"They are so liberal." I laughed, but I did not tell her why.

All foreigners have a great love of Americans--"They are so liberal." "So you find Americans liberal?
Is it with money or with compliments ?" Said Gretchen: "The one when they haven't the other." A very bright barmaid, thought I.
Then I said: "Is this your home ?" "Yes," said Gretchen.

"I was born here and I have tended the roses for ever so long." "I have heard of Gretchen of the steins, but I never before heard of a Gretchen of the roses." "Herr must have a large store of compliments on hand to begin this early." "It is a part of my capital," said I.

"Once in Switzerland I complimented an innkeeper, and when my bill was presented I found that all extras had been crossed off." Gretchen laughed.

It was a low laugh, a laugh which appeared to me as having been aroused not at what I had said, but at something which had recurred to her.