Through the plotted terraces and down the marble stairs the Prince rapidly descended, fleeing before uncomfortable thoughts.

But, alas! from these there is no city of refuge.

And now, when he was about midway of the descent, distant strains of music began to fall upon his ear from the ball-room, where the court was dancing.
They reached him faint and broken, but they touched the keys of memory; and through and above them Otto heard the ranting melody of the wood-merchants' song.

Mere blackness seized upon his mind.

Here he was, coming home; the wife was dancing, the husband had been playing a trick upon a lackey; and meanwhile, all about them, they were a by-word to their subjects.