The Rathdrum Tribune

HER SCHEME FAILED.

Plight of a Singer Who Yearned to Captivate—Ludwig II.

King Ludwig II. of Bavaria had a wonderful winter garden at Munich, which was built on the roof of the residenz. There was also an artificial lake with a painted panoramic background of the Himalaya mountains. and when the king sat in the garden a "property" moon shed its gaseous light above the snow capped peaks.

The king used often to command artists from the theater to perform in the winter gardens. and I remember the fate which befell Josephina Schefsky. a large, tall woman, whose one wish in life was to attract Ludwig's notice.

As all singers sang hidden behind screens, Josephina's chances of meeting the king face to face were exceedingly small. But what woman is ever at a loss for an expedient? She knew how chivalrously romantic Ludwig could be on occasions, so she decided she would fall into the lake and entreat him to rescue her.

The eventful evening arrived. Josephina warbled her sweetest for the benefit of the listening monarch and when the song was over plunged heavily into the lake.

There was a tremendous noise. and the water splashed to the topmost summit of the "Himalayas." but the lady remained chin deep in the lake. whose still waters were not so deep as they looked. "Save me, save me. Lohengrin!" cried the agitated singer.

The king rang the bell. "Get that woman out of the lake and send her home," he commanded, and the dripping Josephina. sadder and wiser. walked out of the water and out of the residenz forever.—Countess Marie Larisch.