me, your friends are safe in Gerolstein; and even in my own

territory, you must be well aware I have no power.'

' O, sir,' she said, curtsying, 'I would not say that: the huntsmen

would all die for you.'

'Happy Prince!' said Otto. 'But although you are too courteous to

avow the knowledge, you have had many opportunities of learning that

I am a vain show. Only last night we heard it very clearly stated.

You see the shadow flitting on this hard rock? Prince Otto, I am

afraid, is but the moving shadow, and the name of the rock is

Gondremark. Ah! if your friends had fallen foul of Gondremark! But

happily the younger of the two admires him. And as for the old

gentleman your father, he is a wise man and an excellent talker, and

I would take a long wager he is honest.'

'O, for honest, your Highness, that he is!' exclaimed the girl.

'And Fritz is as honest as he. And as for all they said, it was

just talk and nonsense. When countryfolk get gossiping, they go on,

I do assure you, for the fun; they don't as much as think of what

they say. If you went to the next farm, it's my belief you would

hear as much against my father.'

'Nay, nay,' said Otto, 'there you go too fast. For all that was

said against Prince Otto - '

'O, it was shameful!' cried the girl.

'Not shameful - true,' returned Otto. 'O, yes - true. I am all

they said of me - all that and worse.'

'I never!' cried 'Ottilia. 'Is that how you do? Well, you would

never be a soldier. Now if any one accuses me, I get up and give it

them. O, I defend myself. I wouldn't take a fault at another

<<BackPagesTo menuNext>>