BARON GEORGE VON METZSCH, THE MAN WHO SAID OF ME, "l WILL RUIN
THIS WOMAN, BUT I WILL RUIN HER SLOWLY"



219



MY OWN STORY 221

quite ordinary appointments, and in front of
me was a dish covered with a plate. As I
grasped all these details, I flushed with anger,
for, although I hope I have no false pride, I
resented this treatment of myself and Frederick-
August as the guests of a subject.
I turned to our host, who was watching me
narrowly, although his face wore an inscrutable
expression.
"Well, Baron," I asked, "what kind of supper
have you had prepared for me?"

"Ah," he replied, "Imperial Highness, know-
ing as I do the simple tastes of the Habsburgs,
I have set some cold ham before you."

I uncovered the dish, and sure enough I saw
two small slices of ham. The whole occurrence
was so bewildering that I could find no words to
express my disgust and mortification, but I said
very quietly, "I shall remember this, and I
shall have my revenge."

Von Metzsch started in mock alarm.
"You are surely not offended?" he queried.
"Oh no," said I, and I commenced my supper
as though nothing untoward had happened.
