Forward galloped the horsemen.
“Philip,” whispered Marie, “why do we live—why do we not die?”
He folded her in his arms, and passionately kissed her, perhaps for the last time. “Marie, be mindful of our oath—constant unto death!”
“Constant unto death!” she repeated.
“Be firm and defy all the storms of life!”
Marie repeated it, with heightened courage.
The horsemen surrounded the carriage, the riders upon panting steeds! Two officers in uniform sprang to the side, laying their hands upon Moritz’s shoulder. “Conrector Philip Moritz, we arrest you in the name of the king! You are accused of eloping with a minor, and we are commanded to transport you to Spandau until further orders!” Upon the other side two other horsemen halted. The foremost was Herr Ebenstreit, who laid his hand upon Marie, and saw not or cared not that she shudderingly shrank away.
“My dear Marie, I come as the ambassador of your parents, and am fully empowered to lead your back to your father’s house.”
She answered not, but sat immovable and benumbed with terror, the tears rolling down her cheeks.
“You arrest me in the name of the king,” cried Moritz; “I bow to the law. I beg only to speak to that man,” pointing to Ebenstreit, with contempt. “Sir, dismount, I have important business with you!”