'For life and death our bond be recorded in Heaven!' said the strange romantic girl; 'kiss me, Carl, kiss me—I feel much happier now.'
'Surely Heaven will spare me for your sake, my love.'
'If not, we shall meet there, Carl—for I should not be long behind you, there, where there are no harsh parents, "where there is neither marriage, nor giving in marriage,"—then we shall be re-united, Carl, and live our dreams of love over again.'
The girl's manner was exquisitely tender, yet sad, and so earnest that there came a time when Charlie remembered it, occasionally with terror. The voice of her brother was now heard.
'Heinrich is very impatient,' said Charlie.
'One moment, Carl. If I were to come to you when dead, would you fear me?'
'When dead?' said Charlie, looking down on the sweet upturned face that lay on his shoulder; 'what do you mean, Ernestine?'
'I scarcely know; but I should not fear you, love. I have some strange emotions in my heart this evening. I do not think even the grave would keep me from you; but would it keep you from me?'
'I fear it would, darling,' said he, with a half smile, though rather bewildered by all this; 'battle trenches are often pretty deep and full.'
'Oh, horror, Carl; don't talk of such an end as that!'