Page:Tales of the Dead.djvu/59

 thusiasm, forgotten to guard his sister’s sensibility,” said the baron.

“How so?” demanded Ferdinand.

“It is in consequence of this,” answered the baron, “that I now address myself to you, and reveal to you the secret. I have told you that Ditmar demonstrated a paternal affection to the daughter of his enemy, had given her a handsome portion, and had married her to a valiant knight. Learn then, that this knight was Adelbert de Meltheim, from whom the counts of this name descended in a direct line.”

“Is it possible?” exclaimed Ferdinand, “the author of my race!”

“The same,” answered the baron; “and according to appearances, Ditmar designed that the family of Meltheim should succeed him on the extinction of his own. Haste, then, in order to establish your probable right to the ”

“Never” said Ferdinand “so long as Emily”

“This is no more than I expected from you,” replied the baron; “but remember, that in Ditmar’s time the girls were not thought of in deeds of this kind. Your inconsiderate generosity would be prejudicial to Emily. For the next of kin who lay claim to the fief, do not probably possess very gallant ideas.”

“As a relation, though only on the female side,