childhood had
himself to be treated in this manner, looked up to my mother with a feeling of
then I have nothing further to add."    reverence, as to a higher and more perLothiard  stood leaning against the feet being, now knew that this mother
wall. He was pale. Some moments had committed a deliberate crime. It
after this his comrades arid the strangers was as if despair had seized my soul. I
surrounded him  to press his hand in was awake all that night, thinking upon
token of respect. When some courteous the future and lamenting that I could
words had been uttered to the Professor, not purify her guilty conscience. The
they prepared to leave.               dangers which threatened my mother,
Lothard  then advanced  into their in case the one who had divulged her,midst, saying to them, -             secret to me uttered it to any other,
"As comrades we are separated. My stood vividly before my imagination.
decision to leave the Swedish service is Ah! at this time I distrusted my dearest
firmer than ever; that I am allowed to friend," added Skuldfrid, looking at Lodo it with the maintenance of your re- thard with a glance.  "The stupor of
spect is very grateful to me, and there- soul, into which the first blow plunged
fore I am under obligation to Professor me, passed away, and when the morning
Aberney.  I shall always seek to be came the struggle was ended. I had
worthy of his good-will and the honor of conquered the bitterness of my heart,
having been in the Swedish service."    the chilling impression and even grief
itself. It was clear to me that I must
now act, and save my mother from all
the sad consequences of her crime.
In Skuldfrid's charming little cabinet, Aunt Sara had told me about her niece
sitting by the open windows and caressed Harmen, that she was suspected of havby the spring breezes, we find Skuldfrid ing poisoned her first husband; and that
and Lothard in the afternoon of the same after the death of the second she was a
day. Her hand' is clasped in his. In person whose name Uncle Aberney would
her mild and melodious voice she relates not hear mentioned.  His aversion to
the following,-                       her was so great that he would not even
"The first two days after I had learned allow any one to speak of the child to
that the unhappy Harmen Aberney was whom his brother's guilty wife had given
my mother, I was constantly in prayer. birth. The discovery of who Fru Slmidt




278                    GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
was would thus kill the affection he had   Skuldfrid continued, -
shown me; so I believed in my igno-   "After the Doctor had talked a long
rance of what had passed between my while about you and your plan of forcing
mother and him.  My resolution was me, through the debt in which my mothtaken; we must go away, far, far from er stood to Kronobro, to comply with
this spot so dear to me. How this could your wishes, he passed over to giving me
be done was something that I did not friendly advice. This was that I should
very well know. Neither my mother leave Finland and with my voice create
nor Annika should suspect that I knew the pecuniary independence which it asthe past.                            sured me. He offered to give me a letter
"With perfect strength and energy I of introduction to a distinguished musigreeted the morning; I had cast away cian in France, Monsieur X-; then
all weak sorrow over what could not be he arranged the plan for my journey, the
altered, for with all my tears I was means I should have for it, and took upon
utterly unable to efface the dark stains himself to dispose of our effects to the
upon my mother's life. It was not I, greatest advantage and thus procure the
her daughter, who should condemn her. money speedily to take us to Paris. I
No, my duty commands me to assist her, believed the tempting description of the
in the remorse and sorrow that consumed treasure I possessed in my voice, and I
her soul.                           thanked him. He had without knowing
" When Annika came up to my room, it given me a prospect of carrying out
she was surprised to find me recovered the resolution I had already taken. Now
from  my indisposition.  I desired to it only remained to obtain my mother's
know if my mother could pay-the rent. consent. I told the Doctor that I did
Annika then told me that the business not know how this was to be done. He
man with whom the remainder of my then replied, that if I would allow him
mother's little capital was invested had he would speak to my mother, and promrun away for.debt and thus reduced us ised on his'honor to secure her per —
to actual poverty. My mother had now mission. He kept his word; aftetiran
obtained money for the rent, however, by hour's conversation with my mother he
selling her jewelry.                 sought me again to tell me that she was
"While Annika was telling me all perfectly satisfied to leave Finland, ad4
this, Dr. Wagner arrived. He seemed that she left it entirely with me to degreatly surprised to find me well, and cide upon our course. After this consaid, after he had convinced himself that versation with Wagner, my poor mother
my pulse was calm, that he wished to appeared more shy, gloomy, and anxious
speak a few words with me in private. than before.
Annika left us, and Dr. Wagner now    " Eight days later we had left Finland;
told me that he had long intended to I with my soul filled with a thousand
warn me against Baron Canitz."  Skuld- agonizing feelings, miserable in the very
frid leaned her head against Lothatrd's depths of my heart, but prepared to work
shoulder and added in a caressing voice: in my turn for my mother and her faith"I was very, very wicked those times; I ful companion, Annika.
believed all the ill they said of my Lo-   "Ah! when I turned my back upon
thard."                              Ektorp, without a word from you telling
"And that just when he would have mne that you regretted the pain you had
sacrificed his life to spare you a suffer- occasioned me, it seemed to me that a
ing.",Lothard bent down to her and string had snapped within me, and I felt
sealed his words with a kiss.       then that my soul's warmest feelings re



GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                          279
mained with you, in spite of all that some of the smaller theatres; but this
gave me reason to consider you a heart- also failed. All our money was gone,
less egotist, who employed any means to we owed for a whole week's board, and
attain his desires. I thought then that my mother's aberration increased every
if you had only with a single line ex- day. Perfectly desperate, because our
pressed some sympathy, or assured me landlady had declared that if she was
that the mournful secret was buried not paid we should have to move, I
within you, I should have felt happy; took the resolution to accept the propobut no, not a word."                  s al that had been offered me to sing at a
"0O, that Wagner! " exclaimed Lo- restaurant. It was in the evening. I had
thard with bitterness; "what a fearful just told our landlady of my desperate
amount of evil has he not caused. I shall decision, and then returned to our little
never forgive him that-"              room. Overcome with grief, I began to
"That we are so happy," whispered sing, in order to deaden the anguish
Skuldfrid, smiling.  " Felicity ought to within me and silence my mother's insane
make us good and lenient; it cannot talk; for as soon as I sang she became
associate with bitterness."  Skuldfrid still and listened. The longing for home
looked up in her lover's dark  eyes had seized my mind, sorrowanddespondwith an expression so beautiful, that it ency filled my soul. My heart yearned
called forth pure sunshine in his glance. for you, and I sang, sang as if it had
After a moment she continued her ac- been my'Swaln Song.'
count.                                  "While I was thus giving vent to my
"One month after this we were in overcharged feelings, the door opened,
Paris, and a few weeks later my mother and a man with silver-white hair entered
had;. become - deranged."   Skuldfrid with hasty steps.  I ceased my song, my
leaned her head against Lothard's shoul- mother screamed with alarm, and Ander; a pause ensued. He put his arm  nika sprang up from the stool on which
around her waist and drew her closer to she had been sitting.
his faithful breast. Finally he whispered   "Pardon me, if I frighten you," said
tenderly, -                           he in French-; "but in passing by I heard
" Poor angel!"                    a wonderfully beautiful voice; I inquired
Ah, Lothard, it was a terrible situa- to whom it belonged, and learned that-its
tion-: alone,- a stranger, young and un- possessor desired an engagement.  He
known, without friends and with an said that his name was Dorbino, and that
insane mother, an old, sick servant, and he was a composer of great influence at
aestitute  of means.  Ours were then ex- the, Royal Opera. He offered me his ashausted.  I felt with dismay that my sistance if I wished to make use of my
course had been imprudent in throwing voice. Often have I thought since then
myself in this way upon a strange coun- that it was Providence who sent Montry. Monsieur X, the only person sieur Dorbino to the humble hotel where
to whom I was recommended, was not in we resided, and that just at the moment
Paris. He had gone to England, where when I with a despairing heart sang my
he intended to reside for a year.  I had home songs; for from that instant my
turned to the landlady of the miserable fate was changed.  Monsieur Dorbino
hotel where we lived to obtain advice, became my teacher, my father, my supand she proposed to procure me a situa- port. He procured my poor mother a
tion in a restaurant to sing in the even- place in a private asylum for the insane,
ing. I refused this offer, and at her sug- where Annika was allowed to attend her.
gestion applied for an engagement at To me he opened his house, of which his




280                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
eldest sister had charge; she had also   "Yes, she told me. She is Lothard's
been a singer in her youth. The next mother."
year I was engaged at the Royal Opera in   " Then you know her history  "
Paris, and in the summer went to Eng-   "No, she only told me that she was
land, accompanied by Monsieur and your mother, but that this was a secret
Mademoiselle Dorbino, who both treated to the world. She also related how she
me with the greatest kindness. Mon- had arrived at Kronobro just in time to
sieur Dorbino had had a daughter of prevent you from taking Wagner's life.
very promising talent, and whose voice When I mentioned that your steward
resembled mine.  One of his dearest had threatened to drive my mother away
wishes had been that she in time should from Ektorp, she informed me that you
become a distinguished singer. Death had no knowledge of the affair. Then
snatched her from  him  at seventeen you stood perfectly pure to my soul.
years of age. In me he seemed to see When I in memory reviewed your whole
her recalled to life. When I made my course, I realized how illy I had acted
engagement at the Royal Opera, he per- towards one who loved me so deeply.
suaded me to take his name, as it would I was seized with the most burning dethen seem to him that his daughter still sire to hasten to you, to throw myself at
lived, and that my success was hers. your feet and deprecate my fault; but
On returning to Paris from London, I your mother told me that you had enfound my mother recovered from. her in- tered the English service and sailed to
sanity, but very feeble.  I had her India with a British squadron. When
brought to my home immediately, in my mother was buried, Aunt Edith went
Monsieur Dorbino's house.  The physi- away.  She promised that as soon as
cian declared that she had only a few you returned from  your voyage, she
weeks to live. Two days after her re- would apprise me of it; but she did not
moval, she asked me for pen and ink. keep her word.  Annika died a short
She wrote a long letter, which Annika time after my mother..
was charged to post. Two weeks after   "One year after the death of my
this, when my mother was so enfeebled mother, Monsieur Dorbino yielded to a
that we expected every moment to be severe lung complaint which had for ten
~her.::ast, I was informed that a lady years been consuming his life.  His
wished to-see Madame Smidt."          sister and I watched over him six weeks.
"It is she!" exclaimed my mother, We were united on his death-bed, so
sitting up in her bed. Soon she was that I should have the right to bear a
clasped in the arms of a tall woman. I name which he considered me to do
left them alone; a presentiment told me honor to. He divided his property bethat the stranger was my mother's sister tween me and his sister, but demanded
Edith.                                as a condition, that I should still remain
When night came to succeed the day, a few years at the Royal Opera in Paris,
Harmen Aberney had ceased to live. As and that I should never make an ena comforting angel, Edith Aberney sat at gagement at any other theatre, except
her daughter's side. My mother had during vacation, when I might appear in
been allowed to step into her grave with- the other opera houses in Europe, in
out suspecting that I knew  of her order to make Madame Dorbino's name
crime."                               as celebrated as it deserved. I gave this
"Do  you  know, Skuldfrid, whose promise; it was the least I could do for
mother this Edith is " asked Lothard, one who had been my own and my
seizing her hands hastily.            mother's benefactor.




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                          281
"The next year Monsieur Dorbino's As I was looking over some papers that
niece, Countess Renstein, arrived  in my husband left, I found a letter among
Paris. It was ~then- that I made her them. These words were written on the
acquaintance. The next summer we met margin,'Found in Hotel ", in Berlin.'
in Rome, and from there made a journey The letter is written in Russian, and I
to Naples together. I received no news desire that you, who understand this
from your mother. I had written to her language, will enlighten me as to whethaccording to the'address she gave me, er it can possibly be of any value to me."
but without obtaining any answer.     The Countess handed the letter to Lo- "During my stay in Naples I chanced thard.
to learn that you were on board the frig-   He received it without the least susate Carolina.  How I then acted you picion; but when he opened it he
know, and also that two years again changed color and turned his penetratwent by before I had courage to make ing eyes upon the Countess.
another attempt to approach you; but   "Have you really found this among
when Nathalie in all her letters spoke of the Count's papers' "
you and Uncle Aberney, it became im-   "Yes, as I told you."
possible for me to live separated from    "You do not know from whom or to
you both any longer. I came to Sweden, whom it is!" Lothard smiled.
firmly resolved to win back the heart   "No, I do not understand the Russian
which was once mine and for whose language, and therefore I have troubled
possession there was no sacrifice too you."
great."                                 "I am astonished that the choice fell
upon me. Why not Dr. Wagner, he
also reads Russian' "
In the evening, when Lothard came   "The Doctor has gone away; do you
home from  his visit to Skuldfrid, he not know it i"
received the following note -           "No, I am completely ignorant of the
If you are at leisure fact.  Admit that all this seems very
"HERR BRoN: If you are at leisure
to-morrow, then honor me with a call. I singular."  Lothard now laughed, and
desire to receive from  you some infor-looked at Nathalie with an expression,
desire to receive from  you some information which I do not wish to ask of which even upon her nature, rendered
callous by art, had the effect of driving
any other.
the blood up' to her cheeks.'With respect,
R   "Baron Canitz, I do not understand
"NATHALIE RENSTEIN."
your behavior or your words," said Nath-;: Lothard obeyed the call and presented alie, assuming a haughty attitude.
himself at Nathalie's.  He found the   "In that case, Countess, we will proyoung Countess alone.                 ceed to the reading of the letter, which
"Are you very much provoked with is to no other than myself and from
me, Baron, for making this demand upon General Canitz. I was fifteen when I
your time?" said she, with one of her received it. Do you wish to hear its
most seductive smiles and her childish contents V"
air.                                    "If the letter is to you, I cannot have
"Countess, I am never provoked with any interest in hearing what it is about."
a beautiful woman," answered Lothard,   "Perhaps you already know it?"
politely.                               "Herr Baron, I- believe you forget
"A  little circumstance has occurred what politeness demands!" exclaimed
which forced me to ask this visit of you. Nathalie.




