The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-02-15
DEAR FRAULEIN.
IFrom The Tatler.l


We went out-father, mother, we two
girls and dear Fraulein-by the P. and
o. boat Egypt, in May. We took tickets
through to Marseilles, but Fraulein's
arrangement was that we were to get
off at Gibraltar. do a month in Spain,
come back to Glib, go on to Marseilles
by another p. and o. boat. and return
overland. Father had been ordered a
thorough change, and had thought or
North Wales; mother had had influenza
and was inquiring about Torquay; but
it will give you some idea of the dog
matte way in which Fraulein managed
the household when tell you that these
projects. when she announced her decis
ion, were Immediately dismissed Frau
lein had been our governess. and by the
time her teaching services were no long
er required she had made herself so IN
dispensable that no one had ever
thought of asking her to leave
We rested a few days at GibrafVsr, and
then rose at some unearthly hour one
morning and crossed by the steamer 10
Algeciras, and it was there for the first
time that we realized how completely
she had the entire party under her con-
troll. For Fraulein knew Spanish. and
the rest of US had only learnt how TO
say .AndaH when we wished beggars
to go away, and this word, useful in it
self, was an insufficient outfit for
months journey in a strange land Thus
when the train had climbed it's four or
five hours journey to Ronda and Frau
lein suddenly announced, I'VE stay mere
tonight" father and mother. who We're
anxious to get on to Seville, just glanced
at each other and said weakly, .'Oh, yeSi
OF counsel" as though it had been their
own idea. In the hotel over the station,
after Fraulein had gone to rest, we two
girls had a long talk with father and
mother. We pointed out that they We're
paying the expenses of the trip and that
it was for them to show assertiveness.
We'll, look here, dearst said mother
sc- IN WI
You have a talk with her yourselves in
the morning."
'Oh. no. said hastily.
1--WE couldn't possibly agreed my sis
Fact of it is" remarked father. ''all
three of you are afraid of Fraulein.'
Then" I said triumphantly, you are
'Impossible." replied father, turning
pale and going out to smoke his cigar.
Z never could argue with woman;
But what is to be done?" asked
heatedly, turning to mother. Are We
to be ruled and commanded and dictated
to. and-and-"
It suppose so. dear" answered my
mother helplessly. Really, see no
other plan, but I'll try to think it over.
Fraulein at breakfast announced the
programme for the day in her usual de-
cisive manner. 1 don't know why 1t was
that ON this occasion we all resented
this specially, but when the donkeyS
came round in front of the station faith
er had gone to the Alamada, mother had
a headache, and my sister and 1 were
hiding downstairs. 1t seemed from what
F'raulein told mother that the man in
charge of the donkeys declared that he
must be paid in full just as though the
ride through the valley had been taken.
This Fraulein proclaimed to be an i'm
position. and putting on her blue spec
tacles and her worst hat she mounted
one of the donkeys and set forth alone.
Thank goodness We are rid of her for
II. fIr. n and
village to join father in the gardens.
Fraulein did not return to lunch. Such
a good happy lunch we had, talking at
our ease and with no fear of contradic-
ton from her. F'raulein did not come
back to tea. My sister and 1 made tea
ourselves. and this was great fun Frau
lein did not return to dinner This
alarmed mother, and although the rest
Of US urged that the fact made cause for
satisfaction rather than alarm, she in
sisted that father should try to find
some one who understood English or
French that the proper inquiries might
be made, when a note. written on the
inside of used envelope, which had
Fraulein's address, care of father was
brought in by the Spanish waiter.
Here's a most terrific lark cried my
sister as she read it. ''Fraulein has been
carried off by some Spanish outlaws and
they want a ransom of 5000 pesetasa''
Il won't pay a single penny" de-