She carried a book in one hand and a riding-whip in the other.
"What is the trouble, Hermann ?" she inquired.

"Your voice was something high." "Your Highness, this young woman here had the impudence to walk into the gardens and stroll about as nice as you please," indignantly.
"Has she stolen any flowers or trod on any of the beds ?" "Why, no, your Highness; but--" "What is the harm, then ?" "But it is not customary, your Highness.

If we permitted this on the part of the people, the gardens would be ruined in a week." "We, you and I, Hermann," said her highness, with a smile that won Gretchen on the spot, "we will overlook this first offense.

Perhaps this young lady had some errand and lost her way." "Yes, Highness," replied Gretchen eagerly.
"Ah! You may go, Hermann." "Your highness alone with--" "Go at once," kindly, but with royal firmness.
Hermann bowed, gathered up his pruning knives and scissors which he had let fall, and stalked down the path.

What was it?
he wondered.