It was finally decided that
the clergyman should meet the letter of the law by
entering the pulpit in his robes and standing by my
side while I delivered my sermon. The law soberly
accepted this solution of the problem, and we offered
the congregation the extraordinary tableau of a
pulpit combining a large and impressive pastor
standing silently beside a small and inwardly con-
vulsed woman who had all she could do to deliver
her sermon with the solemnity the occasion re-
quired.
At this same conference I made one of the few
friendships I enjoy with a member of a European
royal family, for I met the Princess Blank of Italy,
who overwhelmed me with attention during my visit,
and from whom I still receive charming letters. She
invited me to visit her in her castle in Italy, and to
accompany her to her mother's castle in Austria,
and she finally insisted on knowing exactly why I
persistently refused both invitations.
``Because, my dear Princess,'' I explained, ``I am
a working-woman.''
``Nobody need KNOW that,'' murmured the Princess,
calmly.
``On the contrary,'' I assured her, ``it is the first
thing I should explain.''
``But why?'' the Princess wanted to know.
I studied her in silence for a moment. She was a
new and interesting type to me, and I was glad to
exchange viewpoints with her.
``You are proud of your family, are you not?'' I
asked. ``You are proud of your great line?''
The Princess drew herself up.
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