282                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE,
"No, Countess, I do not; but 1 could' always remain so."  Lothard's brow furwish that you and I might throw aside rowed.  "But, Countess, you who be-'our masks. You have not found this stow  so much kindness and good-will
letter among your husband's papers; upon me, have probably ascertained the
you have obtained it from Dr. Wagner, reasons why the Doctor is so anxious
for what purpose I do not compre- that I should keep my word. Has he
hend."                                anything personal against Madame Dor"Well, then, I did receive it from  bino I"
Dr. Wagner," said Nathalie, who saw    "She i4 the daughter of the poisoner
that a well-feigned frankness was here Harmen Abesney. There is something
in.place.  "He gave it to me with dangerous in the inheritance which the
the request that I should deliver it to daughter of a criminal has received."
you, begging you to consider the prom-   "Indeed, but I am myself the son of'ise you once made your father."      a man who allowed his brother to lan"Why did he give you such a com- guish and die in Siberia, who allowed
missionl." asked Lothard, coldly.     Wagner's father and several other Poles:
"From  the simple reason that he to perish under the knout, and who
knows my regard for you."            transported the Doctor's mother and
"You are too kind." Lothard bowed. sisters to Siberia; in a word, a man who
"He also knows that you distrust had a cruel heart and a faithless charhim, and therefore he desired that you acter; I too have an unfortunate inhershould learn from some one else that itance."
Madame Dorbino's maiden name was   "But there is nothing in your own:not Smidt, but -"         -          character that is cruel and faithless."
"Aberney," interrupted Lothard; "I   "Is there anything of the kind in
know it."                             Madame Dorbino's l"
"Do you also know that her moth-   "Far be it from me to assert it; butt
er -"                                what she is we do not know. She is
"Was sister to Edith Aberney, who first and last an actress. Your hapwas married to the secretary of lega- piness, Baron Canitz, cannot possibly
tion, Canitz. Yes, Countess, I know it bloom at her side."
all."                                   "It cannot; no, you are right; and
"In that case, Dr. Wagner's uneasi- I shall no longer seek it there."  Loness lest your former attachment to Ma- thard smiled gladly. Nathalie did not
dame Dorbino should revive was ground- know how to interpret this smile.
less."                                  "Thanks for these words, which will
"Completely." Lothard smiled. "The most surely give joy to one who follows
good Doctor thus believed that he could your every step with a father's solicitude
save me from my heart's weakness, by and interest."  Nathalie offered him her
informing me that Madame Dorbino hand, adding in a soft voice: "Excuse
belongs to a family with which I have me if I have played my r6le poorly
promised never to enter into any con- in delivering the letter.  Dr. Wagner
nection."                             believed me to be a better actress than I
"He had the firm  conviction that am, when he asked me to give you this
Baron Canitz would never break a prom- reminder from the dead? and thus hinise, and least of all one that was given der an unhappy union.".to his. deceased father. That ought to   "But, Countess, I do not know upon
be sacred.'                           what your fears are founded. I have
"Yes,. a promise to my father should been the oudly one who has hnot rendered




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                          283
homage to the singer Madame Dorbi- had he been so handsome as at this mono."                                  ment. Nathalie's heart beat with a pecu" That is true; but the Doctor knew liar trepidation.  Hope, false hope, preyour former fancy for her, and I have sented in a second so many charming
understood sufficient to draw the con- and flattering images.
clusion that she still exercises a great   "Forgive me, Countess, for speaking
influence upon your heart."           about myself," resumed Lothard, rising;
"I can solemnly declare that Ma- "but your interest in my welfare has
dame Dorbino neither is nor ever has occasioned it.   I will therefore add:
been dangerous."         -            Madame Dorbino can never become dan-:"Baron, remember your words to me gerous to me, because I shall to-morrow
a short time since."                 -present to you my betrothed, Skuldfrid."
"Did I tell you then that I loved Lothard pressed the Countess's cold hand
her. "                               in adieu and left.
"You said that she was the woman
you admired and respected highest of
all. You- have defended her in a manner that has cost you a great deal -"   "Betrothed!" repeated Nathalie, when
"Ah! Then you know of the affair Lothard was gone, - "betrothed; he, the
at Bla Porten."  Lothard frowned.    only man for whom I have felt any other
"I have read it in the papers."    interest than that of vanity."
"All present promised silence, and   Nathalie felt her blood rising into a
yet the whole city knows of it. It pains ferment; every drop of it seemed changed
me that men can break their word. For to gall.  It was not grief, but a feeling
the rest, Countess, to respect and admire of intense indignation that she expea woman, ay, even to defend her, does rienced over Lothard's daring to attach
iot by any means prove that a man loves his hope and happiness to any. one but
her."                                her. Had she not employed all possible
" Your words at once surprise and means to captivate him. There'had
gladden me."  Nathalie looked fixedly even been moments when she believed
at Lothard.                          in her success. Yes, all this time, dur"One cannot serve two masters at the ing which Madame Dorbino had been
same time, Countess. I love the woman with her, Nathalie had flattered herself
too well, who is to recompense me for that she possessed some value for Lothe shipwreck my ambition has suffered, thard, and now, now she saw all her
and at whose side I intend to find heav- hopes disappointed.  Wounded vanity
en upon earth, to pay homage to any in a woman is fully as dangerous as
other."                               wounded self-love in a man.
"Ah! Then you love-"                A woman, who has made it the object
"Yes, I, the granite man, as you of her life to please, and to be attended by
call me, can live happy, despised and obsequious cavaliers who sigh for her
rejected by the whole world, if I may favor, excuses everything, except her
only pass my days at her feet, soothed non-success in captivating those whom
by her voice and charmed by her im- she wished to win. The same man who
age."                                has been the recipient of her most fasciNathalie's eyes were as if magically nating smiles and ravishing glances beheld to Lothard's warm  and animated comes her deadly enemy if he opposes
features, in which the strength of a deep her attempts to conquer him, and she
and powerful passion was visible. Never now spares no pains to injure the inac



