'Here?' sobbed Georgina, falling down and kissing the holy ground.
'Now to the work, faithful friends,' said she, rising up.
With restless zeal the labor was commenced with pick-axe and shovel, and soon the silver clamps upon the black coffin glistened from the depth. Two of the servants sprang into the grave and made room for themselves on each side until they succeeded in passing the cords under the coffin. It was slowly drawn up and placed upon the litter.
During the time which had thus elapsed, Georgina had stood by with folded hands, engaged in prayer. The litter was quickly raised, and the little train moved silently back to the shore with its sad burden. Georgina followed, requiring all of Arwed's strength to sustain her tottering steps. The coffin was placed in the boat, which immediately put off.
'It is done!' cried Georgina, convulsively clasping Arwed's hand. 'I thank thee.'
'And now?' asked the faithful youth.
'You will soon learn,' answered Georgina, remaining buried in reflection until they landed at the Blasiusholm. A merchant ship lay at anchor near by. The maiden now arose, as in the golden times of her happy love, and throwing her arms about Arwed's neck, pressed her ice-cold lips to his. 'Farewell forever, dear Arwed!' breathed she in a scarcely articulate tone.
'What say you?' cried Arwed in alarm, encircling her with his arms.
'It cannot be otherwise,' answered she, extricating herself from his embrace. 'This ship takes me and my father's corpse to Hamburg.'
'Not without me, faithless one!' angrily exclaimed Arwed. 'Fly to the new world--fly from life, if you will--and still I will accompany you!'