For a fortnight the events which we have just related formed the sole topic of conversation in the town and province of Throndhjem, judged from the various standpoints of the various speakers. The people of the town, who had waited in vain to see seven successive executions, began to despair of ever having that pleasure; and purblind old women declared that, on the night of the lamentable fire at the barracks, they had seen Hans of Iceland fly up in the flames, laughing amid the blaze, as he dashed the burning roof of the building upon the Munkholm musketeers; when, after an absence which to his Ethel seemed an age, Ordener returned to the Lion of Schleswig tower, accompanied by General Levin de Knud and Chaplain Athanasius Munder. Schumacker was walking in the garden, leaning on his daughter. The young couple found it hard not to rush into each other’s arms; but they were forced to be content with a look. Schumacker affectionately grasped Ordener’s hand, and greeted the two strangers in a friendly manner. “Young man,” said the aged captive, “may Heaven bless your return!” “Sir,” replied Ordener, “I have just arrived. Having seen my father at Bergen, I would now embrace my father at Munkholm.” “What do you mean?” asked the old man, in great surprise. “That you must give me your daughter, noble sir.” “My daughter!” exclaimed the prisoner, turning to the confused and blushing Ethel. “Yes, my lord, I love your Ethel. I have devoted my life to her; she is mine.” Schumacker’s face clouded: “You are a brave and noble youth, my son. Although your father has done me much harm, I forgive him for your sake; and I should be glad to sanction this marriage. But there is an obstacle--” “What is it, sir?” asked Ordener, anxiously. “You love my daughter; but are you sure that she loves you?” The two lovers cast at each other a rapid glance of mute amazement. “Yes,” continued the father. “I am sorry; for I love you, and would gladly call you son. But my daughter would never consent. She has recently confessed her aversion for you, and since your departure she is silent whenever I speak of you, and seems to avoid all thought of you as if you were odious to her. You must give up your love for her, Ordener. Never fear; love may be cured as well as hatred.” “My lord!” exclaimed the astonished Ordener. “Father!” cried Ethel, clasping her hands. “Do not be alarmed, my daughter,” interrupted the old man; “I approve of this marriage, but you do not. I will never force your inclinations, Ethel. This last fortnight has wrought a great change in me; you are free to choose for yourself.” Athanasius Munder smiled. “She is not,” he said. “You are mistaken, dear father,” added Ethel, taking courage; “I do not hate Ordener.” “What!” cried her father. “I am--” resumed Ethel. She hesitated. 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.”