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 whether it were found among the aristocracy or not; very few were such decided lovers of midnight revelry and gay company as was Count Felsenburk. Also few were they who acknowledged so freely as he that pleasure was their religion, luxury the only divinity which they sincerely believed and faithfully worshiped. Who could have been better fitted to turn him away from such self-indulgence and lead him into a better, holier life than the pupil of pious nuns, a beautiful, refined young lady, unyielding in principles and yet affectionate in words and deeds? Beyond the desire to reward him, she had another good purpose; the virtuous Empress wished not only to please the Count, but also to improve him.

But the ward was not what the Empress thought her to be. She was quiet and reserved, not through modesty and humility, but through pride and haughtiness. The nuns of St. Ann’s convent had not educated her wisely; they had petted and fondled her. They had aimed at getting the rich heiress to grow fond