grandfather; that what I have is not mine? That it is stolen—worse than stolen—saturated with innocent blood? How can I help wishing, at any sacrifice, to atone for that crime?”
And weeping, the young lady covered her face.
“Your sympathy carries you too far!” exclaimed the Emperor. “The blood flowing at that time was not innocent. The rebels of whom you speak suffered a deserved punishment for their revolt, and your ancestor was justly rewarded by my grandfather for his loyalty.”
The Countess sadly shook her head.
“Of course, they were rebels, but why, illustrious master, did they rebel? That they might be allowed to worship according to their conscience and best knowledge, and pray in their own tongue, which was forbidden them, although their right to it was confirmed by the Emperor’s edict.”
“Be it so or not, they, nevertheless, rebelled against their sovereign, and justly they
