The Count of Mansfeld
had died in prison, and the countess had arrived at Nuremberg and had
taken up her abode there. Malcolm made his way to the house she
occupied. The meeting was an affecting one. Malcolm was greatly grieved
over the death of his staunch friend, and joined in the sorrow of
the countess and her daughter. A few days after his arrival the
countess said to him:
"I am of course aware, Malcolm, of the conversation which the count
had with you concerning Thekla, and my wishes fully agreed with
his on the subject. In other times one would not speak of marriage
when Thekla's father had been but two months dead; but it is no
time for conventionalities now. All Southern Germany is falling away
from the Protestant cause, and ere long we may see the Imperialists
at the gate of Nuremberg, and it may be that in a few months the
whole of Germany will be in their power. Therefore, I would that
there should be no delay. Thekla is nearly seventeen; you are
twenty-one -- over young both to enter upon the path of matrimony;
but the events of the last few months have made a woman of her,
while you have long since proved yourself both in thoughtfulness
and in valour to be a man. Thekla is no longer a great heiress.
Since Nordlingen we may consider that her father's estates have
gone for ever, mine may follow in a few months. Therefore I must
ask you, are you ready to take her without dowry?"
"I am," Malcolm said earnestly, "and that right gladly, for I love
her with all my heart.
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