"But my father has horses," she added, on a sudden, in a very anxious voice.
"Never fear, my darling.

No horse could scratch a foothold in the place where our mules are as safe as in a meadow.

Come, dear heart, let us be going." But Hedwig hung her head, and did not stir.

"What is it, Hedwig ?" he asked, bending down to her and softly stroking her hair.

"Are you afraid of me ?" "No,--oh no! Not of you, Nino,--never of you!" She pushed her face close against him, very lovingly.
"What then, dear?
Everything is ready for us.