At the end, Sam addressedhimself strongly:He knows
more about your own country than you do!
Braut was lecturing Fran as though she were a
rather small seminar. Perhaps some European observers today are missing a
fewLincolns and Howellses! They were locked in intimacy,forgetful of every one
else.
He could not ignore herjealousy of Kurts pretty
little friend, the Baroness Volinsky.
The thick, reddish hairon the back of his hands
bristled.
Kurt looked at them miserably, as though hewas
wondering what he could do to reconcile them.
His manners must be so good that he can be
careless.
Then you will wander on andperhaps I shall never
see you again! Then Fran was upon them, in amethyst velvet, and with velvet shehad
put on a patronizing grandeur.
She seized his sleeve, excitedly shook
it.
I think wed better be getting home,said
Sam.
But I get so very muchtired of having my good
Theodor make love to every woman he meets! And yetso very warm-hearted and gracious
and fun-ny.
Dickens couldnt find or see people
likethat.
And I havent really learned much here in Europe.
And by the aristocratic tradition of the real Europe I do not meanany
hauteur.
Kurt looked at them miserably, as though hewas
wondering what he could do to reconcile them.
Then you will wander on andperhaps I shall never
see you again!
He wasnt going to encourage Fran bygiving her an
example!
Funny, mind you, his picture of America ahundred
years ago.
It would be ever so amusing to have an aperitif
inthe bar, but do you really think one COULD?
Kurt looked at them miserably, as though hewas
wondering what he could do to reconcile them.
Atiny bit about architecture and a little less
about wine andcooking and a few names of hotels.
For he really was a little tired ofmotors. Thats
kind of hard on me, as one of the promoters of the Americanindustrial system, said
Sam.
During the agitated German adieux, Sam murmured to
Fran, We bettergo too, eh?
An Americanthinks of a good cook as a low person; a
European respects him asan artist. And it didnt hurt a man to be a little proud of
some honestthing he had done! Servants here are not so wellpaid, but they have more
security and more respect. Why are theautomatic elevators kept locked, so that no
visitor can use them? I really dont see why you should always andunfailingly demand
that everybody do what YOU want! Oh, they can be charming; they kuss d Hand,
theyremember your birthday, they send flowers.