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 dead, uninteresting country, and we are plain people,—Miss Lucy, I suppose, has been used to a different sphere”

“No,” the old lady interrupted her, “my Lucy will be entirely happy here. This country will soothe her nerves which are somewhat shattered”

“In that case, Miss Lucy, you will find health here. In that case, indeed. We live an idyllic life here. We arrange picnics, games,—oh, dare I ask you? Are you not, perchance, betrothed, and ought I not to congratulate? I suppose, Mr. Jiří ”

Lucy was consumed with internal fire.

“The Lord protect her,” the old lady quickly interrupted her, “that would be a nice match for her! Sooner would I tie a stone about her neck with my own hands and drown her there in the Elbe. Aber sagen Sie mir, liebe, werthe Bürgermeisterin, what’s the news? How is the town? How are our acquaintances?”

“Ach, Frau Räthin,” the burgomistress