"
Ebbo checked his hasty march to put his hand on her chair and kiss
her brow. "Motherling, I will restrain myself, so you will give me
your word not to desert us."
"Nay, Ebbo," said Friedel, "the motherling is too true and loving for
us to bind her."
"Children," she answered, "hear me patiently. I have been communing
with myself, and deeply do I feel that none other can I love save him
who is to you a mere name, but to me a living presence. Nor would I
put any between you and me. Fear me not, Ebbo. I think the mothers
and sons of this wider, fuller world do not prize one another as we
do. But, my son, this is no matter for rage or ingratitude.
Remember it is no small condescension in a noble to stoop to thy
citizen mother."
"He knew what painted puppets noble ladies are," growled Ebbo.
"Moreover," continued Christina, "thine uncle is highly gratified,
and cannot believe that I can refuse. He understands not my love for
thy father, and sees many advantages for us all. I doubt me if he
believes I have power to resist his will, and for thee, he would not
count thine opposition valid.
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