You shall proceed but five or six miles each day; at this
rate of travel it will take four days to reach the last barracks of
my soldiers, and almost the entire journey lies through dark, thick
woods, and solitary highways. Now go, and may God be with you!"
The duke stepped to the window to see Trenck depart, and to give him
a last greeting.
"Well, if he is not at liberty in the next few days, it will surely
not be my fault," murmured Duke Ferdinand, "and Princess Amelia
cannot reproach me."
As Trenck drove from the gate, Duke Ferdinand turned thoughtfully
away. He was, against his will, oppressed by sad presentiments. For
Trenck, this journey over the highways in the light, open carriage,
was actual enjoyment. He inhaled joyfully the pure, warm, summer
air--his eyes rested with rapture upon the waving corn-fields, and
the blooming, fragrant meadows through which they passed. With gay
shouts and songs he seemed to rival the lark as she winged her way
into the clouds above him. He was innocent, careless, and happy as a
child. The world of Nature had been shut out from him in the dark,
close carriage which had brought him to Coslin; she greeted him now
with glad smiles and gay adorning.
Pages:
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213