"I cannot remember it."
"... which his Majesty asked your highness to give to an officer in his life-guards."
The duke passed his hand over his high forehead.
"That officer is dead," he said.
"I am that officer, your highness. I was wounded at Lützen, and shortly after taken prisoner by the Imperialists."
Duke Bernhard beckoned Bertel to come nearer, and gave him a searching look; he seemed satisfied with his examination.
"Close the door," he said, "and sit down by my side."
Bertel obeyed. His cheeks were burning with anxiety.
"Young man," said the duke, "you carry on your forehead the marks of your origin, and I ask for no further evidence. Your mother is a peasant's daughter of Storkyro, in Finland, and her name is Emerentia Aronsdotter Bertila."
"No, your highness, the person you speak of is my elder sister, born of my father's first marriage. I have never seen my mother."