I went up again to my room, and rolling my portmanteaus downstairs I darted after him.
At that moment my uncle was solemnly investing Graeuben with the reins of government.

My pretty Virlandaise was as calm and collected as was her wont.

She kissed her guardian; but could not restrain a tear in touching my cheek with her gentle lips.
"Graeuben!" I murmured.
"Go, my dear Axel, go! I am now your betrothed; and when you come back I will be your wife." I pressed her in my arms and took my place in the carriage.

Martha and the young girl, standing at the door, waved their last farewell.
Then the horses, roused by the driver's whistling, darted off at a gallop on the road to Altona..