Royal Highness

nschnibbe had be

s later, at the beginning of October (it was the October of the year in which Grand Duke Albrecht had entered his thirty-second and Prince Klaus Heinrich his twenty-sixth year), thus barely giving time for public curi

g. For a long time people took his family physician for him (Doctor Watercloose, people said he was called), a tall American, who wore his hat on the back of his head and kept his mouth distended in a perpetual smile between his close-trimmed white whiskers, the while he half-closed his eyes. It was not till the last moment that people learned that it was the little clean-shaven man in the faded overcoat, he who wore his hat pulled down over his eyes, who was the actual Spoelmann, and the spec

terpret. By her side stood the person whom the onlookers identified as her companion, the Countess L?wenjoul, a woman of thirty-five, plainly dressed and taller than either of the Spoelmanns, who carried her little head with its thin smooth hair pensively on one side, and kept her eyes fixed in front of

with the dog to look after the luggage by himself; and while he was doing so his masters drove in two ordinary flies-Mr. Spoelmann with Doctor Watercloose, Miss S

ery stables. Mr. Spoelmann did not ride, although the Courier, with obvious reference to him, published a note by its medical colleague according to which riding had a soothing effect in cases of stone, owing to its jolting, and helped to dispers

drank with him for company's sake, and then, in his faded coat and with his hat pulled over his eyes, took his exercise in the Spa-Garden and Wandelhalle, drinking the water the while through a glass tube out of a blue tumbler-watched

ing with her pearl-white complexion and great black pleading eyes), her father was never seen in the box with her. He took, it is true, in her company one or two drives through the capital, to do some shopping, get some idea of the town, and see a few select sights; he went for a walk with her too, through the park and twice inspected there the Schloss Delphinenort-the second time alone, when he was so m

went away again, satisfied or disappointed, besides it was for the most part not the most desirable elements of society that were attracted by the millionaire's presence. Strange creatures appeared in the streets, unkempt and wild-eyed creatures-inventors, projectors, would-be benefactors of mankind, who hoped to enlist Spoelmann's sympathies for their hobbies. But the millionaire made himself absolutely inaccessible t

h. The Courier, whose reporter had lost no time in making friends with his American colleagues, was in a position to announce that a reliable man, a so-called chief manager, was Mr. Spoelmann's representati

digger, as a day labourer, in the sweat of his brow. And then luck had come to him. A man, a claim-owner on a small scale, had fared so badly that he could no longer buy himself his tomatoes and dry bread for dinner, and in his extremity had been obliged to dispose of his claim. Spoelmann senior had bought it, had staked his one card,

wner had continued to extract the yellow metal direct from the rivers and the womb of the mountains. Then and there Spoelmann senior had married-and the Courier went so far as to hint in this co

he State, the profits from which had been enormous. Finally he had joined that group of fortunate young men which bought the famous Blockhead Farm for a few thousand pounds-the property which, with its petroleum wells, in a short time increased in v

ears of his life president, vice-president, manager, or director of the companies. When the Steel Trust was formed, so the Courier said, he had joined it, with a holding of shares which guaranteed him an income of $12,000,000. But at the same time he had be

nd through no fault of his own, being born to such a situation. Samuel had inherited the palace on Fifth Avenue at New York, the country mansions, and all the shares, Trust bonds, and profits of his father; he inherited also the strange position to which his father had risen, his world-fame an

father's last years. But everybody knew that his heart had never been really in the business. His real inclinations had been, strange to say, all along much more towards music and especially organ music-and the truth of this inform

was Imma-a real German name, as the Courier added, nothing more than an old form of "Emma," and it might be remarked that the daily conversation in the Spoelmann household, though interlarded with scraps of English, had remained German. And how devoted father and daughter seemed to be to each other! Every morning, by going to the Spa-Gard

Trinity Almhouses for old women, and she had recently twice attended Privy Councillor Klinghammer's lectures on the theory of numbers at the university-had sat on the bench, a student among students, and scribbled away with her fountain-pen, for everybody knew that she was a learned girl and devoted to the study of algebra. Yes,

tion. Inside the hotel he afforded no grounds for complaint, but lay in a dignified attitude on a small carpet outside the Spoelmanns' suite. But every

cab-horses stumble, and twice knocked Widow Klaaszen's cake stall at the Town Hall down so violently that the sugar cakes rolled half over the Market-place. But as Mr. Spoelmann or his daughter at once met such catastrophes with more than adequate compensation, as too it was discovered that Percival

time graceful and elegant gestures. But she had shown such mildness and goodness to the children who shouted after her and tugged at her dress, she had spoken to them with such affection and dignity, that her persecutors had slunk away abashed and confused, and later, when she became known, respect for her relations with the famous guests secured her from mole

l shortcomings. She had written too a letter to the Colonel of the regiment to the effect that all sorts of secret and unspeakable abominations went on inside the barracks. Whether she was right in her facts, heaven

tess, and Doctor Watercloose, with Percival, the chamber-velocipede, and his servants; went by special train to the South, with the view of spending the winter on the Riviera, whither the two New York journalis

s the Princess zu Ried-Hohenried was confined of a daughter. Spring came, and his Royal Highness Grand Duke Albrecht repaired as usual to Hollerbrunn. But then a rumour cropped up amongst the people and in the press, w

o say to that.-They don't care twopence. Had the State any responsibility for keeping up Schloss Delphinenort?-If they had, it's a pity they hadn't recognized it, dear old place. No, Parliament had no say in the matter. Have the negotiations advanced at all far?-Rather, they're completed. Goodness gracious, then o

ck on it, and his first stay amongst us was merely to spy out the land. He was ill, he wanted to retire from business. He had always remained a German at heart. The father had emigrated, and the son

f sale; indeed without this general approval the matter could never have gone very far. It was House Minister von Knobelsdorff who first ventured on a cautious announcement of Spoelmann's

d and kept up-at seeing the noble old building restored to honour and youth in so unforeseen, indeed so romantic a way. But the economically-minded brought forward figures which were cal

nd a half millions, in taxes alone, not to mention what he paid in rates. Worth thinking about, wasn't it? The question was put straight to the Finance Minister, Dr. Krippenreuther. He would be wanting in his

reasury, and had ended by slipping in a hint about the central heating of the Old Schloss, which, if the sale was carried through, would no longer be an impossibility. In short, the single-minded old gentleman had brought his whole influence to bear in favour of the sale, and had recommended the Grand Duke t

nderstood, Albrec

ame to you. But I say No. I do not wish to see a Cr?sus living in one of your Schlosses, it is not right, and it was bad enough that he should have a family physician and take the Pri

litt-he was an exception, and there was no disgrace in letting him have Delphinenort. Finally Albrecht had, with downcast eyes, pronounced the whole family moot to be a farc

