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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Waldfried, by Berthold Auerbach
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Waldfried
+       A Novel
+
+Author: Berthold Auerbach
+
+Translator: Simon Adler Stern
+
+Release Date: May 20, 2010 [EBook #32446]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WALDFRIED ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+1. Page scan source:
+      http://www.archive.org/details/waldfriednovel00auerrich
+2. The diphthong oe is represented by [oe].
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                          BY THE SAME AUTHOR.
+
+                         _Authorized Editions._
+
+WALDFRIED. A Novel. Translated by SIMON ADLER STERN, 12mo, cloth,
+$2.00.
+
+THE VILLA ON THE RHINE. A Romance. Translated by JAMES DAVIS. With a
+portrait of the author. 16mo. Leisure Hour Series. 2 vols., $1.25 per
+vol.; Pocket Edition, four parts, paper, uniform with the Tauchnitz
+books, 40 cents per part, or $1.50 complete.
+
+BLACK FOREST VILLAGE STORIES. Translated by CHARLES GOEPP. Illustrated
+with fac-similies of the original German wood-cuts. 16mo, Leisure Hour
+Series, $1.25.
+
+THE LITTLE BAREFOOT. A Tale. Translated by ELIZA BUCKMINSTER LEE.
+Illustrated, 16mo, Leisure Hour Series, $1.25.
+
+JOSEPH IN THE SNOW. A Tale. Illustrated, 16mo. Leisure Hour Series,
+$1.25.
+
+                                   _HENRY HOLT & CO._,
+                                          25 Bond Street, New York.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                           W A L D F R I E D
+
+                              A  N O V E L
+
+                                   BY
+
+                           BERTHOLD AUERBACH
+
+
+
+                         _T R A N S L A T E D_
+
+                                   BY
+
+                           SIMON ADLER STERN
+
+
+
+                           _AUTHOR'S EDITION_
+
+
+
+
+                                NEW YORK
+                         HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY
+                                  1874
+
+
+
+
+
+
+       Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by
+                              HENRY HOLT,
+       In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
+
+
+
+
+
+                              Maclauchlan,
+     Stereotyper and Printer, 56, 58 and 60 Park Street, New York.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                               WALDFRIED.
+
+
+
+
+
+                              BOOK FIRST.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER I.
+
+In a letter bringing me his greetings for the New Year, 1870, my eldest
+son thus wrote to me from America:
+
+
+"We have been sorely tried of late. Wolfgang, our only remaining child,
+lay for weeks at death's door. I avoided mentioning this to you before;
+but now he is out of danger.
+
+"'Take me to your father in the forest,' were the first distinct words
+he uttered after his illness. He is a lusty youth, and inherits his
+mother's hardy Westphalian constitution.
+
+"In his feverish wanderings, he often spoke of you, and also of a great
+fire, in strange phrases, none of which he can now recall.
+
+"He has awakened my own heartfelt desire to return, and now we shall
+come. We have fully determined to leave in the spring. I lose no time
+in writing to you of this, because I feel that the daily thought of our
+meeting again will be fraught with pleasure for both of us.
+
+"Ah, if mother were still alive! Oh, that I had returned in time to
+have seen her!
+
+"Telegraph to me as soon as you receive tidings of brother Ernst. I am
+anxious once again to behold Germany, which is at last becoming a real
+nation. We who are out here in America are beginning to feel proud of
+our Fatherland.
+
+"We are surely coming! Pray send word to my brothers and sisters.
+
+                                         "YOUR SON LUDWIG."
+
+The postscript was as follows:
+
+"DEAR FATHER,--I shall soon be able to utter those dear words to you in
+person.
+
+                                   "YOUR DAUGHTER CONSTANCE."
+
+
+"DEAR GRANDFATHER,--I can now write again, and my first words are to
+you. We shall soon join you at 'grandfather's home.'
+
+                                   "YOUR GRANDSON WOLFGANG."
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+I had not seen Ludwig since the summer of 1849, and now I was to see
+him, his wife, and his son. I instructed Martella to send the news to
+my children and sons-in-law; and to my sister who lives in the Hagenau
+forest I wrote in person.
+
+Joyous answers were returned from every quarter. But the happiest of
+all was Rothfuss, our head servant. And well he might be, for no one
+had loved and suffered so much for Ludwig's sake as he had done.
+
+Rothfuss is my oldest companion. We have known each other so long that,
+last spring, we might have celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of our
+first meeting. When that occurred, we were both of the same age--he a
+soldier in the fortress in which I was confined as a political
+prisoner. For one hour every day I was permitted to leave my cell for a
+short walk on the parapet. On those occasions a soldier with loaded
+musket walked behind me; and it often happened that this duty was
+assigned to Rothfuss. His orders were not to speak to me; but he did
+so, nevertheless. He was constantly muttering to himself in an
+indistinct manner. This habit of talking to himself has clung to him
+through life, and I doubt if any human being has a greater fund of
+curses than he.
+
+One day, while he was thus walking behind me, I heard him say quite
+distinctly: "Now I know who you are! Oh!"--and then came fearful
+oaths--"O! to imprison such a man! You are the son of the forest-keeper
+of our district! Why, we are from the very same part of the country! I
+have often worked with your father. He was a hard man, but a just one;
+a German of the old sort."
+
+"I am not allowed to accept money from you, but if you were to happen
+to lose some, there would be no harm in my finding it."
+
+"Of course you smoke? I shall buy a pipe, tobacco, and a tinder-box for
+you, and what you give me over the amount will not be too much for me."
+
+From that day, Rothfuss did me many a service. He knew how to
+circumvent the jailer,--a point on which we easily silenced our
+scruples. Five years later I regained my freedom, and when I settled on
+this estate, Rothfuss, as if anticipating my wishes, was at my side.
+Since that time he has been with us constantly, and has proved a
+faithful servant to me, as well as the favorite of my children.
+
+I had inherited the estate and the grand house upon it from my
+father-in-law. As I was a forester's son, I found but few difficulties
+in attending to the timber land, but the two saw-mills and the farm
+that belonged to the estate gave me much trouble. For this reason, so
+faithful and expert an assistant as Rothfuss was doubly welcome to me.
+
+He is a wheelwright by trade, and can attend to anything that requires
+to be done about the house. Near the shed, he built a little smithy,
+and my boys were his faithful apprentices. They never asked for toys,
+for they were always helping him in making some article of use. But my
+son Richard had no liking for manual labor. He was a dreamy youth, and
+at an early age manifested a great love of study.
+
+Of my daughters, Bertha was Rothfuss' favorite. Johanna avoided him.
+She had a horror of his oaths, which, after all, were not so seriously
+meant.
+
+While quite young she evinced much religious enthusiasm, and Rothfuss
+used to call her "The little nun," at which she was always very angry,
+for she was quite proud of her Protestantism. While preparing for
+confirmation she even went so far as to make repeated attempts to
+convert both myself and my wife.
+
+While Richard was yet a mere student at the Gymnasium of our capital,
+Rothfuss dubbed him "The Professor;" but when Ludwig came home from the
+Polytechnic School to spend his holidays with us, he and Rothfuss were
+inseparable companions. He taught Rothfuss all of the students' songs,
+and insisted that this servant of ours was the greatest philosopher of
+our century.
+
+Ludwig had settled in the chief town as a master builder. He was also
+known as "The King of the Turners." He was President of his section,
+and his great agility and strength gained him many a prize. He was of a
+proud disposition, and followed his convictions, regardless of
+consequences. Older persons remarked that in appearance and bearing he
+was the very picture of what I had been in my youth.
+
+I am glad that all of my children are of a large build. Ludwig
+resembles me most of all. Fortunately his nose is not so large as mine,
+but more like the finely chiselled nose of his mother. His eloquence,
+however, is not inherited. His oratorical efforts were powerful and
+convincing, and his voice was so agreeable that it was a pleasure to
+listen to it. He had very decided musical talent, but not enough to
+justify him in adopting music as his profession. In spite of the advice
+of his music teachers, he determined on a more practical calling. His
+refined and easy manner soon won all hearts; and he was beloved by
+those who were high in station as well as by the lowly laborers.
+
+In the year 1849, Ludwig was laying out a portion of the great road
+which was being built along the low land beyond the mountain. He was
+the idol of his workmen, and always said, "For me they will climb about
+the rocks that are to be blasted, like so many lizards, just because I
+can myself show them how it is done." The road was divided into many
+so-called tasks, each of which was assigned to a separate group of
+workmen who had agreed to finish it by a certain day. As one of these
+gangs was unfortunate enough to chance upon springs at every few steps,
+the soft soil gave it much trouble, and greatly prolonged its labors.
+
+The other engineers avoided the soft places when making their surveys.
+But Ludwig, with his high boots, stepped right into the midst of the
+laborers, and helped those who were working with their shovels and
+spades.
+
+He had also arranged the fire service of the whole valley, and had so
+distinguished himself at the fire in the little town that he received a
+medal in recognition of his having saved a life. The more excited
+members of our political party were of the opinion that he ought to
+refuse it, alleging that it was wrong for him to receive so princely a
+decoration; but he replied: "For the present the Prince is the
+representative of the popular voice." He accepted the badge, but
+fastened it to the fireman's banner.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+
+
+I had been elected a member of the Frankfort Parliament.
+
+September's days of terror were doubly terrible to me. I had been told
+that my son Ludwig was leading a body of Turners who had joined the
+malcontents, and that they had determined to reverse the decision of
+the majority of the popular delegates, and to break up the Parliament.
+
+At the imminent peril of my life, I climbed from barricade to
+barricade, hoping to be able to induce the Turners to retreat, and
+perhaps to find my son.
+
+One of the leaders, who accompanied me as a herald, called out at the
+top of his voice, "Safe-conduct for the father of Ludwig Waldfried!"
+
+My son's fair fame was my best protection; but T could not find Ludwig.
+
+I have suffered much, but those hours when, with my wife and my next
+son Ernst, then six years old, I heard the rattling of muskets without
+the door, were the most wretched that I can now recollect.
+
+In the following spring, when the Parliament was dissolved, the
+revolution had already begun with our neighbors in the next state.
+
+For a long time the fortunes of battle seemed doubtful. I never
+believed that the uprising would succeed; but yet I could not recall my
+son. At that time we no longer heard the rattling of musketry, and I
+can hardly bear to think of how we sat at home in sad but fearful
+suspense. One thing, however, I would not efface from my memory. My
+wife said, "We cannot ask for miracles. When the hailstorm descends
+upon the whole land, our well-tilled fields must suffer with the rest."
+Oh, that I could recall more of the sayings of that wise and pure
+hearted being!
+
+The uprising had been quelled; but of Ludwig we had no tidings. We knew
+not whether he was lost, had been taken prisoner, or had escaped into
+Switzerland.
+
+One day a messenger came to me with a letter from my wife's nephew, who
+was the director of the prison in the low country. He wrote to me to
+come to him at once, to bring Rothfuss also, and not to omit bringing
+passports for both of us. He could tell me no more by letter, and
+cautioned me to burn his epistle as soon as I had read it.
+
+"It is about our Ludwig: he lives!" said my wife. The event proved that
+she was right. She induced me to take my daughter Bertha with me. She
+was then but sixteen years old--a determined, courageous girl, and as
+discreet withal as her mother. For to a woman paths often become smooth
+which to men present insurmountable obstacles. Bertha was glad to go;
+and when in the cool of the morning she stood at the door ready to
+depart, with her mother's warm hood on her head, and her face all aglow
+with health and youth, she said to me roguishly: "Father, why do you
+look at me so strangely?"
+
+"Because you look just as your mother did when she was a bride."
+
+Her bright merry laughter at these words served in a measure to raise
+our depressed spirits.
+
+Terror and excitement reigned on every hand. When we reached the first
+village of the next state, we found that the side nearest the river
+bank had been destroyed by artillery. I learned that Ludwig had been in
+command there, and had shown great bravery.
+
+On the way, Bertha's constant cheerfulness lightened our sorrow. To
+know a child thoroughly, you must travel with one alone. When Bertha
+saw that I sat brooding in silence, she knew how to cheer me up with
+her childish stories, and by engaging me in memories of an innocent
+past, to dispel my sad thoughts. At that early day she gave an earnest
+of what she was so well able to accomplish later in life.
+
+In spite of our having the proper passports, we were everywhere
+regarded with suspicion, until I at last fortunately met the son of the
+commandant of our fortress. While he was yet a lad, and I a prisoner at
+the fortress, I had been his teacher, and he had remained faithful and
+attached to me. I met him at an outlying village where he was stationed
+with a portion of his regiment.
+
+He recognized me at once, and exclaimed, "I am doubly glad to see you
+again. So you were not with the volunteers? I heard your name mentioned
+as one of the leaders."
+
+I was about to reply, "That was my son;" but Bertha quickly anticipated
+me, and said, "That was not my father."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III.
+
+
+After that the young officer bestowed but little attention upon me; his
+glances were now all for Bertha, to whom he addressed most of his
+remarks.
+
+Who can foretell what germs may awaken into life in the midst of the
+storm? My young pupil, who had but the day before been appointed first
+lieutenant, gravely delivered himself of the opinion that there was no
+real military glory in conquering volunteers. When speaking of me to
+Bertha, he was profuse in his assurances of gratitude and esteem.
+
+Bertha, generally so talkative, was now silent. The young officer
+procured a safe-conduct for us, and we continued on our journey.
+
+I have never yet seen the ocean, but the country, as it then appeared
+to me, awakened impressions similar to those which must be aroused when
+the tide has ebbed and the objects which before that dwelt in the
+depths of the sea are left lying upon the strand.
+
+At last we reached my nephew's. He conducted me to his official
+residence, where I followed him through numerous apartments, until I at
+last reached his room, where we were closeted under lock and key.
+
+He then told me that, while walking through the town the day but one
+before, he had met a young peasant with a rake on his shoulder, who,
+while passing, had hurriedly said to him, "Follow me, cousin; I have
+something to tell you."
+
+The director followed, but not without first making sure of his
+revolver.
+
+When they had got into the thicket, the peasant suddenly turned about
+and said to him, while he removed his hat, "Don't you know me? I am
+Ludwig Waldfried." The director's heart was filled with terror. Ludwig
+continued, "You, and you alone, can save me. Put me in prison until I
+have a chance to run away. Our cause is lost; but for my parents' sake
+as well as my own, I must escape."
+
+The cousin was not unwilling to assist Ludwig, but was at a loss how to
+go about it. Ludwig, however, had studied strategy. He had carefully
+considered every step in advance, and now caused the director to enter
+him on the list of prisoners under the name of Rothfuss.
+
+A state of siege, dissolving as it does all forms of civil procedure,
+made it possible to carry out so irregular a proceeding; aside from
+which there was the inspiring effect of being engaged in a task that
+required shrewd and delicate man[oe]uvring. It was this, too, that
+helped to relieve my meeting with Ludwig of much of its sadness.
+
+Still it could not but pain me to find that in order to save one person
+it was necessary to victimize others. Ludwig guessed my thoughts, and
+said to me, "I am sorry, father, that I am obliged to drag you into
+this trouble. I know that such affairs are not to your taste; but there
+is no help for it."
+
+Rothfuss looked upon the whole affair as a merry farce. He did not see
+the least harm in outwitting and deceiving the officers and the state.
+And in those days there were many thousands who felt just as he did. It
+is a fit subject for congratulation, and perhaps an evidence of the
+indestructible virtue of the German people, that in spite of
+Metternich's soul-corrupting teachings there is yet so much
+righteousness left in our land.
+
+When Ludwig had donned the Rothfuss' clothes, one could hardly
+recognize him. The transformation afforded Rothfuss great delight.
+
+"They can do no more than lock me up by myself, and I have always said
+that 'he who is wet to the skin need not dread the rain.'"
+
+This was a favorite saying of his. He had but one regret, and that was
+that he would not be allowed to smoke in the prison; but, for Ludwig's
+sake, he would gladly make that sacrifice.
+
+We departed, taking Ludwig with us. My heart trembled with fear. The
+knowledge that I was committing a breach of the law, even though it was
+only caused by necessity and for the sake of rescuing my son, filled me
+with alarm. I felt as if every one knew what I was doing; but it seemed
+as if the people we met along the road did not care to interfere.
+
+Here again Bertha proved a great treasure to us. She had a wonderfully
+cheerful flow of spirits; and perhaps, after all, women are greater
+adepts in the arts of self-control and deception than we are.
+
+When we arrived near the borders of the Palatinate, Ludwig met a
+companion who had been hiding there. He was a man of about my age. It
+now became my turn to take part in the dangerous game. I was obliged to
+remain behind and allow the fugitive to take my place at Bertha's side.
+Bertha was equal to the situation, and at once addressed the stranger
+as "father."
+
+I followed on foot, imagining that every step would be my last.
+
+I passed the border without mishap, and in the first village found the
+rescued ones awaiting me. As our old comrade had already become drunk
+on French wine, we left him behind at the village and took up our
+journey to my sister, the wife of the forester at Hagenau.
+
+The most difficult task of all was to endure the vainglorious boasting
+of the Frenchmen. My brother-in-law treated us as if he were a gracious
+nobleman, who had taken us under his protection. His neighbors soon
+joined the party, and proud words were heard on every hand: the French
+were the great nation--theirs was the republic--their country the
+refuge of the oppressed and persecuted. And we--what were we? Rent
+asunder and bound down, while our Rhine provinces were happy in the
+faith that they would soon become a portion of proud and beautiful
+France. Another brother-in-law, the pastor of Hünfeld, who had studied
+at Erlangen, gave us some little consolation, for he said that in
+science the Germans were the greatest of nations.
+
+"Father," said Ludwig, "I cannot endure this; I shall not remain here
+another day."
+
+I felt as he did, and we took our departure for Strasburg. At the
+Gutenberg Platz we were obliged to halt our horses, for the guard were
+just marching by. All seemed as happy if a piece of good fortune had
+just befallen them. All was as merry as a wedding-feast, while with our
+neighbors beyond the line there was funereal sadness.
+
+Strasburg was crowded with fugitives, by some of whom Ludwig was at
+once recognized. We went with a party of them to the Grape Vine Tavern,
+and whom should we meet at the door but the very comrade we had left
+behind.
+
+He had a curious contrivance about his throat. It was a simple rope
+with a knot tied in it; and he called out to Ludwig that he too was
+entitled to wear this grand cordon. He conducted us into the room
+where, at a table apart from the rest, were seated young men and old,
+all of whom had ropes around their necks.
+
+"Ah! here comes the father of 'the King of the Turners'!" were the
+words with which a large and powerfully built man welcomed me. I
+recognized him as the man who had been my guide during the September
+riots. "Hurrah, comrades! Here comes another companion. This way,
+Ludwig; this is the seat of honor. All who are seated here are under
+sentence of death, and as a badge we wear this rope about our necks."
+And they sang:
+
+            Should princes ask: "Where's Absalom?"
+            And seek to learn his plight--
+            Just tell them he is hanging high;
+            The poor, unlucky wight.