284..'                   GUILT AND. INNOCENCE;
cessible person. Every one knows that   "With the greatest respect I have the
woman is an angel when she loves, but a honor of signing myself,
fury, when she hates.                      "Your most humble servant,
Nathalie, the priestess of vanity, in-               "VICTOR ABERNEY."
trigue, and coquetry, who had neither
felt friendship, love, nor aversion for any   Nathalie crumpled up the letter with
one, was now seized with. a violent desire a convulsive motion, muttering,to occasion Lothard some evil, some bit-   "I shall come; but I will bring with
ter grief or humiliation, some incurable me to your home very different maids
wound. And Skuldfrid, this presump- friom those of joy, you hypocritical pedtuous being, who had dared to place ant. It is as if he wished to rejoice at
herself between Nathalie and Lothard, my defeat.  That proud Finn will also
what could be said of her bad enough to have to be humbled by learning that
equal the resentment Nathalie felt? The people know the stains in his family hisCountess, however, was not one to sit tory."
down inactive and brood over her de-   The Doctor now presented  himself.
feats. She belonged, on the contrary, to The crafty Pole's countenance betrayed a
those wilful natures that are irritated certain degree of impatience; the first
by opposition and love to give vent to thing he said was,their feelings in a forcible manner.     "Countess, what are you thinking of,
Only a few minutes did Nathalie re- to send for me when I am supposed to
main sitting as if stunned by her disap- be away? "
pointment.  Then she sprang up and   "I could not do otherwvise.  See here,"
rang violently. A  servant obeyed the Nathalie' handed him  the  Professor's
call.                                 note.
"Take my close carriage and drive   "Ah, already!" muttered  Wagner.
immediately to Dr. Wagner's; ask him  "That is more than I calculated.  I dido
to come here."                        not think that the complications which
The servant withdrew and the Count- existed would be unravelled so soon."
ess wrote the following:-             The Doctor threw himself in an easy"' LIEUTENANT ABERNEY: i am a poor chair, entirely forgetting his usual forfriend; I have served your interests mality.
badly.  Canitz is to be betrothed to   "He will become very happy, is it not
Skuldfrid. He will thus snatch her from true?" said Nathalie.
ou.  Call on me as soon as you receive   "Enviably so," answered the Doctor;
"that woman has a heart which resembles
this.
-  "NATHALIE." 1 a precious stone. I have observed her
under the most bitter trials, and I have
Somewhat later the following note was never seen this beautiful face lose its
handed the Countess.: —               expression of trust, or this proud neck
"MY GRACIOUS COUNTESS: You who bend.  She has borne adversity with
have taken so much interest in a pauvre fortitude and courage, and taken  an
savant and bestowed your friendship upon active and energetic part in life. This
the learned man's darling, his niece, will was during the time when I was her
surely not fail to honor with your pres-. friend, and when she had confidence in
ence Skuldfrid's betrothal -to Lothard me. I wasthen a better man. She -has
Canitz on the 4th of June.  Where a wonderful power over those with whom
you appear, there are also joy and the she comes in contact.' She could make
graces as your waiting-maids.         Satan himself mild and gentle as a lamb.




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           285
There is no pain or suffering for Canitz   "But if "  The Countess looked at
so long as she remains at his side. He him.
will be very, very happy."  The Doctor   "You are very kind, Countess, to conleaned his head on his hand and mut- tinue to show me so much friendship,
tered: "Happy, he, the son of the de- that you even at the last moment try to
stroyer of my family!"  Wagner raised keep up my courage; but it is too late.
his head quickly and added: "No, should Ah, you cannot imagine how unhappy I
I -even degrade myself to the commission am  "  Tage passed his hand over his
of a crime, a Canitz must not become brow.  "If I could only extinguish the
happy."                               animosity I still entertain for him, btt it
Nathalie had remained silent, wait- is impossible."
ing for the Doctor to add something   "Action, not complaint, befits a man!
more; but as this did not occur, she We will now listen to the Doctor's remsaid5 —'                           edy for the present ill. Tell us your
"Well, Doctor, shall we sit down proposition," added the Countess, turning
quietly and behold their happiness,  a to Wagner.
happiness blooming upon the ruins of our
plans?"
"I have never yet accepted the igno-   Two days after this the Professor's
minious r6le of beholding what is disa- apartments were festively arranged for
greeable to me. No, Countess, one who the reception of guests. Aunt Sara, atwishes to reach an aim  must also, be tired in a new black silk dress and a
able to dare something for its attain- bran new  cap, tripped back and forth
ment.  Let us see if you have energy through the rooms, crying a little now
enough to follow this doctrine."      and then and sighing as deeply as if she
"You can be fully assured of it."   was preparing for a funeral.  Every time
"Good!"  The Doctor got up to close she went through the saloon she cast a
the door, but at the same instant a ser- troubled look at Tage's door and murvant entered and announced, -         imured, --
"Lieutenant Aberney!"                "My poor boy! Would to God that
The next moment Tage saluted the this terrible day was over. I never shall
Countess, stammering some words of ac- forgive Skuldfrid the wrong she has
knowledgment, etc. It could be easily done him. No, never shall I forget that
seen from his appearance that a devastat- she could prefer the other.  It is Vicing storm had passed over his soul.   tor's fault. Yes, so it is. He would not
"Well, Lieutenant Aberney, I hear listen to my warnings."  Her handkerthat you have become reconciled with chief was now drawn out, Sara wiped her
Baron Canitz," said the Doctor.       eyes and sobbed a little, but just then her
"Yes," was all Tage answered.       eyes fell on'the candles in the lustre, and
"He is to be betrothed to Skuldfrid," straightway her thoughts took another
added the -Countess.                  direction.  "Good gracious, how that
" That is also true."               Lotta has put in the candles! I declare
"And you are satisfied with it I"   it does seem as if one must be every"I cannot hinder it."               where, or things go wrong." She mount-' What would you say, Lieutenant, in ed a chair, and  standing on tiptoe,
the case I made this union impractica- grumbling at the carelessness, lack of
ble'" asked Nathalie.                independence, etc., Sara repaired the
"I should answer, that this does not neglect. Just as this was fairly accomlie within the range of possibility."  plished, the Professor came: out of his




