Sketches New and Old, Complete

ch he bore himself in his great office. The old duke soon gave everything into his hands, and sat apart and listened with proud satisfaction while his heir delivered the decrees of the cr

e saw, moreover, that the delighted duke had discovered his daughter's passion likewise, and was already dreaming of a marriage. Every day somewhat of the deep sadness that had

r a sympathy such as only women can give or feel. He now began to avoid his cousin. But this only made matters worse, for, naturally enough, the more he avoided her the more she cast herself in his way. He marveled at this at f

Conrad was becoming a very ghost through dread and dire distress. One day as he was emerging from a private ant

had it once? Conrad, do not despise me, but pity a tortured heart? I cannot,-cannot hold the words unspoke

hen, misinterpreting his silence, a wild gladness flamed i

ve me-you will love me! Oh, say you

ntenance, and he trembled like an aspen. Presently, in d

eft the princess stupefied with amazement. A minute afterward she was crying and sobbing there, and Con

se slowly to her feet

hat I thought it was melting his cruel heart! I hate him! He