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ntly pushed back his chair and left me, a very much enraged woman. He didn't give me the chance to have the last word. CHAPTER XIX ATTEMPTED VIOLENCE DEFEATED BY FIRMNESS Frederick Augustus seeks to carry out his father's brutal threats--Orders and threats before servants--I positively refuse to be ordered about--Frederick Augustus plays Mrs. Lot--Enjoying myself at the theatre. DRESDEN, _June 17, 1894_. The chance came later and with it the conviction that His Royal Highness, Prince George, didn't quite believe me when I told him that I wouldn't stand for violence, for tonight Frederick Augustus attempted something of the sort. I had ordered my carriage for seven o'clock to drive to the theatre, and had just finished dressing when he stormed into my boudoir and demanded to know if I had taken leave of my senses. "Not that I am aware of." "But I hear you intend to go to the theatre--a princess in disgrace going to the theatre!" "Aren't you coming along, Frederick Augustus?" I asked naively. "I have no desire to lose my regiment." "And I have no desire to sit at home and talk nothingnesses with the fools His Majesty appoints for my service." "Take a care," cried Frederick Augustus. "Don't be a noodle and a coward," I answered hotly. "Louise, remember that I am an army officer." "What has that to do with my going to the theatre?" "It's the height of audacity to defy the King." "It would be the depth of cowardice to stay at home." "Take back that word, or----" "I wish Your Royal Highness a very pleasant evening," I said, indulging in a low genuflexion. Frederick Augustus got blue with rage. I saw him clench his fists as I swept out of the room, making as much noise with my train as I could manage. "An out-rider," I commanded the Master of Horse who stood in the ante-chamber awaiting me. "At your Imperial Highness' commands," bowed the Baron with the most astonished face in the world. We use out-riders, that is grooms in livery, to ride ahead of the royal carriage, only on state occasions in Dresden. But, of course, my orders would be obeyed even if I had demanded twelve grooms to attend me. I was just going out, preceded by my Chamberlain and followed by my ladies, Baroness Tisch and _Fraeulein_ von Schoenberg; there were two lackeys at the door and in the corridor stood the groom-in-waiting, holding several lap-robes for me to decide which t
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