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!”