the fear which was expressed by a friend with whom I talked freely in Kroll's Garden lest conversation should be overheard!
Freiwaldau, at the foot of the Gräfenberg, was full of Kurgäste; but, being warned by a lady to whom I brought an introduction that it would be impossible for a lady to go alone to the Gräfenberg Hotel, for it 'was full of gentlemen who went about in their shirt-sleeves,' I was rather perplexed as to where to go. A home letter describes this curious experience:—
Gräfenberg, 3 P.M.—On a shady seat on the brow of
a hill commanding a most beautiful prospect. Dearly
beloved people, this cometh to you from a very watery
person in a very watery place. The sound of water is
heard everywhere. But I must give you some particulars.
Not being able to find lodgings in Freiwaldau, I
left word for Priessnitz to call, and was sitting in my
little upper room at the hotel, feeling decidedly blue,
when the door opened and in walked a middle-sized,
elderly man, with sun-burnt face marked with the smallpox,
with grey hair, light-blue eyes, a pleasant expression
of face, and dressed in country-best style. I liked
his appearance, 'twas honest and good. He examined
me very closely with his little blue eyes all the time I
was explaining my wishes. Then, in his abrupt manner,
he told me he could make me quite strong in about six
weeks, and the cure would do no harm to my eye.
When I told him that I was informed Gräfenberg was
quite full, he said, 'You can come, child; come this
afternoon, and bring your things with you,' and off he
went. I felt quite relieved to be spared the bother of
lodging-hunting and housekeeping. I determined to