+            And though he's dead, he hangeth not
+            From tree, nor yet from beam.
+            He dreamt that he could Germans free
+            And 'twas a fatal dream.
+
+Their ribald jokes disgusted me, and I was therefore glad to chance
+upon one who had been a fellow-member of the Frankfort Parliament, and
+who shared my feelings at such distorted views of an unsuccessful
+attempt at revolution.
+
+I have known many pure-hearted, unselfish men, but never have I met
+with one whose love of freedom was greater than that of our friend
+Wilhelmi. Over and above that, he had a genuine love for his
+fellow-men. There are, unfortunately, many lovers of freedom who are
+not lovers of mankind, a contradiction which I have never been able to
+understand.
+
+Friend Wilhelmi gave me an insight as to the character of the old
+refugee, who was by nature of a peaceable disposition, but, giving way
+to the frenzy which in those days seemed to fill the very air, had lost
+all self-control. He was unable to endure the sufferings of exile. A
+deep longing for home preyed upon his spirits. To drown his grief, he
+indulged in wine, and the result of his copious draughts was that he
+became bold and noisy. This seemed to be his daily experience. In his
+sober moments he sat brooding in silence, and was often seen to weep.
+Wilhelmi had of course painted his picture in mild colors.
+
+I must add that the refugee at last died in a mad-house in America. It
+is sad to think of the many noble beings who were ruined and sacrificed
+during those terrible days.
+
+There was something inspiring in the words and thoughts of Doctor
+Wilhelmi. When I heard his voice I felt as if in a temple. And at this
+very moment memory revives the impression then made upon me.
+
+Meanness and detraction were without any effect upon him; for he could
+look over and beyond them. He had determined to emigrate to America
+with his wife, who was his equal in courage and confidence. Bertha, who
+found but little to her fancy in the rude and dreary life that here
+environed us, and who was especially indignant that the soldiers who
+had simply done their duty were referred to so contemptuously, spent
+most of her time in Madame Wilhelmi's room. She was constantly urging
+our speedy return. And Wilhelmi could endure neither the mockery of one
+class of Frenchmen nor the pity of the others. Ludwig determined to
+join his friend. Wilhelmi had a serious task with his comrades, for
+nearly all of them were firmly convinced that the troubles in Germany
+would be renewed with the morrow, and that it was their duty to remain
+on the borders so that they might be at hand when needed. Wilhelmi, on
+the other hand, warned them against such self-deception, which, if
+persisted in, would only lead to the destruction of the mere handful
+that was left of them. He often declared to me that he at last
+acknowledged that our German nation is not fitted for revolution. It
+has too many genial traits, and is devoid of the passion of hate. He
+felt assured that, when the crisis arrived, the German monarchs would
+of themselves see that, both for their own sakes and that of their
+people, it would be necessary to introduce an entire change in our
+political system. But when and how this was to be done (whether in our
+lifetime or afterwards), who could foretell?
+
+"We should not forget," said Wilhelmi, "the significance of the fact
+that the German people, so long bound down by a system of police
+espionage, has at last become aroused; nor will its oppressors forget
+it. Now they are furious against the evil-doers; but a second
+generation will not find so much to blame in their deeds, and, as you
+well know, my dear friend, for you are a forester, there is an old
+proverb which tells us that 'vermin cannot destroy a healthy tree.' The
+May beetles would rather prey on the oak than on any other tree, but
+although they destroy every leaf, and cause the tree to look like a dry
+broom, it renews its leaves with the following year."
+
+In olden times when men swore eternal friendship, a man would sometimes
+say, "This is my friend, and without knowing what he intends to say, I
+will swear that it is the truth, for he cannot tell a lie." In my own
+heart I had just such faith in Wilhelmi.
+
+I found it as sad to part from him as from Ludwig, and this
+circumstance overshadowed the grief I felt when saying "farewell" to my
+son.
+
+"What does fate intend by driving such men away from home, and far
+beyond the seas?" These were the parting words of my friend Wilhelmi.
+They moved me deeply; but I could not answer his question.
+
+I felt as if beholding a hail-storm beating down a field of ripened
+grain. How many a full ear must have fallen to the ground?
+
+I also met a young schoolmaster by the name of Funk. Although there had
+been no real reason for his leaving home, he had fled with the rest. I
+easily persuaded him to return with me.
+
+He was full of gratitude and submissiveness. In spite of this, however,
+my daughter even then, with true foresight, concluded that he was
+deceitful. I was for a long while unwilling to believe this, but was at
+last forced to do so.
+
+Funk had done nothing more than attend to some of the writing in the
+ducal palace which the revolutionists had taken possession of. But it
+was with great self-complacency that he spoke of his having dwelt in
+the very palace which, during his student years, he had never passed
+without a feeling of awe.
+
+I often thought of my son, but quite as frequently of that good old
+fellow, Rothfuss. Ludwig is free, but how does Rothfuss endure his
+captivity? And as it was just harvest time, it was doubly inconvenient
+to be without him.
+
+We were bringing home our early barley. I had walked on ahead and the
+loaded wagon was to follow. I opened the barn door, the wagon
+approached, and on it was seated Rothfuss, who call out at the top of
+his voice, "Here I am on a wagon full of beer. So far it is only in the
+shape of barley. Hurrah for freedom!"
+
+As Rothfuss had been imprisoned by mistake, he was soon set at liberty,
+and it was both affecting and diverting to listen to his accounts of
+his experience as a prisoner.
+
+He told us how good it is to be in jail and yet innocent. While he was
+there, he was reminded of all the sins he had ever committed, and he at
+last began to believe that he deserved to be locked up.
+
+"By rights," said he, "every one ought to spend a couple of years in
+jail, just because of what he has done. When we meet a man who has just
+got out of prison we ought to say to ourselves: 'Be kind to him for it
+is mere luck that you have not been there yourself.'" Thus spoke
+Rothfuss. He had thought he would find it pleasant to be sitting in his
+cell while the other folks were hard at work with the harvest, but it
+had proved terribly monotonous. The meals were not to his taste, nor
+could he enjoy his sleep. He could not endure such idleness, and after
+the second day, he begged the inspector to set him at chopping wood; a
+request which was not granted.
+
+And was not Rothfuss the happiest fellow in the world, when he heard
+the news of Ludwig's return?
+
+He complained that it was rather hard to know of a thing so long
+beforehand. Impatience at the delay would make one angry at every day
+that intervened.
+
+When I consoled him with the idea that the chief part of enjoyment lies
+in anticipation, his face lighted up with smiles, and he said, "He is
+right." When he praises me, he always turns away from me as if talking
+to some one in the distance, and as if determined to tell the whole
+world how wise I am. "He is perfectly right. It is just so. It is a
+pleasant thirst when you know that there are just so many steps to the
+next inn, and that the cooling drink which is to wash your insides and
+make you jolly, lies in the cellar there, waiting for you."
+
+Rothfuss had already started for the village, when he came running up
+the steps and called out: "I have found another nest; the locksmith's
+Lisbeth and our three Americans will be happiest of all when they hear
+the news. It is well to drink, but if one can first pour out a joyous
+cup for another, it is still better. I shall be back soon," he called
+out as he hurried up the road.
+
+The widow of Blum the locksmith lived in the back street. Her husband
+had settled in the village, intending to follow his trade, and also to
+till a small piece of land. Partly by his own fault, and partly through
+misfortune, he had not succeeded.
+
+He then desired to emigrate to America. His wife, however, had been
+unwilling to do so until she could feel assured of their being able to
+get along in the new world.
+
+At home she had her own little house and her three children. For some
+time the locksmith worked at the factory in the neighboring town,
+returning to his home only on Sundays. His idea of emigrating had,
+however, not been given up, and at last he departed for America with
+the hope of mending his fortunes, and then sending for his wife and
+children.
+
+When he arrived there, the war between the North and the South was at
+its height. He heard my son's name mentioned as that of one of the
+leaders, and at once enlisted under him. Ludwig was delighted to have
+one at his side who was both a countryman of his and a good
+artilleryman.
+
+It was not until after the locksmith had enlisted that he spoke of his
+having left a family at home. At the battle of Bull Run he lost his
+life, and his wife and children, who are still living down in the
+village, are in regular receipt of the pension which Ludwig secured for
+them.
+
+When the widow heard the news, she came to me at once, and told me with
+tears in her eyes, that she could hardly await Ludwig's return. She
+speedily acquainted the whole village with the event that was to prove
+a festival to my household, and when I went out of doors every one whom
+I met wished me joy; especially happy was one of the villagers who had
+been among Ludwig's volunteers in 1848, and was quite proud of his
+having been able to lie himself out of that scrape.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+Before I proceed further, I must tell you of Martella.
+
+It were of course better if I could let her speak for herself; for her
+voice, though firm, has an indescribably mellow and touching tone, and
+seems to hold the listener as if spell-bound. She had thick,
+unmanageable brown hair, and brown eyes in which there was hardly any
+white to be seen. She was not slender, but rather short, although there
+were moments when she would suddenly seem as if quite tall. Her manner
+was not gentle, but rather domineering, as if she would say, "Get out
+of the way there! I am coming!" In disposition she was wayward and
+passionate, vain and conceited. It was only in our house that she
+became pliant and yielding, and acquired mild and modest ways. I do not
+mean _modest_ in the current acceptation of the word; she had genuine
+respect for those who were higher and better than she. My wife effected
+a miraculous change in her without ever attempting to instruct, but
+simply by commanding her. She was the betrothed of my son Ernst, who,
+as I have already mentioned, was with us at Frankfort in the year 1848.
+
+It is difficult, and to us of an older generation perhaps impossible,
+to discover what impression the events of 1848 must have made on a
+child's mind.
+
+For my part, I have learned through this son, that failure on the part
+of the parents induces in their offspring a feeling which can best be
+described as pity mingled with a want of respect. Like William Tell, we
+had long carried the arrow of revolution in our bosoms, but when _we_
+sent it forth it missed the mark.
+
+In the autumn of 1848 my wife came to visit me at Frankfort and brought
+Ernst with her.
+
+Old Arndt was particularly fond of the lad, and often took him on his
+knee and called him his "little pine-tree." When the Regent, on the day
+after his triumphal entry, appeared in public, he met Ernst and kissed
+him.
+
+During the summer Ernst attended a preparatory school in the
+neighboring town. But he seemed to have no real love for study, while
+the teachers were over-indulgent with the handsome lad, who was always
+ready with his bold glances and saucy remarks.
+
+When I asked him what he intended to become, he would always answer me,
+"Chief forester of the state."
+
+To my great horror, I learned that he often repeated the party cries
+with which members of the different factions taunted each other. I sent
+him home after September, for I saw that his intercourse with those who
+were high in station was making him haughty and disrespectful.
+
+I am unable to judge as to the proper period at which a youthful mind
+should be induced to interest itself in political questions. I am sure,
+however, that if such participation in the affairs of the country be
+chiefly in the way of opposition, it must prove injurious, for its
+immediate effect is to destroy every feeling of veneration.
+
+Years passed on, Ernst was educated at the house of my wife's nephew,
+who was a professor at the Gymnasium at the capital. He also spent much
+of his time with his sister Bertha, who had married Captain Von
+Carsten.
+
+I must here remark that my son-in-law, in spite of the obstinate
+opposition of his haughty family, and the strongly marked disapproval
+of all of his superiors, up to the Prince himself, had married
+the daughter of a member of the opposition, and had become the
+brother-in-law of a refugee who was under sentence of death. He is a
+man of sterling character.
+
+When it was time for Ernst to leave for the university, or, as he had
+always desired, to attend the forester's school, he declared quite
+positively that it was his wish to enter the army. He remained there
+but one year. "The army of the lesser states," he said, "is either mere
+child's play, or else all the horrors of civil war lurk behind it." He
+visited the university only to remain there two terms, after which he
+entered himself with Hartriegel, the district forester.
+
+Ernst's unsteadiness gave us much concern, and I was especially shocked
+by the sarcastic, mocking manner, in which he spoke of those objects
+which we of the older generation held in reverence.
+
+He was disputatious, and maintained that it was one's duty to doubt
+everything. Indeed he did not even spare his parents in that regard,
+and was bold enough to tell me and my wife which of our qualities he
+most admired.
+
+He once uttered these wicked words: "The present generation does not
+look upon the fifth commandment as really a command: but I have a
+reason for honoring my parents; and I am especially grateful to you,
+father, for the good constitution I have inherited from you."
+
+My hand itched when I heard Ernst's words; but a glance from my wife
+pacified me, and I shall forever be grateful to her that I succeeded in
+controlling myself. Had I given way to my just anger, I would have had
+myself to blame for Ernst's desperate course and his lost life. That
+would have been adding guilt to misfortune, and would have been
+insupportable.
+
+I had yet much to learn. As a father I was sadly deficient in many
+respects. But, with every desire to improve herself, my wife was
+already a perfect being, and could therefore be more to the children
+than I was. I was disposed to neglect my family on account of what was
+due my office. She was vigilant and severe, and supplied what was
+lacking on my part. But although she was sterner than I was, the
+children were more attached to her than to me.
+
+Although Ernst's views of life gave me deep concern, he was often kind
+and affectionate; for his good-nature was, at times, stronger than his
+so-called principles.
+
+I sought consolation in the thought that children will always see the
+world in a different light from that in which it appears to their
+parents. Even that which is ideal is subject to constant change, and we
+should therefore be careful not to imagine that the form which is
+pleasing to us, and to which we have accustomed ourselves, will endure
+forever. And, moreover, was it not our wish to educate our children as
+free moral agents, and was it not our duty to accord full liberty even
+to those who differed with us?
+
+I have often seen it verified that a perfect development cannot take
+place with those who, either through birth or adverse circumstances,
+are deficient in any important moral faculty. With all of Ernst's love
+of freedom, he was entirely wanting in respect or regard for the
+feelings of others. Piety, in its widest sense, he was utterly devoid
+of. From his stand-point, his actions were perfectly just; as to their
+effects upon others, he was indifferent.
+
+On the Wiesenplatz in Frankfort, during the autumn of 1848, I had gone
+through a heart-rending experience. And now, after many years, I
+returned to the same spot only to be reminded of my former grief by
+painful and conflicting emotions. I had gone to Frankfort to attend the
+Schützenfest. The city was alive with joy; a spirit of unity had for
+the first time become manifest. I was standing close by the temple for
+the distribution of the prizes. Although surrounded by a gay and
+laughing crowd, I was quite absorbed in my own reflections, when
+suddenly a voice thus addressed me:
+
+"Ah, father! Are you here, too?" I looked around to see who it was, and
+beheld my son Ernst. He carried his rifle on his shoulder, and the
+rewards for his well-aimed shots were fastened under the green ribbon
+of his hat. Before I could get a chance to congratulate him, he had
+said to me, "Father, you should not have come; I am sorry that I meet
+you here."
+
+"Why so?"
+
+"Why! Because this is for us young lads. We are here for the purpose of
+gaining prize-goblets by our lucky shots; and the great speeches that
+are being held in yonder hall are nothing more than a mere flash in the
+pan. They are trying to persuade each other that they are all heroes
+and willing to bear arms for their Fatherland, and their talk is, after
+all, a mere sham. The good marksmen have not come here for the sake of
+their Fatherland and such stuff: all they desire is simply to gain the
+prize--that, and nothing more."
+
+"Do you not know that I, too, made a speech in there yesterday?"
+
+"No. I was informed that some one named Waldfried had been speaking;
+but I could not imagine it was you. One should have nothing to do with
+such inflammable thoughts when fire-arms are at hand. If we were to
+govern ourselves by your speeches, our brotherly-feeling would very
+soon be at an end, and there would be naught but violence and murder
+among us riflemen."
+
+I tried to explain to him that our hope lay in our able-bodied youth,
+and that we would not rest content until we had a real, united
+Fatherland. To which he answered:
+
+"Ah, yes. The students, those of brother Richard's sort, live on
+yesterday: the politicians live on to-morrow: we live in the present."
+
+His features trembled, and it was with an effort that he added,
+"Forgive me, father; perhaps I, too, will have as much confidence in
+mankind as you have, when I am as old as you are."
+
+What could I answer to this? While all about me was loud with joy, my
+soul was filled with sorrow. My youngest son denied the gods to whom I
+offered up my prayers.
+
+And yet, when I saw him among a group of riflemen, my fatherly pride
+was aroused. His proud, lithe form towered above the rest. New-comers
+saluted him, and the eyes of all seemed to rest upon Ernst with serene
+satisfaction.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER V.
+
+
+One day Ernst visited us and went about for a long while in
+silence,--now going out to Rothfuss in the stable, and then again
+joining us in the room; but here again he uttered no word. Although I
+could see that he was agitated, I did not ask him the reason. I had
+been obliged to accustom myself to allow him to speak when it suited
+him, and to avoid any advances on my part until it pleased him to seek
+them.
+
+We were just about to rise from the dinner-table when he said to us in
+a hurried manner, "Before you hear it from others, I must announce it
+to you myself:--I am engaged to be married."
+
+We looked at each other in silence. Not a sound was heard, save the
+ticking of the two Black Forest clocks in our room. At last my wife
+asked: "And with whom?"
+
+I could tell by the tone of her voice how many heavy thoughts had
+preceded these words.
+
+"With a healthy girl. I--I know all about selection in breeding,"
+answered Ernst, while he lit his cigar.
+
+I reprimanded him severely for his tone. Without changing a feature, he
+allowed me to finish my remarks. After that he arose, threw his rifle
+over his shoulder, put on his green hat, and left the house. I wanted
+to call him back, but my wife prevented me. I reproached myself for the
+violent manner in which I had spoken to him. Now he will rush into
+misfortune--who knows what he may do next? With mild words, I might
+have been able to direct him on the right path; but now he may,
+perhaps, not return, and will even persuade himself to hate me.
+
+My wife consoled me with the words: "He will return before nightfall."
+
+And it was so. In the evening he returned, and addressing me with a
+voice full of emotion, said: "Father, forgive me!"
+
+Rothfuss was in the room at the time, and I beckoned to him to leave;
+but Ernst requested that he should remain, and continued:
+
+"I have done wrong. I am heartily sorry for it. I have also done wrong
+to Martella. I should not have acted as I have done, but ought to
+have brought her to you first of all. She deserves quite different
+treatment--better indeed than I do. I beg of you, give back the words
+that I uttered! Forgive me! and, above all things, do not make Martella
+suffer for what I have said."
+
+He uttered these words with a trembling voice. Rothfuss had left the
+room. I held out my hand to Ernst, and he continued firmly:
+
+"You have so often told me, and as I am always forgetting it, you will
+have to tell it to me many a time again, that there is something in me
+which causes me at times to express myself quite differently from the
+way in which I intended to. I also know, dear father, that such a word
+lingers in your memory like a smouldering spark, especially when the
+word is uttered by your own child; and that in your grief you picture
+to yourself the utter ruin of a character that can indulge in such
+expressions. I understand you, do I not? Trust in me: I am not so bad,
+after all.
+
+"I do not believe in the possessed; and yet there must be something of
+that kind. Enough on that point, however. Though I seemed cheerful, I
+had a heavy heart; but now I am one of the happiest beings alive; and
+if I were obliged to be a wood-cutter for the rest of my days, I could
+still content myself. O mother, I would not have believed that I could
+have found such a creature in a world in which all others are mere
+pretence and _rouge_, lies and deceit.
+
+"She is in perfect health, and as pure and as fresh as a dewdrop.
+Although she has learned nothing, she knows everything. She cannot
+couch it in words, but her eyes speak it. Her heart is so thoroughly
+good,--so strong,--so pure,--indeed, I cannot find the right word for
+it. She has no parents, no brothers or sisters. She is a child of the
+woods, and as pure and as holy as the primeval forest itself.
+
+"O, forgive me all! I cannot describe my emotions. Now I understand and
+believe everything. They tell us that in the olden time, a Prince once
+lost his way while hunting in the forest, and that he found a maiden
+whom he placed upon his horse and led to his castle and then made her
+his queen. Those stories are all true. I cannot make a queen of
+Martella, but through her I am ennobled; and it grieves me that it will
+not do to have our wedding at once. But I will wait. I can wait. Or, if
+you like it better, we will wander forth to America, and, far from the
+world, shall live there as our first parents did in Paradise. Believe
+me, there is indeed a paradise.
+
+"O mother! You are certainly all that a human being can be, but still
+you have one fault;--yes, yes; you have wept--and the first commandment
+should be, 'Man, thou shalt not weep.' And, just think of it, mother,
+Martella has never yet wept! She is as healthy as a doe, and I swear it
+to you, she shall never know what it is to weep. O mother! O father! in
+the depths of the forest I have found this pure, innocent child, so
+wise and clever, so strong and brave. This flower has blossomed in the
+hidden depths of the forest; no human eye had ever seen her before. I
+am not worthy of her, but I will try to become so."
+
+His voice became thick. He beat his breast with both hands, and drew a
+long deep breath. I have never yet seen a being so refulgent with
+happiness. Thus, in the olden time, must they have looked who thought
+they were beholding a miracle; and even now, when I write of these
+things, feeble as my words seem, I tremble with emotion.
+
+And could this be my child, my son, my madcap, who now felt so humble
+and contrite. I had lost all memory of his former rudeness and sarcasm.
+It was some time before we could answer his words.
+
+The sun was going down in the west, its last broad rays fell into the
+room, shedding a glow of light over all, and as we sat we heard the
+evening chimes.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+"I believe in your love," said my wife at last.
+
+"O mother!" cried Ernst, throwing himself at her feet; and then kissing
+her hands, he wept and sobbed while he rested his head on her knee.
+
+I lifted him up and said, "We are independent enough not to ask where
+our daughter-in-law comes from, so that she be but good and will make
+our child happy."
+
+Ernst grasped both of my hands and said, "I knew it. I do not deserve
+your love, but now I shall try to be worthy of it."
+
+"But where have you been since dinner-time?" said my wife, trying to
+change the conversation.
+
+Ernst replied that he had left the road and had wandered far into the
+forest, where he had lain down and fallen asleep; and that within him
+two sorts of spirits had been battling. The spiteful spirit had urged
+him not to take back the rude words, and desired him, without heeding
+father or mother, to wander forth into the wide world with his
+Martella; she would follow him wherever he led.
+
+The humble spirit had, however, warned him to return and undo the harm
+he had done. The conflict had been a long one. At last he rose to his
+feet and ran home as if sent by a messenger of happiness.
+
+My wife listened attentively, and regarded him with that glance of hers
+which seemed to penetrate the deepest recesses of the soul. No other
+being can listen so attentively as she could, and no glance is as
+soothing as hers was. She would not attempt to assist you when at a
+loss for words, or by her manner imply that she knew what you meant.
+She patiently permitted you to explain yourself, to stop or to
+continue; and when she was listening, you could not but feel wiser than
+you really were. Her glance illumined your very soul.
+
+When Ernst had finished she said to him: "You are on the right path at
+last. I know that you think you have already reached the goal, and that
+all is done. But, believe me, and do not forget what I now tell
+you,--the spiteful spirit will return again; now he only feigns death.
+But rest content, for from this day you will be his master. I see this
+as clearly as I see your very eyes. The best possession in the world is
+now yours--pure, righteous love. Yes, you may well laugh, for now it is
+your goodness that laughs."
+
+Rothfuss came to tell me that the Alsatian cattle-dealer who wanted to
+purchase our fat oxen, wished to see me. I was about to send word to
+him to wait or to come some other time, but I understood my wife's
+glance, which told me that I had better leave her alone with Ernst.
+
+I left the room, and, while going, I heard her say, "Ernst, you must
+now eat and drink something; such emotions as you have felt awaken
+hunger and thirst."
+
+When I returned, Ernst sat at the table eating his supper. He called
+out to me, "Father, mother has arranged everything nicely, and if you
+are satisfied, why--"
+
+"Eat now, and let me speak," said my wife. And then she continued:
+
+"From all that Ernst has told me--and we depend upon his
+truthfulness--I am convinced that Martella is a real treasure-trove. No
+one but such a girl could banish this spirit of unrest. We are, thank
+God, so circumstanced that besides a good family name we can also
+bestow worldly goods upon our children. Ernst and his bride[1] are both
+young and can work for themselves. He loves in her the child of nature;
+but he understands that there is much of good which she can and must
+yet take up into this pure nature of hers. He used to say that he could
+never be happy except with a woman who sang beautifully, but now he no
+longer finds singing a necessity. But he cannot do without spiritual
+sympathy and harmony in his higher life. She need not learn French; I
+have forgotten what I once knew of it. But Ernst is accustomed to a
+refined home; and when he goes home to his wife in his forest house, he
+should be able to find refreshment and rest in noble and elevating
+thoughts.
+
+"If a forester is denied the proper delights of home and married life,
+there is nothing left him but the pleasures of the tavern; and they
+will certainly ruin him.
+
+"Martella must not be confused or taught in school-girl fashion. That
+which is noble and refined in life cannot be imparted by precept or
+command. It must become a necessity to her, just as it has become to
+our own son, and not until then can they both be happy.
+
+"Neither will the world be satisfied with mere nature and forest
+manners. Does it not seem the very thing that she of her own accord has
+said to Ernst, 'Let me spend a year as a servant to your sister, the
+captain's wife, or what would be still better, with your mother, and
+then come for me? If you do not object, I think we had better do this.
+Early to-morrow morning I shall drive over into the valley with Ernst,
+and in the evening I shall return with Martella, who will remain with
+us until all is arranged and she has become used to our ways and
+customs, so that Ernst may live happily with her, not only in his
+youth, but until his eighty-third year--for my father lived to that
+age."
+
+I do not know which to admire most in my wife--her shrewdness or her
+kindness. She always had the right word at the right time.
+
+I, of course, approved of her plan, and on the morrow she started off
+with Ernst in the wagon. Rothfuss drove the two bays.
+
+Towards evening, I walked down the road to meet them on their return.
+
+The sun was going down behind the Vosges Mountains. The rosy sunset
+shed its glow over the rocks and the waters of the brook.
+
+The Englishman stood at the bank angling. He never saluted those whom
+he met, but lived entirely for himself. Every year, as soon as the
+snows began to melt, he came to our valley, and remained until the
+winter returned. He dwelt with Lerz the baker, and was always fishing
+up and down the valley. He gathered up his complicated fishing-tackle
+and departed, followed by a day laborer carrying a fish basket.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+I waited down by the village saw-mill, where they already knew that
+Ernst's bride was coming to live with us. With all his gentleness and
+candor, Ernst had announced this in order that we should be bound by
+it. I met Rautenkron the forester, who was known in the whole
+neighborhood as "The wild huntsman."
+
+He was the best of shots, and could endure no living object. The people
+thought he merely avoided men, but I knew that he hated them. He always
+considered it a piece of good fortune when he heard bad news of any
+one. He lived in solitude, for whenever he had been seduced into
+helping some one he had always repented of it afterward. A ball had
+once passed through his hat, and, during the examination, the
+magistrate had said to the officer, "If he should ever be killed by a
+shot, you had better examine the whole village, for we shall all have
+had a share in it." He lived strictly within the law, however. He did
+not want to be beloved: it was his boast that every one could say, "He
+is severe, but just." He had no consideration either for rich or poor.
+
+He was in the vigor of life, with a gray beard, aquiline nose, and
+wondrously clear liquid blue eyes, of a piercing brilliancy.
+
+He came up to me with a friendly air, that was quite unusual on his
+part, and told me that Ernst had been with him that day.
+
+Ernst had said nothing to me of this. Rautenkron declared that he did
+not concern himself about other people, but that he was really sorry
+that Ernst was about to throw himself away. Here was another young man
+who was fit for heroic deeds, but was ruined in this good-for-nothing
+age, and was about to sacrifice his life to a coquettish forest girl.
+It was unpardonable that we should countenance him in this, and consent
+to take a creature from out of the thicket into a house which had
+always borne so honorable a name.
+
+"Mark my words! She will be just like a young fox that is caught before
+he has finished his growth,--he will never be perfectly tamed, but will
+run away to his home when you least expect it, and be right in doing
+so."
+
+It is always galling to hear pure affection thus abused and
+misconstrued.
+
+I endeavored to change the subject, but Rautenkron affected not to hear
+me, and indulged in the most violent language against the stranger.
+Indeed, he prophesied that our thoughtless conduct would drag us into
+misfortune, and called the miller to bear witness to what he thus told
+me.
+
+I abruptly refused to continue the subject, and now Rautenkron called
+out to me, his eyes beaming with joy, "Enough. Let us speak of
+something else. I have to-day done one of the prettiest deeds of my
+life. Shall I tell you what? All right! You know Wollkopf the wood
+dealer. He has such a mild, insinuating way about him, but always eyed
+me as the usurer does a suspicious-looking pledge. He did not trust me.
+'But,' thought I to myself, 'just wait! I will bide my time; he will
+come yet.' And he has come at last, within shooting distance too. At
+the last sale of wood in my district, he had bought a large lot of
+logs, and then came up to me and said that he wanted to speak plain
+German with me. Now listen to what the honored town-councillor--you
+know that is his position--the acknowledged man of honor, calls plain
+speaking! He offered me a bribe if I would keep such and such logs out
+of his lot. Of course I agreed. Smoking our cigars, we went on walking
+through the woods. I quickly cut down an oak sapling, pulled the
+branches from it, and with the green wood beat the lean man of honor to
+my heart's content. He cried out with all his might, but no one heard
+him save the cuckoo, and I enjoyed beating him until he was black and
+blue; just as the cuckoo enjoys swallowing the caterpillar which
+poisons the fingers of your soft-skinned gentry. I tell you there is no
+greater pleasure than administering personal chastisement to a sharper.
+Men say that the kiss of the beloved one is good; perhaps it is, but
+this is better.
+
+"And when I was satisfied, and he too, I suppose, had enough, I let him
+run, and said to him, 'Now, my sweet gentleman, you may sue me if you
+choose; but, if you do, it will be my turn to tell my story.'"
+
+While Rautenkron told his story, his features acquired an uncanny
+expression of glee. I must admit that I did not begrudge the sharper
+the beating he had received; and besides that, the recital had engaged
+my attention, and thus had relieved me from the sad thoughts which had
+before that filled my mind.
+
+It was already dusk when the wagon arrived. It halted. My wife said to
+the girl who was sitting at her side, "This is father. Speak to him."
+
+"I hope you are well, father!" exclaimed the girl.
+
+I heard Rautenkron beside me muttering angrily. His words, however,
+were unintelligible. Without saying more he hurried off into the
+forest.
+
+"What ails the misanthrope now?" said my wife. "But why need that
+trouble us? My child, you had better get out here and follow with
+father."
+
+I helped the child to alight. She seemed loth to obey.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+I was obliged to halt. I felt as if trying to drag a heavily laden
+wagon up the hill.
+
+But let me proceed. I have many a steep path yet to climb.
+
+I stood with the girl on the highway. I extended my hand and uttered a
+few words of welcome, but they did not come from the heart. Our wayward
+son had imposed a great burden on us. The young maiden appeared to pay
+no attention to what I was saying, but looked about in every direction.
+As it was dusk, I could not see her distinctly. I could perceive,
+however, that she was a powerful creature. She did not regulate her
+step by mine, but I was forced to keep step with her unless I wished to
+be left behind.
+
+"What dog is this running after us?" said I.
+
+"It is my dog. Isn't it so, Pincher? Aren't you my dog?"
+
+The dog answered with a bark, and kept running back and forth, now up
+the road and now down. When she whistled to him, in huntsman's style,
+he obeyed.
+
+"Master," asked she, without resting a moment while speaking, "and does
+all as far as the eye can reach belong to you?"
+
+"Why do you inquire?"
+
+"Why? because I want to know. It must be jolly here in the daytime."
+
+"Indeed it is."
+
+"Is that the graveyard where I see the crosses and the white stones?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Can it be seen from your house?"
+
+"It can."
+
+"Too bad! that will never do. I can't bear to look out of the window. I
+can't stay there, I won't stay; you must take away that graveyard; how
+can one laugh or sing with that constantly before one's eyes? Or how
+could I eat or drink? I once found a dead man in the forest. He had
+been lying there ever so long, and was quite eaten away. I can't bear
+to have Death always staring me in the face. I won't stay here."
+
+I was obliged to stop. I felt so oppressed that I could not move from
+the spot.
+
+The oxen that I had sold the day before were just being led down the
+hill. When Martella saw them she cried out, "Oh what splendid beasts!
+are they yours?"
+
+"They are no longer mine. I sold them yesterday, and they are to be led
+to France."
+
+"A pleasant meal to you, France!" said Martella, laughing boisterously.
+I could not help noticing her hearty laughter, for I felt quite shocked
+by it. What can this child be, thought I? What will become of our
+tranquil household?
+
+We arrived at the house. The room seemed lighted up more brilliantly
+than usual. We ascended the steps, Martella preceding me. My wife was
+waiting for us on the threshold, and taking both of Martella's hands in
+hers, said, "Now, child, thou art at last at home."
+
+"I am at home everywhere. And so is my dog. Isn't it so, Pincher?" said
+Martella in a bold tone.
+
+We entered the room. There were three lights on the table. My wife's
+eloquent glance told me to have patience, and when I saw her lay her
+hand on her heart I felt that she was confident that she could direct
+everything for the best.
+
+I now, for the first time, had a good look at Martella. In carriage and
+feature she seemed as wild and defiant as a gypsy. Her face was full of
+an expression of boldness. But she was indeed beautiful and fascinating
+when she spoke, and even more so when she laughed.
+
+"Why do you have three lamps on the table?" said she.
+
+"That is the custom," answered my wife, "when a bride comes to the
+house."
+
+"How lovely!" exclaimed Martella. "The one light stands for us who are
+as one. The other two lights represent the parents." And she laughed
+most heartily. Her next question was, "Why do you have two clocks in
+your room?"
+
+"You ask a great many questions," I could not avoid answering. But my
+wife said, "That is right. Always ask questions, and you will soon
+learn all that you need know."
+
+Martella may have imagined that she had been too precipitate, for she
+soon said:
+
+"To-morrow is yet another day. I am so tired. I would like to go to
+sleep now. But I must have my dog with me, or else I cannot rest."
+
+Indeed, her gentle good-night and her curtsey seemed strangely at
+variance with her usually bold and defiant manner.
+
+When she had left us, my wife said to me, "Do not take this affair to
+heart. It is indeed no trifle. But remember that Ernst might have made
+a much more serious mistake. He loves the wild creature, and our duty
+is to help him as best we can. Let Rothfuss and me take charge of the
+girl. For the present, you had better treat her with an air of reserve.
+We two will attend to all. You may be glad that we have so faithful a
+servant as Rothfuss. They are friends already, and he says, 'By the
+time the potatoes are brought home, she will lay aside her red
+stockings.' I was wishing for that on our way here. But she refused so
+positively, that I desisted from my endeavors to persuade her."
+
+After a little while, she continued:
+
+"A voice in the forest helped me to bring all things about as they
+should be. I heard the cuckoo's cry, and was reminded by that, that he
+would leave his young in a strange nest, and that other birds would
+patiently and affectionately nurture the strange birdling. We are
+something like these cuckoo parents. What they do without thought, we
+do consciously."
+
+When at early dawn on the following day, I looked out of my window, I
+saw Martella and her dog at the fountain in front of the house. Seen by
+day, and in her light attire, she seemed wondrously beautiful and
+fascinating.
+
+She washed her face and plaited her thick brown hair. Her every
+movement seemed free and noble, and almost graceful enough to please an
+artist's eye.
+
+She sang in a low voice, and would from time to time exclaim, "Cuckoo!"
+
+Rothfuss, who saw that she was washing herself, called out to her that
+she must not do that again. "The cows drink there, and if you wash
+yourself in that basin, they will never go there again."
+
+"I have already noticed," she replied, "that the cattle have the first
+place in this house."
+
+When she saw me, she called out in a clear, ringing voice:
+
+"Good-morning, master. Ernst was certainly right when he told me that
+it is lovely here. One can see so far in every direction. I shall yet
+climb every one of those hills. How good the water is! Do you, too,
+hear the cuckoo? He is already awake, and has bid me good-morning. Old
+Jaegerlies[2] has often told me that I was the cuckoo's child. And do
+you know that the cow got a calf during the night? A spotted cow-calf?
+We have already given the cow something warm to drink. The calf drank
+milk when it was hardly two minutes old. Rothfuss said it would be a
+pity to kill the calf. I am going to drive out into the fields with
+Rothfuss to get some clover. Yes, a cow has a good time of it in your
+house. But look! the cuckoo is flying over your house! That is an
+omen!"
+
+She went to the stable, and I followed her a short time afterwards. She
+looked on dreamily while the cow was licking the new-born calf, and
+said at last,
+
+"That is what you folks call kissing."
+
+Rothfuss asked her:
+
+"Are you fond of cows?"
+
+"I don't know; I never had one."
+
+He showed her our best cow and said,
+
+"Three years ago, when she was a calf, she got the first prize at the
+agricultural exhibition. She puts food to the best use. Everything that
+she eats turns either to meat or to milk."
+
+Rothfuss told Martella to put on a little jacket. They soon drove out
+to the fields, and when she held up the scythe, she exclaimed,
+"Cuckoo!" It seemed to me as if I were dreaming, and yet I remembered
+quite distinctly that my wife had spoken to me on the previous night of
+the cuckoo's young ones.
+
+What a strange coincidence it seemed!
+
+Martella returned from the fields in good spirits, and during the
+morning lunch was quite cheerful. She was constantly talking of the
+daughter-in-law, and the cow-calf that had come into the family during
+the night before.
+
+I then said to her, "I will give you the cow-calf. It is yours."
+
+She made no answer, but looked at me with an air of surprise.
+
+Rothfuss told me that when in the stable, she had said to the calf:
+"You belong to me. But of course, you know nothing of it. You really
+belong to your mother. But your mother belongs to the master, the
+master belongs to Ernst, and Ernst belongs to me; and that is how it
+is."
+
+When evening came, Rothfuss expressed his opinion in the following
+words:
+
+"If her inside is like her outside, she need not be made any better
+than she already is."
+
+Our oldest maid-servant, Balbina, seemed quite kindly disposed to the
+new arrival, and Martella said that Balbina had told her something with
+the air of imparting a secret of which she was the only possessor. And
+what was it? "Why, nothing more than that it is sinful to lie and
+steal."
+
+I have given the story of this first day in its smallest details. It is
+only for the first green leaves of spring that we have an attentive
+eye. They go on, silently increasing, until they become so numerous
+that they excite no comment.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+Martella did not become attached to any one in the house except
+Rothfuss, whom she was constantly plying with questions about Ernst's
+childhood. When in pleasant evenings during the week, and on Sunday
+afternoons in clear weather, the youths and maidens would march through
+the village, with their merry songs, she would sit with Rothfuss on the
+bench by the stable, or, unattended by any companion save her dog,
+would be up in the woods that lay back of our house.
+
+When she had any special request, she would communicate it through
+Rothfuss.
+
+Among other things, she wanted to go out into the forest with the
+wood-cutters. From her thirteenth year she had wielded the axe, and
+could use it as cleverly as the men. We did not grant this wish of
+hers.
+
+Her craving for knowledge was insatiable, and I marvelled at the
+patience and equanimity with which my wife told her everything she
+wanted to know.
+
+Things to which we had become accustomed were to her occasions of the
+liveliest surprise. This did not seem to change, for she never could
+get used to what with us had, through daily habit, become a matter of
+course. To her all seemed a marvel.
+
+Her glance was full of courage. Her voice seemed so full of sincerity,
+that her strangest utterances required no added assurance of their
+truthfulness. Her laughter was so hearty that it seemed contagious.
+
+Rothfuss was quite proud that he could control Martella, just as he did
+the two bays that he had raised from the time they were foals, and
+delighted to speak of the fact, that our youngest--as he called
+Ernst--was the best of marksmen. He had secured the best prize. For
+there could be no other girl so wise and merry as Martella. And she was
+so full of merry capers that the very cows looked around and lowed, as
+if to say, "We, too, would be glad to laugh with you, if we only could.
+But, alas! we cannot. We have not the bellows to do it with."
+
+She had named her calf "Muscat." She would nurse it as if it were a
+younger sister. She maintained that it was a perfect marvel of health
+and wisdom, and that the old cow was jealous, and tried to butt her
+because she had noticed that the calf had greater love for Martella
+than for its own mother.
+
+There was one point on which she and Rothfuss always quarrelled. She
+had an inexplicable aversion to America, of which Rothfuss always spoke
+as if it were Paradise itself. The manner in which Lisbeth, the
+locksmith's widow, had been provided for, was his chief argument in its
+favor. "None but a free state would provide so well for the families of
+the men killed in battle. How different our Germans are about that."
+
+Towards my wife and myself, Martella was respectful, but diffident.
+
+Ernst came to us but twice during the summer, remaining but a few hours
+each time.
+
+He wanted Martella to walk or drive around the neighborhood with him,
+but she refused, saying "that she would not leave home. She had been
+away long enough."
+
+Ernst was evidently provoked that Martella refused to go with him, but
+kept his anger to himself.
+
+In that summer, 1865, we had charming harvest weather, and I shall
+never forget Martella's saying, "I shall help gather the harvest. I was
+a gleaner once, and know that this is good weather for the farmers. To
+cut the ears in the morning and carry home the rich sheaves in the
+evening, without having had a storm during the day, is good for the
+farmer, but not so pleasant for the poor gleaner. Storms during the
+harvest time scatter the grain for the poor; for the farmers give
+nothing away of their own accord."
+
+Rothfuss looked towards me, and nodded approval of her words.
+
+Towards the end of summer, Richard paid us a visit.
+
+Richard had written to us some time before, and had referred to Ernst's
+conduct in indignant terms. He felt shocked that one who had not yet
+secured a livelihood for himself, had already linked the fate of
+another with his own, and had inflicted her presence upon the
+household. But from the first moment that he saw Martella, he admired
+her more than any of us had done.
+
+When he offered her his first brotherly greeting, she gazed at him with
+her brilliant eyes, and said,
+
+"I can see ten years ahead."
+
+"Have you the gift of prophecy?"
+
+"Oh pshaw! I don't mean that. What I mean is that in ten years from now
+Ernst will look as you now do. But I hope that when that time comes, he
+will not have to use spectacles."
+
+Richard laughed, and so did Martella quite heartily.
+
+There is nothing better than when two people laugh together at their
+first meeting.
+
+Later in the season, my daughter Johanna, who is the wife of a pastor
+in the Oberland who had once been Ludwig's teacher, came with her
+grown-up daughter to pay us a visit. Johanna's object in coming was to
+receive the benefit of the milk cure.
+
+At their very first meeting, she unintentionally affronted Martella.
+Johanna always wore black silk netted gloves, and when, with too
+evident an air of assumed kindness, she offered her hand to Martella,
+the latter said to her:
+
+"There is no need for a fly-net on your hand. I do not sting."
+
+After this trifling circumstance, there was many a heart-burning
+between Martella and Johanna. They were always at cross purposes.
+Rothfuss was provoked, as he was unable to satisfy Martella that the
+pastor's wife had not intended to affront her. Martella refused to be
+convinced, and persisted in calling Johanna a "fly-net."
+
+When she had once conceived an aversion for any one, she was immovable.
+And when Johanna came to the cow stables, which she did twice every day
+at milking-time, she would always in an ironical tone say, "Good-day,
+madam sister-in-law."
+
+Johanna found in this a cause for continued ill-feeling, to which, in
+her discontented and susceptible condition, she readily gave way.
+
+Johanna imagined that she had found the way to Martella's heart, by
+assuring her how much she pitied her. But that only served to make
+matters worse; for Martella resented any manifestation of pity.
+
+As our household was conducted on a generous scale, there was much
+that, in Johanna's eyes, contrasted unpleasantly with her own home. She
+frequently alluded to the small pay her husband was earning, and often
+gave us cause to remember that he would have been advanced much more
+rapidly, if he had not been the son-in-law of a member of the party in
+opposition to the government. She, in fact, made no concealment of her
+belief that I was the cause of her husband's and her daughter's infirm
+health. If it were not that I was in such great disfavor with the
+government, they would long ago have been stationed in a more genial
+climate, and would thus have recovered their health.
+
+She maintained that our mode of living was not pious enough, and
+thought it most atrocious that we indulged Martella in her heathenish
+ways.
+
+She did not care to go to the village pastor, with whom we had but
+little intercourse, for she was angry at him. His position brought him
+little work but generous pay, and she therefore coveted it for her own
+husband. But then, the wife of our pastor happened to be the daughter
+of a member of the consistory, which, of course, explains the whole
+matter.
+
+One peculiarity of Martella's afforded Johanna many an opportunity to
+read us homilies on our neglect of the child. No matter whether you did
+her a service or gave her a present, Martella never uttered a word of
+thanks.
+
+I am unable to explain the trait. It may have been the result of the
+simple life of nature in which she had been reared.
+
+My son Richard, who passed a portion of the autumn holidays with us,
+was of that opinion.
+
+Richard had a way of laying aside his spectacles after he had been with
+us for a day or two, and getting along without them until the day of
+his departure. He thus, with every succeeding year, did much to
+strengthen his overtasked eyes. I think he used to put his spectacles
+in the keeping of Rothfuss, who would return them to him on the day he
+left home.
+
+On this occasion, however, he retained his spectacles, and spent less
+of his time with Rothfuss than with Martella, who seemed to have become
+fonder of him than of any of us. In the evenings and on Sundays, she
+would take long walks with him in the woods, and would talk
+unceasingly.
+
+One evening Richard said:
+
+"I received the great academical prize to-day. Martella said to me: 'I
+can hardly believe that you are a professor; you are so--so wise, and
+have so much common-sense, and can talk like--like a wood-keeper's
+servant.' Can you imagine greater praise than that?
+
+"And let me tell you, moreover, that Martella is full of wisdom. She
+knows every creature, the beasts of the field and the birds of the air.
+And besides that, she can read the human heart thoroughly. I could not
+repeat some of her opinions to you without committing a breach of
+confidence. But I can tell you that she has split many a log, and knows
+how to swing her axe to the right spot.
+
+"Yes, Ernst is a lucky fellow; I am only fearful that he may not
+understand her simple nature. She is too wayward. I trust that he may
+learn to see in her a real incarnation of undefiled holiness and
+majesty. It is true that in her case they manifest themselves in the
+form of a girl not given to blissful tears, but the very embodiment of
+joy itself.
+
+"While walking along the road, she was chewing twigs of pine, and
+handed a few to me, with the words: 'Taste them; there is nothing half
+so good as these.'
+
+"When I told her that, as she could get better and more regular fare,
+she had better give up this habit of chewing pine needles, especially
+as it excited her nerves, she answered: 'I think you are right. They
+always excite me terribly.'
+
+"We were about to cross a meadow. I was afraid of the wet places.
+'Follow me,' said she, 'and be careful to look out for the molehills,
+for there is always dry soil underneath them.'"
+
+While Richard was thus discoursing with unwonted enthusiasm, Johanna
+had risen from the table and had beckoned to her daughter to follow
+her.
+
+Richard and my wife had noticed this as well as I had done. They did
+not allude to it, however, but continued their conversation, agreeing
+that it was best for the present to let Martella have her own way. They
+thought that she would in due time undoubtedly awaken to a longing for
+life's nobler forms, and the deeper meaning that lay beneath them.
+
+My wife had no set plan on which to educate Martella.
+
+"She is to live with us, and that of itself will educate her. She sees
+every one of us attending to his appointed labor. That will, of itself,
+soon teach her where her duty lies, and will help to make her orderly
+and methodical. She sees that our lives are sincere, and that, too,
+must do her good."
+
+My wife was careful to caution Richard against teaching her any
+generalities, as they could be of no use to her.
+
+Martella was not gentle in her disposition. She was severe towards
+herself as well as towards others. She had no compassion for the
+sufferings of others. Her idea was that every one should help himself
+as best he could.
+
+She had never cared or toiled for another being. Like the stag in the
+forest, she lived for herself alone. My wife nodded silent approval
+when Richard observed, "In a state of nature, all is egotism;
+gentleness, industry, and the disposition to assist others are results
+of culture."
+
+On the very day on which Richard had to leave us, the Major arrived at
+our house. He was on a tour of inspection, and had been examining the
+horses which the law required the farmers to hold ready for government
+uses.
+
+Our village was not included in his district, and he had gone out of
+his way to pay us this visit. He was in full uniform. His athletic,
+hardy figure presented quite a stately appearance, and his honest,
+cheerful manner was quite refreshing.
+
+He was glad to be able to inform us that the ill-will of his superior
+officers, in which even the minister of war had participated, had not
+injured him with the Prince. Although there had been three competitors
+for the position, the Prince had selected him, and had personally
+informed him of his promotion with the words, "I have great respect for
+your father-in-law, and believe that he is a true friend of the state."
+
+The Major was not wanting in respect and affection for me, and his
+behavior to my wife was marked by a knightly grace, and filial
+veneration. When Richard told him how Martella had in himself seen her
+own betrothed with ten years added to his real age, he replied: "I have
+never said so, but it has often occurred to me that, when she is older,
+Bertha will be the very picture of her mother as we now see her."
+
+Richard was an excellent go-between for Martella and the Major, who had
+brought a necklace of red beads which Bertha had sent to the new
+sister-in-law.
+
+Although Martella's face became flushed with emotion, she did not
+utter one word of thanks. She pressed the beads to her lips, and then
+stepped to the mirror and fastened the necklace on. Then she turned
+towards us, while she counted us off on her fingers and said, "I am a
+sister-in-law. Now I know everything, and have everything. I have a
+pastor, a professor, a major, a forester, a great farmer, and--what
+else is there? Ah, yes, now I know--a builder."
+
+"Yes, we have one; but he is in America."
+
+"I will have nothing to do with America," said Martella.
+
+The Major ventured the remark that Ernst had acted unwisely in leaving
+the service; he seemed made for a soldier, and the best thing he could
+do would be to return to the army. But in that case he would have, for
+a while at least, to postpone all thoughts of marrying.
+
+"He need not hurry on my account," interrupted Martella; "I am sure I
+shall put nothing in his way. I, too, shall need some time to make
+myself fit. I shall have to put many a thing in here," pointing to her
+forehead, "before I shall deserve to be a member of this family. Now I
+have the necklace that my sister-in-law sent me, around my neck, and do
+not mind being tied, and--Good-night!"
+
+She reached out her hand to my wife, and then to each one of us. After
+which she again grasped my wife's hand, and then retired.
+
+Richard explained Martella's peculiar characteristics to the Major.
+Both in thought and in action she was a strange compound of gentleness
+and rudeness.
+
+The Major asked whether we knew anything about her parents. Richard
+replied that she had imparted facts to him that bore on the subject,
+but that they were as yet disconnected and unsatisfactory, and that he
+had given her his word of honor that he would reveal naught, until she
+herself thought that the proper time had come.
+
+We kept up our cheerful conversation for some time longer. Suddenly it
+occurred to the Major to observe that the dispute between Prussia and
+Austria was taking a dangerous shape, and that, according to his views,
+Prussia was in the right. The military system of the confederation
+could not last long in its present condition.
+
+Thus we were brought face to face with serious questions.
+
+Of what import was the transformation of a child of the forest, when
+such weighty matters were on the carpet.
+
+But while the clouds pass by over our heads, and the seasons depart,
+the little plant quietly and steadily keeps on growing.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER X.
+
+
+In the winter of 1865 I left home to attend a session of the
+Parliament.
+
+My neighbor Funk, who was also a delegate, accompanied me.
+
+It grieves me to be obliged to describe this man or even to mention
+him.
+
+He caused me much sorrow. He humiliated me more than any other man has
+ever done, for he proved to me that I have neither worldly wisdom nor
+knowledge of men. How could I have so egregiously deceived myself in
+him? I am too hasty in determining as to the character of a man, and
+when I afterwards find that his actions are not in keeping with my
+conception of what they should be, the inconsistency torments me as if
+it were an unsolved enigma. In one word, I have suffered much because
+of a lack of reserve. Unfortunately I must give all or nothing. Even
+now I cannot help thinking that he must be better, after all, than he
+seems. I find, on comparing myself with him, that he has many an
+advantage over me. He is twenty years younger than I am, and yet he
+seems as if he had matured long ago. I shall never be that way, no
+matter how long I live. I am always growing.
+
+He had failed in the examination for a degree, and, disappointed and
+vexed, had entered the teachers' seminary. He afterward actually became
+a schoolmaster, but never forgot that he had once aspired to enter a
+higher sphere of life.
+
+When the revolution broke out he had hoped to find his reckoning in it.
+He speedily found himself in a high position, and had no trouble in
+accustoming himself to the princely palace in which the provisional
+government had located itself.
+
+I have already mentioned that I had brought Funk home from Strasburg
+with me. I felt so firmly convinced of his innocence that I used all my
+influence in his behalf, and even deposited a considerable sum as his
+bondsman, in order that he might be tried without having to surrender
+his liberty. He was pronounced innocent.
+
+He made me shudder one day when he told me that the judges had
+evidently imbibed my belief in his innocence.
+
+Funk was a handsome man, and still retains his good looks. Annette, the
+friend of my daughter Bertha, called him a perfect type of lackey
+beauty. She was sure, she said, that he was born to wear a livery.
+There was something so abject and cringing about him. She was not a
+little proud of her discernment, when, some time after, I confirmed her
+judgment by the announcement that Funk was actually a son of the Duke's
+valet.
+
+Funk did not resume his former position as a teacher. He became an
+emigration agent. For during the first years of the reaction there was
+a great increase in the number of emigrants from this country to
+America.
+
+Besides this, he had also become an agent for Insurances of all sorts
+Fire, Life, Hail, and Cattle. His window-shutters were so covered with
+signs that they presented quite a gay appearance.
+
+He was chosen as one of the town-council, but the government did not
+confirm him in office, which action of theirs gained him much credit
+with the people. Two years after that, when he was elected burgomaster,
+he knew how to bring it about that a deputation should wait upon the
+Prince in person to urge his confirmation.
+
+Funk induced his wife always to wear the old-time costumes of the
+country people.
+
+"That, you must know," he said to me one day, "awakens the confidence
+of the country people." When I reproved him for this trick, he laughed
+and showed his pretty teeth. There was, to me at least, always
+something insincere and repulsive in his laugh, and in the fact
+that he never wearied of repeating certain high-sounding phrases. But
+what was there to draw me towards this man? I will honestly admit
+that I have a certain admiration for combativeness, courage, and
+shrewdness--qualities in which I am deficient.
+
+My unsuspecting confidence in others is a mistake. But I have been thus
+for seventy years, and when I reckon up results, I find that I am none
+the worse for it. Although over-confidence in others has brought me
+many a sorrow, it has also given me many a joy.
+
+I have suffered much through others, and through Funk especially; but I
+still believe that there are no thoroughly bad men, but that there are
+thoroughly egotistical ones, and that the pushing of egotism beyond its
+due bounds is the source of all evil.
+
+If I had not helped him with all my influence, Funk would not have been
+chosen a delegate to the Parliament. When he visited me, on the day
+following the election, he addressed me in a tone of unwonted and
+unlooked-for familiarity, much to the disgust of my wife.
+
+After he had left she said to me, "I cannot understand you. I did not
+interfere when I saw that you were trying to gain votes for Funk; that,
+I presume, is a part of politics, and perhaps the party needs voters,
+and just such bold and irreverent people. They can say things that a
+man of honor would not permit himself to utter. But I cannot conceive
+how you can allow yourself to be on so familiar a footing with that
+man."
+
+I assured her that the first advances had been made by him, and that
+although they were undesired by me I did not choose to appear proud.
+
+She said no more. But there was yet another reproof in store for me.
+
+When I entered the stable Rothfuss said to me, "Why did you let that
+grinning fellow get so near to you? Is he still calling out, 'God be
+with thee, Waldfried! You will come to see me soon, will you not?' Such
+talk from that quarter is no compliment."
+
+I did not suffer him to go on with his remarks. My weak fear of hurting
+the feelings of others had already worked its own punishment on myself.
+
+When I left home for the session of 1865, Funk was waiting for me down
+by the saw-mill. I found him with a young man, the son of a
+schoolmaster who lived in the neighborhood. He took leave of his
+companion, and turning to me exclaimed with a triumphant air, "I have
+already saved one poor creature to-day. The simple-minded fellow wanted
+to become a teacher. A mere teacher in a public school! A position
+which is ideally elevated, but financially quite low. I convinced him
+that he would be happier breaking stone on the road. We ought to make
+it impossible for the Government to get teachers for its public
+schools."
