Valentine Williams

“ I heard the chairs scrape in the corner of the hall where the dinner-party was breaking up.
"The Frau Gräfin has only to command," I said. "The Frau Gräfin knows I have been waiting for years. . . ."
Clubfoot was crossing towards the open door.
". . . I never expected to find the Frau Gräfin so gracious. . . . I had never hoped that the Frau Gräfin would be willing to do so much for me . . . the Frau Gräfin has made me very happy."
Clubfoot stood on the threshold and listened to my halting speech.
"You can bring your things in when you come to-morrow . . ." Monica said. ”

“ The man shrugged his shoulders and shook his head. "That's none of my business, getting the beaters together," he replied. "Besides, I shall have the head gamekeeper after me if I go bringing strangers in. . . ."
I ordered another drink for both of us, and won the man round without much difficulty. He pouched my five mark note and announced that he would manage it . . . the Frau Gräfin was to see some men who had offered their services as beaters after dinner at the Castle that evening. He would take me along. ”

“ There were plenty of birds, and he thought the Frau Gräfin's guests ought to be satisfied.
I asked him if there was a big party staying at the Castle. No, he told me, only one gentleman besides the officer billeted there, but a lot of people were coming over for the shoot the next day, the officers from Cleves and Goch, the Chief Magistrate from Cleves, and a number of farmers from round about.
"I expect you will find the soldiers billeted at the Castle useful as beaters," I enquired with a purpose.
The man assented grudgingly. Gamekeepers are first-class grumblers. ”