“I might betroth her to you now, for many girls are betrothed at a far younger age, but I would rather leave it as it is.  You are 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 all my wishes concerning you, and when I am not with you trust yourself to his advice and guidance as you would to mine.  There, my darling, do not break down.  You must be brave for all our sakes.  Should the emperor hold me in durance your mother will try and join you ere long at Nuremberg.”