+
+When I answered that he was wantonly trifling with the education of our
+people, he replied, "From your point of view, perhaps you are quite
+right." It was in this way that I first got the idea that Funk thought
+he was controlling me. His subordination was a mere sham, and we were
+really at heart opposed to each other.
+
+He voted as I did in the Parliament, but not for the same reasons.
+
+If Funk had been insincere towards me, it was now my turn--and that was
+the worst of it--to be insincere towards him.
+
+I was determined to break off my relations with him, and only awaited a
+favorable opportunity for so doing. And yet while awaiting that
+opportunity I kept up my usual relations with him.
+
+It is x indeed sad, that intercourse with those who are insincere
+begets insincerity in ourselves.
+
+We reached the railway station, where we found numerous delegates, and
+indeed two of our own party, who were cordially disliked by Funk. One
+of them was a manufacturer who lived near the borders of Switzerland.
+He was a strict devotee, but was really sincere in his religious
+professions, which he illustrated by his pure and unselfish conduct. We
+were on the friendliest footing, although he could not avoid from time
+to time expressing a regret that I did not occupy the same religious
+stand-point that he did.
+
+The other delegate was a proud and haughty country magistrate--a man of
+large possessions, who imagined it was his especial prerogative to lead
+in matters affecting the welfare of the state. He had been opposed to
+Funk during the election, and had ill-naturedly said, "Beggars should
+have nothing to say." Funk had not forgotten this, but nevertheless
+forced him, as it were, into a display of civility.
+
+The two companions were quite reserved in their manner towards Funk,
+and before we had accomplished our journey I could not help observing
+that there was a pressure which would induce a clashing and a
+subsequent separation of these discordant elements.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+During the winter session of the Parliament I did not reside with my
+daughter Bertha.
+
+At a future day it will be difficult to realize what a separation there
+then was between the different classes of our people.
+
+There was a feeling of restraint and ill-will between those who wore
+the dress of the citizen and that of the soldier. The Prince was, above
+all things, a soldier, and when in public always appeared in uniform.
+
+We delegates, who could not approve of all that the Government required
+of us, were regarded as the sworn enemies of the state, both by court
+circles and by the army, to whom we were nevertheless obliged to grant
+supplies.
+
+An officer who would suffer himself to be seen walking in the street
+with a citizen who was suspected of harboring liberal opinions, or with
+one of the delegates of our party, might rely upon being reported at
+head-quarters.
+
+Although he did not say anything about it, my son-in-law was much
+grieved by this condition of affairs. Whenever I visited him he treated
+me with respect and affection, as if he thus meant to thank me for the
+reserve I had maintained when we met in public, and desired to
+apologize for the rigid discipline he was obliged to observe.
+
+We had a long session, full of fury and bitterness on the part of the
+ministers and officers of the Government, and of the depressing
+consciousness of wasted effort on ours. The morning began with public
+debate; after that came committee-meetings, and in the evenings our
+party caucuses, which sometimes lasted quite late. And all of these
+sacrifices of strength were made with the discouraging prospect that
+the fate of our Fatherland still hung in doubt, that our labors would
+prove fruitless, and that our vain protest against the demands of our
+rulers would be all that we could contribute to history.
+
+The air seemed thick as if with a coming storm. We felt that our party
+was on the eve of breaking up into opposing fragments. There was no
+longer the same confidence among its members, and here and there one
+could hear it said: "Yes, indeed, you are honest enough, and have no
+ambitious or selfish views to subserve."
+
+Funk was one of the most zealous of all in the attempt to break up the
+party.
+
+For a while he had undoubtedly aspired to the leadership. But when it
+was confided to a gifted man who had availed himself of the declaration
+of amnesty and had returned to his Fatherland some years before, Funk
+acted as if he had never thought of the position.
+
+Who can recall all of the changes in the weather that help to ripen the
+crop!
+
+A spirit of fellowship is praised both in war and in voyages of
+adventure. The life of a delegate, it seems to me, combines the
+peculiar features of both of those conditions. It is no trifling matter
+to leave a pleasant home and to bid adieu to wife and children, and to
+stand shoulder to shoulder, laboring faithfully day and night for the
+common weal.
+
+I have had the good fortune to gain the friendship of man. It differs
+somewhat from the love of woman, but is none the less blessed.
+
+I was not only a delegate from our district but also a member of the
+German Parliament. I was in accord with the best men of my country, and
+we were true to one another at our posts. May those who in a happier
+period replace us act as faithfully and unselfishly as we did!
+
+During the winter session my wife's letters were a source of great
+enjoyment to me. She kept me fully informed of all that happened at
+home, and especially in regard to Martella.
+
+On the morning that I left home she came to my wife and said,
+"Mother--I may call you so, may I not?--and I shall try to be worthy of
+it; and when master returns, I shall call him father."
+
+She pointed to her feet. My wife did not know what she meant by that,
+until she at last said, "Rothfuss said that if I were to lay aside my
+red stockings, I would be making a good beginning."
+
+And after this she began again: "I shall learn all that you tell me,
+but not from the schoolmaster's assistant. When he was alone with me
+the other day, he stroked my cheeks and I slapped him for his
+impertinence. I shall gladly learn all that you wish me to learn."
+
+She remained with my wife, and appeared quite pliant and docile. My
+wife had her sleep in her own bedchamber, and on the first night she
+exclaimed, with a voice full of emotion, "I have a mother at last? O
+Ernst, you ought to know where I am! How happy you have been to have
+had a mother all your life!"
+
+I took these letters to my daughter Bertha, who thoroughly appreciated
+and loved Martella. She said that her own experience had been somewhat
+similar; for her marriage had introduced her to an aristocratic and
+military circle, in which she was at first considered as an interloper,
+and where it took some time before she could acquire the position due
+her. For even to this day the aristocracy retain the advantage that
+those who are well born can enter good society, even though they be
+utterly devoid of culture.
+
+Annette, who had also married an officer, had become quite attached to
+her, and the result of their combined efforts was that they at last
+achieved quite a distinguished position. Annette, who was a Jewess by
+birth, and very wealthy, had at first attempted to conquer her way into
+society by dress and show. Yielding, however, to the counsels of
+Bertha, she took the better course; and by adopting a simple and
+dignified manner, free from any craving for admiration, the recognition
+she merited was accorded her.
+
+This friend of Bertha was, I confess, not at all to my liking. She had
+received a good education, and even had a cultivated judgment; but she
+was fain to mistake these gifts for genius, and imagined herself a
+thoroughly superior woman--a piece of self-deception in which
+flatterers encouraged her.
+
+Her husband regarded her as a woman of superior gifts, and succeeded in
+this way in consoling himself for the inconvenient fact of her being of
+Jewish descent. His faith in her genius seemed to increase rather than
+diminish, and it was his constant delight to sound its praises to
+others.
+
+Annette treated me with exceptional admiration, but she always seemed
+desirous of making a parade of her appreciation of me, or in other
+words, having it minister to her own glory. Mere possession or
+undemonstrative emotion afforded her no pleasure. Her talents and her
+reflections afforded her great enjoyment, and it was her constant
+desire that others should have the benefit of it. She was always
+inviting you to dine with her; and if you accepted her invitations, she
+was never satisfied until you had praised the dishes which she could so
+skilfully prepare. She sang with a powerful voice and drew very
+cleverly, but wanted the world to know it, and to pay her homage
+accordingly.
+
+She always addressed me as "patriarch," until I at last forbade her
+doing so. I was, however, obliged to submit to some of the other
+elegant phrases in which she was wont to indulge. She had no children,
+and often spent the whole day in the private gallery of the House of
+Parliament, where she would not cease nodding to me until I at last
+returned her salute.
+
+One evening there was a party at Bertha's. The wife of the
+Intendant-in-chief was among the guests. She was a beautiful creature,
+slender and undulating in form, of majestic carriage, and yet withal
+simple and unaffected. She had a charming voice, and sang many pretty
+songs for us. She was so obliging too, that, yielding to the repeated
+requests of her delighted auditors, she sang song after song.
+
+I had known her as a young girl. She was the daughter of the chief
+forester, and seemed to retain the woodland freshness of her childhood
+days. But she had always been ambitious, and had thirsted for the
+pleasures of city life, with which she had become acquainted while
+going to the school which was patronized by the reigning Princess.
+
+At one of the public examinations she had sung so delightfully that the
+Princess had praised her performance; and I believe that her desire for
+a brilliant life dated from that incident.
+
+She was fond of dress and show, and had married the Intendant, who was
+a dried-up, conceited fellow.
+
+Her marriage had not been a happy one; and now she sang love-songs full
+of glowing passion, of sobs and tears.
+
+I was thinking of this, and asking myself how it could be possible,
+when Annette sat down by my side and softly whispered to me:
+
+"Do explain, if you can, how this woman, after singing such songs, can
+leave the company and ride home with her disagreeable husband? I could
+not sing a note if I had such a husband."
+
+Annette cannot conceive of her ever having been in love. All her
+singing of the pleasures and the pains of love is nothing more than
+poetical or musical affectation. "But how did she thus learn to
+simulate emotion. If she really felt all this she would either die or
+become crazed on her way home."
+
+From that moment I began to like Annette. She had gone much further
+than I had dared even in my thoughts, and proved, at the same time,
+that her heart was true, and that she could not separate her feeling
+for art from the rest of her life.
+
+Bertha showed my wife's letters to her friend, who conceived the most
+enthusiastic affection for Martella. She often inquired whether there
+was anything she could do for the charcoal-burner's daughter.
+
+There was danger of offending her by refusing her gifts. Even a virtue
+may at times assume a repulsive form. Annette's complaint--I cannot
+express it otherwise--was a passion for helping others.
+
+My wife wrote that Martella was like a fresh bubbling spring, which
+only needed to be kept within bounds to become a refreshing brook; but
+that this must be carefully done, for inconsiderate attempts to deepen
+the channel or divert its course might ruin the spring itself.
+
+My wife also informed us that Ernst had been home to pay a short visit.
+He seemed quite pensive, and expressed his dissatisfaction with the
+fact that Martella was looking so pale. He approved of the education
+which she was receiving, but thought that her freshness and strength
+should not be sacrificed. He said he had formed a plan to live with
+Rautenkron, with whom he intended to practice, and also said that when
+once in the quiet forest he would study industriously.
+
+My wife strenuously objected to this course. She maintained that where
+there was a will, one could attend to his duty in any position; and
+moreover, that at the present time it was not well for Ernst and
+Martella to see each other so often.
+
+Martella was of the same opinion; and my wife could hardly find words
+to express her delight that Martella was constantly acquiring
+gentleness and consideration for others. Although at first she had been
+loud and noisy, there was now something graceful and soothing in her
+manner. She would arise early in the morning and dress herself in
+silence, while my wife would feign sleep in order that Martella might
+become confirmed in her gentle manners.
+
+One evening, when Martella had been the subject of protracted
+conversation, I returned to my room, and for the first time noticed a
+colored lithographic print that had been hanging there. It was the
+picture of a danseuse who had been quite famous some years before. It
+represented her in a difficult pose, and with long, flowing hair. The
+print startled me.
+
+It was wonderfully like Martella; or was it simply self-deception
+caused by her having been in our thoughts during the whole evening?
+
+I felt so agitated that I lit the lamp again and took another look at
+the picture. The likeness seemed to have vanished.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+Towards the end of November, my wife wrote to me that Ernst had been at
+home again, and that, several hours after his arrival, he had, in the
+most casual manner, mentioned that he had successfully passed his
+examination as forester. When my wife and Martella signified their
+pleasure at this piece of news, he declared that he had only passed his
+examination in order to prove to us and the rest of his acquaintance,
+that he, too, had learned something, but that he was not made to be put
+just where the state desired to place him, and that, in the spring, he
+and Martella would emigrate to America, as he had already come to an
+understanding with Funk in regard to the passage.
+
+When he asked Martella why she had nothing to say on the subject, she
+replied:
+
+"You know that I would go to the end of the world with you. But we are
+not alone. If we go, your parents and your brothers and sisters must
+give us their blessing at parting."
+
+"Oh! that they will."
+
+"I think so too. But just consider, Ernst! We are both of us quite
+young, and I have just begun to live. Do not look so fierce; when you
+do that, you do not look half so handsome as you really are. And
+besides, there is something yet on my mind which I must tell you, and
+in which I am fully resolved."
+
+"I cannot imagine what you mean; it seems, at times, that I really do
+not know you as I once did."
+
+"You do know me, and it grieves me to be obliged to tell you so."
+
+"What is it? What can it be? You have become quite serious all at
+once."
+
+"I am glad that you can say so much in my praise, for I have need of
+it; and I feel quite sure that you will approve of what I am going to
+say.
+
+"Just see, Ernst! I won't speak of anything else--but with mother's aid
+I have begun so much that is good, that I cannot bear to think of
+hurrying away while the work is half finished. You have passed your
+examination; let me pass mine too. First let mother tell me that my
+apprenticeship is at an end, and then I will wander with you; and we
+shall be two jolly gadabouts, and have lots of money for travelling
+expenses. Isn't it so? You will let me stay here ever so long; won't
+you?
+
+"Ah, that is right. You are laughing again, and I see that you approve
+of what I have said. If you had not done so you should have had no
+peace, for my mind is made up.
+
+"The canopied bed next to your mother's is now mine; and indeed it is a
+heavenly canopy that one must be slow to leave. And, as I told you
+before, I have just begun to live."
+
+Ernst looked towards my wife. It seemed as if doubt and pride were
+struggling within him. When Martella had left the room and my wife
+urged him to remain with us and to afford us the joy of having such a
+daughter-in-law in our home, he was vanquished, and exclaimed:
+
+"Yes, I am indeed proud of her! I must admit I never expected so much
+of her. If she only does not grow over my head."
+
+My wife wrote me that she only remembered a portion of what had
+happened. The wisdom and feeling evinced by the child had surprised
+her; and the subdued, heartfelt voice in which she had spoken had been
+as delightful as the loveliest music. She had been obliged to ask
+herself if this really was the wild creature who had entered the house
+but three-quarters of a year ago. The change that she had devoutly
+wished for had been brought about with surprising rapidity. Martella
+had awakened to a sense of the duties life imposes on all of us.
+
+Nothing can be more gratifying than to find that a just course of
+action has produced its logical results.
+
+Thus all was well. Ernst went out hunting with Rautenkron, and once
+even prevailed on him to visit our house.
+
+Rautenkron had but little to say to Martella. He would knit his heavy
+eyebrows, and cast searching side-glances on the child. This was his
+custom with all strangers. When taking leave of my wife, he inquired
+whether we knew anything of Martella's parentage. All that we knew was
+that she had been found in the forest when four years old. Jaegerlies
+had cared for her until Ernst brought her to our house. Martella had
+told more than that to Richard, but he had firmly refused to tell us
+what it was. When Rautenkron had left, Martella said:
+
+"He looks like a hedgehog, and I really believe that he could eat
+mice."
+
+In the last letter that I received before returning to my home, my wife
+wrote me that Martella had displayed a very singular trait.
+
+Rothfuss had become sick, and Martella, who was as much attached to him
+as if she were his own child, could neither visit nor nurse him. She
+had an unconquerable aversion to sick people. She would stand by the
+door and talk to Rothfuss, but she would not enter his room. She was
+quite angry at herself because of this, but could not act differently.
+
+"I cannot help it--I cannot help it," she said. "I cannot go near a
+sick person." He begged her to procure some wine for him; some of the
+red wine down in the glass house. He knew that would make him well
+again. Rothfuss found as much pleasure in deceiving the doctor as he
+usually did in outwitting the officers.
+
+Martella cheerfully entered into his plan; she got the wine for him,
+and from that day he gradually improved in health.
+
+It was quite refreshing to me to have my thoughts recalled to our life
+at home. While the most difficult political questions and a struggle
+against a system of police espionage were engaging us, a concordat with
+the Pope had been submitted for our approval. It was the result of deep
+and long-protracted intrigues, and was full of carefully veiled and
+delicately woven fetters. I had been appointed as one of the committee
+to whom the matter was referred, and after a heated debate, we
+succeeded in securing its abrogation. The minister who had made the
+treaty was disgraced. His accomplices allowed him to fall while they
+saved themselves. Funk, in his own name and that of two associates,
+gave his reasons for declining to vote on the question. They demanded
+perfect freedom for every religions sect, and the abandonment on the
+part of the state of its right to interfere with matters of faith.
+
+It had been proposed that my son Richard, who was Professor of History
+at the University, should be appointed as Minister of Education.
+
+He had published a powerful work on this topic. My son-in-law informed
+me that he had heard Richard's name mentioned in Court circles. In a
+few days, however, the rumor proved to be an ill-founded one. A
+declamatory counsellor received the appointment.
+
+Although encouraged by my success, it was with a sense of overpowering
+fatigue that I returned home at Christmastime. I felt as though I had
+not been able to enjoy a night's sleep while at the capital: it was
+only at home that I could breathe freely again and enjoy real repose.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+At home I found everything in excellent order. Rothfuss was still
+complaining, and was not allowed to leave his bed; but he was mending,
+and had naught to complain of but _ennui_ and thirst.
+
+I cannot remember a merrier Christmas than that of 1865. We could
+quietly think of our children we knew how they lived. Every Christmas
+we would receive a long letter from Ludwig; and Johanna wrote us that
+affairs were improving with her husband.
+
+On the day before Christmas, Ernst arrived. He carried a roebuck on his
+shoulder, and stood in front of the house shouting joyously. He waited
+there until Martella went out to meet him. He reached out his arms to
+embrace her, but she said, "Come into the house. When you get in there,
+I will give you an honest kiss."
+
+When I congratulated Ernst on his success in his examination, he
+replied, "No thanks, father; I was lucky; that is all. I really know
+very little about the subjects they examined me upon. I know more about
+other things. But I passed nevertheless." It was delightful to listen
+to Richard's sensible remarks; Ernst's conversation, however, was so
+persuasive and so varied as to prove even more interesting than that of
+Richard. He expressed himself quite happily in regard to the manner in
+which one should, by stealth as it were, learn the laws of the forest
+by careful observation, and referred to a point which is even yet in
+dispute among foresters--whether a fertile soil or a large return in
+lumber is most to be desired. I began to feel assured that my son, who
+had so often gone astray, would yet be able to erect a life-fabric that
+would afford happiness both to himself and to others.
+
+Towards evening, when we were about to light the lamps, the Professor
+arrived, to Martella's great delight.
+
+"I knew you would be glad to see me," said Richard, "and I must confess
+I like to come to my parents; but I have come more for the sake of
+seeing you than any one else."
+
+Richard congratulated Ernst, and promised to prepare a grand poem for
+the wedding day.
+
+The lights shone brightly, and joy beamed from every eye.
+
+The Professor had brought some books for Martella, but had not been
+fortunate in his selections. There were children's books among them,
+and these Martella quietly laid aside.
+
+Bertha had sent her a dress, Annette had contributed some furs, and
+Johanna had sent her an elegantly bound Bible.
