"
"True," continued Sorel; "and though she be too pious and wise to
reck greatly of such trifles, yet it may please her dreamy brain to
hear that Sir Kasimir loves her even like a paladin, and the love of
a tried man of six-and-forty is better worth than a mere kindling of
youthful fancy."
"Mine Eberhard loved me!" murmured Christina, almost to herself, but
her aunt caught the word.
"And what was such love worth? To force thee into a stolen match,
and leave thee alone and unowned to the consequences!"
"Peace!" exclaimed Christina, with crimson cheek and uplifted head.
"Peace! My own dear lord loved me with true and generous love! None
but myself knows how much. Not a word will I hear against that
tender heart."
"Yes, peace," returned Gottfried in a conciliatory tone,--"peace to
the brave Sir Eberhard. Thine aunt meant no ill of him. He truly
would rejoice that the wisdom of his choice should receive such
testimony, and that his sons should be thus well handled. Nay,
little as I heed such toys, it will doubtless please the lads that
the baron will obtain of the Emperor letters of nobility for this
house, which verily sprang of a good Walloon family, and so their
shield will have no blank.
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