(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.
"Oh! Your grubby old peasants, I suppose," she said.
"Yes.

You remember, Etta, what I told you before we were married--about the people, I mean ?" "Oh, yes!" answered Etta, glancing at the clock and hiding a little yawn behind her fan.
"I did not tell you all," went on Paul, "partly because it was inexpedient, partly because I feared it might bore you.

I only told you that I was vaguely interested in the peasants, and thought it would be a good thing if they could be gradually educated into a greater self-respect, a greater regard for cleanliness and that sort of thing." "Yes, dear, I remember," answered Etta, listlessly contemplating her gloved hands.
"Well, I have not contented myself with thinking this during the last two or three years.

I have tried to put it into practice.

Steinmetz and I have lived at Osterno six months of the year on purpose to organize matters on the estate.