to offer your husband’s pardon, and even a hope that your return to the court will be permitted."
"Never;" answered the Electress, "I accept no pardon—I will make no concessions—I demand to have my innocence fully recognised—I return to that court its injured and acknowledged mistress, or I return no more."
The Baron withdrew in silence, and the young Prince clung to his mother’s side. It was a bitter struggle—but she herself unclasped his arms.
"God bless you!" exclaimed she, and led him beyond the portal. Slowly he mounted his horse—heavily were the iron gates closed after him.
"Once more," said the Princess, "I am alone."
"Not alone, my beloved mistress," replied a female kneeling at her feet. "For years I have watched beside these gates, which to-day I have obtained permission to enter."
Scarcely, in the pale and time-worn woman, could even Sophie recognise the once girlish and lovely Mimi.
PART IV.
The last crimson lights of a summer sunset illumined the depths of that ancient and gloomy chamber; a golden haze seemed to float on the dusky air, and poured in through the open curtains of the green velvet bed. The embroidery had long since faded, and the black plumes that waved at each cornice, grew yet more hearse-like with every succeeding year. But now the rich hues and the soft rays gave a mocking cheer fulness to the bed of death—and yet not mocking—it was the type of that diviner light which cheered the last hour of the dying. Sophie’s head was laid on that last pillow, whence it was never raised again.
