"My heart doth bear a burden, love, And thou hast placed it there-- And I would wager e'en my life That none doth heavier bear." "Brava! charming!" said Countess Irma, entering the room. "I should like to learn that song. Sing it again." Walpurga repeated it and, at the second verse, Irma joined in the song. "It doesn't really suit a child," said Walpurga, "but what does such a youngster know about lowing cows or singing birds? It's all one to him. We're going out riding to-day. Do you go with us?" "I would be glad to ride with you, but I may not," replied Countess Irma. "Then you're not allowed to do whatever you please." Her words surprised Irma: "What do you mean?" asked she, sharply. "Forgive me, if I've said anything stupid. I only meant to say you're in service as well as the rest of us. You're a maid of honor, I believe." "All must serve some one; the king and queen serve God." "We must all do that." "Yes, but princes have a much harder time of it than we, for theirs is a far greater responsibility. But what am I saying? You ought to feel happy that you needn't know everything. I've brought some writing copies for you. I owe you thanks for one thing, already. Ever since I've resolved to teach you, my own writing has become far plainer than before--" Irma suddenly checked herself, for she realized the full force of what she had been saying, and continued: "for you are to learn it thoroughly." Baum came to announce that the carriage was waiting. Irma left, saying that she would meet Walpurga in the park. They now went out and Baum let down the carriage steps for them. Mademoiselle Kramer, who was the first to enter, held the child until Walpurga had seated herself. Baum jumped up behind and took his place beside the second lackey; the four horses stepped out and the carriage started. "Are we driving?" asked Walpurga. "Certainly." "It seems like flying. I can't hear the least rumbling of the wheels." "Of course you can't. The tires are covered with india-rubber." "And so they wear cloth shoes just as we do when we walk on smooth floors. Oh, how clever they all are here. Out yonder, they don't know a thing. They live just like cattle; the only difference is they don't eat grass--but what's the matter?" said she, starting with fright. "They're beating the drums and the soldiers are rushing toward us. Is there a fire somewhere?" "That's on our account. The guard always present arms when a member of the royal family passes by--watch them. They're presenting arms and after we've passed they'll lay their muskets aside and return to the guardroom. Their regiment is known as the crown prince's, for it belongs to him." "And so he'll have live soldiers to play with when he grows up."