"Thou hearest it, my God," she whispered; "I thank Thee! Thy ways of mercy are holy, and above all our thoughts and hopes." "Father," said the count with dignity, "do your duty as a priest, and receive this soul, awakened to eternal salvation, into the bosom of the one true Church!" Father Ignatius had stood by in great emotion, his eyes beaming with satisfaction; but he replied with hesitation: "Is it possible? Here, without preparation?" The count slightly raised his hand. "I undertake the responsibility," he said proudly; "the forms can be complied with hereafter," and he handed the crucifix to the father, who kissed it with veneration. "Lay your hand upon the image of the Redeemer, and repeat what the priest of God tells you to say," said the count. Stielow turned to the father, who approached him, and did as the count had commanded. Steadily and solemnly the priest repeated the words of the Catholic confession of faith; the young officer repeated them after him with the greatest devotion, and Clara whispered them in a low voice; the count stood upright, his brilliant eyes raised to heaven, a smile of inspired triumph on his lips. Countess Frankenstein had sunk upon her knees, and laid her head upon her folded hands. The confession of faith was ended; with a humble gesture the father returned the count the crucifix, he kissed it, and again attaching it to his chain, he concealed it in his breast. "Now unite in prayer," he said with unspeakable sympathy; "no dissonance will part you, in pure harmony your petitions will rise to the throne of eternal love and compassion." Stielow placed his folded hands upon the bed; Clara pressed her left hand upon them, and the lips of both these young and loving creatures moved in earnest prayer to God, imploring Him to permit them to walk along the path of life together. Thus they prayed for a long time earnestly and unitedly; their friends looked at this affecting picture without speaking. Deep silence prevailed in the room. At last Stielow rose from his knees after lightly touching the hand of the young countess with his lips. Countess Frankenstein approached him and kissed him upon the brow. "God's blessing be upon you, my son," she said affectionately. The young man looked around him with dreamy, glistening eyes; he felt as if descending from a strange world which was suddenly closed upon him when he looked at the objects around him, and as if he needed to recover his composure after the excitement which had shaken his inmost soul. The count approached the bed, and examined the injured arm. The wound was very red, and surrounded by a wreath of blisters. Similar blisters appeared all up the arm. "The remedy is taking effect," he said; "the poison is beginning to work out, I have a certain hope of recovery." Herr von Stielow threw himself upon the count's breast. "My friend for ever!" he cried, and tears flowed from his eyes.