"Well," said he, laughing, "have you decided, mademoiselle? Do you consider me worthy to be the envied and blessed husband of the enchanting and lovely Louise von Schwerin, or will you cruelly banish me and rob me of this precious boon?"
She gazed down deep into his eyes and listened to his words breathlessly. His voice was so soft and persuasive, not harsh and rough like that of Fritz Wendel, it fell like music on her ear.
"Well," repeated the young Von Cleist, "will you be gracious, and accept me for your husband?"
"Would you still wish to marry me, even if the king had not commanded it?"
"I would marry you in spite of the king and the whole world," said Von Cleist. "Since I have seen you, I love you dearly."
Louise reached him her hand.
"Well, then," she said, "let us fulfil the commands of the king. He commands us to marry. We will commence with that: afterwards we will see if we can love each other without a royal command."
The young captain kissed her hand, and placed the myrtle wreath upon her brow.
"Come, the priest is waiting, and I long to call you my bride."
He led the young girl of fourteen to the altar. The priest opened the holy book, and performed the marriage ceremony.