"My young lords," he said, "I fear me ye are vexing your gentle
mother by needless strife at what must take place."
"Pardon me, good uncle," said Ebbo, "I utterly decline the honour of
Sir Kasimir's suit to my mother."
Master Gottfried smiled. "Sons are not wont to be the judges in such
cases, Sir Eberhard."
"Perhaps not," he answered; "but my mother's will is to the nayward,
nor shall she be coerced."
"It is merely because of you and your pride," said Master Gottfried.
"I think not so," rejoined the calmer Friedel; "my mother's love for
my father is still fresh."
"Young knights," said Master Gottfried, "it would scarce become me to
say, nor you to hear, how much matter of fancy such love must have
been towards one whom she knew but for a few short months, though her
pure sweet dreams, through these long years, have moulded him into a
hero. Boys, I verily believe ye love her truly. Would it be well
for her still to mourn and cherish a dream while yet in her fresh
age, capable of new happiness, fuller than she has ever enjoyed?"
"She is happy with us," rejoined Ebbo.
Pages:
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345