286                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
room and took his way to Tage's. Aunt he deserved. I consider him capable of
Sara intercepted him and said in a voice any mean act whatever."
which trembled with pain and indigna-   The Professor went to the door and
tion,-  laid his hand on the knob, adding,
"Where are you going, dear Victor."   "He is the very opposite of Lothard
"In to Tage," was the calm answer.   Canitz; there is no magnanimity which
"Leave the boy in peace," said Sara the latter has not shown my unworthy
hastily, and fell a little into the weepiig nephew, whose only answer has been some
strain.  "I should. think you had tor- new treason against honor and' duty.
merlted him enough. I tell you what it Neither you nor I have any joy of him."
is,. Victor, I never could have believed   Aberney opened the door of his fosteryou would behave so heartlessly to Tage son's room. He found Tage standing a
as you have done. I will not say a word few steps from it, pale, and with head
about myself, how you have treated me." erect. Aberney closed the door behind
A flood of tears now succeeded, in the him, and Tage repeated slowly,
midst of which she continued with mov-   " Only consideration for Aunt Sara reing stress and in a very high soprano: strained you from punishing your unwor-" I am so used to being ill-treated; but thy nephew, for whom you do not regard
I had supposed that the child you adopted any mean act impossible. Have I then
as your own could have counted on your fallen so low in your esteem I"
fatherly tenderness.  Poor Tage, what   "Yes," answered the Professor.
has he not had to endure, without a sin-   "You consider me a miserable egotist,
gle friendly word to  alleviate his suffer- destitute of honor and faith? "
ing!"  Aunt Sara was again obliged to   " Such has been your conduct."
draw out her handkerchief.  "And this   "I am a weak wretch, without moral
unworthy betrothal, at which you have courage or self-command I"
forced him to be present and -"        "You are."
"Now, Aunt, you have said quite   "The past has so represented me."
enough," said Aberney coldly. "In half Tage put both hands to his brow and
an hour the guests will arrive. I hope pressed them against his temples. "Yes,
you do not intend to receive them with this hell of envy,' jealousy, wild unretears and sobs. As far as Tage is con- strained desires, and burning passion has
cerned, I have but one thing to reproach actually changed me into a despicable
myself for, namely, that I have had so creature."
much indulgence with him. When, like I-e threw himself into a chair, with
him, one behaves like a man without hon- his face buried in his hands.
or, self-command, or respect for anything   "And yet," said Aberney  with earbut his own selfishness, then it is a fa- nestness, "you have been the object upon
ther's duty to compel his refractory son which all my hopes were centred. When
to act as honor demands. Do not speak I stood by your bedside the first morning
to me of Tage; but thank God that you you slept under my roof, and contemstood by his side, for otherwise I would plated your fresh and open face, I saw in
have declared him unworthy of bearing you the joy of my old age, its pride and
my name before all his comrades."    its honor. I gave you my name, fully' What in the name of Heaven do you assured that you would do it honor; but
say. " exclaimed Sara, looking at her it is wrong to build any hopes on the
nephew in affright.                  children we bring, up; they seldom fulfil
"I say that only consideration for you what they promise."
restrained me from punishing Tage as   Tage sat motionless. Some moments'




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                           287
pause ensued.  At length Tage rose, piness is the best cosmetic. Tage'was
and extended his hand to his father with pale and silent, but displayed a calmness
deep emotion and an expression of hu- and self-possession that surprised Abermility.                               ney exceedingly, and so affected Aunt' "Father, I know that I have poorly Sara that she was obliged to leave the
answered what you had a right to expect room in a trice and shed a few tears.
of me. I have been a willing slave to Skuldfrid smiled at Tage very cordially,
my passions, and that to such a degree and there was so much clemency and
that I should blush if you had any idea goodness in her glance, that he seemed
of it; but it is now over. Ah! I shall to feel the loss of her still more deeply.
never forget the impression your words He avoided looking at Lothard's noble
to Aunt Sara made upon me. Forget face; he felt that the sight'of the happithe past, the future shall atone for it."   ness depicted in it would only excite his
The Professor pressed his son's hand anger and throw him back into, the dark
in silence. Tage continued, -         stream of jealousy.
" The revolution that has taken place   Countess Renstein was announced.
in my destiny, the complete sundering Tage was just speaking to Skuldfrid.
of all my hopes and desires which has He, like all present, turned at the sound
been the result, has shown me my own of the Countess's name and looked toward
weakness and all the elements of evil the door.
that exist within me. I now know that   Nathalie entered. She was extremely
if I remain here and witness the happi- charming. Like Skuldfrid she wore a
ness that might have been mine, if fate white silk dress with a garniture of
had so ordained, I shall never succeed in flowers.
gaining power over my lower nature. In   A dark flush of indignation passed
short, I must go away, so far that not over Lothard's brow when he saw that
even the sound of the names that have Nathalie was dressed like his betrothed.
the power of exciting evil thoughts and The Professor greeted the Countess with
feelings within me can reach my ears."   marked courtesy, to which Nathalie play"I fully approve of this. What- you fully responded.  She was irresistibly
now desire I had intended to propose to captivating
you. You must, however, before that,   Tage's gaze was persistently fastened
show that you can be a man, since you upon her. The cloud on his brow lighted.
have been a weak slave. My respect and She loved him, this seductive woman, to
confidence in your better resolutions will whose graces and accomplishments all
depend entirely upon the manner in paid tribute. Such a consciousness ought
which you conduct yourself while you re- to have the power of comforting a lieumain here.,                           tenant's heart. At length, when the mo"You shall be satisfied."          ment was favorable, he approached her.
"Commander Z-," said Aunt Sara,   "You  resemble  Skuldfrid to-night
opening the door.                     more than ever," said he with a look' of
In an hour's time the guests were as- admiration.
sembled. They consisted of Lothard's' If that is so, I have succeeded in my
superior officers and comrades, as well as efforts; but what then? Those who love
several families with whom the Professor Frida will not even for an hour forget
was allied either through relationship or her for me."  Nathalie gave Tage a very
friendship. Nathalie only was missing. dangerous glance.
Lothard andSkuldfrid were so handsome,   "Countess, if this is true, then- the
that it was a'joy to look at them. Hap- only misfortune lies in the fact that:ie':




