"Your father has a large family?" he asked. "I have a vague recollection of having seen several rosy-cheeked boys about."
"They were my brothers," said Ilse, laughing; "they are handsome little fellows, gracious Sovereign, if I, as a sister, may praise them; they are at present somewhat uncouth, but good and clever. My Franz wrote to me only yesterday to beg me to greet your Highness for him. The little urchin thinks it is the right thing. Now, as I have the opportunity, I will show you the letter as he has written it; it is a stupid, childish message, but it comes from a good heart."
She felt in her pocket and brought forth a letter written in fair characters.
"See, your Highness, how well the child writes. But I must not show you the letter, for your Highness would find in it a confirmation of your opinion, that men have always selfish wishes in the background when they think of their princes. The poor boy also has his wish."
"Then let us have it," said the Sovereign.
Ilse showed him the letter; the Sovereign graciously took hold of the letter, and in doing so, his hand rested on hers.
"He is so barefaced as to ask your highness for an india-rubber ball. The ball is already bought."
She jumped up and brought a gigantic colored ball.
"This I shall send to him to-day, and I shall write to him that it is not seemly to beg of so great a personage. He is nine years old, but still very childish--your highness must forgive him."
Enchanted by this frank open-heartedness, the Sovereign said: