iled, "you don't say they forbid a
Pappenheim to accept half a dozen millions from his wife, when, in days
gone by, the Counts of Pappenheim's chief income was the tax on harlotry
in Franconia and Swabia."

The Countess nearly dropped. "Don't be alarmed," I said. "See the
pompous looking man in the corner yonder? It's Count Henneberg. His
forbears held the fiefship of the Wuerzburg city brothel for many hundred
years. That's where the family fortune came from."

* * * * *

LOSCHWITZ, _May 17, 1901_.

I am an ingrate. I bit the hand that fed me. Noble iniquity that yields
such delicious crumbs of love as Henry and I stole in moments of ecstasy
in park and parlor, in pavilion and veranda, on our drives and rides, be
blessed a hundred times. Ah, the harvest of little tendernesses, the
sweet words I caught on the wing--recompense for the weeks of abstinence
I suffered!

Occasionally only, very occasionally, I feel like questioning Henry as
to the lie he was guilty of. I quizzed his sister time and again about
his relations with women. She always gives me a knowing laugh; I wonder
whether she means to be impertinent, or is simply a silly goose.

I won't ask him. If he is innocent, as I sincerely hope, he will be
offended. If he is not, he will be ashamed of himself and will avoid me
in future. It's "innocent," you lose, and "guilty," you don't win.

And I love him. I want him, whether he lies to me or not.

CHAPTER L

TO LIVE UNDER KING'S AND PRINCE GEORGE'S EYE

Abruptly ordered to the royal summer residence--The Vitzthums and
Henry take flight--Enmeshed by Prince George's intrigues--Those
waiting for a crown have no friends--What I will do when Queen--No
wonder Kings of old married only relatives--Interesting facts about
relative marriages furnished by scientist.

LOSCHWITZ, _May 18, 1901_.

All-highest order to proceed to Pillnitz, the royal summer residence,
without delay--a command I cannot possibly evade. Conveyed in curt,
almost insulting terms--the Tisch's work, no doubt.

It came like lightning out of a blue sky, just when Henry and I had
planned some real love-making _a la_ Dresden.

The Vitzthums lost no time taking their leave when the scent of royal
disgrace was in the air, and, as if to emphasize the obscene office they
had assumed, they spirited Henry away ere we had time even to say
goodbye.

What a life I am leading with th