She let Paula go, came springing up to me, stood before me looking fearlessly at me with her great eyes, and asked:
"Can you conquer lions, or can you not?"
"I think not," I answered; "but why?"
"Yes or no?" she asked, giving the least possible stamp of her little foot.
"Well then, no!"
"But you ought to," she replied, with an indignant look. "I wish it."
"If you wish it, I will do my very best, the first chance that offers."
"Do you see, Paula," said the little maid, turning to her with a triumphant look. "I told you so! I told you so!" and she clapped her hands and sprang about like a little Bacchante, and then ran scampering over the flower-beds, Zerlina following her with loud barkings.
"What did the child mean with her curious question?" I asked Paula.
"It seems that Fräulein Duff keeps comparing you to Richard the Lion-heart," replied Paula, with a smile.