+
+"I see already," said Martella, "that naught but good things are
+showered down on me. Let them come. God grant that the day may arrive
+when I, too, can bestow gifts. But now let us be happy," she said,
+turning to Ernst. "When we are alone together in the wild-woods, let us
+remember how lovely it is here. Look at the Christmas-tree. It was out
+in the cold and was freezing; but now they have brought it into the
+warm room, and decked it with lights and all sorts of pretty gifts. And
+thus was I, too, out of doors and forgotten; but now I am better off;
+the tree is dead, but I--" Richard grasped my hand in silence, and
+softly whispered:
+
+"Don't interrupt her. Always let her finish what she has begun this
+way. When the bird singing on the tree observes that the wanderer is
+looking up to it with grateful eyes, it flies away."
+
+Martella tried on her furs, stroked them with her hand, and then lit
+the lights on a little Christmas-tree on which were hanging some large
+stockings--the first she had ever knit.
+
+"Come along," she said to Ernst, "let us go to Rothfuss; and, Richard,
+you had better come with us, too, and help us sing."
+
+Carrying the burning tree in her hand, and accompanied by Ernst and
+Richard, she went, singing on her way, to the room in which Rothfuss
+lay.
+
+"You are the first person," she said to Rothfuss, "to whom I can give
+something. I only knit them; the wool was given me by my mother."
+
+"Oh!" exclaimed Rothfuss, "no wizard can do what is impossible. Our
+Lord makes the wool grow on the sheep; but shearing the sheep, spinning
+the wool, and knitting the stockings we have to do for ourselves."
+
+On the next day, while we were seated at table, Rothfuss entered,
+crying, "A proverb, and a true one; she has put me on my feet again. I
+have got well."
+
+I cannot recall a merrier Christmas than the one we then enjoyed. There
+were no more like it, for in the following year the crown had departed.
+
+My wife's father had, after withdrawing from his position as a teacher,
+employed himself in translating Göethe's Iphigenia into Greek. He had
+left his task incomplete. As a Christmas present for mother, Richard
+had brought lovely pictures to illustrate the poem, and in the antique
+room of our house, in which we had casts of the best Greek and Roman
+statues, Richard would read aloud to my wife.
+
+Martella always had an aversion to this large room, and when she was
+called in there would look around for a while, as if lost, and then
+with scarcely audible steps leave the apartment.
+
+My wife loved all her children, but she was happiest of all with
+Richard. He seemed to have succeeded to her father's unfinished labors,
+and when he was in her presence she always seemed as if in a higher
+sphere. Richard had a thoroughly noble disposition and dignified
+bearing.
+
+Mother repeatedly read Ludwig's letter, and said:
+
+"The Free-thinkers could not bring about what we are now experiencing:
+that on a certain evening and at an appointed hour all mankind are
+united in the same feeling. Do you believe, Richard, that you
+philosophers could bring about such a result?"
+
+Richard thought not; but added that the forms assumed by higher
+intellectual truth were constantly changing, and that just as they had
+given the church in heathen ages a different character, so they might
+at some future time effect changes in later forms of religious belief.
+
+Martella entered the room at that moment, and my wife's significant
+glance reminded Richard that he had better not prolong the discussion.
+We were a happy circle, and Richard was especially so because he had
+made common cause with me in the last exciting question. The future of
+our Fatherland, however, did not afford him a pleasant outlook. He
+believed that the great powers were playing a false game and were only
+feigning to quarrel in order that they might the more successfully
+divide up the lesser states among themselves. He felt sure that their
+plan was to divide up all the rest of Germany between Prussia and
+Austria. I, too, had sad thoughts in this connection, but could not
+picture the future to myself. This alone was certain: our present
+condition could not last. In the meanwhile we awaited Napoleon's New
+Year's speech. His words would inform the world what was to become of
+it.
+
+In our happy family circle we forgot for a little while the feeling of
+deep humiliation that hung over all, and the doubts that always caused
+us to ask ourselves, "To whom will we belong?"
+
+It is indeed sad when one is forced to say to himself, "To-morrow you
+and your country may be handed over to some King."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+Whenever I returned from Parliament, it seemed as if I had left a
+strange world. Although my labors there were in behalf of those dearest
+to me, I was too far removed from them to have them constantly in my
+mind. And for many a morning after my return the force of habit made me
+wonder why the usual amount of printed matter that had been handed me
+while at the capital was not forthcoming.
+
+I found the affairs of the village in good order.
+
+That was the only time that I can write about--the time when my wife
+was still ...
+
+I have been gazing out over the mountain and into the dark wood, that
+I, or rather she, planted, and then I lifted my eyes up to heaven. The
+stars are shining, and it is said that light from stars that have
+already perished is still travelling towards us. May the light that was
+once mine thus flow unto you when I am no longer here. But to proceed.
+
+For three-and-twenty years I filled the office of burgomaster, and was
+of great use to our parish. Above all things, I built up its credit. To
+accomplish this I was obliged to be severe and persistent in
+prosecuting the suit. But now things have so far improved that the
+people at Basle regret that no one in our village desires to borrow
+money from them.
+
+The two chief benefits that I have procured for our village are good
+credit and pure water.
+
+Just as credit is the true measure of economical condition, so is water
+the measure of physical well-being.
+
+I converted the heath into a woodland. It was twenty-three years ago,
+and I was the youngest member of the town council; but, aided by my
+cousin Linker, I induced the people of our parish to plant trees in the
+old meadow, and to this day every one of our people derives a moderate
+profit from the little piece of woodland that we now have there. Its
+value increases from year to year.
+
+My cousin Linker had been a book-keeper in the glass-house down in the
+valley. He married a daughter of the richest farmer in the village, and
+became quite a farmer himself.
+
+I learnt a great deal from him. In business matters he was greatly my
+superior, for he was shrewder, or in other words, more distrustful,
+than I.
+
+Until about five years ago, we were partners in an extensive lumber
+business. We built the first large saw-mill in the valley. It had three
+saws, and all the new appliances, and a part of our business was to saw
+up logs and beams. I also built a saw-mill, which is conducted on the
+co-operative system, for the benefit of the villagers.
+
+When the Parliament had determined upon having a fortress erected
+in our neighborhood, our business friends offered us their
+congratulations. They well knew that this would require so much lumber
+as to give rise to a profitable business. And this, I must confess, is
+a point which I would like to forget. But who, after all, leads a life
+which is entirely pure, and without being in the slightest spoiled with
+intercourse with the world.
+
+Cousin Linker conducted a large business in his name and mine. I did
+not take any active part in the negotiations, although I was
+responsible for what was done. He would often say, "You are absurdly
+virtuous. One like you will never get on in the world."
+
+Joseph, my cousin's only son, and of the same age as our Ludwig, had
+married my daughter Martina, who died shortly after the birth of their
+first child. Her son Julius was a forester's apprentice. Joseph married
+again, but he is still faithful to me and mine, while we are quite
+attached to his second wife and her three daughters.
+
+Joseph is now burgomaster, and I hope he will one day occupy my
+position as a member of the Parliament. He works zealously for the
+public good, and has one great advantage that did not exist in my time.
+For nowadays there are numerous good burgomasters in the neighborhood,
+and it is therefore easier to carry out desirable measures.
+
+Last winter, Joseph induced the people of Brauneck, the next village,
+to combine with ours in laying out a road through the common woods, and
+the wood taken out was worth more than twice the cost of the labor.
+
+Joseph inherited my cousin's shrewd business notions. He caused
+hundreds of little branches to be gathered up and prepared for
+Christmas-trees, and at the proper time would send them to the railway,
+and have them sent down the country. I did my share in building the
+road, for it passes right by my land, and is of great use to me. I do
+not think of cutting down any of the lumber. The red pine may stand for
+another twenty years. I could almost wish that this wood might remain
+forever, for it is _hers_!
+
+In the following spring, a gust of wind tore away some of the finest
+branches, and the first planks made of them were used to construct a
+coffin.
+
+But I will not anticipate. It was in the third year after our marriage
+that I returned home one evening with a large load of red-pine
+saplings. I was sitting on the balcony with my wife, later in the
+evening, and was telling her that I intended to set the five-year-old
+shoots down by the stone wall, and that I had therefore chosen hardy
+plants, in which the root was in proper proportion to the crown, but
+that it was always difficult to find conscientious workmen, who would
+look out for one's interest while attending to the matter.
+
+My wife listened patiently while I explained the manner in which the
+shoots should be planted.
+
+"Let me attend to this work," said she. "It is well that forest-trees
+do not require the same care as animals, or fruit-trees. Rude nature
+protects itself. But it will afford me pleasure to tend the shoots with
+great care."
+
+"But it is fatiguing."
+
+"I know that, but I can do something for the forest that brings us so
+many blessings."
+
+I gladly consented. And thus we have a fine grove down by the stone
+wall.
+
+While the children were growing up, my wife knew how to invest the
+planting of trees with a festive character. Richard and Johanna soon
+grew tired of it. But Bertha, Ludwig, Martella, and at a later day
+Ernst, were full of zeal, and had an especial affection for the trees
+which they had planted with their own hands.
+
+My wife was perfectly familiar with every nook in the woods, and when
+the new road was laid out she pointed out to Joseph a clear and fresh
+spring which had remained undisturbed, while we in the village were
+often poorly supplied with good drinking water. She persuaded him to
+alter its course so that it would flow towards the village; and now,
+thanks to her, we have a splendid spring which even in the heat of
+summer furnishes us with an abundance of cool and pure water.
+
+To this day we call it the Gustava spring.
+
+Every year, at my wife's birthday, it is decorated by the youth of the
+village.
+
+She seemed to live with the woods that she had planted. Without a trace
+of sentimentality, I mean exaggerated susceptibility, she rejoiced in
+the sunshine and the rain, the mists and the snow, because they helped
+the plants, and this state of mind contributed to the quiet grace and
+dignity which so well became her.
+
+On Christmas afternoon we could, in our sleighs, ride as far as the
+wood and the village beyond it.
+
+Martella told us that she, too, had planted thousands of white and red
+pines, but that there was not a tree that she could call her own.
+
+She called out unto the snow-covered plantation: "Say: Mother."
+
+"Mother," answered the distant echo.
+
+"And now say: Waldfried."
+
+"Waldfried" was the answer. We returned home, happy and light-hearted.
+Ernst remained with us until New Year's Day, and seemed to have
+regained his wonted cheerfulness.
+
+It was with pleasure not unmixed with jealousy, that Ernst saw how
+Martella hung on Richard's lips while listening to his calm and clear
+remarks on the topics that arose from day to day. His explanations were
+such that the simplest intellect could comprehend them. I cannot help
+thinking that Ernst's glances at Martella often were intended to convey
+some such words as these: "Oh, I know all that, too, but I am not
+always talking about it!"
+
+"I did not know that you could talk so well," said Martella on one
+occasion. At times we had quite heated discussions.
+
+With my sons it cost me quite an effort to defend my faith in the
+people.
+
+Ernst and Richard, who rarely agreed on any question, united in their
+low opinion of the people.
+
+Ernst despised the farmers, and said he would not confide the charge of
+the woods to them, as they would inconsiderately destroy the whole
+forest if they had the chance.
+
+Richard adduced this as a proof that it would always be necessary to
+teach the people what, for their own good, should be done as well as
+left undone.
+
+He dwelt particularly on that severe sentence, _terrent nisi metuant_.
+The mass of the people is terrible unless held in subjection by fear.
+History, which was his special science, furnished him with potent
+proofs, that the people should always be ruled with a firm hand.
+
+Joseph listened silently to the discussions carried on by the brothers.
+He was always glad to hear what those who were educated had to say. He
+never took part when generalities were discussed. It was not until they
+began to conjecture as to what Napoleon, the ruler of the world, might
+say in his next New Year's address, that his anger found vent in sharp
+words.
+
+Later generations will hardly be able to understand this. These men
+were seated together in a well-ordered house in the depths of the
+forest; and even there the spirit of doubt and questioning, that could
+not be banished, was constantly at their side, and pouring wormwood
+into their wine.
+
+There was no unalloyed happiness left us--no freedom from care. Will
+not the Emperor of the French hurl his bottles at us in the morning!
+What will he not attempt for the sake of securing his dynasty and
+gratifying the theatrical cravings of his people! The whole world was
+in terror. Everything was in a state of morbid excitement, and, as
+Ernst said, "watching like a dog for the morsel that the great Parisian
+theatrical manager might throw to it;" and here Richard interrupted
+him.
+
+Richard had a great love for established forms. He always expressed
+himself with moderation. Ernst, however, would allow his feelings to
+run away with him, and would often find that he had gone too far.
+
+Richard, who had had his younger brother at his side during the years
+spent at the Gymnasium, still regarded himself as a sort of teacher and
+guide to Ernst, and could hardly realize how that youth could have been
+so self-reliant as to get himself a bride under such peculiar
+circumstances.
+
+Richard confessed that he desired to achieve a career. "My time will
+come. Perhaps I may have to wait until I have gray hairs, or none at
+all; but I shall, at all events, not allow love to interfere with my
+plans. I shall not marry, unless under circumstances that will help to
+secure the end I have in view."
+
+I had accustomed myself to leave both sons undisturbed in their views
+of life. They both agreed in regarding me as an idealist, although
+their reasons for reaching this conclusion were dissimilar.
+
+I love to recall the passage in Plutarch's Lycurgus. The old men are
+singing, "We were once powerful youths;" the men sing, "But we are now
+strong;" and the youths sing, "But we will be still stronger than you
+are!"
+
+The world progresses, and every new generation must develop the old
+ideas and introduce new ones. It will go hard with us old folks to
+admit that these are better than ours; but they are so, nevertheless.
+
+When Richard was alone with me, he expressed his great delight in
+regard to his youngest brother; and as the journals of that day
+contained a call for participants in the German Expedition to the North
+Pole, Richard would gladly have seen Ernst take a part in the
+enterprise. He maintained that Ernst was endowed with qualities that
+would gain him distinction as a student of nature, and that a voyage of
+discovery would make a hero of him. For he had invincible courage,
+fertility of invention, fine perception, and much general knowledge,
+combined with the ability to see things as they are.
+
+Ernst was full of youthful buoyancy, just as he had been in the
+earliest years of his student life. He was the life of the house,
+constantly singing and yodling; and his special enthusiastic friend,
+Rothfuss, one day said to me while in the stable, "I knew it. I knew
+all about it. Our Ernst cannot come to harm. Why, just listen to his
+singing. A tree where a bird builds its nest is in no danger from
+vermin."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+At a meeting of the burgomasters of the neighborhood, held on New
+Year's day, it was determined to call a general meeting of electors, to
+assemble in the chief town of the district, and to receive a report in
+regard to the last session of the Parliament.
+
+On New Year's Day Ernst left us, as the Prince and his ministers
+intended to hunt during the next few days in the district which was in
+charge of his chief.
+
+When he was about to leave, Martella said to him, "You have good reason
+to feel happy. The walls have heard you with joy, and every being in
+there thinks well of you and me."
+
+"And you?" asked he.
+
+"I need not be thinking of you. For you are my other self."
+
+It was a clear, mild, winter day when, accompanied by Joseph and
+Richard, I drove to the neighboring town in which the meeting was to be
+held. It was Richard's intention to return to the University at the
+close of the meeting.
+
+Rothfuss had fully recovered. Displaying his new stockings, and wearing
+his forester's coat, he sat up on the driver's box, while he managed
+the bays. Although he entertained a deep contempt for mankind in
+general, and for that portion of it that lived in our neighborhood in
+particular, he was always willing to take part in anything that was
+done in my honor.
+
+He often remarked that the people did not deserve that one should walk
+three steps for their sake. He would never forget the way in which they
+had treated the chieftains of 1848; or that a man like Ludwig, to whom
+he always accorded most generous praise, was obliged to leave his home,
+while no one had a thought for him, or for the one who had suffered
+himself to be imprisoned for his sake.
+
+The road led through the valley, and was cheerful with the sound of the
+sleigh-bells. Rothfuss cracked his whip, and soon distanced all the
+other drivers.
+
+Here and there, sleighs might be seen coming down the hillside. At the
+village taverns, teams were resting, and from every window, as well as
+from passers on the highway, came respectful greetings, and at times
+even enthusiastic cheers.
+
+In token of his thanks, Rothfuss cracked his whip still more loudly.
+
+He would look around from time to time, as if noting how much pleasure
+these tokens of respect afforded me. But once he said to Richard, "It
+is all very well, Mr. Professor; but if the weather were to change, all
+these cheers would freeze in the mouths that are now uttering them. We
+have known something of that kind already."
+
+I must admit, however, that these attentions did my heart good. There
+is nothing in the associations of home that is more grateful than to be
+able to say to one's self, "I live in the midst of my voters. I do my
+duty without fear or favor, and without my asking for office, my
+fellow-citizens select me as their representative in the councils of
+the nation."
+
+Like the breath of the woods such homage has a fragrance peculiarly
+its own. I cannot believe in the sincerity of one who, from so-called
+modesty, or affected indifference to the opinions of his
+fellow-citizens, would refuse office when thus offered to him. I
+frankly admit that it is not so unpleasant to me to find that others
+think at least as well, or even better of me, than I do.
+
+This of course brings to mind Rautenkron the forester, who would
+stoutly combat my opinion in this matter, for he thinks that a love of
+such honors is the worst sort of dependence.
+
+When I arrived at the meeting, I made my report in a quiet
+matter-of-fact manner. It is time for our people to learn that the
+affairs of the state should have a higher use than merely to serve as
+the occasion for fine speeches. Funk was sitting on the front bench,
+with a follower of his on either side of him. One of them was known as
+Schweitzer-Schmalz. He was a fat, puffed up farmer, who, to use his own
+words, took great delight in "trumping" the students and public
+officials.
+
+But a few words as to Schmalz. A man of his dimensions requires more
+space than I have just given him. He was one of those men who, when
+prosperous, continually eat and drink of the best. A red vest decked
+with silver buttons covered his fat paunch, and was generally
+unbuttoned.
+
+His name was Schmalz, but he had been dubbed Schweitzer-Schmalz,
+because of his having once said, "I do not see why we should not be as
+good as our neighbors the Swiss."
+
+He hated the Prussians; first and foremost, for the reason that one
+ought to hate them. This is the first article of faith in the catechism
+of the popular journals. And although questions as to the religious
+catechism might be tolerated, this article must be received without a
+murmur. Besides, they were impertinent enough to speak high German; and
+he knew, moreover, that abuse of the Prussians was relished in certain
+high quarters.
+
+He attempted by his boasting to provoke every one, and was himself at
+last provoked to find that the whole world laughed at him. He had a
+habit of rattling the silver coins in his pocket while uttering his
+unwelcome remarks.
+
+Funk aided and encouraged him in his swaggering ways. Funk's other
+follower was a lawyer of extremely radical views. Funk always acted as
+if he were their servant, although, as he himself said, he was the
+bear-leader.
+
+In his confidential moments, he would often say: "The people is really
+a stupid bear; fasten a ring in its nose, and you can lead it about as
+you would a sheep, and the best nose-ring for your purpose is the
+church."
