after Frau Lerch, with loud exclamations of admiration, was combing her
long, thick, waving locks of fair hair.

Overflowing with delight at such beauty, the thin little woman then
helped her "darling Wawerl," her "wonderfully sweet nightingale," to
change her dress.

Wolf's gift, the velvet robe with the marten border, would have been too
heavy and oppressive for singing, and, besides, was not yet finished.
Barbara, she declared, had done right to choose the white one, which
was intended for the next dance at the New Scales. Nothing could be more
becoming to her enchanting little princess, and Barbara yielded herself
entirely to the experienced assistant, who had all the laces and ribbons
she needed close at hand. She could even supply her with new and dainty
satin shoes.

While Frau Lerch was working with wonderful dexterity, she also
permitted her nimble tongue no rest. In the tenderest accents of
faithful maternal solicitude she counselled her how to conduct herself
in his Majesty's presence. Hurriedly showing Barbara how the stiff
Spanish ladies of the court curtsied, she exclaimed: "And another thing,
my darling pet: It is important for all ladies, even those of royal
blood, to try to win the favour of so great a monarch when they meet him
for the first time. You can use your eyes, too, and how effectually!
I saw you a short time ago, and, if I had been a young gentleman, how
gladly I would have changed places with the handsome recruiting officer
Pyramus at the New Scales! That was a flaming fire! Now, isn't it
true, darling--now we no longer have even a single glance for such
insignificant fellows! Consider that settled! But things of that
sort have no effect upon his august Majesty. You must cast down your
sparkling blue eyes in modest embarrassment, as if you still wore the
confirmation wreath. All the fashionable sons of the burghers complain
of your repellent coldness. Let his Majesty feel it too. That will pour
oil on the flames, and they must blaze up high; I'd stake both my hands
on it, much as I need them. But if it results as I expect, my darling,
don't forget old Lerch, who loves you even more than your own mother
did. How beautiful and stately she was! But she forgot her little Wawerl
only too often. I have a faithful nature, child, and understand life.
If, sooner or later, you need the advice of a true, helpful friend, you
know where to find little old Lerch."

These warnings had sounded impress