Sketches New and Old

by Mark Twain

  CHAPTER II.

  FESTIVITY AND TEARS

  Six days after the occurrences related in the above chapter, thebrilliant capital of the Duchy of Brandenburgh was resplendent withmilitary pageantry, and noisy with the rejoicings of loyal multitudes;for Conrad, the young heir to the crown, was come. The old duke's heartwas full of happiness, for Conrad's handsome person and graceful bearinghad won his love at once. The great halls of the palace were throngedwith nobles, who welcomed Conrad bravely; and so bright and happy did allthings seem that he felt his fears and sorrows passing away and givingplace to a comforting contentment.

  But in a remote apartment of the palace a scene of a different naturewas transpiring. By a window stood the duke's only child, the LadyConstance. Her eyes were red and swollen and full of tears. She wasalone. Presently she fell to weeping anew, and said aloud:

  "The villain Detzin is gone--has fled the dukedom! I could not believeit at first, but alas! it is too true. And I loved him so. I dared tolove 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, whatis to become of me! I am lost, lost, lost! I shall go mad!"