By a motion of his hand, the doctor signified that Irma had better stop, and added: "My child, if you desire to live comfortably at court, you had better not try to solve riddles which those to whom they belong don't care to solve for you. But, above all, let no one know--" "Discretion, discretion; the same old text," said Irma, roguishly, her beautifully curved lips quivering with emotion. "You are of a creative temperament, and are therefore out of place at court," said the doctor. "You desire to assert your individuality, instead of giving way to prescribed forms; but it can't be done. Just observe Councilor Schnabelsdorf, who will be used up much sooner than he imagines. He is constantly offering or preparing something new--cooking, roasting, or stewing all sorts of interesting information for his masters--and his memory is an everlasting 'table, table, cover thyself.' Take my word for it, before a year goes round, they'll all be tired of him. He who wishes to remain a favorite must not thrust himself forward." Irma assented to this opinion, but saw through his attempt to change the direction of the conversation, and at once returned to what she had intended to say. "Pray tell me," said she roguishly, "when one takes a false step, and, at the same time, injures himself, is it not called a misstep?" "Certainly." "Well, then, let me tell you that the queen is in danger of making a misstep, which may be fraught with irreparable injury to her--" "I'd prefer--" interrupted the doctor. "Ah! you'd prefer. Whenever you say that, you've something to find fault with." "You've guessed it. I'd prefer your leaving the queen to divulge her secrets at her own pleasure. I thought you were a friend of hers--" "And so I am." "Well, and since I am your morning preacher to-day, let me give you another warning. You are in danger of becoming one of those ladies who have no friends of their own sex." "Is that really so dreadful?" "Most assuredly. You must have a female friend, or there is some fault in your disposition. Isolation, such as yours, warps one's character, and, consciously or otherwise, results in vanity. If, from among all the ladies here, you can't make even one your friend, the fault must lie in yourself." "But there's no harm in my having a male friend, a friend like yourself." "I couldn't wish you a truer one." Irma walked beside the doctor in silence. When they again reached the lawn in front of the palace, Irma said: "Do you know that this lawn is dressed up every Saturday with false hay?" "Less wit and more clearness, if you please."