288                     GUIL;T AND INNOCENCE.
has not seen you first; in that case you she was about to say something disagreecould not be forgotten for Skuldfrid."    able. Nathalie continued,- 
Nathalie looked at Tage's face. It   "In that region there is said to have
was serious, and there was something in been a judge, young and much thought
it which told her that he meant what. of, who, after bearing his office with honhe said. She leaned nearer to him, say- or for several years, shot himself."
ing in a whisper, -                     "And the reason I" asked one of her
"I hope you have not forgotten?."   listeners.
" I never forget."                    "It was a very sad one."'Nathalie's
" And this evening  "               eyes now turned from Lothard to Skuld"I will'be at my post.".           frid.  "It was discovered that the judge's
"Good."                             wife, left a widow through the death of
Some gentlemen approached the Count- his brother, had poisoned her first husess  They.all began to speak of indif- band, and -"
ferent matters.  The conversation. soon   " Baroness Canitz," was announced.
became animated.  Lieutenant Steen, Nathalie  ceased  abruptly.   Lothard
who had recently been to England, re- started; and Skuldfrid, who at Nathalie's
lated some remarkable criminal cases. last' words had become deadly pale, cast
Nathalie obliged Skuldfrid to take a a frightened glance at Lothard.
place beside her.  The' Professor was   "Baroness Canitz, who is she? " was
also one of the group that surrounded asked in a whisper. All looks were dithe Countess.  Lothard stood behind rected towards the door with intense
Skuldfrid's chair.                    interest.  The Professor hastened to
"During my stay in Bremen," said meet the new-comer, followed by Aunt
the Countess, "I saw the head of a no- Sara, who had been obliged to use her
torious poisoner by the name of Mar- handkerchief several times in order to
gretha Gottfried. I suppose you have preserve her composure and keep from
all heard of her  "                   crying.
The question was answered in the   The Professor brought in an elderly
affirmative by most of her auditors, and lady of stately appearance, whose face
they descanted upon the noteworthy yet bore traces of beauty; her large dark
features in the career of the crimi- eyes shed a singular expression over her
nal.                                  features, which spoke of a life full of
"When I travelled through Central deep and bitter suffering.
Sweden two years ago," resumed Natha-   "My cousin, Baroness Canitz," said
lie, " I heard of a strange and sad event the Professor in introduction.   "The
that transpired about twenty years ago. mother of Baron Canitz and also of my
It was of so tragic a nature, that I never foster - son Tage Aberney, whom  she
hear of a case of poisoning without think- kindly intrusted to me to bring up as
ing of it."                           my own son."
" Then it was a story of that kind "   The surprise was general; even Tage
said one of those in the circle.      and Lothard were astonished.  Their
"Yes, in a certain sense."  Nathalie mother's appearance was something for
now raised her eyes and fastened them  which they were totally unprepared.
upon Lothard, who still stood leaning Lothard and Skuldfrid went up to the
against Skuldfrid's chair and was conse- Baroness.
quently opposite the Countess.  There   "My betrothed," said Lothard. His
was something in the expression of her voice was full of emotion and his eyes
face which gave Lothard' the feeling that rested tenderly upon his mother.




GUILT AND  INNOCENCE.                         289
The Baroness embraced Skuldfrid and   "I have heard, but forgotten it," rewhispered,-                           plied Nathalie, with a peculiar emphasis.
"God bless you, my daughter!"        "Indeed.  Then I am more fortunate,
Tage had remained quietly at one of for the unhappy man who shot himself
the windows. The Baroness's glance, was -- my brother, Madame Dorbino'sfahowever, went immediately in quest of ther, and Baroness Edith Canitz's brotherher youngest son. Perhaps Tage caught in-law."
it, or perhaps there was something with-   Nathalie became crimson.
in him that whispered what he ought to   "The poor widow, of whom you said
do. After a moment's hesitation, he also that she shortened her first husband's
approached his mother.  Lothard drew  days, was, like Baroness Canitz, my cousback and Skuldfrid turned away. Tage in. Her first husband was also a brothwas agitated.  This was the second time er of mine. You ought to perceive from
that he stood before the one he had to this that I know the causes of the death
thank for life. He was unable to utter of both my brothers better than any
a word, so overwhelmed was he by a other.  I can therefore declare, quite
thousand conflicting feelings. He seized boldly, that every charge against my
her hand and carried it to his lips. late sister-in-law, of having been instruWhen he again raised his bowed head, the mental in the decease of either of her
Baroness embraced him, whispering,-    husbands, is false.'It is a little daring to
" God bless you, my best beloved assume that a person is guilty whom the
child!"  The words were not heard by law has left untouched.  In so doing one
any, save the one to whom they were always runs the -risk of repeating an unaddressed.                            true report."
When the  company had  recovered   Nathalie felt humiliated, but answered
from the first surprise the conversation with her most childish smile,resumed its course. Aunt Sara, the Bar-   "You are right, Professor, and thereoness, and Skuldfrid were talking togeth- fore I always forget the names of the
er.  Nathalie sat leaning back in her persons who play any r6le in the occurchair, listening with an abstracted air to rences I relate. This has the advantage
what Lieutenant Steen and a lady were of never compromising any one."
saying. The conversation was not es-   "A charming habit, as all yours are."
pecially lively. The Professor took a   "The old fox," thought IN.athalie.
seat beside the Countess.             "You apply flattery, so that I shall not
"You were interrupted, my dear perceive that you have intended to hit
Countess, in the midst of your story me."
about the young judge," said Aberney,   The company took supper and at last
politely.  "It is a pity, for I presume broke up.
that the account had a psychologic value,
like the majority of criminal cases."
At these words of Aberney's, Skuldfrid   The morning came again with life'and
turned her head hastily, as. if she would activity. Aunt Sara had risen early to put
have aisked him by this motion what he things in order after the party. She was
was thinking of when he brought the con- just engaged in counting over the glass
versation back to this subject. Whether and china, when the Professor's man
the Professor noticed this motion or not Andreas entered, -
is uncertain; for he went right on, -   "Why, Mamsell, are you up already. "
"Do you know  the name of the said Andreas. "Have you heard of the
judge."                              accident  "




