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.