Spoelmann on the one hand and the Lord Marshal von Bühl zu Bühl on the other, had proceeded apace, and the summer was not

ve months' respite for everything to be ready for him to enter into possession. So a wooden scaffold with ladders and platforms shot up at lightning speed round the dilapidated old building, foreign workmen swarmed all over it, and an architect came with carte blanche over the seas to superintend the work. Bu

y himself of the progress of the restoration. The gardener's cottage was painted up, the sheds and stables, which were destined to accommodate Spoelmann's fleet of motors and carriages, were enlarged; and by October, furniture and carpets, chests and cases full

oelmann's wish that the property should continue to be accessible, that no restraint should be placed on the citizens' enjoyment of the park. The Sunday promenaders should have access right up to the Schloss, up to the clipped hed

, left his saloon, loud cheers were raised by the crowd of spectators-an expression of feelings which Mr. Spoelmann seemed rather inclined to resent, and which not he but Doctor Watercloose acknowledged with blinking eyes and a broad smile. When Miss Spoelmann too alighted, a cheer was raised, and one or two urchins even shouted when Percy, the col

e or a visit to some charitable institution, Mr. Spoelmann hung about his house, superintending the work and giving orders, and when the end of the year approached, just after the first snow had fallen, prospect became fact, and the Spoelmanns took up their abode in Schloss Delphinenort. Two motor cars (their arrival had been watched with interest-splendid cars they were) bore the six members of the party-Messrs.

n-and-gold Grand Ducal livery was seen and known; the negro in scarlet plush who was doorkeeper at Delphinenort soon became a popular figure, and when passers-by heard the s

arly one could see father and daughter every morning go in a dark-red brougham, or, in fine weather, on foot through the park of Schloss "Hermitage" to the Spa-Garden, in order to drink the waters. Imma for her part, as already mentioned, again began a course of visits to the benevolent institutions of the city, though she appeared not to give up her studies for

s soon approached with appeals to his generosity, and the appeals were not in vain. For Mr. Spoelmann, who, it was well known, before his departure from America had given a large sum in dollars to the Board of Education in the United States, and had also stated in so many words that he had no intention of withdrawing his yearly contributions to the Spoelma

rand Ducal House. The public were informed when Miss Imma had played a game of lawn tennis with the Countess and Messrs. Phlebs and Slippers in the "Delphinenort" park; it was noted when she had been at the Court Theatre, and whether her father had gone with her for an act or two of the Opera; and if Mr. S

covered terrace which had been built on that side, and, if bold enough, look through the big glass door straight into the high white-and-gold garden-room in which Mr. Spoelmann and his family had five-o'clock tea. I

o the wonderful liveries of the two footmen who handed the tea and cakes, white, high-buttoned, gold-laced coats with swan's-down on the collars, cuffs, and seams. They listened to the English-German conversation and followed w

hat he had not already caught sight of her often at the theatre, in the street, and in the town park. But t

s he wished to smoke a cigarette with the Guards officers on duty. As he wore the uniform of that regiment, to which his personal aide-de-camp also belonged, he made an effort to maintain the semblance of some sort of camaraderie with th

t in the officers' mess, which was situated on the ground floor of the Schloss near the Albrechts Gate-engaged in a trivial conversation with two or three officers in the middle of the room, while a further group of off

duty hastily buckled on his sword belt, clapped his heels together in a salute to Klaus Heinrich and went out. Then suddenly Lieutenant von Sturmhahn, who had been looking out of the window, cried with that rather poor imit

of the same fur on her dark foreign-looking hair. She was obviously coming from "Delphinenort" and hurrying towards the University. She reached the main guard-house at the moment at which the relief guard marched up the gutter, over against the guard on duty, which standing at attention in two

right down between the two ranks of soldiers. The sergeant with the harsh voice stepped forward quickly.

up. "What d'you mean?" sh

r-haired soldiers round her towered head and shoulders above her. Her face was as pale as wax at this moment, her black eyebrows were knitted in a hard and expressiv

le-butt, and the stupefied sergeant with it, aside, and walked down between the lines

outside, too, were much amused, and not unsympathetic. Klaus Heinrich joined in the general hilarity. The changing of

auguration of the new Town Hall in a neighbouring town. For some reason or other, he went reluctantly, he disliked leaving the capital. He had a feeling that he was missing an important, pleasant, though rather disquieting opportunity, which imperatively demanded his presence. And yet his exalted calling must be more important. But while he sat serene and gorgeously dressed on his seat of honour in the Town Ha

ght one of the Grand Ducal Schlosses. What was it that the Courier had said about his undeserved reputation and the "romantic isolation of his life"? He was the object of the hatred of aggrieved rivals-that was the effect of the article. And her nostrils had distended with anger. There was nobody like her, nobody near or far. She was an exc

d the strange thing is that they were amply sufficient for him, and that he did not want any more. But all things considere

age fell on her. She laid her head on her small, ringless hand, while she rested her bare arm on the velvet braid, and she did not look angry now. She wore a dress of glistening sea-green silk with a light scarf on which bright flowers were embroidered, and round her neck a long chain of sparkling diamonds. She really was not so

ing of the guard. Yes, answered Doctor Ueberbein, several times. But would Klaus Heinrich like to relate it to him again?… "No, not if you know it," said Klaus Heinrich, disappointed. Then Doctor Ueberbein jumped to quite another topic. He began to talk about opera-glasses, and remarked that opera-glasses were a wonderful invention. They brought close wh

u are stared at, and little Imma is stared at, and that's enough. If you add

Ueberbein, I neve

u generally do think o

or the last few days,

at his red beard near his throat, and

" he asked. And th

to superintend the swearing-in of the Grenadier recruits. And then comes the Chapter of the Family Order. I don't feel a bit in the moo

it!" said Doctor

, and will read me a sermon about 'destiny and discipline,' if I know you. But at the opera yesterday I

if I'm not mistaken, I've dragged your Roy

't feel a twinge in that direction. For she is … Look you, you have often explained to me what you understand by 'Highness,' and that it is something affecting, and

d Doctor Ueber

do so was sloppiness and slovenly and good-nature. Don't you

enly and decidedly, "And now I, if possible, a

, emphasizing the word "work," and begged leave to withdraw. He

at last came to the subject of the Spoelmanns, looking at the ceiling and pulling at his throat when he did so. To be quite fair, he said, there was a striking amount of sympathy felt with Samuel Spoelmann, one could see all over the town how much beloved he was. Chiefly of course as an

undertaken in the Hospital. And for the rest, it had just occurred to him! Little Imma was going to inspect the improvements to-morrow morning, Sammet had told him. She had sent one of her swan's-down flunkeys and as

