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.