"
"They shall be made, lady, as will be needful for the establishment
of your son's right as a free Baron of the empire, but not with any
doubt on my part, or desire to controvert that right. I am fully
convinced, and only wish to serve you and my little cousins. Which
of them is the head of our family?" he added, looking at the two
absolutely undistinguishable little chrysalises, so exactly alike
that Christina herself was obliged to look for the black ribbon, on
which a medal had been hung, round the neck of the elder. Sir
Kasimir put one knee to the ground as he kissed the red cheek of the
infant and the white hand of the mother.
"Lady cousin," he said to Kunigunde, who had stood by all this time
with an anxious, uneasy, scowling expression on her face, "I am
satisfied. I own this babe as the true Freiherr von Adlerstein, and
far be it from me to trouble his heritage. Rather point out the way
in which I may serve you and him. Shall I represent all to the
Emperor, and obtain his wardship, so as to be able to protect you
from any attacks by the enemies of the house?"
"Thanks, sir," returned the elder lady, severely, seeing Christina's
gratified, imploring face.
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