e Dorothea Hospital, Klaus Heinrich, it's expected of him. It's a blessed institution. In short, somebody

tirely out of place there. "If," he said deliberately, "I ever caught you again with a soup tureen on

se entrance "Dorothea Children's Hospital" was painted in broad black letters. His visit had been announced. The senior surgeon of the institution, in a frock-coat with the Albrechts Cross of the Third Class, was awaiting him with two younger surgeons and the nursing staff in

junior surgeons and the sister to the Prince, and then said: "I must explain to your Royal Highness that your Royal Highness's gracious visit coincides with another visit. Yes

pinion of the nurses' uniform, which he called becoming, and then his curiosity to inspect the p

as empty save for a couple of disused beds and the surgeons' bicycles. In the adjoining preparation room there were, besides the writing-table and the stand with the students' white coats, a kind of folding table with oil-cloth cushions, an operating-table, a cupboard of provisions, and

n room, for all that it was only children that were shouting. Klaus Heinrich did not pay any particular attention to the incident. He was looking at a box of

ng of milk, the place where full milk, boiled milk, and buttermilk were kept. The daily rations

ounced it excellent. How the children must thrive, he considered, on buttermilk like that. During this inspection

o fall in smooth locks over her forehead. She took in the room at a glance; her eyes were really almost unbecomingly big for her little face, they dominated it like a cat's, save that they were

sister; "this is where the mi

ly, with a pout of her lips and a little haughty wag of her head. Her voice was a do

e said, "it's obvious." And a little pained

apple with novel and complex situations, no solution of the difficulty was forthcoming. Herr von Braunbart was on the point of intervening, and Miss Spoelmann on the other side was making ready to leave th

lmann to his Royal Highness…. "Miss Spoelmann, Royal Highness, the

e gave him a horizontal hand-shake, English fashion, at the same time making a sort of shy curtsey, without taking her big eyes off Klau

and the little haughty wag of her head. "Nobody c

dly opportune. The little pained look of bewilderment now showed on Klaus Heinrich's face. He said: "Of course…. As you are here…. So I shall be able to visit the institution in your company,

in a composed and military attitude, the laugh vanished from her face, an expression of sadness settled on her features, and for a second a look of something like hatred for Klaus Heinrich shone in her slightly swollen grey eyes. I

ldren were here, up to fourteen years of age. An ante-room with wash-basins divided the girls' and the boys' rooms. In white bedsteads, with a name-plate at the head and a frame at the foot enclosing the temperatur

he right he found that Imma Spoelmann was watching him-he met her great black eyes, which were directed at him in a searching, questioning way. It was so peculiar, he never remembered experiencing anyth

ile she listened she did not look at the speaker, but her eyes rested in turn on Klaus Heinrich and the pinched, quiet child who, her hands folded on her breast, gazed up at them from her back-rest-rested in turn on the Prince

ry, sister," he said, and showed them the double wound in the boy's upper arm, the entry and exit of the revolver bullet. "The wound," said Doctor Sammet in an undertone to his guests, turning h

es." He said no more, just this commonplace-just as in the case of the boy, a ten-year-old, who had been picked out of the water. "He's wheezing," said Doctor Sammet, "he's still got some water in his lung

er with her the "sad cases," to grasp the essential meaning of Doctor Sammet's remarks, to penetrate to the hideous truths which were incorporated and crystallized in these two l

crying at." Everybody laughed. One of the young assistants picked up the scrapbook and laughed still louder when he looked at the pictures. The party passed on into the laboratory. Klaus Heinrich thought, as he went, how dry Miss Spoelma

d in a mysterious way: here was his larynx with mushroom-like growths instead of the vocal chords. Yes. This, here in the glass, was a case of pernicious enlargement of the kidney in a child, and there were dislocated joints. Kl

s were bacilli. Klaus Heinrich wanted Miss Spoelmann to take the first turn at the microscope, but she declined, knitting her brows and pouting, as much as to say: "On no account whatever." So he took the p

ough the ward between the beds, bent, side by side over the bald-headed little creatures, sleeping with closed fists or screaming with all their

ng. With the touch of an expert he rested the limp head in the hollow of his hand and showed the little red creature blinking and twitching spasmodically to the two-Klaus Heinrich and Miss Spoelmann, who stood side by s

age and Imma's smart dark-red motor car stood one behind the other. The Spoelmanns' chauffeur, shapeless in his fur coat, was leaning back in his seat with one hand on the s

net curtain with one hand, "are the parents of our patients.

id nothing further about the fathers and so t

who listened to him with his head on one side and his hand on his watch-chain, expressed himself, in his wonted form of words, highly satisfied with what he had seen, while he felt that Imma Spoelmann's great eyes were resting upon him. He, with Herr von Braunbart, accompanied Miss Spoel

eat pleasure to m

but pouted and wagged her he

spection," he went on.

s, then said quickly and lightly in her

n: "I hope you are pleased

a pout: "Oh, why not? It's

etter than at New York?" h

much the same. Much

Braunbart, stood with their hands to their helmets as the chauf

a sentimental poetical heading, a detailed description of the rencontre, which, without too violent a departure from the exact truth, yet succeeded in making such a powerful impression on the public mind, and evok

ook place in the middle of January in the Town Hall-a smart function, in which Miss Spoelmann, at the urgent request of the Committee, acted as seller-no small space was devoted to describing how Prince Klaus Heinrich, when the Court was making a round of the bazaar, had stopped bef

"Hermitage," he had announced his intention of visiting Delphinenort and inspecting the Schloss in its renovated state, on the same occasion viewing Mr. Spoelmann's collection of glass. For t

though childish figure, while it exposed dark shoulders and arms, which were round and firm and yet like those of a child just by the wrist. He saw the gold ornament, half garland and half diadem, in the jet of her billowy hair, that showed a tendency to fall in smooth wisps on her foreh

her father had not given the best items to the bazaar. She could guarantee that he had much finer pieces of glass. Klaus Heinrich would very much like to see them! Well, that might easily be managed, Miss Spoelmann had answered in her broken voice, while she po

an entirely off-hand way. In conclusion, to Klaus Heinrich's question, what day would suit

d and hurt the poor sister in the Hospital the other day! But all through there was something childish in her manner of speech; indeed, some sounds she made were just like those children make-n

Spoelmann had said he might come when it suited him. But it suited him the very n

-basin shimmered between the trees; behind it rose the white Schloss with its pillared porch, its spacious double staircase which led by gentle degrees between the wings up to the first floor, its high lead

or-domo, clean shaven, with shoulders squared and arms stiff, pot-bellied and haughty, advanced to receive the guest. He escorted him up into the tapestried and marble-chimneyed ante-room, where a couple of white-and-g

l, planted his forefeet on the floor, and turned wildly round and round, and seemed like to burst with noise. A voice-not Imma's-called him off, and Klaus Heinrich found himself in a winter garden, a glass conservatory with white marble columns and a floor of big square marble flags. Palms of all kinds filled it, whose trunks and tops often reached close up to the glass ceiling. A f

o advanced towards the guest

o visitors. But he never touches anybody. Your Royal Highness must excuse Miss Spoelmann…. She'll be back s

fitting brown dress she was wearing, and she moved as freshly and elegantly as an officer's wife. Only in her eyes, whose lids she kept blinking, there was something of mistrust or spite, something unintelligible. They sat down facing each other at the round garden-table, on which lay a few books. Percival, exhausted by his outburst, curle

poelmann has told you…. She was so kind as to suggest my calling. It was about those lovely pieces of glass which Mr. Spoelmann so generously gave to

said: "This is tea-time, Royal Highness. Of course your visit is not inconvenient.

t a little that Mr. Spoelmann might be too unwell. He

little faintness. Dr. Watercloose was with him for a long time this morning. He was

s Heinrich quite honestly. "

yes wander: "Oh yes. But there are worse thin

believe it." He felt his imagination stirred in a

her face. Then her slightly distended grey eyes shifted, while she smiled the mysteri

cessary to resume

with the Spoelmanns

ed through so much, have had so many experiences, that I naturally cannot reckon to a d

g?" asked Kl

could stand. I had to clear out several barracks without succeeding in bringing to light every loose woman. They hid themselves in the cupboards, some even under the floors, and that's why they continue torturing me beyond measure at nights. I should at once go back to my Schloss in Burgundy if the rain did not come through the roofs. The Spoelmanns knew that, and that is why it was so obliging of them to let me live with them indefinitely, my only duty being to put the innocent Imma on her guard against the world. Only of course my hea

stop

head, without a hair sticking up, and his hair was brushed up into a crest off the right side of his forehead. There he sat in his undress uniform, whose high collar and close fit helped him to maintain a composed attitude, the silver epaulettes of a major on his narrow shoulders, leaning slightly but not comfortably

einrich flamed up in her tired grey eyes, she blushed in the strangest of ways, for one half of her face turned red, the

in-raised himself in a dignified way on his hind legs and laid his fore paws in greeting on her breast. His jaws were wide ope

oked meerschaum. Her blue-black hair was parted on one side and coiled, though a few smooth wisps tended to fall on her forehead. Holding Percival's head in her two narrow, ringless little hands, she looked into his face, sayin

ll us when tea is ready…. It's against all the rules, I know, for me to have kept you waiting. But my father sent for me-and beside

e, he begged to be excused till then…. What a lovely pair of horses Klaus Heinrich had in his brougham! And then they talked about their horses, about Klaus Heinrich's good-tempered brown Florian from

"Have you hunted with the Royal pack? Have you been to

. It was boring, perhaps, but Miss Spoelmann was not on the whole so blasé as to need constant change and adventures. Then he said that they must go together some time to a meet of the hounds or to

eplace, conducted by the strutting butler, accompanied

run away with her?" asked Imma en route, w

ooked at the floor. "But she

lds her head crooked like that and blinks her eyes it means that she is wan

ch. "I got the impression that the Count

ig searching dark eyes with which she had scanned him in the Dorothea

other time. Next time.

our

to the meet, or to

e, in the matter of appointments. Ver

pholstering, the heavy white silk curtains, the elaborate clock and the vases and gilt lamps on the white marble chimneypiece in front of the tall looking-glass, the massive, lion-footed gilt candelabra which towered on either side of the entrance-everything reminded Klaus Heinrich of the Old Schloss, of the Representation Chamber, in which he had played his

said quickly and half mockingly, "to prevent us from taking our places and beginning without him. Come, Countes

why I shouldn't." And he was angry with himself for n

ble with the help of the butler, who held the backs and pushed the chairs under the

ther won't drink any tea which I have not made with my own hands. He distrusts all tea whic

broke off, and wondered why as he spoke these words a side-glance of hatred lighted on him from the eyes of Countess L?wenjoul. "And you

g in the breezes, so to speak, or rather out of the breezes, in a

e w

e States, with lovely snowfields. We have a country cottage ther

o not like being prevented from arriving punctually at your lectures. I ha

other

After the contretemps w

rather have gone three times round the whole Schlossplatz. It even got into the newspapers, I'm told. And now of course the whole town thinks I am a regular fiend fo

angel," said Co

much, that's too far th

"no, not too far. I entir

your Highness hear about the adv

tness of it," sa

ye-wi

window of the officers' mess, and saw

s no doubt about it, the pale sk

assume that you had nothing

a splendid sight. I give you m

same moment the butler began to run, as fast as his ponderous frame would let him, down the steps to the lofty side-door over against the tea-table, and swiftly

Mr. Spoelmann had a quantity of grey hair, dressed in a fashion not often seen among us. He wore it neither short nor long, but brushed up, sticking out, though cropped on the nape and round his ears. His mouth was small and finely chiselled. Dressed in a black frock-coat with a velvet waistcoat o

e arms, in their loose brick-coloured hanging sleeves, round his neck, sh

ed, "that Prince Klaus Heinrich w

-covered by his unstarched white cuff) with the Prince, who was standing modestly by the table, he nodded repeatedly to one side or the other. That was his way of greeting Klaus Heinrich. He wa

malice played round his clean-shaven mouth. Then he gave the others an example by sitting down. It was the chai

punctuality, Klaus Heinrich said: "I am sorry to hear that you

oelmann crossly. "How many spoonfuls did you put in?

is cup, and she

person. Nobody shall say that

" And he took from a silver box a kind of rusk which seemed to be his own special dainty, broke it

am much excited at the prospect of s

"So you want to see my glass? Are y

love for glass has not extend

lmann. "Do your military

active list, Mr. Spoelmann. I am à la suite o

Mr. Spoelmann harshly. "Wh

conversation which demanded his undivided attention. He sat upright and defended himsel

e swearing-in of recruits and the presentation of colours. Then I have to hold levées as deputy for my brother, the Grand Duke.

