Resumé.
Thursday, Nini, Margo and I made a party visit at Krauses and saw Herr v. K., Flora and the children. Friday, Lulu and I went down town alone and bought several things. In the afternoon, took a singing lesson together at Shaeffers’.
This morning everything is in confusion. Our room has been déménagée [rearranged] for a reception room and I am to sleep and dress in Lulu’s room, and Helene in the school-room. The Doctor came this morning and beheld me in curl-papers! At 5 P.M. we drank coffee in the kitchen and at 8 P.M. we were all standing, dressed and smiling in the drawing-room.
Nunnery Ball!
Tante Clio received in our room transformed into a reception room. The unfortunate Hambruch was among the first to make his appearance and looked so gawky in his black swallow tail and stove-pipe! that I pitied the poor man from the bottom of my heart. He flourished the stove-pipe when he bowed. I only hope for his sake that no one else found it as ridiculous as I did.
The ladies present were nine in number, not counting the Tantes—Miss Lawrence, Miss Newbury, Miss Page, Frl. Mienaber, Marguerite, Lulu, Mamie, Helene and I. The gentlemen 11 in number—v. Röder, Brandt, v. Puttkamer, v. Verschuer, v. Kotze, Heinrichs, v. Haugwitz, Hambruch, v. Dassel, v. Stangen & v. König. What was my surprise to recognize in v. Stangen the handsome blond officer with whom I danced twice in a Cotillion tour the other evening at Krauses! I could scarcely believe it possible at first and thought I had come across someone who looked very much like my handsome young officer of Krauses, but when he came up and said he had already had the honour of seeing me, and Tante Gretchen’s eyes twinkled, then I knew that it was intended to be a surprise for me—how very funny! I had pictured my imaginary v. Stangen so different from the real one—how glad I was to have been mistaken. v. Brandt for the first time since ages came up and talked to me. We spoke of “Le Piano de Berthe.”
As soon as all were assembled and tea had been handed around, the music struck up and the longed-for dancing began. What a treat it is to dance with v. Stangen and v. Verschuer! I felt so happy and am sure looked so, as we whirled around to the intoxicating sound of music and spurs!
My peace of mind took to itself wings, however, from the moment v. Dassel and I began to make each other’s acquaintance. I met him for the second time in my life and we quarreled the whole evening. v. Dassel is middle-sized and rather stout—he has sandy hair & moustache and a mouth with an expression of mockery indescribably disagreeable. I found him insignificant at first and never dreamed I would ever take the trouble to hate him as I do now. He commenced being aggravating by expressing all sorts of the most absurd & improbable opinions and views, and when I disagreed he made the matter worse by looking immensely amused. He says that gentlemen are handsomer than ladies and that he understood my character from the first moment he saw me.
I went through the torture of dancing the Cotillion with v. Dassel and we fought the whole time. He rather gave me to understand that Verschuer was in love with me and I with Brandt. At the last, his teazing and nonsense had got me into such a state of nervousness that it seemed to me as though he was a wicked spirit pursuing me. “Herr von Dassel,” I said, finally, “we shall never be friends, but I propose a suspension of hostilities for this evening.” I could have slung all the bouquets I held in my hand at his head as he affected an injured air.
But to turn to a pleasanter subject—Verschuer held a paper snow-ball over my head and scattered the flakes over my hair and dress and I punished him by dancing with him, and when he wanted to stop after making two tours of the room, I begged for another one. He did not dance much after this and looked tired and thoughtful. He is a dear man—I think I like him better than any other of our admirers—at the same time, so impulsive about him that it is simply adorable.
We ate supper before dancing the Cotillion. The Tantes had arranged our place at three tables—one large and two small ones. I knew before the ball that v. Stangen was destined to be my cavalier but I did not know then that my dazzlingly handsome cuirassalt [knight] and v. Stangen were one and the same person. Tante Clio presided at the larger table and smiled on the largest part of the company. Lulu, Margo and Tante Gretchen with Haugwitz, Röder and König occupied another table placed in the middle of the room, and Miss Lawrence and I beamed on Stangen and Brandt seated in a corner, where our eyes shone brighter than the vulgar gas. I should have been content, I am afraid, to look into the manly face on my left and listen to his melodious voice, but no such happiness was in store for me. The owner of the manly countenance was vile enough to introduce a goodly abundance of sausage and salad between those beautiful teeth and my illusions took flight to the rolling of Brandt’s r’s as he produced one of his stale French witticisms.
Heinrichs soon brought out a speech in which he thanked the Tantes in the name of all for their kindness in admitting them in the sanctuary of so much loveliness and at the proposal of their health, a thundering hip hip was raised and we nuns trolled obediently off to touch glasses with our worthy abbesses.
After supper we retired to the reception room to repose and cool off, but we did not remain long as the fat man at the piano, who had probably been refreshing himself for the last hour in the kitchen, struck up an irresistible polka with renewed force. [Pasted to the page is an envelope labeled: “Unfinished Favors.” Inside are four favors in the form of sketches and watercolors on card stock. One, which is round and about 2” in diameter, has a watercolor painting of a white rose. The second, on grey and cut in the shape of a star, has a watercolor painting of strawberries. The third is a pencil drawing of a skate, with the notation, “Drawn by Tante Gretchen.” The fourth is a pencil sketch of a gentleman in uniform and helmet gesturing towards a horse on his left and a demure young lady on his right, and is partially painted in. On the back, Ada has written: “Unfinished sketch of Lulu’s for a Cotillion favor to be given to Herr von Röder. 17th Jan 80. In allusion to a remark of his confessing hesitation between a pretty lady and a pretty horse.”]
Sunday, 18th Jan 80. The first thing Lulu and I did this morning on awakening was, of course, to speak of the ball and at breakfast, this topic was the principal and, I might say, only one. Lulu is very enthusiastic about the ball and says she never enjoyed anything so much. Tante G., Mamie, Lulu and I took a little walk before dinner as the weather was so beautiful. Nini, Margo and Edgar came in an instant after dinner.
Shaeffers’ Sunday (2.).
At 4 P.M., Tantes Clio and Gretchen, Lulu, Mamie and I went to Shaeffers’ soirée musicale [musical evening]. Frl. Müller sang two lovely duets with Shaefferchen and Frl. M. afterwards sang a Volklied [folksong] about a young girl who loved one man and was given to another. She sang it so beautifully, with such dramatic force and finesse that it seemed as though I could not refrain from screaming or something equally out of the question. I was tired and nervous and most have looked pitiful enough, for Frau Shaeffer proposed my lying down in her room and applying eau de cologne to my head. As a general thing, music strengthens me, but tonight, as Shaeffer sang the Teuer Zauber from Wagner’s Walküre until it seemed as though the tones were pouring out from all the doors of Heaven, it proved almost too much for me and on coming home, I had an attack of hysterics in my room, all alone, just before going to bed. Frl. Gaerenstein was at Shaeffers’ and sang an aria from Bach’s Alceste.
Monday, 19th Jan. 80. The ground is covered with snow and it is very cold.
Skating (11.).
I had succeeded in getting under the bridge and was leaning for support against a tree, with both arms around it, when I heard someone wish me a good morning, and turning around, beheld my dear friend v. Dassel behind me. He inquired after my health since the ball and seemed surprised to find me skating. He had no skates on and trotted after me, talking all the time, until I quickened my pace at the risk of embracing Mother Earth—but as Dassel is no particular favorite of mine, I considered it a mere waste of time and breath to speak to him. He took leave of me then—he is by no means stupid although he is naughty.
Rid of this one, I was compelled to smile on Hambruch, much to my disgust. He told me long stories that were very probably interesting and even witty. However, I did not take the trouble to listen but replied “yes” to everything as if I had swallowed it all and found it dry.
I am sure my whole face melted into one happy smile, however, as I saw Verschuer steering in our direction—I needed no one to tell me that he was looking for me. There are some things that people feel. There is something indescribably comfortable and consoling in the quiet way he takes possession of one. He is so gentle—almost like I imagine he might be with a child. I skated miserably, but my tongue was loosened and I chattered away like half a dozen parrots.
