The Spell of Belgium

place almost at the same moment, a scene which, although of another character, still re

ovinces reunited under the scepter of the Emperor Charles V. You, for whom I have done so much, for whom I continue to amass wealth, in order to elevate you so high that misfortune can never reach you, and whom all the world shall envy; y

o obey you, and have always endeavoured to prove by my obedience that

man bitterly, "that notwithstanding my express will

rupted the young gi

him, you love him madly, in spite of me or my strict o

iately. She hesitated, and then said with a tre

tender youth to esteem and love Hochstetter as your friend, and the friend of my deceased mother, and to consider him as my second father? Is it my fault if in obeying you I have ended by loving his son, the friend of my infancy,

too much confidence. I have delivered myself to them bound hand and foot, like an old fool that I

I do not understand you. Wh

persevere in this love I prefer to see you dead. Oh, yes, dead! Ask of me all you wish, demand my blood, my life, but I plead with you, renounce this detested Carl, whom I hate as my enemy," conti

promise what you exact of me, but I feel it

lling," pursued the merciless old man, without appearing to have heard the words of hi

r de

the idea that you remained to me, and with the hope of finding in you all her virtues. This hope has not been deceived. I see in you today my regretted Anne, with h

, I pra

ould take you from me would embitter my life. And now," said he, perceiving with joy that his words had made a profound impression upon the young girl, "Katharina, I appeal to your heart. Will you abandon the poor old man who lives only

owing herself in tears upon his br

ays! You will never think

ev

ver my daughter! The conviction that you have assured the happi

ibable emotion. He placed his hand upon her head, and

felicity, to children who love and obey their parents, may he bless thee as I bless t

n a table near him. Her servant appeared. Katharina emb