"Before his death I had an interview with my nearest kinsman, who has
taken sides with the Imperialists, and to him I offered to resign
Thekla's rights as heiress to the estate for the sum of 10,000
crowns. As this was but three years revenue of the estates, and it
secured their possession to him whether the Imperialists or Swedes
were victorious in the struggle, he consented, after having obtained
the emperor's consent to the step, and I have this morning received
a letter from him saying that the money has been lodged in the
hands of the banker at Hamburg, and Thekla and I have this morning
signed a deed renouncing in his favour all claim to the estate. Thus
Thekla has a dowry of 20,000 gold crowns -- a sum not unworthy of
a dowry even for the daughter of a Count of Mansfeld; but with it
you must take me also, for I would fain leave the country and end
my days with her."
"Do you keep the dowry so long as you live, countess," Malcolm said
earnestly. "It is more than the richest noble in Scotland could
give with his daughter. My own estate, though small, is sufficient
to keep Thekla and myself in ease, and my pleasure in having you
with us will be equal to hers. You would wish, of course, that I
should quit the army and return home, and, indeed, I am ready to do
so. I have had more than enough of wars and fighting. I have been
preserved well nigh by a miracle, when my comrades have fallen
around me like grass.
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