+
+The question of extending a branch of the valley road into the
+neighboring state, gave rise to a lively debate. I declared that no
+private association would undertake the enterprise, unless interest on
+the investment were guaranteed, and that I would oppose it, because its
+promised advantages were not sufficient to justify us in voting the
+money of the state for the purpose, instead of spending our own.
+
+The effect of this was a very perceptible diminution of the favor with
+which I had been regarded. And when, afterward, a vote of thanks to me
+was proposed, it was coldly received.
+
+I was just about to descend from the tribune, when I heard Funk say to
+Schmalz, who was sitting by his side, "Speak out! It is your own
+affair." Schmalz now asked me why I had voted for the abolition of the
+freedom of the woods, or, in other words, the privilege of gathering up
+the moss, and the small sticks of wood with which to cover the floor of
+the stables. To him personally it was a matter of little concern, but
+humbler and poorer people could not so well afford to do without it.
+
+This gave rise to much loud talk. All seemed to be speaking at once,
+and saying, "Such things should not be tolerated."
+
+When I at last obtained an opportunity to make myself heard, I told
+them that the community had an interest in the preservation of the
+forests, and suggested that it was necessary to seek other means of
+gaining the object to be attained, in order that the forests need not
+suffer.
+
+And when I went on to tell them that we would be unable to take proper
+care of our forests until we had a general law on the subject applying
+to the whole empire, and that the lines separating our different states
+ran through the midst of our woods, I heard some one call out, "Of
+course! He owns forests on both sides of the line." And Schmalz laughed
+out at the top of his voice, holding his fat paunch the while. "What a
+fuss the man is making about a few little sticks!" he said.
+
+I descended from the tribune, feeling that I had not convinced my
+constituents.
+
+At the banquet all was life again. Herr Von Rontheim was among the
+guests. He had courage enough to confess to being one of the
+opposition, of which he had become a member against his will. He was an
+impoverished member of the old nobility. In figure and in education he
+seemed intended for a courtier. But now he was filling an office that
+entailed much labor upon him. He attended to his duties punctually and
+carefully, but in a perfunctory manner. He had given in his adhesion to
+the late liberal ministry. In view of his position at Court, this was
+an ill-considered step; for, when the ministers were removed, he was at
+once ordered to the capital, and assigned to official duties that he
+found it hard to do justice to, for his education had better fitted him
+for the life of a courtier than for that of a painstaking government
+deputy.
+
+Rontheim sat beside me, and assured me that the fall of the one man who
+had been appointed minister to the federation would soon draw that of
+the rest after him.
+
+He spoke as if he knew all about the matter, and merely wanted to find
+out how much I knew on the subject. The artifice was too apparent,
+however; he knew just as little as I did. In the course of
+conversation, he asserted that the existence of the lesser German
+States does not find its justification in greater privileges than are
+accorded by the general government, but because they can thus secure a
+more perfect administration of the minor details of government--a view
+on which I had touched in my report.
+
+I was not a little astonished when he told me, in the strictest
+confidence, that I had been mentioned at Court with special approval.
+He assured me that he knew this, for he had lots of relatives there. He
+had indeed once been called upon to furnish information in regard to
+myself and my family; and he felt assured that his report had reached
+the ears of the Prince. He felt convinced that, with the next decided
+turn in affairs, it would not be my son Richard, but myself, to whom an
+exalted position would be offered. He said that he intended to report
+my behavior of that very day, in a quarter where the courage which can
+face popular disfavor would be appreciated. He treated me more
+cordially than ever, and plainly signified that he felt assured of my
+good-will.
+
+I had never given him an occasion to joke with me, and when I replied
+that what he had told me was so great a surprise that I did not know
+how to answer him, he said that he fully appreciated my feelings. He
+furnished me with another bit of information, which was a much greater
+surprise. He told me that my son Ernst had, but a short time before
+that, applied at the office of the kreis-director[3] for permission to
+emigrate to America, and had requested them to furnish him with the
+requisite documents, at the earliest possible moment.
+
+Ernst still owed two years of military service, and his release could
+only be effected as an act of grace on the part of the government.
+This, the director added, presented no difficulty, if I chose to exert
+my influence. The whole affair seemed a riddle to me.
+
+Ernst had, in all likelihood, committed this hasty action during a
+sudden fit of impatience, and I determined to reprove him at the first
+opportunity. It seemed very strange that he should be so careful to
+prevent me from knowing of an undertaking which he would be unable to
+accomplish without my assistance.
+
+I must have looked very serious, for several old friends of mine
+approached me and assured me that in spite of the popular opposition
+they still were true and faithful to me.
+
+I feel tempted to give the names of a large number of wealthy
+farmers and magistrates, who are of much more consequence than
+Schweitzer-Schmalz, and who represent the very backbone of our country
+life. But when I have said that they are conscientious in public
+affairs and just and honorable in private ones, I have told all that is
+necessary.
+
+Among the guests there was the so-called "peace captain," a tall and
+well-dressed wealthy young dealer in timber. While still an officer, he
+had fallen in love with a daughter of the richest saw-mill owner in the
+valley. The father refused his consent to the marriage unless the
+lieutenant would give him a written promise to resign from the army as
+soon as a war should break out. The lieutenant did not care to do this
+and preferred resigning at once, which he did with the rank of captain.
+He had become quite conversant with his business, although there was
+something in his manner that made it seem as if he had just laid off
+his uniform.
+
+He still retained one trait of his military life, and that was an utter
+indifference to politics. It was merely to honor me that he attended
+the banquet; and besides, was I not the father-in-law of an officer in
+active service? The captain, whose name was Rimminger, seated himself
+at my side.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XVI.
+
+
+The banquet seemed to be drawing to a close, and conversation had
+become loud and general, when we were suddenly called to order and told
+that Funk was about to address us. I ought to mention, in passing, that
+Funk belonged to the next district, and was therefore not one of our
+voters. He ascended the platform. He generally seemed loth to ascend
+the tribune; but when there, his fluent discourse and ready wit enabled
+him to control the most obstinate audience.
+
+He began, as usual, by saying that it hardly became him to speak on
+this occasion. He was not a voter, and if he were to express the praise
+and the thanks due me, to whom he owed his present position, it might
+appear as if he were endeavoring to make his private feelings the
+sentiment of the audience.
+
+He repeatedly referred to me as the "estimable noble patriarch," and
+inveighed in fierce terms against those who would, by a vote of want of
+confidence, express their disapproval of the actions of their
+representative, who had followed his honest convictions instead of the
+opinions of this or that constituent.
+
+He then indulged in an explanation of his reasons for having voted with
+the opposition. He possessed the art of repeating the speeches of
+others as if they were his own. He repeatedly used the expression "a
+free church in a free state," and several times used the word
+"republic," when he would immediately correct himself in an ironical
+manner, and to the great delight of many of his auditors.
+
+Funk's words filled me with indignation.
+
+When I beheld him standing up before this audience and expressing such
+sentiments, I felt as if it were a punishment that I had richly
+deserved; for in his case I had assisted a man in whom I had not full
+confidence, to a position of honor and importance. I was so occupied
+with thoughts of the speaker that I hardly noticed what he was saying,
+until I was aroused by hearing him defend me against the charge of
+being a Prussian.
+
+"And even if he were a Prussian, we should not forget that the
+Prussians are Germans as well as the rest of us. We are far ahead of
+them, and for that very reason it is our duty to help them." And then
+he began to praise me again, and told them what a noble action it was
+that a man who had a pastor for one son-in-law, and one of the first
+nobles in the land for another, whose son was to-day a professor, and
+might to-morrow be a minister, to receive into his house a girl who had
+come to him naked and destitute.
+
+Uproarious laughter followed these words, and Funk exclaimed:
+
+"O you rogues! you know well enough that when I said 'naked and
+destitute,' I only meant _poor and without family connections_."
+
+He described me and my wife as the noblest of beings, and repeatedly
+referred to Martella.
+
+I asked myself what could have been his reason for introducing
+Martella's name before this audience; and then it occurred to me that
+he had cherished hopes that my son Ernst would have married his
+daughter, who was at that time receiving her education at a school in
+Strasburg.
+
+He closed by proposing cheers in my honor. They were immediately
+followed by cries of "Hurrah for citizen Funk!"
+
+Funk was impudent enough to walk up to me afterwards and offer me his
+hand, while he assured me that he had put a quietus on the opposition
+of the stupid bushmen, a term which he was fond of using when referring
+to the farmers.
+
+I declined to shake hands, and ascended the tribune without looking at
+him. "We have had enough speeches," cried several of the audience,
+while others began to stamp their feet and thus prevent me from
+speaking. Silence was at last restored, and I began. I am naturally of
+a timid disposition, but when in danger, I am insensible to fear, and
+quietly and firmly do that which is needed.
+
+I told them that Herr Funk had spoken as if he were a friend of mine,
+but that I here publicly declared that he was not my friend, and that I
+was no friend of his; and that if he and his consorts really believed
+the opinions that they professed, I had nothing in common with them.
+For reasons best known to himself, Herr Funk had dragged my family
+affairs before the assembly. I was happy to say that I had done nothing
+which I need conceal. And further, as Herr Funk had found it proper to
+defend me against the charge of being a friend of Prussia, I wished it
+known that I was a friend of Prussia, on whose future course I based
+all my hopes for the welfare of Germany.
+
+I should not give up my office until the term for which I was elected
+expired: when that time came they might reelect me, or replace me by
+another, as they thought best.
+
+Virtuous indignation aided me in my effort, and when I finished my
+remarks, Richard told me that he had never heard me speak so well. I am
+by nature soft-hearted, perhaps indeed too much so; but I can deal
+unmerciful blows when they are needed. There is an old saying that a
+rider should alight and kill the mole-cricket that he sees while on his
+way, for it destroys the roots of the grass. It was a similar feeling
+that made me refer to Funk in the way I had done.
+
+To the best of my knowledge, I had never before that had an enemy; now
+I knew that I had one. And an enemy may be likened to a swamp with its
+miasmatic vapors and noisome vermin. It had been reserved for my later
+years to teach me what it is to have enemies and how to meet their
+works.
+
+The worst of all is, that a fear of committing injustice makes us
+insincere. And when at last this fear gives way to one's horror of
+wickedness, they say, "He was not truthful; he was hypocritical, and
+simulated friendship for one whom he despised."
+
+Be that as it may, I was, at all events, glad that I would not again
+have to take Funk by the hand. It has been my great fault and
+misfortune that I could never learn to believe in the utility of
+falsehood. Perhaps it was nothing more than a love of comfort that
+actuated me; for it is very troublesome to be always on one's guard.
+Where I might have done myself good through shrewdness and foresight, I
+had simply made myself an object of pity.
+
+It seemed that the affair was not to pass over without a fracas. The
+anger which I had controlled found vent through another channel, none
+other than Rothfuss.
+
+I saw him standing in the midst of a crowd, and heard Schmalz cry out,
+"Let me talk; I would not soil my hands to beat the servant of that
+man!"
+
+"What?" cried Rothfuss; "I want nothing to do with the 'fat Switzer,'
+for wherever his shadow falls you can find a grease-spot."
+
+Uproarious laughter followed this sally. Funk forced himself into the
+midst of the crowd, and placing himself before Schmalz called out, "You
+had better hold your tongue, Rothfuss, or you will have to deal with
+me."
+
+"With you?" said Rothfuss, "with you? I have but one word to tell you."
+
+"Out with it!"
+
+"Yes," said Rothfuss, "I will tell you something that no human being
+has ever yet said to you."
+
+"Out with it!"
+
+"What I mean to tell you has never before been said to you--_You are an
+honest man._"
+
+Contemptuous laughter and wild shouts followed this sally, and, when it
+looked as if blows were about to fall, and the kreis-director
+approached and ordered them to desist, Rothfuss called out, "Herr
+Director, would you call that an insult? I said Herr Funk was an honest
+man. Is that an insult?"
+
+The officer succeeded in restoring order and we departed, taking
+Rothfuss with us.
+
+I had paid the full penalty of my acquaintance with Funk, but felt so
+much freer and purer than when I entered the banqueting room, that I
+did not regret what had occurred.
+
+Richard wanted to meet his train, and Joseph left for a point down the
+Rhine in order to close a contract for railroad ties. I went to the
+station with them, and when the train had left, I accepted the
+invitation of Rontheim, who had walked down to the railroad with us,
+and went home with him.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XVII.
+
+
+There are houses in which you never hear a loud word, not because of
+any previous agreement on the part of its inmates, but as a natural
+result of their character. He who enters there is at once affected,
+both in mood and in the tones of his voice, by his surroundings. Such
+is the peaceful household in which kind and gentle aspirations fill all
+hearts and where every one works faithfully in his own allotted sphere.
+
+I felt as if entering a new and strange phase of life when Rontheim
+ushered me into the richly carpeted and tastefully furnished
+drawing-room. I was cordially received by his wife, a graceful and
+charming woman, and his two beautiful and distinguished-looking
+daughters.
+
+Although in exile, as it were, the mother and the daughters had
+succeeded in creating a pure and lovely home, and had held aloof from
+the petty jealousies and small doings of the little town in which they
+were residing. Although they saw but little company, they exchanged
+visits with some of the so-called gentry. They had paid several visits
+to our village, and a friendly intimacy with my wife had been the
+result. She did not allow this, however, to induce her to visit the
+town more frequently than had been her wont. She carefully avoided
+excursions of any kind, from a fear that they might interrupt the quiet
+tenor of her life or render society a necessity.
+
+Rontheim's wife and daughters had been used to the life of a court, and
+even now acted as if with the morrow they might be recalled to court.
+When they accompanied the director, on his frequent official journeys,
+they would discover every spot in which there were natural beauties.
+Scenes that we had become indifferent to, through habit, or in which we
+saw nothing but the uses to which they might be put, had in their eyes
+quite a different meaning. They would spend whole days in the valleys
+where no one resorted but the harvesters, or on the mountains where
+they would meet no one but the foresters. They sketched and gathered
+flowers and mosses, and their tables and consoles were decorated with
+lovely wreaths of dried leaves and wild flowers. They would often
+assist the poor children who were gathering wild berries, and show them
+how to weave pretty baskets out of pine twigs. They were in frequent
+intercourse with our schoolmaster's wife, who was quite a botanist.
+
+The second daughter, who was interested in drawing, asked me about the
+new paintings in the Parliament House; and the elder daughter jokingly
+declared that it was a pity that one could never find out what had been
+played at the theatre until the day after the performance.
+
+I was forcibly impressed by the evident effort with which Herr Von
+Rontheim endeavored to suppress any sign of a consciousness of superior
+birth. He showed me a recently restored picture of one of his
+ancestors, who had been a comrade of Ulrich Von Hutten, and had
+distinguished himself during the Reformation. He intimated that
+although the noble families had built up the state, he cheerfully
+admitted that its preservation had fallen into other hands.
+
+His kind manner did not quite serve to veil a certain air of
+condescension.
+
+During the course of our rather desultory conversation, Madame Rontheim
+had rung for the servant, and had given her orders to him in a whisper,
+of which I heard the last words, "Please tell Herr Ernst to come in."
+
+The words startled me. Could she have meant my son?
+
+A few moments afterward, a bright-cheeked and erect-looking ensign
+entered the room, and saluted us in military fashion. I had forgotten
+that Rontheim's only son was also named Ernst, and I now recalled the
+fact of his being in my son-in-law's regiment. The ensign referred to
+the fact, and also told me that all of his comrades had regretted my
+son's leaving the army. His constant flow of spirits and fertility of
+invention, had won him the admiration of all of his companions.
+
+Madame Rontheim spoke of my daughter Bertha in the kindest terms, and
+praised the tact she had displayed in introducing a new element into
+their circle.
+
+The eldest daughter ventured to speak in disparagement of Bertha's
+friend, Annette, but the mother adroitly changed the subject, and began
+talking about Martella.
+
+As I felt that, in all probability, there had been all sorts of false
+tales in regard to Martella, I told them her story. When I ended,
+Madame Rontheim said to me, "In taking such a child of nature into a
+well-ordered and cultured home, you have pursued the very best plan. I
+feel assured that the result of your wife's quiet and sensible course
+will both surprise and delight you. Pray tell your wife that I have for
+some time intended to visit her, but have concluded to wait until it
+may be convenient to her and her charge to receive me."
+
+While seated with this charming circle at their tea-table--an
+institution which this family had introduced in our forest
+neighborhood--I had quite forgotten that Rothfuss was outside taking
+charge of the sleigh. But now I heard the loud crack of his whip, and
+bade my hosts a hasty farewell.
+
+When I got into the sleigh, Rothfuss said, "Madame, the baroness, has
+sent out a hot jug as a foot-warmer for you."
+
+On our way down the hill, Rothfuss walked at the side of the sleigh,
+and said to me, "She sent me some tea: it is by no means a cooling
+drink, but does not taste so bad after all; it warmed me thoroughly.
+Before I drank it, I felt as wet as a drenched goat. Ah, yes! One of
+your people of rank is worth more than seventy-seven of your stupid
+voters. In all of the crowd that we met to-day there were not a dozen
+people with whom I would care to drink a glass of wine."
+
+Rothfuss judged of all persons by their fitness as boon companions. He
+would drink gladly with this one, but would not care to drink with the
+next; and he would often say that there were some whose very company
+sours the wine they pay for.
+
+I felt sure that he had heard some one abusing me.
+
+When I left home in the morning, I felt as if supported by the
+consciousness of the respect and confidence of my fellow-citizens, but
+now--
+
+Suddenly the remarks of the kreis-director recurred to me.
+
+Had the confidence of one party been withdrawn from me, because it was
+suspected that the others were trying to lure me to their side? I have
+neither the desire nor the proper qualifications for a more exalted
+position in the service of the State.
+
+And what could Ernst's notion of emigrating have meant? "Who knows,"
+thought I to myself, "what I may yet have to witness on the part of
+this son who is always flying the track?"
+
+The night was bitter cold; the snow which had melted during the day had
+frozen hard, and our sleigh creaked and rattled as we hurried along the
+road.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+
+I have always discouraged a belief in omens, and yet when I saw the
+strange cloud-forms that floated before the face of the moon that
+night, shadowy forebodings filled my soul. The ringing of the
+sleigh-bells was full of a strange melody, and, down in the valley, I
+could hear the raging of the torrent which seemed as if angered at the
+thought that the frost king would soon again bind it with his fetters.
+
+The sleigh halted at the saw-mill. When I looked up towards the house I
+saw that there was a light in the room.
+
+"What are you doing?" I asked Rothfuss.
+
+"I am taking the bells off, so that the mistress may not hear us."
+
+Although we had supposed that no one had noticed our coining, we heard
+soft steps advancing to meet us when we reached the house. Martella
+opened the door for us.
+
+I entered the room. It was nicely warmed and lighted. The meal which
+had been prepared for me was still on the table.
+
+Rothfuss drew off his boots and went off to his room on tiptoe.
+
+"Do you not want to go to bed, Martella? Have you been sitting up all
+this time?"
+
+"Indeed I have; and oh, do take it from me!"
