Page:Zodiac stories by Blanche Mary Channing.pdf/303

286 But, though Dolf was hurt, his loyalty to Conrad never faltered. He kept the closer watch on Ludwig the minnesinger, and his mind was busy while he kept silence.

His heart swelled when his old companion's eyes passed by him to beam on the new favorite, but his devotion was unchanged.

Father Johann, confined to his own suite of rooms, was much concerned when the matter came to his ears, and pleaded with Conrad.

"It is all Dolf's jealousy," said the young Duke, laughing. "That fellow is over-pampered, and snaps at rivals like a lady's lap-dog. Believe me, good Father, Ludwig is a friend worth the having. He sings like a bird in June. I will bring him to sing before you, and you will laugh with me at Dolf's dulness."

But somehow, from one reason or another, Ludwig never sang for Father