“I will do as I said, for I have great courage, and when I think of a battle my heart beats loudly, not with fear but with rapturous joy. To me, nothing would be more glorious than to die, banner in hand, surrounded by the thunder of cannon, and to cry out exultingly, as the blood flows from my wounds, ‘Vive le roi! vive la patrie!’” Her form was raised majestically, her countenance beamed with inspiration, a daring fire sparkled in her eyes—she was so changed in form and expression, that Charles Henry drew back from her in terror.
“I am afraid of you, Anna Sophia,” said he, shuddering. “You are changed—you are not like yourself.”
“No,” said she; “nor am I the same. Yesterday I was Anna Sophia Detzloff—from to-day I am Charles Henry Buschman. Do not interrupt me—it must be! You shall not break your father’s heart—you shall not bring disgrace upon the village. The king has called you—you must obey the call. But I will go in your place; you shall remain quietly at home, thrashing your corn, cutting your hay, and taking care of your kind old father, while I shall be upon the battle-field, fighting in your place.”
“Do you then love me well enough to give your life for me?” cried Charles Henry, with streaming eyes.
She shook her head slowly, thoughtfully. “I do not know if it be love,” said she. “I only feel that it must be done—there is no other outlet but this to help us all. Let us speak no more about it—only tell me that you accept it.”
“It is impossible, Anna Sophia.”
“Only accept it, and all will be right.”
“I cannot. It would be an everlasting shame to me.”
She pressed her teeth tightly together—her eyes gleamed with anger. “Hear me out,” said she. “Go, or stay—whichever you do—I do not remain here! I must away and seek my fortune. I have never been happy, as yet—upon the battle-field I may be. I have nothing to lose, and can therefore win all. Well, say! Am I to be a soldier in your stead?”
“If you really wish it, I must yield,” said he, sadly. “You say you have nothing to lose, but I, I have you, and I cannot, will not lose you. And as you would be angry with and leave me if I said ‘No,’ I prefer saying ‘Yes.’”