"I will have none of your meddling," said the bride of two years.
"I came here to make peace between you people."
"Play the dove to your daughter-in-law," quoth the Grand-duchess. "I hear you are fighting like Kilkenny cats."
"You are impertinent, Madame," cried George furiously.
"You will oblige me by showing this man the door," demanded Victoria Melita, addressing her husband.
"Not until I have explained the situation," answered Ernest Ludwig quietly. "Listen, then, cousin! While I am by principle opposed to divorce, I won't force my wife to live with me."
"And now be so kind as to withdraw," said Victoria Melita, opening the door for Prince George. Poor as I am, I would have given five thousand marks to have seen the meddling pest exit in that fashion, and I love Victoria Melita for the spirit she displayed, even if I don't approve of her liaisons.
Dresden, February 10, 1896.