In a very short while Chambly came within a few feet of me, for the first time since I had buckled on my skates (décidément, il y a quelque chose—je voudrais savoir quoi! [decidedly, it is something—I would know what!]) to tell me that I was requested to come, as Tante Clio wished to depart. My skates were soon off and Verschuer stuck them in the bag after helping me on with my cloak. On reaching home, we drank hot jelly wine and answered Tante Gretchen’s numerous questions. In the evening, Tante Gretchen read us a Lerman comedy aloud.
Tuesday, 20th Jan. 80. I was again unable to sing today as I had pains in the chest. Nini came at 4 P.M. and Edgar and Margo, who had been skating an hour afterwards. They did not remain long.
Circus.
This evening, Tante Clio, Lulu, Mamie and I went to Keuz Circus. It had been arranged that the charming Heinrichs would accompany us and that Brandt would meet us there, but he was prevented from coming in the last moment and the weighty responsibility of four strong minded females was left to Brandt alone.
We arrived rather early and, not wishing to remain in the cold and wait for Brandt, we took a box for ourselves and requested the ticket man to look out for a solitary lieutenant and inform him that, if he was in search of four missing ladies (young and pretty of course) and his name was v. Brandt, a seat was reserved for him next to the box of the damsel quartett. Brandt received this information (obliging ticket man!) after he had stood and waited in the cold a quarter of an hour, and he soon marched up in his own true hasty manner, and took possession of the vacant seat. It happened to be next to me and I would have given worlds to change with somebody, as I think it prudent to have as little to do with him as possible—although I like his society immensely and find him entertaining. Tante Clio soon begged him to change places with Mamie and so all was satisfactorily arranged.
I will not attempt to describe my astonishment and emotion as I recognized in two blue dragoon uniforms, v. Armin and v. Reuss seated in a box not far from ours!! I did not wish to be seen by them, but could not resist taking sundry peeps to assure myself of their real presence in flesh and bones. It would not have been possible for me to mistake v. Armin’s eyes. Not long afterwards, Tante Clio whispered rather loudly to me not to turn my eyes in the direction of two blue uniforms on my left. She added, with an expression I shall never forget—“They are v. Armin and v. Reuss;” and I tried unsuccessfully to look surprised but only blushed crimson as I felt Brandt’s eyes on my face—why am I such a donkey?! It is my private opinion that v. Armin recognized Tante Clio and me. He looked decidedly uncomfortable as I caught a glimpse of his blond countenance once or twice—but Tante C. says he didn’t and only had eyes for the horses the whole evening. Fiddlesticks!
The “world-renowned Leonora Dare” performed in red tights and yellow satin corsage [blouse, bodice] with an immense red rosette planted on the side of her head. She prepared to hold a man with a hook placed between her teeth. The man flew through the air on a rope attached above and caught on the hook. The shock must have been frightful. At all events the man fell, fortunately in a net placed under him—and Leonora took a piece of her tooth which had broken from her mouth and threw it below. She wiped the blood away with her handkerchief, and, with a diabolical laugh, ordered the man to try it over again. He obeyed unwillingly and the second time it was a success.
The clowns were not very amusing, but I heard Chambly’s peculiar little giggle continually behind me. Lulu was very witty this evening—I think he admires her wit.
After the circus was over and we were waiting on the corner for Brandt to find us a cab, the blue dragoons passed by and I followed Armin’s long, slim figure with my eyes until the darkness swallowed it up. Chambly the Faithful procured us a carriage and deposited us therein.
Wednesday, 21st Jan. 80. Remained late in bed, and Tante G. brought me my breakfast. After lunch Tante Gretchen, Mamie and Lulu went skating to the Kausseau Insel and came home very late. Heinrichs, v. Verschuer, v. Brandt & v. Stangen were there and devoted. They seem to have had a delightful time. Lulu says Brandt wanted to know why I was not there and Verschuer was inconsolable.
Thursday, 22nd Jan. 80. I was obliged to take my music lesson from 9 to 10 this morning and Shaeffer had to wait for me as I was roused from my gentle slumber with the announcement that he was there.
