Ehrengard, pp. 215- 230 Summary

This is a story from a little German Dukedom before the German Empire was founded. The author calls the city involved Babenhausen, ruled by the house of Fugger-Babenhausen. The Duke and Duchess have a son after many years of childlessness, named Prince Lothar. Prince Lothar is intelligent and accomplished, but seems to have little interest in women. The Duchess discusses the problem with Herr Cazotte. Herr Cazotte writes a letter to the author's great-grandmother, who is his confidant. At first the Duchess resents Herr Cazotte's tendency to seduce women, but then she thinks this could be useful in encouraging Prince Lothar to choose a wife. Though Herr Cazotte is about 45, he is a close friend of the Prince.

The Duchess expresses her desire that Prince Lothar pick a wife to Herr Cazotte and a plan is made. First, Herr...