I have even told myself that
as she grew up I must no longer make long stays in your castle,
for it would be dishonourable indeed did I reward your kindness and
hospitality by winning the heart of your daughter; but after what
you have so generously said I need no longer fear my heart, and
will, when the time comes, proudly remind you of your promise. For
this journey I will put all such thoughts aside, and will regard
Thekla as my merry playfellow of the last three years. But after I
have once placed her in safety I shall thenceforward think of her
as my wife who is to be, and will watch over her safety as over
my greatest treasure, trusting that in some happy change of times
and circumstances you yourself and the dear countess, whom I already
regard almost as my parents, will give her to me."
"So be it," the count said solemnly. "My blessing on you both should
I ne'er see you again. I can meet whatever fate may be before me
with constancy and comfort now that her future is assured -- but
here they come."
The door opened, and the countess appeared, followed by Thekla,
shrinking behind her mother's skirts in her boyish attire.
"You will pass well," the count said gravely, for he knew that jest
now would jar upon her. "Keep that cap well down over your eyes,
and try and assume a little more of the jaunty and impudent air
of a boy. Fortunately it will be dark below, and the sentry will
not be able to mark how fair is your skin and how delicate your
hands.
Pages:
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347