Ordener knelt at the old man’s feet.
“She is my wife, father! Forgive me as my other father has forgiven me, and bless your children.”
Schumacker, surprised in his turn, blessed the young couple.
“I have cursed so many people in my lifetime,” said he, “that I now seize every opportunity for blessing. But explain.”
All was made clear to him. He wept with emotion, gratitude, and love.
“I thought myself wise; I am old, and I did not understand the heart of a young girl!”
“And so I am Mrs. Ordener Guldenlew!” said Ethel, with child-like delight.
“Ordener Guldenlew,” rejoined old Schumacker, “you are a better man than I, for in the day of my prosperity I would never have stooped to wed the penniless and disgraced daughter of an unfortunate prisoner.”
The general took the old man’s hand, and offered him a roll of parchment, saying: “Do not speak thus, Count. Here are your titles, which the king long since sent you by Dispolsen; his Majesty now adds a free pardon. Such is the dowry of your daughter, Countess Danneskiold.”
“Pardon! freedom!” repeated the enraptured Ethel.