ors. No, that sort of thing's beyond me. I tell you once for all, that

us Heinrich. He sat up stiffly in

le less bitter tone of voice-"practice and training, I can see. For myself I shall

einrich, "that our people a

. "The people are at least friendly here; on

he conversation had turned, and the questioning lay with him, "that, notwiths

comfortable, and the water is the only

d it a wrench to

quick, suspicious, shy look,

y. That was all his answer to the question w

es, as if testing the effect of her father's extraordinary boorishness on the guest,-indeed, Klaus Heinrich felt that she was waiting with resignation and sympathy for him to get up and take hi

that there was no objection, he helped himself

l theatre, the huge ship in which the Spoelmanns had crossed to Europe. No, they had not used their yacht for the purpose. Its primary object was to take Mr. Spoelmann to sea in the evening in the heat of summer, when he was tied to his busine

asked Klaus Heinrich. A

Six, countin

, to prove that he was not lacking in common sense, and at last he joined heartily in the merriment which was the result of his efforts. As for the Court Theatre, Miss Spoelmann gave it as her opinion, with a pout and a wag of the head, that the actress who played the ingénue should be strongly recommen

Spoelmann contradicted Klaus Heinrich's judgments, contradicted him in every case, just as if she thought that not to contradict would show a mean spirit; the superior wit of her tongue left him dazed, and the great black eyes in her

anding up to her, that she rather let his poor answers pass, as if she considered that he had no need of a sharp wit to defend him-it was only she who had. But how was that, and why? He thought involuntarily of Ueberbein at many of her sallies, of the nimble-tongued blusterer Ueberbein, who was a natural misfortune, and

nd freely, as befitted an atmosphere of refinement and lively wit. But why did she give it play? Klaus Heinrich pondered the question, the while they discussed Atlantic steamers and plays. He sat

ossly, glanced through it, blinking and with the remains of his cigarette in the corner of his mouth, a

h cigarette you've had to-day. Let me tell you that the unbridled passion

bviously failed; the acid tone of his daughter's

can say anything in fun, but please

y dropped her head. Of course she had not meant any offence, she had simply amused herself with the strange

beseechingly, and crossed over to s

llowed his anger. Klaus Heinrich, when peace was restored, alluded to the collection of glass, whereupon the party left the tea-table and went into the adjoin

enish designs from the culture of the earliest times; then came the products of the East and West of every epoch; next, wreathed, flourished, and imposing vases and beakers from Venetian blow-pipes and costly pieces from Bohemian huts, German tankards, picturesque Guild and Electorate bowls, mixed with grotesque animals and comic figures, huge crystal cups, which reminded one of the Luck of Edenhall in the song, and in whose facets the light broke and sparkled; ruby-coloured glasses like the Holy Grail; a

self, that peculiar mode which worried him not a little. What amazing freedom she allowed herself! What extraordinary remarks she allowed herself to make! "Passion," "vice," where did she get the words from? whe

words corresponded in the life of reality? But she had uttered the words glibly, and had treated them as a joke. Yes, that was it, this dainty creature in her red-gold gown was merely a wielder of words; she knew no more of li

e animal off his moral balance. Quivering, yelping, and deaf to all blandishments, he stormed through the rooms and the hall and up and down the steps, drowning the words of leave-taking in his hubbub. The butler did the Prince the honours as far as the floor with the statues of gods. Mr. Spoelmann did not accom

the Hermitage, returned to his sober Empire room, where he dined with von Schulenburg-Tressen and Braunbart-Schellendorf. Next day he read the comments of the Courier. They amounte

carried out all due formalities and did his irksome duty with complete self-possession, albeit he had at this time so much to think of-about the peppery Mr. Spoelmann, the muddle-headed Countess L?wenjoul, the harum-scarum Percy, and especially about Imma, the daughter of the house. Many a question to which his first visit to Delphinenort had given rise he was not yet in a position to answer, but only succeeded in solving as the result of further intercourse with the

pring with birds and sunshine and balmy breezes, and as Klaus Heinrich lay on the first of these mornings at the Hermitage in his roomy old mahogany bed, fr

nn's skilful hands for his morning toilette, breakfasted impatiently below in the garden room, and mounted his horse at the foot of the terrace. With his spurred top-boots in the stirrups, the yellow reins in his brown-gloved right hand, and the left planted on his hip under his open cloak,

l, taken aback at the sight of Klaus Heinrich. To the inquiry which the Prince addressed to him, in a clear and almost haughty voice, about the

His hands were plunged deep in his pockets, his lounge coat drawn back from h

e?" he said, and s

arpet. He felt that the situation could only be saved

this early hour …" He was out of breath, and the fa

g of the shoulders, as much as to say that he c

for a ride between Miss Imma and myself…. I have promised to show the ladies the 'Pheasantry' and the Court Kennels…. Miss Imma told me that she knew not

houlders, and made a face as

hink she has time. You must find that out for yourself. She's in there." And Mr. Spoelmann poi

the remaining steps, pushed the tapestry hanging aside with a determined ge

lossy on each side of her head, covered her shoulders, and allowed nothing to be seen but a shadow of the childlike quarter profile of her face, which showed white as ivory against the da

with her head on one side, a pile of closely scribbled note-paper lying at her side. The clank of Klaus Heinrich's spurs made her look up. She looked at him wit

er with big, startled eyes, until Klaus Heinrich had bid the ladies good-morning with a military salute. Then she sai

einrich

oth parties have had breakfast, for

rid

as we

agre

promise to show you the country round? Weren't we going for a ride to

a ride at some future time-but surely not so soon as this? Might I not at least have expected some sort of

which consisted of a loose gown of many-co

cannot. But I'll wait here while y

am rather busy with my innocent studies, as y

a; you must not play in the vacuum, as you put it! Look at the

nd below cross lines, covered by other lines, enclosed in round brackets, formulated in square brackets. Single letters, pushed forward like sentries, kept guard above the main bodies. Cabalistic signs, quite unintelligible to the lay mind, cast their arms round letters and ciphers, while fractions stood in front of them and c

becurtained by her dark hair, and in whose little head all this lived and meant someth

from her big eyes. Then

for the want of intelligence you recently disp

hat they bother me, I could never understand anything of that sort. I also grant that to-day

. She was writing-chronicling the experiences of her life, not for the world, but for private circul

ally sure that the Countess is incap

ext stumbling-block. You know

you ride, you ride.

ve assumed the r?le of a Field Marshal, although you are not really a soldier, only a make-believe one,

ry weak one. The

hen we were in the Spa-Gardens before breakfast. Come and look at

ther-glass hung near the marble fireplace. The Counte

ve yourself," answered Miss Spoelm

s beyo

ction misl

the Adirondacks. I've not had much schooling, that's a necessary

anding crooked to the hand and that makes it look to you as if it had risen. If you would bring yourself to stand straight in f

u are right," said K

essure there is hig

er than yo

t the falling

at low pressure, not at

absolut

essure is so high that the quicksilver drops, thus showing an absolute disregard for the laws of nature, let's go for a ride, Countess-shall w

arched shirt and high hat. They went together down the steps, through the mosaic hall, and out into the open air, where between the colonnade and the big basin two grooms were waiting with the horses. But they had not yet mounte

ng it from him. He found it all out at the last moment. Now he intends to come wi

the silver trumpet, so far as calling public attention to their expedition was concerned, yet he said cheerfu