290                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
~" What accident? " asked Sara. ~    "Where are you going, my poor
"The'accident to- to-Madame friend?"
Dorbino."                               "To her -"
"What in God's name has happened   "Canitz, summon all your courage,
to her? "                             and listen to me. She as well as the car"The horses ran away, carrying the riage and horses have been thrown into
coachman and her right into the stream. the stream."
The man who waited on -the company   "It is not true, it cannot be so," exlast night came here just now and'told claimed Lothard in despair. He seized
me all about it. Good Lord, how pale his hat and rushed down the stairs. In
you look!"                            a few moments Skuldfrid's door-bell rang
"Victor, Victor," shrieked Sara, clasp- violently. Anaise opened the door. It
ing her head in despair, - "Victor, Vic- was Lothard, who with pale and quivering
tor." The Professor's door flew open and lips inquired,he appeared on the threshold wrapped   "Is Madame at home?"
in his dressing-gown.                   "No, she did not come home last
"What is the matter? " asked he.    night," was the answer.
Sara sprang towards him and exclaimed   "Where then is she 1 "
in an agonized voice, -                 "I do not know; we have expected her
"Skuldfrid has been run away with all night; perhaps she is at the Profesand killed."  Then: she fell senseless to sor's."
the floor.                              Lothard hurried away. A moment after he rushed into Aberney's saloon, where
he almost ran over the Professor, who
When Lothard's servant came in to was just going out.
him in the morning he said, -           "Skuldfrid!" faltered Lothard with
"Herr Baron, an accident happened despair in tone and look.  The first
last evening."                        glance at Aberney's face was a sufficient
" What was it?" asked Lothard.    answer to his question.
"I do not know how I shall dare to   Tage was not to be seen.
speak of it, but you will - "           We now leave those so terribly afflicted,
The man was.here interrupted by some and will see what transpired at Nathalie's,
one who violently threw open the door of after her return home from the betrothal.
the saloon; Lieutenant Steen entered
Lothard's cabinet precipitately, exclaiming in an agitated voice,"'Canitz, what a terrible occurrence,   When the Countess entered her bouand that upon the very day of your be- doir, she took a step back and gave a
trothal!"                           faint cry of fright. In the dim light of
Lothard sprang to his feet.        the summer evening she distinguished a
" Of what occurrence do you speak? "  man's form, which sat leaning back on
"Of the accident that has befallen the sofa.
your betrothed."                        "Light!" cried the Countess.
" Skuldfrid!"                        Her maid hurried in with one. The
"Yes, the horses have run away with figure now rose. The light fell on his
her and -"                            face, and Nathalie stammered, quite
Lothard started to the door to rush amazed,
out; but Steen seized him by the arm,   "Lieutenant Aberney, you here?"'
saying, -                               "Yes, as you see, Countess."  The




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
maid placed the light on the ta.ble and that Lothard would have sent a bullet
left the room immediately.            through his own head."
"How  came you here, and what is   "What are you driving at with all
the reason that you expose me in this this!"  Nathalie rubbed her handkerway? " asked Nathalie.               chief impatiently between her hands..
"The reason is that I must speak   "You shall learn directly.  When you
with you to-night, just now. What I and the Doctor initiated me into this
have to say will not bear any listening plan, you had no idea that Lothard and
ears, therefore permit me to close the I were brothers, otherwise you would
door."                                have realized that a brother, however
"But, sir, consider what you do!" ex-malevolent he may be, could not be
claimed Nathalie; "what will the ser- guilty of such perfidy."
rants think l"                           "But, sir, you acted as though yoIt
"What they please. I must speak to eagerly embraced our plan, the  only
you in private."                      object of which was to fulfil your de"Have you failed, that you are here? " sires," rejoined Nathalie hastily.
" No."                                "True; but if I had not done so, the
"But, good God, if our plan has not Doctor would have invented some other
been frustrated, I do not understand -" plot, from which I could not have saved
"Why I should be here. Be so kind Skuldfrid, being ignorant of it."
as to take a seat, Countess, and try to   "Then you have warned her?."  The
listen to me with calmness."  He com- Countess sprang up.
pelted Nathalie to be seated.            "No, I have done that which is better;
"The plan devised by you and the I have placed her where she is secure
Doctor was this: the Doctor was to take from  all persecutions, until you and I
the coachman's place on Skuldfrid's car- fully understand each other."
riage, and instead of driving her to your   "I think I have understood you suffihouse, he should set off for Rosenvik, ciently," said Nathalie, attempting to
where I was to be waiting for her. The leave the room.
idea was ingenious and well contrived;   "Stay, Nathalie," said Tage in a defor not a being could be found on earth cided voice, seizing her arm, "you have
who in the morning would not have not heard me to the end."  He looked
regarded Skuldfrid as a faithless and dis- at his watch.  "Wagner has not yet
honored woman, who for the sake of reached Rosenvik with the empty carbecoming Baroness Canitz had sacrificed riage. Before he discovers that he has
her childhood's fancy, but had yet main- only amused himself with a pleasure trip,
tained a criminal connection with the you will have perceived that I have saved
friend of her youth.  If Lothard Canitz you and myself from committing a base
had loved her ten times as much as he act. You will thank me for it."
does, this occurrence would still have   "I doubt it."  Nathalie reseated herseparated him  from  Skuldfrid forever. self.
All her vows and protestations could not   "Have you not a thousand times dehave cleared her from  the degrading clared and also repeated in writing that
stain which had been cast upon her it was my happiness you wished to furhonor. It only remained for her to give ther. "
me her hand and in this way silence the   "True," replied Nathalie. She realized
scandal. The Polish physician had well with dismay that she was completely in
calculated the results of his arrangement, Tage's power, that the game was lost, and,one of which would probably have been that ho could compromise her in a terri



