Fortunately Henry is almost penniless.
Dresden, January 2, 1901.
Henry's sister married one of the numerous Vitzthums, of the family that furnished the Saxon court with titled servants and maîtresses en titre for the past several hundred years.
I immediately sent word to her ladyship, that having taken up bicycling, I would be pleased to have her attend me on the wheel on the afternoon following. The invitation was issued from the office of my Court Marshal, which is controlled by the King's. Having thus secured beforehand His Majesty's approval, possible criticism was nipped in the bud. The bride asked permission to bring her husband.
"Granted. Order of dress: mufti."
This enabled us, myself and Henry, and the Count and Countess to ride all over town, unrecognized by either officials or the public at large.
It was great fun, and I told the Vitzthums that I intended to wheel every morning at nine, immediately after breakfast. Count Vitzthum is Henry's colonel. Of course he granted both Henry and himself furlough for the time set.
What happiness! Now I don't have to wait till afternoon and evening to see my lover.