"As maid of honor." "And what is that?" "Being attached to the Queen's person; or what, in your part of the country, would be called a companion." "Indeed! And is your father willing to let them use you that way?" Irma, who was somewhat annoyed by her questions, said:-- "I wished to ask you something--Can you write?" "I once could, but I've quite forgotten how." "Then I've just hit it! that's the very reason for my coming here. Now, whenever you wish to write home, you can dictate your letter to me, and I will write whatever you tell me to." "I could have done that too," suggested Mademoiselle Kramer, timidly; "and your Ladyship would not have needed to trouble yourself." "No, the Countess will write for me. Shall it be now?" "Certainly." But Walpurga had to go to the child. While she was in the next room, Countess Irma and Mademoiselle Kramer engaged each other in conversation. When Walpurga returned, she found Irma, pen in hand, and at once began to dictate. Translation of S.A. Stern. THE FIRST FALSE STEP From 'On the Heights' The ball was to be given in the palace and the adjoining winter garden. The intendant now informed Irma of his plan, and was delighted to find that she approved of it. At the end of the garden he intended to erect a large fountain, ornamented with antique groups. In the foreground he meant to have trees and shrubbery and various kinds of rocks, so that none could approach too closely; and the background was to be a Grecian landscape, painted in the grand style. Irma promised to keep his secret. Suddenly she exclaimed, "We are all of us no better than lackeys and kitchen-maids. We are kept busy stewing, roasting, and cooking for weeks, in order to prepare a dish that may please their Majesties." The intendant made no reply. "Do you remember," continued Irma, "how, when we were at the lake, we spoke of the fact that man possessed the advantage of being able to change his dress, and thus to alter his appearance? While yet a child, masquerading was my greatest delight. The soul wings its flight in callow infancy. A _bal costumé_ is indeed one of the noblest fruits of culture. The love of coquetry which is innate with all of us displays itself there undisguised." The intendant took his leave. While walking away, his mind was filled with his old thoughts about Irma. "No," said he to himself, "such a woman would be a constant strain, and would require one to be brilliant and intellectual all day long. She would exhaust one," said he, almost aloud. No one knew what character Irma intended to appear in, although many supposed that it would be as "Victory," since it was well known that she had stood for the model of the statue that surmounted the arsenal. They were busy conjecturing how she could assume that character without violating the social proprieties.