She rode between Klaus Heinrich and the Countess. Percival barked in the van. The Eng

fore lunch. I should like to show you the Schloss. I spent three years there as a boy. It was a seminary, you know, with

santry,' were you? Then we must see it, because you're obviously set on it. Trot!" she said as they turned into a loose riding-path. "There lies your herm

ead in the three-cornered hat. By now they had reached the open country, and were no longer likely to meet people. Now and then a peasant's cart rolled along the road, or a crouching bicyclist ploughed his way along it. But they turned aside from the road when they reached the meadow-land, which provided better going for their horses. Percival danced backwards i

ther. Florian, a rather sleepy brown, with a short back, hogged mane, and yellow stockings, looked as homely as a donkey by the side of the distinguished foreigner, although he was carefully groomed. Countess L?wenjoul rode a big cream called Isabeau. She had an excellent seat, with her tall, straight figure,

Countess, Prince, her

e Countess was not annoyed

Imma Spoelmann answered casually: "To

your sums?

tion out of them. But I don't mind telling you, Prince, that the Countess is not enthusiastic on the subject of yourself

inrich r

Spoelmann, or, at any rate, only at a distance…. That, too, is inseparable from my kind of exi

ness of letting her tongue run a little, that's why she's vexed with you-and I know quite well what you did, ho

t his left hand planted on his hip, a

ct like a cold douche on you

e suddenly set Fatma off at a gallop and flew at such a pace over the fields towards the dark mass of the distant pine-woods that neither the Countess nor Klaus Heinri

ed and their breath came fast as they entered the echoing wood. The Countess had awakened and chatted merrily, making lively, graceful gestures and showing her

e is never rough. He is a gentleman, an aristocrat, and full of character. He's as proud as you like, and though he seems mad he's quite able to control himself. Nobody has ever heard him cry for pain when punished and hurt. He only eats, too, when he is hungry, and at other times won't look at the most tempting dainties. In the morning he has cream … he must be fed. He wears himself out, he's quite thin under hi

most serious and grave which Klaus He

d and advised us to have you put away, as you were impossible and a constant danger to us. But they shan't take my Percy

connected and confused, and lapsed into a monologue accompanied by lively and elegant ges

horse, his left hand prevented him from being a strong rider-or for some other reason. After leaving the pine-wood they rode along the quiet high-ro

nd tell me about the Countess? W

hat was three years ago, in New York, and the Countess was then in a terrible state. She was on the brink of starvation,"

asked, and returned her

aw quite well that her mind was slightly affected, she made such an imp

? Is she a countess by bi

it to me, from every wind, because from childhood she had been impressionable and sensitive. But then she married a Count L?wenjo

with him?" asked

in which the Countess puts what she has to say. But, to judge from what she has told me, he

h, "what's called a hard ca

omprehensive and unlimited sense, for, to judge by the

people of that sort-regular devils, so to speak. I heard of one such, who

nd Ueberbein t

uld not think it proper to menti

a useless sort of

n I tell you more about him, Mi

enjoul behaved like your roué.

he gambled

with the loose women that are always to be found everywhere-at first behind her back, and la

why did she ev

in his looks later. In the second place, his reputation as a man of the world had gone before him, and that, according to her, constituted a sort of irresistible attraction for h

nted to have her fling, as it were, to get her eye

expression seems to me rather too flippant to desc

an that he

e gave me to understand that he ill-treated her not only in a temper, not only in anger and rage, but also without being

ked very grave. At last he asked: "

w the Countess has had to bear. It would seem from her hints that it was the fault of the

lent, and their

after her parents' death her whole fortune also. Relations of hers too helped him once, when he was near having to leave the service on ac

?" asked Kla

as let slip about it, it was a scandal of the very grossest description-

he went to

rince. I can't help ad

n. I've never heard anything

o us. Well, then, Count L?wenjoul bolted to America with the police at his heels, l

t with h

ause he had a better chance of getting help from her relations as long as she was with him. The relations sent him one further instalment of money from home, and then stopped

inrich, "I expected as muc

And you must remember that life in the States is much harder and meaner than here in your country; also that the Countess has always been a gentle, sensitive creature, an

about that too. What was t

o me-so that she no longer needed to face life and to bring a clear, sober mind to bear upon it, but was permitted, so to speak, to let

aid Klaus Heinrich, "that the Countess wa

earers understand that she doesn't mean any harm by it. Her strangeness is a beneficent disorder, which she can

id Klaus Heinrich, and

ated, and looked at him. "You don't

t right to let oneself go and to make oneself at home, but that sel

ed hat, she added in her broken voice: "I'll tell you something, Highness, and please note it well. If your Eminence is not inclined to

d, and they rode a

me how the Countess came

the choice rested with me-fell at once on her, I was so much taken with her at my first interview. She was odd, I could see that: but she was odd only from too rich an experience of misery and

e lonely and cut off!" repeated Klaus H

ch the same. There were parties with 'lions' and balls, and often a dash in a closed motor to the Opera House, where I sat in one of th

r s

letting them come into the garden and walk on the lawn and gaze at the terrace, watching us at tea.

ually do besides

-parties of course, and battles of flowers and lawn-tennis tournaments, and we went for rides and drove four-in-hand or mo

rema

ate it was something of a life in the limelight

ayed in the breezes, didn't you, or ra

e in Fifth Avenue. She does not express herself very clearly, but rather in a mysterious sort of way, and the boundary line at which she begins to drivel is not always quite clearly

me, Miss Spoelmann, that I h

ve

ings have come to my ears about our lac

r lackey

r one thing they play into each other's hands, a

hat's comparati

ompare with the way the Count

" Klaus Heinrich was at home in these parts: he stretched out his arm (the right one) to point out everything to his companions, though there was not much worth seeing. Yonder lay the Schloss, closed and silent, with its shingle-roof and its lightning-conductors on the edge

