It grew louder; it spread farther.

The gossips of the city got hold of it.

It swept the dukedom.

And this is what the whisper said: "The Lady Constance hath given birth to a child!" When the lord of Klugenstein heard it, he swung his plumed helmet thrice around his head and shouted: "Long live Duke Conrad!--for lo, his crown is sure from this day forward! Detzin has done his errand well, and the good scoundrel shall be rewarded!" And he spread the tidings far and wide, and for eight-and-forty hours no soul in all the barony but did dance and sing, carouse and illuminate, to celebrate the great event, and all at proud and happy old Klugenstein's expense..