"Do not distress yourself further," said Boleslav. "She belongs to me as I belong to her."
"Nevertheless, I demand her from you this day, Boleslav von Schranden," said the old pastor, placing his hand on Regina's head. She cowered, but let it lie there.
"That you may be able to stone her better?"
"I promise you that no harm shall come to her. I will confide her to the care of one of my spiritual brethren, who will see to her wants for this side of the grave and the other. If you oppose her redemption, you will only be knitting the chain of your sin the closer."
Boleslav was silent. A thousand thoughts rushed through his brain. This old man's word was to be relied on; he was no cheat. And what lawful claim had he to this woman lying helpless at his feet? How could he make it worth her while to perpetually risk her life for him?
Then the Landrath, who had partially recovered from his panic, put in his word. "Is the young person of age?" he asked.
The pastor calculated a moment, and replied in the affirmative.
"The vis paterna therefore cannot be enforced against her wishes, otherwise she might be sent to a penitentiary, where----"
The rest of his speech was cut short by a burst of ironical laughter from Boleslav.
"She may decide for herself. Does that satisfy you, Herr Baron?"