" Her hand was
uplifted for another blow, when it was grasped by Eberhard, and, the
next moment, he likewise held the other hand, with youthful strength
far exceeding hers. She had often struck his mother before, but not
in his presence, and the greatness of the shock seemed to make him
cool and absolutely dignified.
"Be still, grandame," he said. "No, mother, I am not hurting her,"
and indeed the surprise seemed to have taken away her rage and
volubility, and unresistingly she allowed him to seat her in a chair.
Still holding her arm, he made his clear boyish voice resound through
the hall, saying, "Retainers all, know that, as I am your lord and
master, so is my honoured mother lady of the castle, and she is never
to be gainsay'ed, let her say or do what she will."
"You are right, Herr Freiherr," said Heinz. "The Frau Christina is
our gracious and beloved dame. Long live the Freiherrinn Christina!"
And the voices of almost all the serfs present mingled in the cry.
"And hear you all," continued Eberhard, "she shall rule all, and
never be trampled on more.
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