rendering alike confident of success, though caring, as it would seem, for neither? This cannot be permitted to continue. You have given Count Ulric, and you have given Count Rupert, such encouragement as to authorise them in demanding with confidence your hand. I will not speak in favour of the one more than of the other; but one of them you must elect for your husband, or incur my severest displeasure.”
Lucretia turned quite pale; she had never anticipated that her little caprices would reach the notice of the Empress. She threw herself at the feet of her mistress, seized her hand, which she bathed with tears, and as soon as she had somewhat recovered from her consternation, said: “Be not angry with me, mighty Sovereign; if my poor attractions produce any disorder in your Court, the fault is not mine; I cannot help it. Do not the courtiers cast their bold glances at all your ladies? How, then, can I prevent their being directed to me? I have given none of them any such encouragement as could warrant their asserting the possession of my heart, which is still entirely at my own disposal. I trust, therefore, that your Majesty will not compel your poor servant to wed a husband for whom she entertains not the slightest inclination.”
“You speak in vain,” replied the Empress;
