"She can't have had any experience at all."
"Not even a baron over at Waldenweiter?"
"What a fool I was!" reflected Victoria. "Mother was horrid, though," she added a moment later. She never allowed the perception of her own folly to plead on behalf of Princess Heinrich. "I expect you'll go mad about her," she resumed. "You see, any woman can manage you, Augustin. Think of——"
"Thanks, dear, I remember them all," I interposed.
"The question is, how will mother treat her," pronounced Victoria.
It was not the question at all; that Victoria thought it was merely illustrated the Princess's persistent dominance over her daughter's imagination. I allow, however, that it was an interesting, although subordinate speculation.
The Bartensteins' present visit was to be as private as possible. The arrangement was that Elsa and I should be left to roam about the woods together, to become well known to one another, and after about three weeks to fall in love. The Duke was not to be of the party on this occasion (wise Duke!) and, when I had made my proposal, mother and daughter would return home to receive the father's blessing and to wait while the business was settled. When all was finished, I should receive my bride in state at Forstadt, and the wedding would be solemnized. In reply to my questions Bederhof admitted that he could not at present fix the final event within a fortnight or so; he did not, however, consider this trifling uncertainty material.
"No more do I, my dear Baron," said I.
"Here," said he, "is the picture of your Majesty which Princess Heinrich has just sent to Bartenstein."
I looked at the lanky figure, the long face, and the pained smile which I had presented to the camera.