"Then you're not allowed to do whatever you please."
Her words surprised Irma: "What do you mean?" asked she, sharply.
"Forgive me, if I've said anything stupid. I only meant to say you're in service as well as the rest of us. You're a maid of honor, I believe."
"All must serve some one; the king and queen serve God."
"We must all do that."
"Yes, but princes have a much harder time of it than we, for theirs is a far greater responsibility. But what am I saying? You ought to feel happy that you needn't know everything. I've brought some writing copies for you. I owe you thanks for one thing, already. Ever since I've resolved to teach you, my own writing has become far plainer than before--"
Irma suddenly checked herself, for she realized the full force of what she had been saying, and continued: "for you are to learn it thoroughly."
Baum came to announce that the carriage was waiting. Irma left, saying that she would meet Walpurga in the park.
They now went out and Baum let down the carriage steps for them. Mademoiselle Kramer, who was the first to enter, held the child until Walpurga had seated herself. Baum jumped up behind and took his place beside the second lackey; the four horses stepped out and the carriage started.
"Are we driving?" asked Walpurga.