, 1860-05-11
FRIDoLIN,*
A Story Of Ancient Germany.

In the feudal days Of Europe, and when Ger
many, in common with other nations which
might be embraced in the description, was di-
vided and subdivided into an hundred petty
dukedoms and baronies, none Of its rulers
welded more absolute power, or over Q larger
territory, than Robert Marburg, duke of one Of
the southern divisions And this power, for
the most part, the duke exercised in just and
impartial manner; the best evidence OF which
fact was, that he was beloved and honored by
his people in every section Of his territory.
But the Duke Robert was by no means an infal-
lible ruler; or perfect man; he had faults, and
serious ones, arising chiefly from his quick pas
sions and the IMPLYING severity Of his resent
ment.
There were many who had suffered under the
acts Of the duke, committed in his moments Of
anger who made no secret Of their belief that
their misiortunes were wholly due to the ami
mostly and influence Of Conrad, the dukes
equerry. He was, in fact, a sinister, evi+dis
posed man, who had in some unaccountable
manner obtained q mighty influence over his
master, which he did not fail to use for his own
benefit With rude and uncouth exterior, a
face upon every lineament Of which the word
villain seemed to be written, and heart hateful
with all the wickedness which q base, grovelling
mind can conceive, he had nevertheless crgpt
into the favor and esteem Of the duke in an un-
accountable manner. The latter never treated
him as an equal, being doubtless conscious of
his mental inieriOr.ty aud unworthineSs !. but he
still retained him in the position to which he had
elevated him, aud unconciously gave much weight
to his Opinons and adviee-which, it may be
mentioned, the artful equerry was never back
ward to advance.
Several years prior to the date Of our story,
Robert Marburg had espoused the daughter Of
a neighboring baron; aud her, as well as the
child, the infant daughter whose birth had
blessed their union, the duke loved with all the
power Of his great heart. His BRIDE, the Ltdy
Elnlira, wus Young and surprisingly beautiful
compared with her stalwart husband, she seemed
a mere child, rs in years she might b. considered
and she clung to him with love as devoted
as his own. Sho was the first Of his subjects in
loyalty aud Robert might well have esteemed
hilnslif hap Ter in reigning undsputed lord over
a heart 30 true, than in ruling over the whole Of
his duke,lom.
From the first hour Of her entrance int1 the
ancestral halls ol the Marburgs, the Lady Elmira
had looked with suspicion and distrust upon
Conrad, the equcrry. And, IN truth, this was
a natural consequence; to one so good and
pure as she it was not strange that the real
character Of the equerry should quickly reveal
ITSELF or that she should regard him with aver
sion. Nor was Conral ignorant Of this; he
saw It, and feared lest this feeling might in time
communicate itself to his master. The result Of
this fear was bitterness and hatred towards
the Lady Of Marburg, which afterwards, as we
shall see worked out most singular event.
But Of this anon
There was still another at the Castle Of Mar
burg, und one towards whom the hatred Of the
sinister Conrad was also directed. This was
al. Il 1nl;t Nha nf Ioi.y
boy Of fi(teen He was the grandson Of old
Margaret, who had been the nurse Of the duke
and when the old woman lay upon her death.bed,
RObert adopted the boy, with the promise always
10 provide for him and promote his weiiare.
Sad, lonely and dspirited, the little stranger
was introduced into the castle, and here he soon
found q friend in the person Of the lady. The
stern and martial bearing Of the duke repelled
the ardent. sensitive spirit Of the boy, but the
maternal kindness Of Elmira quickly drew him
to her, and attached him to her service. From
this time, Fridoln becamea most devoted and
faithful servant To him bis beautiful and kind
hearted mistress was something more than hu-
man and he seemed never so happy as when
engaged In her service.
These facts did not escape the keen eye Of the
malicious and watchhil Conrad. Not a word,
not look or act Of either lady or page was lost
and, eo9jecturing rightly 90 what pitch Of exas-
peration the duke might be wrought, by efforts
which he above all others well knew how to
make, and the probable consequences to those
upon whom his rage might chance 10 fall--re-
volving these matters in his mind, the black
hearted equerfy soon conceived plan which he
flatt red himself must surely work the ruin Of
one or both Of those who had aroused his enmity.
To the accomplishment Of his base design he
bent all the energies Of his crafty, cunning mind.
Ills first efforts were hints, vague and uncertain
10 the duke; he directed the attention Of the
latter TO the great interest which his lady seemed
10 manifest and exhibit in Fridolin, her page.
Sand what Of that Master COnrad" the
duke replied. "0f certainty. she seems to
like the boy, and as be serves her WELL and Is
quick.witted lad withal, see no reason for my
Interference in the matter"
"True, my lord duke, the equerry returned.
The boy is handsome, as you know and OBJ.
serve how daintly he assists my lady to her
sAddleI"
This conversation was taking place at one ex-
tnemity Of the court, and at that instant Elmira
appeared at the opposite side, attired in her rid
ing habit and followed by Fridolin leading her
palircy. The latter, with the grace and galiantry
Of true cavalier, had placed his mistress upon
her horse while Conrad was speaking; and while
the latter and the duke continued to watch them,
ene laugneu merrlly at Somo cOHcelI winch uo
page had just uttered, and patted his brown
locks with her gloved hand
:" And Of q truth" the artful equerry contin'
ued, tiny lord cannot blame his fair lady for
liking the boy, although he seems rather more a
man. He's a handsome youth; none, warrant
you, knows that better than my lady and if"
"Silence, knave-sileucc!
The words were uttered by Robert; and, with
an angry gesture, he motioned the equerry to
leave him. The latter Obeyed, with a flush Of
triumph in his eyes, and tho duke, with dark
ffOwn upon his brow, strobe from the courtyard.
This first attempt Of Conrad was followed by
others and their success was soon apparent in
the altered demeanor Of the duke lie grew