So Frau Nirlanger wants she should buy
here in the stores new dresses--echt Amerikanische.
All new and beautiful things she would have, because
she must look young, ain't it? And perhaps her boy
will remember her when he is a fine young man, if
she is yet young when he grows up, you see? And too,
there is the young husband. First, she gives up her old
life, and her friends and her family for this man, and
then she must do all things to keep him. Men, they are
but children, after all," spake the wise Frau Knapf in
conclusion. "They war and cry and plead for that which
they would have, and when they have won, then see! They
are amused for a moment, and the new toy is thrown
aside."
"Poor, plain, vivacious, fascinating little Frau
Nirlanger!" I said. "I wonder just how much of pain and
heartache that little musical laugh of hers conceals?"
"Ja, that is so," mused Frau Knapf. Her eyes look
like eyes that have wept much, not? And so you will be
so kind and go maybe to select the so beautiful clothes?"
"Clothes?" I repeated, remembering the original
errand. "But dear lady! How, does one select clothes
for a woman of forty who would not weary her husband?
That is a task for a French modiste, a wizard, and a
fairy godmother all rolled into one.
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