"It is the work of my young kinsmen, and their appropriate device."
"As well chosen as carved," said Maximilian, examining it. "Well is
it that a city dove should now and then find her way to the eyrie.
Some of my nobles would cut my throat for the heresy, but I am safe
here, eh, Sir Kasimir? Fare ye well, ye dove-trained eaglets. We
will know one another better when we bear the cross against the
infidel."
The brothers kissed his hand, and he descended the steps from the
hall door. Ere he had gone far, he turned round upon Sir Kasimir
with a merry smile
"A very white and tender dove indeed, and one who might easily nestle
in another eyrie, methinks."
"Deems your kingly highness that consent could be won?" asked
Wildschloss
"From the Kaisar? Pfui, man, thou knowst as well as I do the golden
key to his consent. So thou wouldst risk thy luck again! Thou hast
no male heir."
"And I would fain give my child a mother who would deal well with
her. Nay, to say sooth, that gentle, innocent face has dwelt with me
for many years.
Pages:
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332