Miss Page remained to lunch and afterwards accompanied Tantes Gretchen and Clio, Mamie, Lulu and Helene to skate at the Neuen Seen where the gentlemen were waiting and an “English Evening” had been appointed, as none will take place this evening. During their absence, I went to Nini’s and she, Edgar, Margo and I passed a charming afternoon. I am so happy when I am with Nini—I love her so sincerely and feel that I am dear to her.
Margo is commencing to schwërm slightly for both Kotze and Röder. They have both given proofs that they are not dupes of the Lemckes.
Poor little Edgar is not looking very well and this makes me a little uneasy.
A little American girl of four years or so—a little beauty—named Hattie came in and wanted to be played with today at Nini’s. I am afraid she took an objection to me because I squeezed her too much. How happy a mother must be! Nini, Edgar, Margo and Hattie brought me home.
A Glorious Plan! Highest Pitch of Ecstacy!
The other members of the Nunnery were not yet back but came soon afterwards. Lulu and Mamie came in looking like wild Indians and informed poor astonished me that everything had almost been arranged for a sleighing party Monday, in which we and the gentlemen would take part. They were deliriously enthusiastic over this plan and the mood was contagious. Let us hope now that it will not thaw. The girls have had a heavenly time on the ice—and declare Stangen to be the handsomest, the most graceful and the most gallant of men. I am quite inclined to be of their opinion—so far.
Friday, 23rd Jan. 80.
General Collapse!!
Tante Gretchen brought the barometer of our good humour down several degrees this morning by announcing the probable non fulfillment of our delightful plan, conceived yesterday. She says that Tante Clio will not accompany us, as it is too great a sacrifice for her on account of her nerves. How dreadfully aggravating! Lulu and I are about as unhappy as it is possible for two eighteen year old chickens to be.
Herr and Frau von Berger called on the Lemckes this morning. They have rented an apartment in Berlin not far from us, and expect to remain six or seven years. This afternoon Tante Gretchen, Lulu and I took a little walk in the neighborhood and wanted to go up and visit Berger’s new apartment but did not satisfy our curiosity, as the concierge told us the contract was being made at that moment.
This evening, we finished the “Nibelungen” by Jordan. Siegfried’s death was very touching.
Saturday, 24th Jan. 80. There will be no skating for us today, although it was appointed with the gentlemen, as Tante Gretchen is indisposed. The doctor came to see me and forbade my going out—and Lulu and I had just made our plans to skate in the Grossbeerenstr. Rink. Such is Life! But our disappointments have been coming so close together lately. For instance, one each month would be much more endurable than three in one week!
I have remained in nightgown and wrapper all day long. It does not really seem worth while to dress. Oh, how I wish a letter from Mama would come! It is such an age since she last wrote—or appears so to me, which amounts to the same thing. Miss Page will become a nun next Saturday. I am glad—it will be a change.
Silhouettes.
This evening before dinner, Lulu, Mamie and I, for the want of something better to do, made silhouettes of each other. They turned out to be wonderful likenesses, much to our astonishment—and for once in historical record three cooks failed to spoil the broth. When our work was finished, we all looked more like chimney-sweeps than respectable members of the Nunnery. Tante Clio read us a French comedy aloud.
Sunday, 25th Jan. 80. I did not accompany Mamie to church this morning as I was afraid of my throat. v. König called this A.M. before dinner. I did not see him as my toilette was not finished. A Herr v. Barnekow also made his appearance and wanted to take French lessons from Tante Clio. Tante C. sent word she only gave English lessons and the young aspirant made a hasty and awkward exit. Nini also came but remained only a minute.
Interesting Correspondence.
Lulu and I were racking our poor brains for ideas for our Monday composition, when, tired and disgusted, I took up a pen and dashed off a note to Leonard v. Fink—she answered in Leonard’s name and addressed to Sabine—I then wrote to Herr Fink himself from Anton and we have continued our correspondence until it has become very interesting. One can read Lulu’s character like an open book in these letters. They are written, of course, in German, being taken out of Freitag’s “Loll und Haben”. Nini came to supper and spent the evening. We talked of sea-voyages, of Gredel’s admirer, Collard, and were very merry.
Monday, 26th Jan. 80. Tante Gretchen, Lulu, Mamie and I went to the Neuen Seen to skate at 2 P.M.
(12.) Skating - Neuen Seen!!
We saw Heinrichs already on the ice, as we drove up, and Verschuer was strolling placidly along before the entrance, evidently thinking it not worth while to descend so long as four well known Graces did not enhance the beauty of Dame Nature herself by their presence.
There was no crowd on the ice such as renders the Kausseau Insel almost unendurable now, and we were “Lords of all we surveyed”. Lulu declined skating with me once or twice as she calls me “a magnet for attracting Verschuer” and she has some ridiculous prejudice to the said gentleman. Why, I do not know, unless it is that he is a little fonder of me than of her!
Not long after, I saw something blue and white seated on the bench and having its skates buckled on, and on nearer inspection I found it to be the handsomest of the handsome, the gallantest of the gallant—namely no less than Stangen himself. I challenge anyone to find a fault in his whole person. His features might be of a more classical beauty, but the ensemble could not be more perfect. We all met together on a less crowded part of the ice, where we could run without being in danger of being knocked down by a thousand place of aspiring school-boys and played a game of tag. When Stangen made for and caught me the first of all, I told him it was mean to go for the weakest. He skates like an angel (I wonder if angels skate?) and has never yet been caught by any one. When I was within an inch of being captured, he was always there to rescue me and drag my tired limbs into a safety. Some delightful chains were formed in which I was several times, at my own request, at the end—but Tante Gretchen insisted upon a gentleman’s accompanying me, when I floated off, propelled into unknown regions, for fear I should never return alive.
The three little Schlieben boys (friends of Helene) were there all dressed in suits trimmed with astrakan [the tight, curly fur of lambs]. They followed us, in mute admiration, all over the pond like three little pages.
Stangen was pushing me in a chair and I was finding it so delightful, not only the ride but sundry glances I cast sideways at the expressive face under the white cap, when, suddenly, the whole affair tipped over, throwing me headlong, of course. Stangen caught me around the waist and succeeded in setting me on my feet—his cheeks and forehead were crimson, for he had assured me a few minutes before that there was no possible danger with him. Verschuer, Lulu and several strangers witnessed the catastrophe—Lulu says I made no exposure in falling. Stangen insisted upon continuing my ride, and as no bones were broken and the spilling-out had had no dampening effect on our spirits (rather the contrary), I was restored to my seat and we glided on.
Lulu had a mishap before leaving but it did not prove very serious. Stangen and Verschuer accompanied us to a cab. Verschuer and I walked ahead and as Mamie expresses it were “as playful as two kittens”.
Rienzi.
After swallowing a little dinner on reaching home, we bundled up and Tante Clio accompanied Lulu, Mamie and me to the opera to hear Rienzi [by Wagner]. Cold shivers kept travelling up and down my back during the whole evening and, besides being sleepy, my head ached frightfully. Under the existing circumstances, the evening was not enjoyable. v. Voigts-Rhetz was there—and Marguerite also, I found out later.
Tuesday, 27th Jan. 80. This morning I ran off to Nini’s and she, Margo and I went to the Grossbeerenstr. Rink to skate and remained almost two hours. From three to four, I skated again with Frau Shaeffer and Mamie in the Yorkstr. Rink and Lulu and I took our singing lesson at 4 P.M. The consequences of this day’s hard work are that I have [a] headache and am worn out.
Wednesday, 28th Jan. 80.
Skating - Kausseau Insel (13.).
Were disappointed on arriving to find no music. There was such a crowd of people that we had some trouble in finding a man to put on our skates. Brandt greeted us, of course, at the entrance, and proposed taking Lulu and me off, as soon as we were ready, one on each hand, but I for my part declined. I was obliged, however, to skate with him afterwards as I could have found no excuse for refusing. I think it seemed rather funny to both of us, to be skating together again.
Kotze, Stangen, Heinrichs, Hambruch, Dassel and Verschuer were also there and made themselves generally useful in heading chains etc. etc. The “sickly looking civilian” of Krauses’ ball asked me to skate with him, but rather than run the risk of being bored to death, I feigned a previous engagement.
Tante Clio left at 4 P.M. and wanted to take me with her, but I did not feel like stopping in the very midst of so much pleasure and remained. I was glad I did, as I perceived Stangen a few moments later. Lieutenant Stumm, a tall, blue huzzar renowned for having written some book or other and envied by his brother-officers for his high military position, came up and spoke to Margo and me and begged pardon for not having recognized me at first. v. Raysart and v. Schenk were both on the ice, as well as a tall, bearded officer, whom I think I have met somewhere, and who followed me about and stared at me, whenever a favorable opportunity offered itself.
Nini, Margo and Edgar arrived a little later on, just as I was coming back from an exciting run with the dear Dassel. I introduced Edgar to the Schlieben boys and they seemed to be good friends immediately.
Verschuer was very preoccupied today and he confided to Tante Gretchen that on reaching home, he expected to find a telegram, announcing that he had arrived at the dignity of unclehood. I begged Hambruch to teach me to skate hollandaise [like the Dutch] and I made very rapid progress during the short time that I was under his guidance. Edgar whispered in Nini’s ear, as he saw Stangen and me skating together, that we looked like “a beautiful prince and princess”. I am sure it can be no greater pleasure to look at us than it is for me to be there at his side, in the sunshine of his bonny blue eyes. Stangen is so amiable—he is too generally amiable for my taste.
Kotze’s naughtiness sometimes verges on impolitesse [impoliteness], and as he made such a fuss about joining one of our chains, and Tante Gretchen’s begging finally obtained a sulky obedience on his part, I became disgusted and went off and sat down on a bench. It is possible to carry a thing a little too far, my friend, and you have sunk very much in my estimation today.
Thursday, 29th Jan. 80. Tante Gretchen remained late in bed this morning and I feared for a moment she would not be able to skate today.
Shaefferchen played the Appasionata Sonata for me this morning. I was lost in rapture. This heavenly music awakens every warm impulse in my whole body. It is in these moments, I would give worlds to have someone there to enjoy it with me and as I do. Someone, in other words, who understands me and loves what I love and as I love!
(14.) Skating, Neuen Seen!
Marguerite came with Tante G., Lulu, Mamie and me to the Neuen Seen to skate today at 3. Hambruch and Puttkamer were already there, and Stangen, Dassel and Verschuer soon came also. Mrs. Lawrence and daughter joined us there. We played tag and enjoyed it intensely. I think Stangen must have been tired today for he was caught twice. Mrs. Lawrence sat on a chair on the ice and watched us. It is somewhat comforting that Carry Lawrence is no stronger that I and became quite as easily fatigued. I continued my lessons in hollandais skating with Hambruch and Stangen—the latter found that I did it beautifully. Puttkamer the Patient devoted himself as usual to Marguerite, who strikes out wonderfully with one foot and drags the other behind, making it a rather one-sided affair. I caught Dassel’s eyes very often in my direction! I wonder if he is going to be fool enough, after quarreling desperately with me at first, to fall in love with me?
Verschuer informed me with due solemnity, that he was in possession of a niece since yesterday, whereupon I congratulated him. I enjoyed everything to the very utmost today—in fact I beamed with joy. Stangen asked me if I would be at Krauses’ next ball. I said I thought probably so. If he is only there it will more—no, not more, but will quite repay me for Wilhelm v. Puttkamer’s absence. How sadly fickle I am!
I skated hollandais with Verschuer just before leaving and find he is better-schooled in the art than either Stangen or Hambruch. The weather has been beautiful and the air is just sufficiently cold to bring a becoming tinge of red to the cheeks. I walked part of the way to a cab, between Verschuer and Stangen—we were all three in a very talkative mood. Tante Gretchen was not in a very serene humour towards the last. The gentlemen all dance at the palace tonight.
Friday, 30th Jan. 80. My feet are in a very doubtful condition this morning—they not only ache all over but I am obliged to walk on the sides, being the only spot where the skate-straps have not bruised the flesh. At the breakfast table, it was announced, after some discussion from all parties present, that the next time we went to skate, Elisa was to come to take me home before the others, as I was not strong enough to remain more than an hour and a half. If I had made any complaint, that the others staid too late, or that I was fatigued, then I should have been prepared for this disagreeable piece of news, but as it was, I became furious and could almost have cried. If I have not the strength, I certainly have the will to undertake anything that the others do. The skating will be no pleasure to me at all, if I feel that I am obliged to be borne off in triumph by Elisa just when the fun is the greatest! Oh, Heavens, how childish I am! So much fuss about such a simple thing! Will it make any difference ten years hence whether I skate three hours or ten minutes?! Well, I am vexed, anyway, and am not going to take the trouble to argue with myself, at least not now.
Lulu skated with Frau Shaeffer from 3 to 4 in the Yorkstr. Rink. I went for her at 4 and we took our singing lesson together. Tante Gretchen came to bring us home.
Candy Pull.
Found Nini here who told us that Lulu and I, together with Margo, were invited to Lawrences’ to a “candy pull” at 7. We were obliged to dress in great haste. I wore my short gray cashmere trimmed with maroon velvet, Lulu blue cashmere and black velvet made à la Margaretha, and Margo, gray cashmere with gray silk.
Margo brought a carriage and stopped to take us in here, but on arriving below we found the carriage had disappeared. Elisa called a cab and away we rolled, we three alone, for the first time since ages. I am sorry dear Mamie was not invited and can’t quite understand why Mrs. L. left her out. We, together with the Newburys (Mrs. N., son and daughter), were the first to arrive at 28 Schöneberger Ufer. The other guests were Mr. Young and Mr. Epston, two youths who have been to Russia lately, and who were barely endurable because they brought a breath of Petersburg back with them (dear Petersburg! I wonder if my path in Life will ever lead me to you once more?!……)—and Herr von Bassewitz, the man à l’amour malheureux [of the unhappy love] whom I met before at Lawrences’.
The whole company soon repaired to the kitchen and laid their heads together as to how candy can be made—if the sugar comes first, if it must be stirred etc. It proved that nobody had the faintest suspicion how one should go about it, and I was the only one who covered myself with glory, by the announcement, that vinegar was an essential. As everybody seemed to be content with this modest information and a load was lifted from the minds of one and all, the bag of white sugar was emptied into the brass pot. Carry L. and I armed ourselves with aprons and mammoth spoons and a general stirring commenced. Luckily, at this critical moment, Mrs. Cluthaut came and of course knew all about it, and relieved us of the responsibility.
I have been interrupted in my descriptions of the “candy pull” and only have time now to say that the candy was a success more or less, and after the pulling, we danced a little and ate wine jelly, lemonade, sandwiches, chocolate and cakes. Came home at 11 P.M.
Saturday, 31st Jan. 80. Tante Gretchen, Mamie and Lulu went skating to the Neuen Seen. I feel melancholy. Tante Marie and I walked in the Yorkstr. and talked about Gredel and Wilhelm v. P……. The weather is heavenly. The others came home very late—had had a glorious time. v. Dassel remarked to Mamie that he thought it curious we never came together. He meant rarely. Perhaps he thinks we are afraid of eclipsing each other.
Miss Page’s Arrival.
Miss Page (Gertrude) came to remain today. Poor girl, I pity her from the bottom of my heart. She is a bird between two tigers’ claws.
This evening was a substitute for an English evening, and v. Verschuer and v. Puttkamer made their appearance promptly at 8 P.M. They were the only men among so many females and I admire their courage. They treated us to a great many miraculous gymnastic feats such as jumping up on each other’s shoulders, etc. etc. It was a circus in miniature. v. Puttkamer danced a Cossack’s dance which was very pretty. They enjoyed all this as much as we did and I believe were delighted to find themselves the only gents because we made so much of them. Mrs. Lawrence and daughter were also here. We ended up with a dance all around and the gentlemen declared they had never passed a pleasanter evening.
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