This youth, being son to
the governor of the castle at Trebona, was about to travel for his
improvement and understanding in foreign manners. At the suit of his
parents, Dee undertook the charge of his education and safe return.
Since then young Rodolf had generally resided under Dr Dee's roof, and
accompanied him on his accession to the wardenship. His accent was
decidedly foreign, though he had resided some years in Britain, but not
sufficiently so for Mancestrian ears to distinguish it from a sort of
lisping euphuism then fashionable at court and amongst the higher ranks
of society. An appearance of mystery was connected with his person. His
birthplace and condition were not generally divulged, and though of an
open and gallant bearing, yet on this head he was not very
communicative. Mystery begets wonder and excitement--a sort of interest
usually attached to subjects not easily understood. When it emanates
from an object capable of enthralling the affections, this feeling soon
kindles admiration, and admiration ripens into love. No wonder, then, if
all tender and compassionate dames were ready to open upon him their
dread artillery of sighs and glances, and the more especially as it soon
began to be manifest that success was nigh hopeless.
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