, and Imma Spoelmann took stock of the prosaic country

pout, "does not seem to have been

chloss. It's the same inside as out. No comparison

on an expedition, mustn't one, Countess? Dismount, Prince. I'm thir

gs, bowing and pressing his knitted cap to his chest w

Klaus Heinrich's and Imma's names together. He helped the Countess to dismount, while Klaus Heinrich, who was the first to the ground, devoted himself to Miss Spoelmann, and he called to a lad, who, with the Spoelmanns' groom, took charge of the horses. Then followed the reception and welcome to which Klaus Heinrich was accustomed. He ad

ussed whether they need go in to the coffee-room. Klaus Heinrich urged that it was still so damp under the trees; but Imma insisted on sitting

t's sound stuff! no trash, Royal Highness, and you, l

em up a little gossip. He had long been a widower, and his three children, who in days gone by had sung here under the trees the song about common humanity, the while blowing their noses with their f

and head keeper of the "Pheasantry," and was well content with his lot. Soon, if the weather permitted, the season for bicyclists and walkers would c

withdrew for the present, after placing a

ed with dirt. His gaping mouth was black to the throat from nuzzling for field-mice, and his dark red tongue hung dripping out of his mouth. He qu

and my coat is padded on the chest!" She would not hear of it; but he went on asking her so insistently that she consented, and let him lay his grey military coat with a major's shoulder-straps round her s

n the stove. He told her too about Professor Kürtchen and his tactful way of instructing his pupils, about Captain Amelung's widow, and the aristocratic "Pheas

favourable circumstances, and about his friendship with Doctor Sammet, whom Imma knew. He described his by no means attractive appearance and readily owned to the attraction which he had exercised on him from the very beginning. He described his behaviour towards himself, Klaus Heinrich-that fathe

believe tha

prised, an

is sparkling conversation, is an unhappy sort of creature. He may swagger about the

nd she confessed that riding lessons had formed a considerable part of her education. She spoke clearly and cheerfully; but gradually, almost imperceptibly, she began to wander into a strange story about a gallant ride which she had made as a lieutenant in the last man?uvres, and suddenly start

Heinrich nodded acquiescence, and, dropping his eyes, asked her quietly to let him call her "Frau Meier" now and then, a propo

said: "Well done, Prince. You're getting on," a commendation which made him blush, indeed gave him far more pleasure than the most

inspected the hatching house, and looked on while Herr Stavenüter fed the pheasants under a big solitary fig-tree for their benefit. Klaus Heinrich thanked him warmly for all that he had shown them, I

with Imma Spoelmann, yet another significant indication of her real nature and character, a

Heinrich reverted to a subject which had been just touched on at his first visit to Del

stion, Miss Spoelmann? You need no

out that," s

er, Mr. Spoelmann, I asked him a question which he answered so curtly and abruptly

t wa

he had not found it h

u had had a little more training in the use of your reasoning powers you would have known without asking

But if my question was nothing worse than a want of thought, I s

," she said, and looked at him s

o with it? Do please explain. I ask

we fr

," he said

was a strong political movement towards setting the crowd, the common people, you know, against us. The result was legislation and restrictions which made my father's life over there a burden to him. You know of course, Prince, that it was not he who made us what we are, but my redoubtable grandfather with his Paradise nugget and Blockhead Farm. My father could not help it, he was born to his destiny, and i

to your father," said Kla

s. But there was another point which made things worse, and made our

r or

ants, unfortunately we are not descended f

you are

ely. Does it strike you that there is anything to be proud of in having bl

Heinrich. "I know that you are partly of Southern extraction, for I've

re the trouble lies, Pr

wha

uint

tion, Miss Spoelmann. I don't know what it is.

thoughtless as he always was, marrie

an bl

nd so a terceroon as it is called. She must have been wonderfully beautiful. And she was my

you say that it had affected p

y different, and several times when the people shouted abuse after us I heard them say that I was a coloured girl. In short, my descent was made an excuse for insults and annoyances, and raised a barrier between us and the few who were in the same position of life as ourselves-there was always something which we had to hide or to brazen out. My grandfather had brazened it out, he was that sort of man, and knew what he was doing; besides, his blood was pure,

lunch time) of the ladies in front of the Delphinenort Gate, he repeated his thanks for what

ness, and a ready wit were essentials of life. And why? Klaus Heinrich could understand now, and never a day passed that he did not try to realize it better. Stared at, hated and despised at the same time, half a world's wonder and half a monument of iniquity, that's what

s, was a hard one. At the same time a memory haunted him, a long-ago, painful memory, whose scene was the refreshment room of the "Citizen Garden," and which ended in a tureen lid--"Little sister!

f led by fate without any action of his own will. The proximity of the Schlosses made the visits easy, the short distance through the park from the "Hermitage" to Delphinenort was easily crossed on horseback or in a dogcart, without exciting much attention; and when the advancing season brought more people to the neighbourhood and made it harder and harder for them to

he came again; and they rode to the Royal Kennels, on the north side of the Town Gardens; on the third occasion they chose a third place to ride to, which also they could reach without going near the town. Then, when spring ent

ntations. On the left lay spreading meadows, white and gaily coloured with hemlock and anemones, buttercups and bluebells, clover, daisies, and forget-me-nots; a village church tower rose in front of them beyond the plough-lands, and the busy high-road lay far away at a safe distance from the riders. Farther on, the meadows with their nut-hedges came clos

ee times. His malady got worse about this time, and on several days he was obliged to stay in bed with hot poultices. When he did come, he used to say: "Hullo, young Prince," with his thin, white-cuffed hand dip a rusk in his tea, throw in a cross word here and there into the conversation, and end by offering his guest his gold cigarette-

true, Miss Spoelmann, that your father gets such

to Mr. Spoelmann. Sometimes, she said, she amused herself by glancing through the heaps, and reading the addresses; for these were often quite fantastic. For the needy or speculative senders tried to outdo each other in the deference and servility of their address on the envelopes, and eve

de, gave him a scientific explanation of the noises, just as she had done in connexion with the secrets of the barometer. Nonsense, she said; it must be that that part of the lumber-room was ellipsoidal, and a second ellipsoidal surface with the same curvature and with a sound-source at the focus existed somewhe

wicked women. He recounted to the ladies his unreal life, the gala suppers at the students' clubs, the military banquets, and his educational tour; he told them about his relations, about his once-beautiful mother, whom he visited now and then in the "Segenhaus," where she kept disma

? Where did they come from? They were certainly not apprentices, perhaps technical students or budding foresters, to judge by certain signs; maybe they belonged to the agricultural college; at any rate stout fellows enough, though rather rough, with sound careers before them. But that little untidy thing who strolled past looked like a

her, who, she declared, resembled the Prince. Klaus Heinrich objected with a smile that the back of the driver's neck did not enable him to express an opinion on the matter, and aske

train put upon a driver by such speed in the crowded streets of New York had proved at last too much for the youth. As a matter of fact no accident had happened; the young man had stuck to it and done his deadly duty with amazing care. But in the end it had often happened that he had to

with her. Klaus Heinrich said that he did not in the least object to the likeness, as the heroic young man had all his sympathy. They then discussed further the difficult and anxious lif

orian to the top of his speed, so as not to be left behind, the gallop always degenerated into a race, which Imma Spoelmann always started at unexpected and arbitrary moments. Several of these struggles took place on the lonely river-edged causeway, and one in particular was long and bit

more, I'm not sure whether I believe it, or even ought to be glad of it. I doubt whether it sp

you in an atmosphere of adulation, and everybody loves you … go on!" she cried sudden

of earth and grass flew from under the horses' hoofs. The Countess had soon dropped behind. When at last they reined in the

is work from doing so on the morrow. They strolled round the gravel path at the back of the park, the tutor in his frock-coat and white tie, Klaus Heinrich in his summer coat. The grass stood ready fo

about them, but did not tell the doctor any actual news, for the latter showed that he knew all about them. How was th

it, either to the rides, or to the teas, or to the motor drive. You do

're so

ess. All the same, his Excellency von Knobelsdorff ke

elsdo

elsdo

ed: "And what is Baron Knobelsdorff

n't yet had a chance of inte

lic opinion?

