They proceeded in silence until a bend in the Rhine
shut Caub and its sinister water-prison out of sight, and then it was
the girl who spoke.
"Guardian," she said, "have I offended you beyond forgiveness?"
A gentle smile came to his lips as he gazed upon her with affection.
"You have not offended me at all, my dear," he said, "but I am grieved
at thwarting circumstance."
"I have been thinking over circumstances too, and hold myself solely to
blame for their baffling opposition. I will submit without demur to
whatever length of imprisonment may please, and, if possible, soften the
Archbishop of Mayence. After my release I shall ask your consent that I
may forthwith join the Sisterhood at Nonnenwerth. I wish to divide my
wealth equally between yourself and the convent."
The Archbishop shook his head.
"I could not accept such donation."
"Why not? The former Archbishop of Cologne accepted Linz from my
ancestress Matilda."
"That was intended to be but a temporary loan."
"Well; call my benefaction temporary if you like, to be kept until I
call for it, but meanwhile to be used at your discretion.
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