speech was decidedly undeserved; but Hans was too young to understand
their meanness. He was absorbed in the Emperor's greatness and
kindliness.




CHAPTER II

UNDER THE EMPEROR'S BUSH


Years passed. Hans Le Fevre lost his mother and Marie hers; and closer
and closer did the bond of companionship draw these children.

In the evening, when her father was busy with a committee-meeting and
the housekeeper was gossiping with the neighbors, Hans and Marie would
climb the garden wall. Here they would sit together, while Hans cut
beautiful toys for her, such as no child of those times had. He would
talk with her about all the beautiful pictures and carvings he had
lately seen, and of the masters in the art of wood-carving; for now he
was attending art lectures and studying hard. Hours were spent in this
way; but often, when the opportunity offered, they would run off to the
Cathedral and water the rose-bush, which Hans had now christened the
"Emperor's Bush."

There they loved best to linger, for there they hoped always that the
Emperor would return. And often they would cry out aloud, "Your Majesty,
Your Majesty, come again!"