he, coaxingly.

"I will," answered she, in a low voice.

"And I will come," cried he, passionately, "if the way to you leads
over mountains of dead bodies!"

She threw herself into his open arms, and nestled like a timid dove on
his breast.

"Oh!" cried she, "when danger threatens you, then I think I would like
to be a man to share it with you."

He covered her lips and eyes with kisses. "Farewell, farewell, Elise;
and if it is God's will, we will meet again."

One last kiss, one last embrace, and he tore himself from her arms
and hurried toward the wall. Now he climbs it, and throws his last
greetings to her, then descends on the other side.

"He is gone, he is gone!" she shrieked, and, falling on her knees,
raised her hands to heaven. "O God, have mercy on me, have pity on my
love!"

It seemed as if God did grant her prayer, for a thick veil sank over
her eyes, and a swoon robbed her of consciousness.

* * * * *