reached, as regards their German, only the "improving" stage. In her
excitement she confused the subjunctive and the imperative, and told
him that he "might" go. He had no wish to go; he assured them--so
they gathered--that his intention was to devote the morning to their
service. He must have been a stupid man, but it is a type
occasionally encountered. Two pretty women had greeted his advances
with apparent delight. They were Americans, and the American girl
was notoriously unconventional. He knew himself to be a good-looking
young fellow. It did not occur to him that in expressing willingness
to dispense with his attendance they could be in earnest.

There was nothing for it, so it seemed to the girls, but to request
the assistance of the officer, who continued to skate round and round
them at a distance of about ten yards. So again the elder young
lady, seizing her opportunity, made appeal.

[What the Soldier dared not do.]

"I cannot," persisted the officer, who, having been looking forward
to a morning with two of the prettiest girls in Dresden, was also
feeling mad. "I dare not be seen speaking to a hairdresser. You
must get rid of him."

"But we can't," said the girl. "We do not know enough German, and he
can't, or he won't, understand us. For goodness sake come and help
us. We'll be spending the whole morning with him if you don't."

The German officer said he was desolate. Steps would be taken--later
in the week--the result of which would probably be to render that
young hairdresser prematurely bald. But, meanwhile, beyond skating