Konrad and Alexandra (pdf) - Rolf Gross

social aspect hidden below their Georgian nationalist rhetoric and to Aunt Sophia who works as
a midwife in their villages. I admire young Dr. von Haffner. And sometimes I am reminded of
Walter who suspects that we Eastern Europeans are unable to take responsibility for our own
actions."
Konrad, very serious, sighed. "Yes, my love, I will support you in this difficult venture
with all I have."
She hugged him in all her joy, unbuttoned his shirt and put her hand on his heart.
"All this time I have tried to suppress my excitement in order to be able to look at this
decision soberly, will you make love to me? Very gently, so Brimus does not get upset."
The bureaucrat responsible for admissions to the medical faculty scrutinized Alexandra
with unconcealed disdain. Her university credentials from Tiflis were sufficient for entering the
medical program, but the waiting list for admission was long, and—he was not rude enough to
actually say so—she was a woman!
She had to use her full name, Princess Alexandra Iraklievna Dadiani and her husband’s
professional position in the university to get his attention.
Thereafter the balding clerk’s demeanor became almost deferential.
"Yes, Princess Dadiani, the faculty committee might consider your application. You will
need a recommendation from a well-known medical doctor and a written permission from your
husband. You see, you have one thing in your favor, we desperately need good physicians in
this country."
The man rose, formally kissed her hand, and with the mumbled remark très enchanté
Princesse Dadiani held the door open for her. She walked out in style.
She decided to visit Dr. von Schliemann, a highly regarded German gynecologist and
friend of the Mouravis, to sign up with him to care for her and the child and to ask him to write
the needed letter of recommendation.
She felt pleased with herself and decided to share the news with her beloved brother
Niko. She found Niko in the small apartment he shared with Otar. Otar was still at school. Niko
had the same good looks as she but dark eyes. He was at least as intelligent a she. But lazy!
He took life easy.
She kissed him tenderly. "Niko, I am going to join you at the university and study
medicine!" She added sweetly, "and you are the first one to know."
He refused to be taken in and imitating his father’s voice exclaimed. "Lexako, you are
crazy!"
He used this epithet with its Latin connotation whenever he felt like badgering his older
sister.
Alexandra unexpectedly charged.
"No, I am not. Stop fooling around, Niko! Take on some adult reason, this world is not a
playground for rich kids, wake up!"
An annoyed blush went over his handsome face, and Alexandra toned down her voice.
"Look," she began anew, "when you come from Western Europe, this place appears
rotten. Ever since I returned, I have been oppressed by the dark clouds that are gathering over
the pompous and ignorant Emperor and his empire."
He looked at her surprised. "Should I introduce you to some of my revolutionary friends?
I am not as oblivious to what is going on in St. Petersburg as you may think. And not all of the
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