292                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
ble manner if he divulged her participa- part through the Doctor's account to
tion in the intrigues against Skuldfrid. Nathalie. We will therefore not weary
Nathalie was caught in her own net.    the reader with its repetition, but only
"Then you have my felicity in your communicate the following:hands. My happiness has changed name;   Edith had at seventeen years of age
it is no longer called Skuldfrid, but formed a deep attachment to the SecreNlathalie."                          tary of Legation, Magnus Canitz, whose
"Yet you have said that you cannot acquaintance she made during her stay
be happy with any other than Skuldfrid," at Aunt Sara's. The result of this attachobjected Nathalie.                    ment was, that when he left Sweden she
"Or you: Nathalie, a refusal from  followed him  to St. Petersburg, where
you now would cause me to doubt your they were married in secret. He dared
sincerity, and then -"                not do this openly, for fear of the Czar's
"Well."                           displeasure, as the latter had destined
" I should be forced to believe that for him a bride belonging to one of Rusyou were as artful and treacherous as sia's noblest families. The chosen one
Wagner has portrayed you."            was so young that no marriage could be
"The wretched Pole has betrayed me," thought of for two or three years.
thought Nathalie.  The Countess in-   Magnus Canitz hoped to find within
stantly perceived that she ought to make that time some means which could ina virtue of necessity and sacrifice her duce the Russian family to break the enfreedom  for her honor. Ther6fore she gagement. After a year's secret marriage,
said, -                               Edith gave birth to a son. The General,
"Believe then rather that I desire to who had become aware of his brother's
be the creator of your happiness. Would marriage, succeeded, through threats and
to God that the gift of my hand could persuasions, in making him give up the
recompense  the  loss you have sus- child immediately after its birth. Edith
tained! She offered him her hand."   was told that her child was stillborn.
A few days subsequent the General's
wife died, after she, as it was said, had
given birth to a son who was to become.Jnst as Lothard entered Aberney's the heir of her immense property.  This
abode and before he had time to say any- son was no other than Edith's first born.
thing, the door flew open and Tage came A year elapsed. Edith was again to bein.                                   come a mother. Her husband was sent
"What a terrible play of fate," ex- on an embassy to the French Court, and
claimed he; "Dr. Wagner has been while he was gone Edith went to Helkilled. The horses ran away and plunged singfors to reside there under the name
the carriage and him into the stream."   of Fru Brunzwith.  It was there that
"And Skuldfirid." exclaimed the Pro- Tage was born. She had shortly before
Lessor and Lothard.                   written to Aunt Sara, who came to her
"She is at my mother's. She accom- in all secrecy and remained some time.
panied her home last evening," answered When Tage was two months old Edith
Tage. "That was the reason Lothard had a letter from her husband, in which
could not see her to the carriage."   he asked her to return to St. Petersburg,
Later in the day we find Lothard, Tage, but to leave the child in Helsingfors.
and Skuldfrid at Edith's.               Magnus Canitz's betrothed, the young
The latter related to her youngest son Russian lady, had been attacked by a
her life's history, of which we know a severe lung complaint, and was obliged to




GUILT AND INNOCENCE.                         293
go to Italy; consequently their antici- der the knout.  The mother and her
pated marriage was: postponed. MIagnus, children were sent to Siberia; and the
of a weak and impulsive character, ruled Doctor himself, then a boy of twelve, was
entirely by his elder brother, of whom he indebted to the General's wife for his esstood in such fear that he obeyed him  cape. She succeeded in concealing him
blindly,. allowed the General to persuade a long time. Then she sent him to Berhim  to keep his marriage with Edith lin at her own expense. On her deathsecret until they saw  whether death bed she confided the young Ivano to her
would free him from the obligation the husband's'care, and exacted of him the
Czar had. imposed. Two or three years promise that he would protect him.
passed thus, lduring which the Russian   Some years later the General sent him
fiancee still continued to live in the to Finland, and it was thus that he
South. As Magnus did hot wish the boy became an inmate of Casper Aberney's
to be brought to Russia, young Tage re- house. When Lothard entered the Germained in Helsingfors.               man University, Ivano Wagner, as he
So matters stood, when one day Mag- was called (his true name we do not
nus Canitz and his wife were sent to know) was appointed the young Baron's
Siberia; Magnuswas formally denounced tutor,'while he himself completed his
by the General for having married a medical studies...
Swede, when in accordance with the will   Edith, after her first meeting with her
of the Emperor he was betrothed to a son Lothard, had remained two or three
Russian. The rest we know. During days at the Finnish station. Harmen
their stay inSiberia, Edith's husband con- and she had then seen each other.
fessed, after he had taken a solemn oath Edith was the only one who knew  that
from his wife to conceal the knowledge her sister had removed to Finland under
as long as,the General lived, that their the assumed name of Smidt. She suceldest son was not dead, but lived with ceeded in finding out that Harmen lived
th~ General as his sole heir.        at Ektorp.  A few lines from  Edith
When Edith had resided a year in induced Harimen to see her early one
Frafe after her liberation from Siberia, morning at the station.
she went to see Lothard. This was dur-   The burden of a crime which during
ing his stay at Kronobro. She was no so many years had weighed heavily on
other than the lady who took Tage and Harmen's mind, and which she had only
Skuldfrid home in her carriage after Lo- disclosed during the first outburst of
thard had ill-treated them. She had in insanity at her meeting with Victor
a letter requested Lothard to meet her Aberney directly after Enoch's death,
at a station near Ektprp, where she made her feel the need of confiding in
stopped under an assumed name. With- Edith and obtaining from her some words
out entering into any closer explanation of comfort and hope, which could drive
about herself, she told Lothard that he away the ever-recurring thought that her
was not the Russian princess's son, but guilt would fall on her daughter's head.
hers, and thus she became his good an-   With a dreary and mournful distinctgel, completely undermining the power ness she related all the particulars of
Wagner had possessed over him.       the poisoning of her first husband. She
Wagner was the youngest son of a had wished to become free, so as to marry
Polish family, which General Canitz, dur- Enoch. She mentioned'that Ivano was
ing the time he was commander in Po- the only one who knew' her crime.
land, had caused to be treated in. a ter- When he came to bid her farewell, he
rible manner. The father had died un- said he had seen her through the opening




294                     GUILT AND INNOCENCE.
of the door pour the poison into the   And now, my dear reader, what shall
glass which was placed before Casper, I add furthers Skuldfrid became Loand which she afterwards filled with thard's happy wife, and they moved to
wine.                                 England, where they enjoyed an enviable
While she unrolled this terrible pic- existence.  When Aunt Sara had bade
ture, there were a pair of ears besides farewell to life, Aberney followed them
Edith's which caught her words, and to that country.
these belonged to'Lothard.  He had   Tage married Nathalie.  He became a
hastened to visit his mother early in the suspicious, changeable, and domineering
morning.  At the sound of voices in the husband; she a child of vanity, who did
inner room he had stopped in the outer;not think she could live without being
and so. become a listener to Harmen's surrounded by a troop of admirers.
confession.  When she left Edith, Lo-   Edith lived and died with this son
thard had concealed himself behind a whom  she least knew  and loved the
door, and thus seen her without being most. The gentle mother, so severely
observed himself.                     tried by misfortune, exerted a beneficial
Several years afterwards he recognized influence on him. But Tage, to his own
Harmen Aberney in Skuldfrid's mother.  sorrow  and that of others, always remained an egotist.
THE END
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