'Such language is Worthy of a Swedish maiden!' cried Arwed, warmly embracing her.
'Nor is honor alone to be considered,' proceeded Georgina. 'The question of filial duty is also an important one. Thy father hath declared his will, and I am not presumptuous enough to counsel disobedience to him.'
'My God!' cried Arwed disconsolately. 'I now stand just where I did before--and if I would ever come to a conclusion, like Alexander I must cut the knot I cannot untie.'
'Move not towards the north, young hero!' whispered, all of a sudden in the evening stillness, a low hoarse voice, as if from heaven.
Georgina shrieked with alarm and covered her eyes with her hands. Arwed sprang in a rage from his rocky seat, and drew his sword. 'Who here gives his counsel unasked?' thundered he among the rocks above him, on whose top he observed through the fading twilight a tall human form, wrapped in a gray mantle.
'One wiser than thou,' answered the apparition, 'and who means thee well.'
'What have I to fear in the north?' hastily asked Arwed.
'An inglorious death!' answered the unknown, and instantly vanished.
'Strange,' said Arwed, slowly returning his sword to its scabbard.
'Now am I to decide!' cried Georgina, tremblingly attaching herself to him. 'Obey the voice, Arwed, it appeared to be that of a friend.'