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250 and with high Slavic cheekbones, and stared at Diederich from the depths of his Mongolian eyes, which were full of warm-blooded, impish strength. He stared until Diederich became breathless from sheer nervousness. This result seemed to satisfy Wulckow. He brushed his beard in front of the mirror, but immediately pressed it down on his shirt front, because his head looked like a bull's. "Well, let's go! The fool show has begun, hasn't it?" With Diederich and the Mayor on either side he set out energetically to disturb the performance. Then a piping voice from the refreshment room was heard:

"Good Heavens, Otto dear!"

"Oh, there she is," growled Wulckow, as he went to meet his wife. "I might have guessed. When it comes to the point she is afraid. More dash, my dear Frieda!"

"Gracious, Otto darling, I am so horribly frightened." Turning to the two other gentlemen, she chatted rapidly, although her teeth were chattering. "I know one ought to go into the battle with a more joyful heart."

"Especially," said Diederich with ready tact, "when it is already won," and he bowed politely. Frau von Wulckow tapped him with her fan.

"Dr. Hessling kept me company out here during the first act. He has feeling for the Beautiful, and even gives one useful hints."

"I have noticed that myself," said Wulckow, while Diederich kept bowing alternately to him and to his wife, overflowing with gratitude. "Why shouldn't we stay here near the supper-table?" the Governor asked.

"That was also my plan of campaign," confided Frau von Wulckow, "the more so as I have now discovered that there is a little door which opens into the large room. In this way we can enjoy the isolation from what is happening, which I need, and yet keep in touch with things."

"My little Mayor," said Wulckow, smacking his lips, "you