e young yet,
and she in most matters is but a child, and it would be better in every
way did she start on this adventure with you regarding you as a brother
than in any other light. Only remember that if we should not meet again,
and you in future years should seek the woman who is now a child as your
wife, you have my fullest approval and consent--nay, more, that it is my
dearest wish."

"I thank you most deeply for what you have said, count," Malcolm replied
gravely. "As I have seen your daughter growing up from a child I have
thought how sweet a wife she would make, but I have put the thought from
me, seeing that she is heiress to broad lands and I a Scottish soldier
of fortune, whose lands, though wide enough for me to live in comfort at
home, are yet but a mere farm in comparison with your broad estates.
I have even told myself that as she grew up I must no longer make long
stays in your castle, for it would be dishonourable indeed did I reward
your kindness and hospitality by winning the heart of your daughter; but
after what you have so generously said I need no longer fear my heart,
and will, when the time comes, proudly remind you of your promise. For
this journey I will put all such thoughts aside, and will regard Thekla
as my merry playfellow of the last three years. But after I have once
placed her in safety I shall thenceforward think of her as my wife who
is to be, and will watch over her safety as over my greatest treasure,
trusting that in some happy change of times and circumstances you
yourself and the dear countess, whom I already regard almost as my
parents, will give her to me."

"So be it," the count said solemnly. "My blessing on you both should
I ne'er see you again. I can meet whatever fate may be before me with
constancy and comfort now that her future is assured--but here they
come."

The door opened, and the countess appeared, followed by Thekla,
shrinking behind her mother's skirts in her boyish attire.

"You will pass well," the count said gravely, for he knew that jest now
would jar upon her. "Keep that cap well down over your eyes, and try
and assume a little more of the jaunty and impudent air of a boy.
Fortunately it will be dark below, and the sentry will not be able
to mark how fair is your skin and how delicate your hands. And now
farewell, my child. Let us not stand talking, for the quicker a parting
is over the better. May God in heaven bless you and keep you! Malcolm
knows al