ht, too much study, cannot be given to
the greatest issue civilization as a whole has faced.

Villa Elsa is but Germany in miniature. In the significant
character, habits and activities of this household may be found
the true pith and essence of real Germanism as normally developed.
This Germanism appears ready to continue after the War to be the
malignant and would-be assassin of other civilizations. It is,
therefore, tragically important to find and act on the right
answer to the question:

Is there any possible way to make the Germans become true,
peace-loving friends with us--with the rest of mankind?

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

FOREWORD vii

I. TRIUMPHANT GERMANY IN 1913 1

II. DEUTSCHLAND UEBER ALLES 6

III. GARD KIRTLEY 11

IV. VILLA ELSA 19

V. FAMILY LIFE 29

VI. THE HOME 36

VII. GERMAN LOVING 46

VIII. GERMAN COURTSHIP 54

IX. A JOURNALIST 64

X. SPIES AND WAR 71

XI. GERMAN WAYS 78

XII. HABITS AND CHILDREN 86

XIII. DOWN WITH AMERICA! 94

XIV. AFTERMATH 106

XV. MILITARY BLOCKHEADS 113

XVI. A LIVELY MUSICIAN 120

XVII. IMMORALITY AND OBSCENITY 125

XVIII. THE NAKED CULT 134

XIX. JIM DEMING OF ERIE, PAY 145

XX. AN AMERICAN VICTORY 152

XXI. A PEOPLE PECULIAR OR PAGAN? 160

XXII. MAKING FOR WAR 168

XXIII. SOCIAL ETIQUETTE 178

XXIV. THE COURT BALL 186

XXV. FRITZI AND ANOTHER CONVERSATION 192

XXVI. SOME OF THE LESS KNOWN EFFICIENCY 200

XXVII. THE IMPERIAL SECRET SERVICE 210

XXVIII. JIM DEMING'S FATE 218

XXIX. WINTER AND SPRING 229

XXX. VILLA ELSA OUTDOORS 238

XXXI. A CASUAL TRAGEDY 247

XX