quettish as a kitten. It was only the other night I went to
see her--the old woman was in the room--"

A tremendous burst of applause completely drowned Fritz's voice, as
Germania walked out upon the stage. She was dressed in white, flowing
robes, with a golden zone about her waist and a glittering diadem in
her hair. A mantle of the finest white cashmere, fastened with a Roman
clasp on her left shoulder and drawn through the zone on the right
side, showed the fierce Prussian eagle, embroidered in black and gold.
A miniature copy of the same glorious bird, also in gilt embroidery,
shone on her breast. She had been, elaborately trained by her
_maestro_ as to how she was to step the stage, what attitudes she was
to assume, etc., and the first part of the programme she performed
very creditably, and with sole reference to her instructions.

The orchestra began to rumble something by way of an introduction. The
soldier in the Austrian uniform at Fritz's table turned pale, and sat
staring fixedly upon the stage. Ilka stood for a moment gazing out
upon the surging mass of humanity at her feet; she heard the clanking
of the scabbards and swords, and saw the white and the blue uniforms
commingled in friendly confusion. Where was. Hansel now--the dear,
gay, faithful Hansel? She struck out boldly, and her strong, sonorous
voice soared easily above the orchestral accompaniments. "Heil dir im
Siegeskranz!"--she was hailing the returning warriors with a song of
triumph, while Hansel, perhaps, lay on some bloody battle-field, with
sightless eyes staring against the awful sky. Ilka's voice began to
tremble, and the tears flooded her beautiful eyes. The soldier in the
Austrian uniform trembled, too, and never removed his gaze from the
countenance of the singer. There was joy and triumph in her song; but
there was sorrow, too--sorrow for the many brave ones that remained
behind, sorrow for the maidens that loved them and the mothers that
wept for them. As Ilka withdrew, after having finished the last
stanza, the audience grew almost frantic with enthusiasm; the men
jumped up on benches and tables, shouted, and swung their hats, and
even the women cheered at the tops of their voices. A repetition was
loudly called for, and Ilka, although herself overcome with emotion,
was obliged to yield. She walked up to the footlights and began to
yodle softly. It sounded strangely airy and far away. She put her hand
to her ear and listened for a mom