University of Virginia Library

2. CHAPTER II.
FESTIVITY AND TEARS.

SIX days after the occurrences related in
the above chapter, the brilliant capital
of the Duchy of Brandenburgh was resplendent
with military pageantry, and noisy
with the rejoicings of loyal multitudes; for Conrad,
the young heir to the crown, was come.
The old Duke's heart was full of happiness, for
Conrad's handsome person and graceful bearing
had won his love at once. The great halls of
the palace were thronged with nobles, who welcomed
Conrad bravely; and so bright and
happy did all things seem, that he felt his
fears and sorrows passing away and giving
place to a comforting contentment.

But in a remote apartment of the palace a
scene of a different nature was transpiring. By

a window stood the Duke's only child, the Lady
Constance. Her eyes were red and swollen, and
full of tears. She was alone. Presently she fell
to weeping anew, and said aloud:

“The villain Detzin is gone—has fled the
dukedom! I could not believe it at first, but
alas! it is too true. And I loved him so. I
dared to love him though I knew the Duke my
father would never let me wed him. I loved
him—but now I hate him! With all my soul
I hate him! Oh, what is to become of me! I
am lost, lost, lost! I shall go mad!