I soon found
that out at Eton and at Trinity. It was impossible there. I dropped it,
and I have never taken it up again."
"Yes, you old stupid, and you have never taken the place you are
entitled to, in consequence."
"What place? May I button that?"
"Thanks."
She held out her arm while he, with fingers much too large for such
dainty work, buttoned her glove.
"The place in society," she answered.
"Oh; does that matter? I never thought of it."
"Of course it matters," answered the lady, with an astonished little
laugh. (It is wonderful what an importance we attach to that which has
been dearly won.) "Of course it matters," answered Etta; "more
than--well, more than any thing."
"But the position that depends upon a foreign title cannot be of much
value," said the pupil of Karl Steinmetz.
Etta shook her pretty head reflectively.
"Of course," she answered, "money makes a position of its own, and
every-body knows that you are a prince; but it would be nicer, with the
servants and every-body, to be a princess."
"I am afraid I cannot do it," said Paul.
"Then there is some reason for it," answered his wife, looking at him
sharply.
"Yes, there is."
"Ah!"
"The reason is the responsibility that attaches to the very title you
wish to wear."
The lady smiled, a little scornfully perhaps.
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