Tell me, what is it all about ?" "Ah, Nino dear, it is very terrible.

My father declared I must marry Baron Benoni, or end my days here, in this dismal castle." Nino ground his teeth, and drew her even closer to him, so that her head rested on his shoulder.
"Infamous wretch!" he muttered.
"Hush, Nino," said Hedwig gently; "he is my father." "Oh, I mean Benoni, of course," exclaimed Nino quickly.
"Yes, dear, of course you do," Hedwig responded.

"But my father has changed his mind.

He no longer wishes me to marry the Jew." "Why is that, sweetheart ?" "Because Benoni was very rude to me to-day, and I told my father, who said he should leave the house at once." "I hope he will kill the hound!" cried Nino, with rising anger.

"And I am glad your father has still the decency to protect you from insult." "My father is very unkind, Nino mio, but he is an officer and a gentleman." "Oh, I know what that means,--a gentleman! Fie on your gentleman! Do you love me less, Hedwig, because I am of the people ?" For all answer Hedwig threw her arms round his neck, passionately.
"Tell me, love, would you think better of me if I were noble ?" "Ah, Nino, how most unkind! Oh, no: I love you, and for your sake I love the people,--the strong, brave people, whose man you are." "God bless you, dear, for that," he answered tenderly.