In a Balcony

(Published in Men and Women : 1855.) A drama which is incomplete. Concentrated into an hour, we have the crises of three lives, which, pa ing through the fire, reveal a tragedy which has for its scene the balcony of a palace. A Queen has arrived at the age of fifty with her strong craving for love still unsatisfied. Con stance, a cousin of the Queen and a lady of her court, is loved by Norbert, who is in the Queen’s service. He has served the State well and succe fully, and the Queen has set her heart upon him. Norbert is advised by Con stance to act diplomatically, and pretend that he has served the Queen only for her sake. He must not permit her to see the love which he has for the woman to whom he has pledged himself. The Queen, who is already married in form, though not in heart, offers to di olve the union, in an interview which she has with Con stance, and shows how eagerly she grasps at the prospect of a new life which opens up before her. Con stance is prepared to sacrifice herself for Norbert and the Queen. She seeks Norbert, and reveals to him the real state of affairs. The Queen discovers the lovers, and hears Norbert declare his love for Con stance, which she tries to divert to the Queen. At once the Queen sees all her hopes dashed to the ground. She says nothing; but having left the balcony, the music of the ball, which is proceeding within, suddenly ceases, the footsteps of the guard approach, the lovers feel their impending doom; but one pa ionate moment unites them in heart for ever, and they are led away to death.