He thought of his bold declaration that the bridge
must be built, even at the cost of blood! Little did he then guess
of whose blood! And in his bitterness of spirit he felt a jealousy
of that influence of Schleiermacher, which had of late come between
him and his brother. He hated the very name, he said, and hid his
face with a shudder. He hoped the torrent would sweep away every
fragment of the bridge.
"Nay, Ebbo mine, wherefore wish ill to a good work that our blessed
one loved? Listen, and let me tell you my dream for making yonder
strand a peaceful memorial of our peaceful boy."
"To honour Friedel?" and he gazed on her with something like interest
in his eyes.
"Yes, Ebbo, and as he would best brook honour. Let us seek for ever
to end the rival claims to yon piece of meadow by praying this knight
of a religious order, the new count, to unite with us in building
there--or as near as may be safe--a church of holy peace, and a cell
for a priest, who may watch over the bridge ward, and offer the holy
sacrifice for the departed of either house.
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