Letthissuffice,oftheconversation.Itisenoughforustoknowthattheprayers,theentreatiesandthetearsofthegentle-naturedgirlavailednothing.TheynoranythingcouldmovethestoutoldlordofKlugenstein.Andso,atlast,withaheavyheart,thedaughtersawthecastlegatesclosebehindher,andfoundherselfridingawayinthedarknesssurroundedbyaknightlyarrayofarmed,vassalsandabravefollowingofservants.
Theoldbaronsatsilentformanyminutesafterhisdaughter\'sdeparture,andthenheturnedtohissadwifeandsaid:
\"Dame,ourmattersseemspeedingfairly.ItisfullthreemonthssinceI
senttheshrewdandhandsomeCountDetzinonhisdevilishmissiontomybrother\'sdaughterConstance.Ifhefail,wearenotwhollysafe;butifhedosucceed,nopowercanbarourgirlfrombeingDuchesse\'enthoughill-fortuneshoulddecreeshenevershouldbeDuke!\"
\"Myheartisfullofbodings,yetallmaystillbewell.\"