Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-08-29

that which was rotten in the state of Den
mark, but which l was not to know.
How if 1 should ask the count about 1t:
Or Miss Fritz?
She was just saying:
"Loisl told me a while ago that the prince
wished to know his mother May he do
that?"
1.-The case was not foreseen in my instruc-
lions"
What shall do?'
Il shall let the prince see her
"She is half craZed
Then he shall see piece OF human mis-
cry for once"
Again Miss Fritz said The poor one.'
And she said it again in tone of deepest
commseraton, just as If l possessed enough
human misery in myself
What can it be with me and all Of US?
Now 1 did not listen further to what the
two said to each other like two good friends
But it was not shame that drove me away
but fear; the fear that | might learn what
it is with US all. I felt myself too weak
to hear ito hear it now. l was craven.
And did not walk toward the aroor' put
sneaked away like thief, as far as possible
from the house into the woods. But | could
not think over what had heard for / had
to prepare to look the two into the lace
with nv whole soul full of shame
Then heard the MONDAY bell ring In the
house They would look for me. SO
pulled myself together thoroughly. in which
art | am well experienced despite nv
n.
went along I picked a bunch of wild lilies
for the woman who held to belief IN me.
That | would never forget!
The count stepped toward me with face
as if it were ipconceivable that a kings son
could be poor pitiable being. He In
formed me that Miss Fritz had ordered our
meal to be served in the arbor. l asked:
For herself, too, hope"
mo"
"Would that not be proper?"
Here in the mountains
| interrupted him: Even if it were not
proper, l wish to have her invited to eat
with u.s."
at your command"
1 had never before spoken so loud and so
brusauely to the count and this without
any cause. That comes from eavesdrop-
ping The count went to look for Miss
Fritz and called after him:
1T is naturally not an order, but a wish,
a request"
me. Why just at this time? Because 1 was
impatient with him without cause. Is this
man a servile creature, too?
Miss Fritz came to me, followed by the
count She said in her cheerful strong
way:
please, your royal highness. do not be
angered. but l must allow the gentlemen to
eat without me-
'.Why will you not accede to my request"
II always eat with my people, and 1
would not wish to change this practice. not
even for you. You are not angry. are your
/ not angry. On the contrary, was
happy because no devoted and humble an
swer had been given to me. I cried:
Remain true to your custom. But since
am your guest today you must permit me
to remain with my hostess. / shall, then,
eat with you.
Miss Fritz said: THAT will not do"
l turned to the count. do you think So,
too?"
He answered solemnly: II think that the
guest belongs with the host
Then he smiled. For that smile l could
have embraced him. For. by heaven, it
was no lackey's smile. 1 nodded to him
gratefully. Then ran to the arbor to help
with the transfer of dishes. The table was
decked with the best linen of the house,
with beautiful ware and with fresh Alpine
roses. 1t did not, however, cause me the
least regret to destroy all the splendor. The
count, too, carried plates and glasses to the
house We were merry as children, and the
Well, then.l Miss Fritz, the count and l
entered the big arbor room with our dishes.
The household stood around the table
awaiting the mistress. Loisl and my other
two young mountain giants were there. too.
Miss Fritz laid covers for the count and me
beside her place and maid brought chairs.
observed that all stood behind their chairs
and folded their hands did as they and
| waited for grace. low, lovely girls voice
began to sound.
Then I saw her for the first time. She
stood Immediately under picture Of the