Short stories, German -- Translations into English
"I am sure 'twas INTENDED for you, then," replied Rose, whilst her
lover rubbed his hair down, for fear it should stand on end.
"If 'twas not you," continued Rose, anxiously, "I will believe all that
you have been telling me."
But as she went on in her story a light seemed to break in on her, and
she exclaimed: "And, after all, I do not believe it was Prince Julian
in your coat!"
Philip was certain it was, and cried: "The rascal! He stole my
kisses--now I understand! That's the reason why he wanted to take my
place and gave me his mask!" And now the stories he had heard at the
masquerade came into Philip's head. He asked if anybody had called at
her mother's to offer her money; if any gentleman was much about Milk
Street; if she saw any one watching her at church; but to all his
questions her answers were so satisfactory, that it was impossible to
doubt her total ignorance of all the machinations of the rascally
courtiers. He warned her against all the advances of philanthropical
and compassionate princes--and Rose warned him against the dangers of a
masked ball and adventures with ladies of rank, by which many young men
have been made unhappy--and as everything was now forgiven, in
consideration of the kiss not been wilfully bestowed, he was on the
point of claiming for himself the one of which he had been cheated,
when his designs were interrupted by an unexpected incident. A man out
of breath with his rapid flight rushed against them. By the great-coat,
staff, and horn, Philip recognized his deputy. He, on the other hand,
snatched at the silk cloak and hat. "Ah! sir," said Philip, "here are
your things. I would not change places with you again in this world! I
should be no gainer by the operation."
"Quick! quick!" cried the Prince, and threw the watchman's apparel on
the snow and fastened on his mask, hat, and cloak. Philip returned to
his old beaver and coat, and took up the lantern and staff. Rose had
shrunk back into the door.
"I promised thee a dole, comrade--but it's a positive fact--I have not
got my purse."
"I've got it here," said Philip, and held it out to him. "You gave it
to my intended there; but, please your Highness, I must forbid all
presents in that quarter."
"Comrade, keep what you've got, and be off as quick as you can. You are
not safe here."
The Prince was flying off as he spoke, but Philip held him by the
mantle.
"One thing, my Lord, we have to settle--"
"Run! watchman! I tell you. They're in search of you."
"I have nothing to run for. But your purse, here--"
"Keep it, I tell you. Fly! if you can run."
"And a billet of Marshal Blankenswerd's for five thousand dollars--"
"Ha! what the plague do you know about Marshal Blankenswerd?"
"He said it was a gambling debt he owed you. He and his lady start
to-night for their estates in Poland."
"Are you mad? how do you know that? Who gave you the message for me?"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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