And
Fritz had an idea that prima donnas always grew immensely rich, and
married worthless husbands whom they allowed great liberties in
financial matters. Fritz had no objection to playing this subordinate
part, as long as he could be sure of "having a good time." Beyond this
point his ambition had never extended. In spite of his great
confidence in his own irresistibility, and his frequent boasts of the
favors he had received from the maiden of his choice, he knew in his
heart that his wooing had so far been very unprosperous, and that the
prospects for the future were not encouraging. Ilka could never rid
herself of the impression that Fritz was to be taken very
seriously,--that, in fact, there was something almost awful about him.
She could laugh at old Hahn's jokes, and if he attempted to take
liberties she could push him away, or even give him a slap on his
broad back. But Fritz's talk frightened her by its very
unintelligibility; his mirth seemed terrible; it was like hearing a
man laugh in his sleep; and his touch made her shudder.
V.
The return of the first regiments of the united armies was delayed
until after the middle of May, and the _Siegesfest_ accordingly had to
be postponed. But the delay was rather in Mr.
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