"Thou hast; and a fairer, or a modester, or a tenderer, and yet, unless my
judgment err, a firmer at need, is not to be found among all the excellent
of her excellent sex. But thou wouldst scarce think of bestowing Adelheid
in reward for such a service on one so little known, or without her wishes
being consulted?"
"Girls of Adelheid's birth and breeding are ever ready to do what is meet
to maintain the honor of their families. I deem gratitude to be a debt
that must not stand long uncancelled against the name of Willading."
The Genoese looked grave, and it was evident he listened to his friend
with something like displeasure.
"We who have so nearly passed through life, good Melchior," he said,
"should know its difficulties and its hazards. The way is weary, and it
has need of all the solace that affection and a community of feeling can
yield to lighten its cares. I have never liked this heartless manner of
trafficking in the tenderest ties, to uphold a failing line or a failing
fortune; and better it were that Adelheid should pass her days unwooed in
thy ancient castle, than give her hand, under any sudden impulse of
sentiment, not less than under a cold calculation of interest.
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