Were it only my father, I could make him love thee; but my mother--I
could not trust her where she thought the honour of our house
concerned. It shall not be for long. Thou know'st we are to make
peace with the Kaiser, and then will I get me employment among
Kurfurst Albrecht's companies of troops, and then shalt thou prank it
as my Lady Freiherrinn, and teach me the ways of cities."
"Alas! I fear me it has been a great sin!" sighed the poor little
wife.
"For thee--thou couldst not help it," said Eberhard; "for me--who
knows how many deadly ones it may hinder? Cheer up, little one; no
one can harm thee while the secret is kept."
Poor Christina had no choice but submission; but it was a sorry
bridal evening, to enter her husband's home in shrinking terror; with
the threat of the oubliette before her, and with a sense of shame and
deception hanging upon her, making the wonted scowl of the old
baroness cut her both with remorse and dread.
She did indeed sit beside her bridegroom at the supper, but how
little like a bride! even though he pushed the salt-cellar, as if by
accident, below her place.
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