Schumacker, surprised in his turn, blessed the young couple. “I have cursed so many people in my lifetime,” said he, “that I now seize every opportunity for blessing. But explain.” All was made clear to him. He wept with emotion, gratitude, and love. “I thought myself wise; I am old, and I did not understand the heart of a young girl!” “And so I am Mrs. Ordener Guldenlew!” said Ethel, with child-like delight. “Ordener Guldenlew,” rejoined old Schumacker, “you are a better man than I, for in the day of my prosperity I would never have stooped to wed the penniless and disgraced daughter of an unfortunate prisoner.” The general took the old man’s hand, and offered him a roll of parchment, saying: “Do not speak thus, Count. Here are your titles, which the king long since sent you by Dispolsen; his Majesty now adds a free pardon. Such is the dowry of your daughter, Countess Danneskiold.” “Pardon! freedom!” repeated the enraptured Ethel. “Countess Danneskiold!” added her father. “Yes, Count,” continued the general; “your honors and estates are restored.” “To whom do I owe all this?” asked the happy Schumacker. “To General Levin de Knud,” answered Ordener. “Levin de Knud! Did I not tell you, Governor, that Levin de Knud was the best of men? But why did he not bring me the good news himself? Where is he?” Ordener pointed in surprise to the smiling, weeping general: “Here!” The recognition of the two who had been comrades in the days of their youth and power was a touching one. Schumacker’s heart swelled. His acquaintance with Hans had destroyed his hatred of men; his acquaintance with Ordener and Levin taught him to love them. The gloomy wedding in the cell was soon celebrated by brilliant festivities. Life smiled upon the young couple who had smiled at death. Count d’Ahlefeld saw that they were happy; this was his most cruel punishment. Athanasius Munder shared their joy. He obtained the pardon of his twelve convicts, and Ordener added that of his former companions in misfortune, Jonas and Norbith, who returned, free and happy, to inform the appeased miners that the king released them from the protectorate. Schumacker did not long enjoy the union of Ethel and Ordener. Liberty and happiness were too much for him; he went to enjoy a different happiness and a different freedom. He died that same year, 1699, his children accepting this blow as a warning that there is no perfect bliss in this world. He was buried in Veer Church, upon an estate in Jutland belonging to his son-in-law, and his tomb preserves all the titles of which captivity deprived him. From the marriage of Ordener and Ethel sprang the race of the counts of Danneskiold. THE END. * * * * * THE LAST DAYS OF A CONDEMNED. FROM THE FRENCH OF M. VICTOR HUGO. WITH OBSERVATIONS ON CAPITAL PUNISHMENT, BY SIR P. HESKETH FLEETWOOD. BART., M.P. DEDICATION. TO THE QUEEN’S MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY.