No, no; I would rather make a weathercock guardian to
my daughter. You yourself are the only guard to whom I can safely
intrust her."
"My sword as knight and kinsman--" began Ebbo.
"No, no; 'tis no matter of errant knight or distressed damsel. That
is King Max's own line!" said Wildschloss, with a little of the irony
that used to nettle Ebbo. "There is only one way in which you can
save her, and that is as her husband."
Ebbo started, as well he might, but Sir Kasimir laid his hand on him
with a gesture that bade him listen ere he spoke. "My first wish for
my child," he said, "was to see her brought up by that peerless lady
below stairs. The saints--in pity to one so like themselves--spared
her the distress our union would have brought her. Now, it would be
vain to place my little Thekla in her care, for Trautbach would
easily feign my death, and claim his niece, nor are you of age to be
made her guardian as head of our house. But, if this marriage rite
were solemnized, then would her person and lands alike be yours, and
I could leave her with an easy heart.
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