From her window Christine saw Herrick cross the court-yard, and drew back as he glanced up. He had made no attempt to see her, had sent her no message, since that night in the great hall, and not wishing to meet him she had remained in her rooms, although she was at liberty to wander anywhere in the castle. Lucille was her constant companion, and although she was not allowed to go abroad in the city, she did go about in the castle, and from her Christine learned much of what was happening. She heard that many nobles had refused to submit to the new Duke; that rioting had been suppressed with a quick and heavy hand; that the coming and going to and from the castle and the city were under strict supervision.
"They say everywhere that the new Duke is a strong man," said Lucille.
"Has he captured your fancy?" asked Christine.
"Do you see in him the prince who, passing all others, was to come and kneel at your feet?"
"Oh, mademoiselle, of course not," the girl answered, blushing. "I have passed through such excitement since I told you my dream that I had almost forgotten it. Besides——"
"Well, child?"
"Ah, you will be angry, but I thought—I really thought you loved the Duke."
"You have strange fancies. Am I likely to have any feeling but hatred for a tyrant and a usurper?"
And then Christine had wished to be left alone, and Lucille wondered whether her anger was as great as it seemed.