f course hold

urself, my dear

he tureen-lid," an

, which leave one humiliated and heavy at heart; this is no breaking out and running off the rails and humiliation! For can't you see that she of whom we are speaking belongs neither to the citizens' dance, nor to the aristocratic 'Pheasants,' nor to anything in the world but to me-that she is a Princess, Doctor Ueberbein, and as good as me, and there can be no question here of a tureen-lid? You have taught me that it

e did not at once leave him, but continued walking at his side wit

hard time, and have shown such pride in your duty and destiny, and have made me proud too in treating me as a companion. I have no i

in in Latin, and shook his ugly hea

en I am so happy, and, what's more, it's the eve of my birthday. Tell me-you've had so many experiences and seen so much of the world in

her, till his red beard rose, and the muscles knotted in

ut it, Doctor Ueberbein. Y

hole life. It had occurred in those early days when the Doctor was teacher of the young idea and at the same time working on his own account, when he used to draw in his waist-belt and give private lessons to sleek tradesmen's childr

ad subsequently been a constant guest and visitor, and with the husband too had reached a footing of mutual confidences. The feelings of the young tutor and the fair wife for each other had been long unsuspected, and longer still unex

," as the phrase goes, on the honest husband; while to spoil his life by demanding release from him as the right of passion was equally not to their taste. In short, for the children's sake and for that of the good, honest husband, whom they both respected, they denied themsel

nce with happiness," as he had since called it. As he failed, or refused, to win the fair lady, he swore to himself that he would honour her, and the bonds which bound him to her, by achieving something and making himself felt in the field of hard work. To this he had dedicated his life, to this alone, and it had brought

ove to luncheon with Prince and Princess zu Ried-Hohenried, meeting with an unusually warm reception from the public on the way. The Grimmburgers were mustered in full force in the pretty palace in the Albrechtstrasse. The Grand Duke too came, in a frock-coat, nodded his small head to each member of the party, sucking his lo

ercial schemes. The quiet little man talked about his breweries, factories, and mills, and in particular about his peat-cuttings. He described various improvements in the

incess, holding her gilded cup, went up to her brother and

t had once been. It had gained more colour since the birth of her daughter

have. But there were so many calls on my time, and I knew that th

here I have got my red cheeks from, like dear Philipp from his peat (he ought not to have talked about it the whole of luncheon, as he did; but it's his hobby), and it is be

w what it i

selves. I believe I once spoke disparagingly about them, Klaus Heinrich; I said something about a Cr?sus, if I remember rightly, and made a pun on the word 'taxpayer.' But if you consider them worthy of your friendship, I've been wrong and of course withdraw my remarks, and will try to think differently about them

perience is fine, whether it be good or ba

Heinrich was wearing white trousers with a double-breasted coat. Bowing, he again drove to the town, or more precisely to the Old Schloss. He did

stood there in light and shadow, partly grey and weather-worn, partly more modern-looking, with gables and box-like projections, with open porticoes and peeps through

e dark-red roses. They were exceptionally fine-full and velvety, grandly

rich to a moustachioed door-keeper, who

was a greybeard of seventy years of age, in a ga

s Heinrich, "I should like a rose." And Ezekiel

"that's the finest." And the old man cu

-tap in a corner of the court. When he came back, glittering drops were

d climbing into the dogcart drove with the rose on the seat beside him through the courtyards. Everybody who saw him though

The sky had clouded over, big drops were already fall

m. Mr. Spoelmann, as usual recently, was not present. He was in bed with poultices on. Percival, who lay curled up like a snail close by Imma's chai

house, and kissed the Countess's hand, while he gently raised

a Spoelmann, offering her the rose. It was

ardly ever showed), and held out her small, ringless hands for the glorious flower, whose dewy petals curled exquisi

of horror when sh

, though-it smells of decay!" she said. "What's this you have brought me, Prince?

one of the courts of the Old Schloss. Have you never heard of it? There's som

perfectly beautiful, that one must allow. Well, that's a doubtful joke on nature's part, Prince. All the same, Pri

poelmann time after time contradicted him, interposing polished quotations-to her own enjoyment, and his despair at the range of her reading-quotations which she uttered in her broken voice, with whimsical motions of her head. After a time a heavy, white-pap

e analyses of internal impulses. They were got up in the most sumptuous way, with parchment and crushed leather, gold letters, fine paper, and silk markers

e they all as fine as these? Do let me see how you arrange them. I can't go yet, the weather's still bad and would ruin my

iling the volumes one on the other. "Countess, the Prince wants

st hostile look, and then let her eyes wander to Imma Spoelmann, when her expression altered and became gentle, sympa

n expects you to read to him, Imma. You have half an

Imma. "And so far as your Highness permits it, please l

ile reached to his chin. Then, bending backwards and going carefully, so as to drop nothing, he followed Imma over

It was panelled with rare woods right up to the top, and adorned with old porcelain, which glittered on the brackets all round under the ceiling. The carpets were Persian, the mantelpiece black marble, on which stood shapely vases and a gilt clock. The chairs were broad and velvet-covered, and the curtains of the same golden stuff as the sofa-cover.

hermitage," said Imma Spoe

ses, a summer one this time, made of white accordion-pleated stuff, with open sleeves and gold embroidery on the yoke. The skin of her arms and neck seemed brown as meerschaum against the white of the dress; her

ant. His blue eyes, above the national cheek-bones, were heavy as with grie

incess so m

he has not set so m

away," she said and

you, and our time is so short. You must know that to-day i

e dignity you always show. You may have mine as well! It was sweet of you to bring me the rose, although it has its doubtf

-seven years ago in the Grimmburg. Ever since t

although he was standing sideways to her with his right shoulder towards her, as he had trained himself to do,

with that?" s

n before her, and clasped her wondrous form in both his arms. There he lay, in

," he said, "l

ince. I consider that one should not let oneself go

his face to her, his eyes in a mist

the hindrance in his lofty calling, which he had been wont from