“Glahn, I just wanted to tell you something ...”
I interrupted her:
“May I beg you to convey my respects to the Duke?”
We looked at each other. I was ready to break in with further interruptions as soon as she opened her mouth. At last a twinge of pain passed over her face; I turned away and said:
“Seriously, you should send His Highness packing, Edwarda. He is not the man for you. I assure you, he has been wondering these last few days whether to make you his wife or not—and that is not good enough for you.”
“No, don't let us talk about that, please. Glahn, I have been thinking of you; you could take off your jacket and get wet through for another's sake; I come to you ...”
I shrugged my shoulders and went on:
“I should advise you to take the Doctor instead. What have you against him? A man in the prime of life, and a clever head—you should think it over.”
“Oh, but do listen a minute ...”
Æsop, my dog, was waiting for me in the hut. I took off my cap, bowed to her again, and said: