Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1913 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER II MY AUNT, THE EMPRESS We visit Vienna--The black silk dress--Macassar oil--Our Bavarian maid--"No skating in August"--The grub becomes a butterfly--A ride in the Prater--A family dinner--The Crown Prince Rudolph--Hungry at the Opera--We return to Munich--Marriage projects-- King Ludwig vetoes a Bismarck marriage--Feldafing --A Royal family--My aunt's confidences--A fairy tale--"Le Chapeau de Faille"--Marie-Josepha's charm--Her kindness to me--The great "Du"-- Cross questions and crooked answers--/ incur the Emperor's anger--/ visit King Ludwig--"Lohengrin" as it was not written--Toothache cures--We are overtaken by a storm--The fisherman's widow--"He will return"--A strangely fulfilled prediction--The lucky rainbow--Flowers for "the little singer." CHAPTER II MY AUNT, THE EMPRESS I was fourteen the Empress invited my parents to visit her at Vienna, and they were specially enjoined to bring me with them. I was delighted at the prospect of meeting my aunt again, and greatly elated at the idea of seeing Vienna, which I had heard described as being the most splendid city in Europe. The "lanky little girl" was now a regular maypole, and mamma decided that this visit must seal the fate of the short frocks which I had hitherto worn. My parents were simpleminded people, with a great distaste for display, and my toilettes had always been designed for utility and not for beauty. It may interest girls with extravagant ideas to know that three gowns were considered ample for me to wear during my visit--one for travelling, one for walking, and a blacksilk dress for great occasions. I hated this black silk with a deeprooted hatred, for it was far too old in style, and I remonstrated against wearing it. "Do not let me hear any more of this...
