'I requested it,' answered Goertz, sinking down upon his wooden stool, 'but the lords were of opinion that they could not allow a man like me to sit in their presence. The words were yet harder than the refusal itself. But let that pass. What is your sister about, Georgina? She is well? Why did you not bring her with you?' 'The permission was only allowed to myself and Arwed,' said Georgina. 'They would not allow the child to come in, and I was compelled to send her back from the door.' 'They are very strict with me in every respect,' said Goertz, 'whilst they permit themselves every latitude to my disadvantage. This day's examination furnishes sufficient proof of this.' 'I must hope, my old friend,' said Rank much moved, 'that the commission will allow you every legal and proper indulgence.' 'A copy of the accusation has never once been laid before me,' answered Goertz. 'I begged that my process might not be overhastened. I begged also for permission to make a written defence. Both were denied me. I begged to be allowed the assistance of professional counsel. This legal aid also, which every murderer enjoys, was withheld from me.' 'Unheard of!' cried Rank indignantly. 'The queen cannot refuse these requests consistently with her own honor. I will speak to her about it.' 'My good Rank,' said Goertz, extending his hand to him with a smile of gratitude, 'put not yourself to any inconvenience on my account. I am not to be saved. When the blood of my king flowed, the same moment was my sentence pronounced. Sweden thirsts for my blood, and it must be drunken. This conviction has its benefits. It raises me above delusive hopes, and confers upon me the quiet repose of resignation.' 'My dear father!' sobbed Georgina, who had sunk down before him, with her head resting upon his knees. 'My good child!' said Goertz, lifting up her face and looking at her with an expression of unutterable tenderness. 'Thou hast thy mother's eyes,' added he, laying his hand softly upon her cheek. 'I must take a long look that every lineament may remain in my memory. For this enjoyment may never again be allowed to me.' 'This is the only interview which I could prevail upon the inexorable Ribbing to grant,' said Rank sadly. 'They will not, however, refuse you a farewell conversation with your daughters after the trial.' Goertz kissed the tears from his daughter's eyes. But his parental feelings became too strong for him. 'Leave me!' said he springing up: 'this trial is too great for me!' and he walked up and down the room with hasty strides.