'That is the voice of a father,' said Arwed feelingly, 'You best know what is the most proper course for me, and I willingly hearken to you.'
At that moment the field music was heard in the distance sounding a wild alarm, and the thunder of the artillery through the city accompanied the peal like a powerful bass.
'What is that?' asked Brenner with surprise.
'The prince has operated suddenly and powerfully,' answered Duecker; 'more suddenly and energetically to obtain Sweden's crown for his wife, than to obtain a victory over Sweden's enemies. The army is won, and Ulrika is queen. That is what the thunder of the cannon denotes.'
CHAPTER XVI.
The guards had marched into Stockholm. Arwed had performed all the duties of his service, and now flew towards the Blasiusholm to the house of the post-captain who had freely received and sheltered the deserted daughters of the unhappy Goertz. The moment he mentioned his name he was shown into Georgina's room. With a pale face and wasted frame she came forward to meet him. Ardently would he have folded her in his arms, but she held back and merely presented to him her thin white hand, whose icy coldness filled him with alarm.
'Thou hast not saved my father?' asked she with a trembling voice.
'By my honor!' cried Arwed, grieved at the silent reproach conveyed by the question; 'I did every thing in my power, but hard fate was stronger than my honest endeavors.'
'I must believe it,' answered Georgina, 'and thank you for your good intentions. If you are yet willing to make further efforts in my behalf, procure for me through your influence an interview with my father. They have hitherto rejected all my petitions with inhuman severity.'
'Whatever lies in my power I will essay for the accomplishment of your wish,' replied Arwed with much agitation.