"
To which Ebbo only answered, "Pfui!'
Christina understood that Friedel meant that robbery must be a
severance between the brothers. Alas! had the moment come when their
paths must diverge? Could Ebbo's step not be redeemed?
Ursel reported that Dame Kunigunde had scarcely spoken again, but had
retired, like one stunned, into her bed. Friedel was half asleep
after the exertions of the day; but Ebbo did not speak, and both soon
betook themselves to their little turret chamber within their
mother's.
Christina prayed long that night, her heart full of dread of the
consequence of this transgression. Rumours of freebooting castles
destroyed by the Swabian League had reached her every wake day, and,
if this outrage were once known, the sufferance that left Adlerstein
unmolested must be over. There was hope indeed in the weakness and
uncertainty of the Government; but present safety would in reality be
the ruin of Ebbo, since he would be encouraged to persist in the
career of violence now unhappily begun. She knew not what to ask,
save that her sons might be shielded from evil, and might fulfil that
promise of her dream, the star in heaven, the light on earth.
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