We have been constantly
in fear for you, and after that terrible battle before Leipzig Thekla
scarcely slept a wink until we obtained a copy of the Gazette with
the names of the officers killed."
"You are kind indeed to bear me so in remembrance," Malcolm said,
"and I am indeed grateful for it. I have often wondered whether
any fresh danger threatened you; but I hoped that the advance of
the Marquis of Hamilton's force would have given the Imperialists
too much to do for them to disturb you."
"Yes, we have had no more trouble," the countess replied. "The
villages which the Imperialists destroyed are rising again; and as
after the flight of the enemy the cattle and booty they had captured
were all left behind, the people are recovering from their visit.
What terrible havoc has the war caused! Our way here led through
ruined towns and villages, the country is infested by marauders, and
all law and order is at an end save where there are strong bodies
of troops. We rode with an escort of twenty men; but even then we
did not feel very safe until we were fairly through Franconia. And
so you have passed unwounded through the strife?"
"Yes, countess," Malcolm replied. "I had indeed a ball through my
leg at Wurtzburg; but as it missed the bone, a trifle like that is
scarcely worth counting. I have been most fortunate indeed."
"He is a captain now," the count said, "and to obtain such promotion
he must have greatly distinguished himself.
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