ents from Scotland, which might raise
the regiment to a strength which would enable it again to take the
field.

Malcolm remained behind until his strength slowly returned. The colonel,
before leaving, had bade him take his time before rejoining, as months
would probably elapse before the regiment would again be fit for
service. As soon as he was able to travel he journeyed to Nuremberg.
On arriving at the abode of Jans Boerhoff he learned that Thekla was
no longer an inmate of the family. The Count of Mansfeld had died in
prison, and the countess had arrived at Nuremberg and had taken up her
abode there. Malcolm made his way to the house she occupied. The meeting
was an affecting one. Malcolm was greatly grieved over the death of
his staunch friend, and joined in the sorrow of the countess and her
daughter. A few days after his arrival the countess said to him:

"I am of course aware, Malcolm, of the conversation which the count had
with you concerning Thekla, and my wishes fully agreed with his on the
subject. In other times one would not speak of marriage when
Thekla's father had been but two months dead; but it is no time for
conventionalities now. All Southern Germany is falling away from the
Protestant cause, and ere long we may see the Imperialists at the gate
of Nuremberg, and it may be that in a few months the whole of Germany
will be in their power. Therefore, I would that there should be no
delay. Thekla is nearly seventeen; you are twenty-one--over young both
to enter upon the path of matrimony; but the events of the last few
months have made a woman of her, while you have long since proved
yourself both in thoughtfulness and in valour to be a man. Thekla is
no longer a great heiress. Since Nordlingen we may consider that her
father's estates have gone for ever, mine may follow in a few months.
Therefore I must ask you, are you ready to take her without dowry?"

"I am," Malcolm said earnestly, "and that right gladly, for I love her
with all my heart."

"It needs no questioning on my part," the countess said, "to know that
she loves you as truly, and that her happiness depends wholly on you. I
saw her anguish when the news came of the terrible defeat at Nordlingen
and of the annihilation of some of the Scottish regiments. My heart was
wrung by her silent despair, her white and rigid face, until the news
came that you were among the few who had survived the battle, and, in
the outburst of joy and thankfuln