But the Grand Chancellor, Axel Oxenstiern, one of Sweden's
greatest statesmen, acted promptly.
"Let there be no talk between us," he said, "of Venetian
republics or of Polish kings. We have but one king--the daughter
of the immortal Gustavus!"
Then up spoke one of the leading representatives of the peasant
class, Lars Larsson, the deputy from the western fiords.
"Who is this daughter of Gustavus?" he demanded. "How do we know
this is no trick of yours, Axel Oxenstiern? How do we know that
King Gustavus has a daughter? We have never seen her."
"You shall see her at once," replied the Chancellor; and leaving
the Hall for an instant, he returned speedily, leading a little
girl by the hand. With a sudden movement he lifted her to the
seat of the high silver throne that could only be occupied by the
kings of Sweden.
"Swedes, behold your king!"
Lars Larsson, the deputy, pressed close to the throne on which
the small figure perched silent, yet with a defiant little look
upon her face.
"She hath the face of the Grand Gustavus," he said. "Look,
brothers, the nose, the eyes, the very brows are his."
"Aye," said Oxenstiern; "and she is a soldier's daughter.
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