+
+"What ails you?"
+
+"Oh, what a night I have passed! I do not know how it all came about;
+but mother had gone to bed, and I sat here quite alone in this great,
+big house. I looked at the meal that was waiting for our master; at the
+bread that had once been grain, the meat that had once been alive, and
+the wine that had once been grapes in the vineyard.
+
+"It seemed to me as if the fields and the beasts all came up to me and
+asked, 'Where are you? What has become of you?' And then I could not
+help thinking to myself, 'You have so many people here--a father, a
+mother, one brother who is so learned, and another who is in another
+world, a sister who is a major's wife, and one who is a pastor's, and
+besides this, my own Ernst; and all these say: "We are yours and you
+are ours."' When I thought of that, I felt so happy and yet so sad. And
+then the two clocks kept up their incessant ticking. It seemed as if
+they were talking to me all the time. The fast one said to me, 'How did
+you get here, you simple, forlorn child, whom they found behind the
+hedge? Run away as fast as you can! Run away! you cannot stay here; you
+must go off. All these people about you have made a prisoner of you;
+they feel kindly towards you, but you cannot stay. Run, run away! Run,
+child, run!'
+
+"But the other clock, with its quiet and steady tick, would always say,
+'Be thankful, be thankful, be thankful! You are snugly housed with
+kindly hearts; do what you can to earn their kindness by your
+goodness.'
+
+"They kept it up all the time. All at once I heard the cry of an owl. I
+had often heard them in the forest, and I am not afraid of any of the
+birds or beasts. Then the owl went away and all was still. I don't know
+how it happened, but all at once I thought of summer and cried out
+'Cuckoo!' quite loud. I was frightened at the sound of my own voice,
+for fear that I might wake up the mistress; and when I thought of that
+I felt as if I could die for grief. And then again I felt so happy to
+think that the heart that was sleeping there was one that had taken me
+up as its own. When the large clock would say 'Quite right, quite
+right,' the busy little one would interrupt with 'Stupid stuff, stupid
+stuff; run away, run away!'
+
+"When the hour struck midnight, I opened the window and looked out
+towards the graveyard. I am no longer afraid of it; the dead lie there;
+they are now resting and were once just as happy and just as sad as I
+now am.
+
+"I do not know how all these things should have come into my mind. I
+felt cheered up at last, and closed the window. Everything seemed so
+lovely in the room, and I felt as if I were at home. At home in
+eternity, and could now die. I did not fear death. I had fared so well
+in the world--better than millions--and master," said she, kneeling
+down before me and clasping my knee, "I will surely do all in my power
+to deserve this happiness. If I only knew of something good and hard
+that I might do. Tell me if there is such a thing; I will do it
+gladly."
+
+It seemed that night as if an inexhaustible spring had begun to bubble
+up in the heart of the child.
+
+She sat down quite near me and told me, with a pleased smile, that
+mother had bidden her to go to bed; but that she had stealthily gotten
+up, had sent Balbina, the servant, to bed, and had herself watched for
+me; and that she now felt as if she did not care to sleep again.
+
+"I am living in eternity, and in eternity there is no sleep," she
+repeated several times.
+
+The child was so excited that I thought it best to engage her mind in
+some other direction. I asked her about Ernst's plan of emigration. She
+told me that he had had that in view some time ago, but had now given
+up the idea.
+
+We remained together for some time longer, and when I told her that she
+should always call me father now, she cried out with a happy voice:
+
+"That fills my cup of joy! Now I shall go to bed. He whom you have once
+addressed as 'father' can never find it in his heart to send you out
+into the world. I shall stay here until they carry me over to the
+graveyard yonder; but may it be a long while before that happens!
+Father, good night!"
+
+How strange things seem linked together! On the very day that Funk had
+so unfeelingly dragged the child's name before the public, her heart
+had awakened to a grateful sense of the world's kindness.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIX.
+
+
+Nothing so nerves a man for the battle with the outer world as the
+consciousness of his having a pleasant home, not merely a large and
+finely arranged household, but a home in which there reigns an
+atmosphere of hope and affection, and where, in days of sorrow, that
+which is best in us is met by the sympathy of those who surround us.
+Through Gustava, all this fell to my lot. Although the battle with the
+world would, at times, almost render me distracted, she would again
+restore my wonted spirits; and it is to her faithful and affectionate
+care that I ascribe the fact that the long struggle did not exhaust me.
+She judged of men and actions with never-failing equanimity, and her
+very glances seemed to beautify what they rested upon. Where I could
+see naught but spite or malice, she only beheld the natural selfishness
+of beings in whom education and morals had not yet gained complete
+ascendancy.
+
+She judged everything by her own lofty standard, but strange to say,
+instead of belittling men, this seemed to make them appear better. When
+she found that she could not avoid assenting to evil report in regard
+to any one, she did so with an humble air that plainly signified how
+grieved she was that men could be thus.
+
+Speaking of Funk, she would say, "I have no desire to hurt any one's
+feelings. In nature there is nothing that can properly be called
+aristocratic. In botany the nettle is related to hemp and to hops; and
+if Funk seems to have somewhat of the nettle in his composition, one
+should be careful to handle him tenderly, and thus avoid pricking one's
+fingers."
+
+It was during that very winter, in 1866, that the purity and dignity
+that were inborn with her seemed more than ever infused with new and
+added grace. She always lived as if in a higher presence.
+
+It soon proved that my anticipations of evil were overwrought. My
+compatriots were, for the greater part, in accord with me. On every
+hand I received assurances of that fact; and, above all, Joseph omitted
+no opportunity of repeating to me the respectful terms in which he had
+heard my name mentioned among the people. I really think that he was
+instrumental in causing others to bring these good reports to my
+notice. Martella had become the blessing, the life and the light, I may
+say, of our house. Her readiness to oblige, her adaptability and her
+desire for self-improvement, had so increased that we felt called upon
+to restrain rather than to urge their exercise.
+
+My wife had learned of Funk's attempt to injure us by dragging the
+child's name into publicity. Perhaps the news had been carried even
+further; for a letter reached us from my daughter, the pastor's wife,
+in which she informed us that the illness of her husband made such
+demands upon her time that she required an assistant about the house,
+and desired us to send Martella to her. She added that her husband
+joined her in this wish, because it seemed improper that Martella
+should remain in our house any longer. My wife was not unwilling to
+send Martella to her for a while; but I insisted that she should stay
+with us in spite of all idle talk.
+
+About that time we received letters from the major and from Richard,
+both of whom wrote without the other's knowledge, and to the effect
+that Prussia's proposal to the German Diet might lead to a conflict,
+the consequences of which it was impossible to foretell. Thus public
+and private affairs kept us in unusual excitement, when an unexpected
+event claimed our attention.
+
+A rumor had long been current in our family that we had relatives of
+high rank living in Vienna. Up to the year 1805, our village and the
+whole district had belonged to Austria. All of the more ambitious and
+talented among our people had been drawn to Vienna, either by their own
+desire to advance themselves, or by the inducements the government held
+out to them; for it was the constant aim of Austria to gain the
+attachment of the landed interests.
+
+At the beginning of the last century, an uncle of my father had moved
+to the Imperial city, where he attained a high position. He had
+embraced the Catholic religion, and had been ennobled. Ernst, who
+always called that branch of the family "the root brood," had long
+cherished the plan of hunting up our relatives, in the hope of thus
+finding a better opening for himself.
+
+Towards spring we received a visit from our neighbor, Baron Arven. He
+was accompanied by a young bridal couple. He introduced the husband,
+who was an officer at the garrison of Mayence, as a relative of mine.
+The wife belonged to the family of the Baroness Arven, and was from
+Bohemia. They seemed sociable and charming people, and both sides were
+inclined to make friends with each other, but without success. Our
+thoughts and feelings were pitched in different keys.
+
+The young couple left us in order to repair to the capital. On their
+departure, I gave them a letter to Bertha, and the Major. They wrote to
+me in the kindest manner, and remarked that they would be pleased if
+Ernst could assume the charge of the forests on their estate in
+Moravia.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XX.
+
+Spring had come, and the air was filled with the resinous odor of the
+pines. I was sitting by the open window, and reading in a newspaper
+that Bismarck had asked the Diet for a constituent national assembly,
+to be voted for directly by the people. Could it be possible? I took up
+the country journals: they reviled this proposal, and could not conceal
+their fear that the most powerful weapon of the revolutionary party had
+been destroyed.
+
+While I was sitting there, buried in thought, I heard a rider rapidly
+approaching. It was Ernst. He hurriedly greeted us, and showed us an
+order recalling him to his regiment.
+
+Martella cried out aloud. Ernst pacified her. He told us that he was no
+longer a subject of this country. He had given notice of his intention
+to emigrate, and that would protect him. It was spring-time, and the
+best season of the year to go forth into the wide world. I could only
+tell him that I doubted whether he would be allowed to leave the
+confederation.
+
+"Confederation!" he exclaimed; "what a glorious name!"
+
+He gave me a look that I shall, alas! never forget. He seemed to be
+collecting his senses, and as if struggling with his thoughts, and then
+said: "As far as I am concerned, my life is of no consequence to me.
+But, father, there will be war, in which what the books call Germans
+will be fighting against Germans. Have you raised me for this? Is this
+all that you are in the world for--that your son should perish, or even
+conquer, in a war between brethren? Either issue is equally
+disgraceful. I do not know what I would not rather do than take part in
+that."
+
+I endeavored to pacify Ernst, and told him that these were diplomatic
+quarrels, that would not lead so far after all. I could not conceive of
+the possibility of war. However, I consented to Ernst's request to
+accompany him to the borough town, in order to confer with the
+kreis-director in regard to the steps that were necessary. I sincerely
+hoped to obtain further particulars there, and felt that all would
+again be peacefully arranged.
+
+My wife had sent for Joseph and had asked him to accompany us, for she
+saw how fearfully excited Ernst was, and desired us to have a mediator
+with us. She judged wisely.
+
+"I shall return to-morrow," said Ernst to Martella, when all was ready
+for our departure.
+
+"And if you do not return to-morrow," she answered, "and even if you
+must go to war at once, nothing will happen to you. You are the
+cleverest of all; and if you care to become a major, do so; and I shall
+learn how to be a major's wife--for I can learn anything."
+
+She was wondrously cheerful; she seemed to have vanquished her fears,
+and thus, both for herself and Ernst, lightened the pain of parting.
+
+Joseph informed me that Funk was everywhere joyously proclaiming that
+now at last the crash must come, and that proud Prussia with its
+Junkers would be cut to pieces, or, to use his own words, demolished.
+Ernst beat the bays so unmercifully and drove so furiously, that I
+ordered him to halt, and insisted on Joseph's taking the reins. Ernst,
+in a sullen mood, seated himself beside me.
+
+In the valley we a saw lumber wagon halting on the road, and from afar
+recognized the horses as Joseph's.
+
+Carl, a servant of Joseph's, and son to the spinner who lived up on the
+rock, was surrounded by a group of raftsmen, woodsmen, and teamsters,
+who were all gesticulating in the wildest manner.
+
+We halted as soon as we reached the team. Carl, a handsome,
+light-haired fellow, with a cheerful face and good-natured eyes, came
+up to us and told us that this would be his last load; he had been
+summoned as a conscript, and would have to leave that very evening and
+walk all night, in order to reach the barracks in time.
+
+The old meadow farmer, who had joined the crowd exclaimed, "Yes,
+Napoleon is master. When he fiddles, Prussia and Austria must dance as
+he chooses, and the small folk will soon follow suit. Yes, there is a
+Napoleon in the world again. I knew the old one."
+
+We did not think it necessary to answer the man. While Joseph was
+giving his servant money to use by the way, others approached and
+declared that they, too, had been conscripted, and requested us to tell
+them why there was war.
+
+"You simple rogues," cried out Ernst, "that is none of your business!
+If you didn't wish it, there could be no war. You are fools, fearful
+fools, if you obey the conscription!"
+
+I snatched the whip from Joseph's hand, and beat the horses furiously
+while I called out to the crowd:
+
+"He was only joking!"
+
+Joseph assumed the task of bringing Ernst to reason. He declared that
+if I had not been present, he would have written the answer that Ernst
+deserved in his face.
+
+"Do so, you trusty Teuton!" replied Ernst.
+
+Speedily controlling himself, Joseph added, "Forgive me; but you are
+most exasperating. How can you bear to drag yourself and your father to
+the very brink of ruin with such idle speeches? You are unworthy of
+such a father."
+
+"Or of such a Fatherland," answered Ernst.
+
+I felt so oppressed that I could hardly breathe.
+
+We rode on for a little while, and at last Ernst inquired, in a
+submissive tone, "Will you permit me to smoke a cigar?" I nodded
+approval, and from that time until we reached the town, not a word was
+uttered.
+
+On the road that led up to the kreis-director's house, we saw the young
+iron merchant, Edward Levi, an honorable and well-educated young man.
+He was standing at the door of his warehouse, and saluted us in
+military fashion.
+
+Ernst beckoned to him to approach.
+
+"Have you not already received your discharge?"
+
+"I have; and you, I suppose, will now soon be an officer?"
+
+"So I have heard."
+
+We reached the director's house. The director could of course only
+confirm the fact that Ernst's notice of his intention to emigrate was
+as yet without legal effect. He furnished us with a certified copy of
+it, and added that he might be able to procure Ernst's discharge; but
+that, at all events, Ernst would be obliged for the present to join the
+troops.
+
+Rontheim believed that war was imminent, and I could not help noticing
+an expression of deep emotion in the features of the man whose face was
+always veiled in diplomatic serenity. In those days I heard the sad
+question which so often afterward would seem to rend our hearts:
+
+"What will become of Germany--what will become of the world--if Austria
+be successful?"
+
+I could easily see that it was as painful to him as it was to me to
+have a son go forth to war.
+
+On our way down the steps we met the director's daughter.
+
+She extended her hand to Ernst, while she said, "I congratulate you."
+
+"For what, may I inquire?"
+
+"Your betrothal."
+
+"Ah, yes; I thank you."
+
+"I presume your intended is full of sad thoughts now."
+
+"She does not do much thinking on the subject."
+
+"Is your nephew obliged to join the army?"
+
+"My nephew! Who can you mean?"
+
+"Julius Linker," blushingly answered the young girl.
+
+"No; he is not yet liable to military duty."
+
+"Will you be good enough to give my kindest greetings to my brother?"
+
+"With pleasure."
+
+On our way Ernst seemed quite amused, and indulged in jokes at the
+thought of Julius' being such a child of fortune. His life was
+evidently moving in a smooth current, for the half-fledged youth had
+already been lucky enough to win the love of so charming a girl.
+
+I felt quite reassured to find that Ernst's thoughts had taken another
+direction. He emphatically declared himself ready to join his regiment,
+and asked me to let him have some money. He thought there was no need
+of my accompanying him to the capital, but I felt loth to leave him,
+and, although I should not have done so, I promised to endeavor to
+procure his discharge.
+
+We again met Joseph, who expressed his regret that the conscription of
+his valuable servant Carl would oblige him to return to his home, for
+he had intended to accompany us to the capital.
+
+It was necessary for him, however, to go to the fortress, for he had
+accepted a contract to furnish fence rails.
+
+Joseph is a very active patriot, but he is quite as active as a
+business man. He has the art of combining both functions, and Richard
+once said of him with justice: "With Joseph, everything is a stepping
+stone, and all events contribute to the success of his business plans."
+
+We were seated in the garden of the Wild Man Tavern, when we heard a
+great uproar in front of the house of Krummkopf, the lumber merchant.
+
+A company of conscripts had marched up before the house, in which there
+resided a young man who had purchased his discharge from military
+service, and they cursed and swore that they who were poor were obliged
+to go to war, while the rich ones could remain at home.
+
+Joseph, who recognized many of his workmen among the young folks,
+succeeded in pacifying them.
+
+We accompanied Ernst to the railway. At the depot I found Captain
+Rimminger, the lumber merchant, who was just superintending the loading
+of some planks. When I told him that he ought to feel glad that he was
+no longer a soldier, he silently nodded assent. He did not utter a
+word, for he was always exceedingly careful to avoid committing
+himself.
+
+At the depot we saw conscripts who were shouting and cheering, mothers
+who were weeping, and fathers who bit their lips to control their
+emotion.
+
+At every station where Ernst left the train, I feared that he would not
+come back; but he did return and sat by my side quietly, speaking only
+in reply to my questions. For a while he would sit absorbed in thought,
+and then he would stand up and lean against the side of the railway
+coach, in which position he would remain immovable. I felt much grieved
+that the heart of this child had become a mystery to me.
+
+We arrived at the capital. I had lost sight of Ernst in the crowd, but
+afterwards found him talking with the ensign, the director's son. Ernst
+desired to go to the barracks at once. I accompanied him to the gate,
+which he entered without once turning to look back.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXI.
+
+
+I remained standing near the gate and saw constant arrivals of more
+young men. Men and women desired to accompany them inside the barracks,
+but were always ordered back by the guard.
+
+Carl, the son of the spinner who lived on the rock, was also among the
+arrivals. Without any solicitation on my part, he promised to keep an
+eye on Ernst.
+
+It had become night; the gas-lamps were lit, and yet I stood there so
+buried in thought, that the lamp-lighter was obliged to tell me to move
+on.
+
+There I was, in the capital in which there lived so many of my friends,
+and my own child; indeed, two of my children.
+
+Where should I go first? Our club-house was in the vicinity, and I went
+there. They praised me for having come so soon, for while I had been at
+the borough town they had telegraphed for me.
+
+They were in hourly expectation of a government order, convoking the
+Parliament. What we were expected to discuss no one knew; but every one
+felt that it was necessary for us to assemble. I could not bring myself
+to believe that war was really possible, and there were many who shared
+my opinion.
+
+Funk was there also. He offered me his hand in a careless manner, and,
+feeling that in such times enmity should be at an end, I shook hands
+with him.
+
+Funk rejoiced that the grand crash was at last to come. Prussia would
+have to be beaten to pieces, and a federation founded; for the present,
+with a monarchical head.
+
+The minister, who was well known as an arch-enemy of Prussia, had sent
+word to the committee of our party that he would come to us that same
+evening, and bring the order convoking us with him. He did not come in
+person, but contented himself with sending the written order. Of what
+use could we be when the harm had already been done. What were we?
+Nothing but a flock without any will of our own.
+
+I went to Bertha's house. I found her alone; her husband was at his
+post, busy day and night. It had suddenly been discovered that the
+troops were not fully prepared.
+
+I had not been there long, before her friend Annette entered, from
+whom as usual I was obliged to endure much praise. Annette found it
+quite--she was about to say "patriarchal," but checked herself in
+time--that I had come to assist Bertha.
+
+"Only think of it," she continued, putting all her remarks in the form
+of questions, as was her wont: "Would you have thought that Bertha
+would be much less resigned than I? I have always wished that I might
+be so gentle and self-controlled as Bertha; and now I am the quieter of
+the two. Have I not as much love for my husband as any woman can have
+for hers? Have I not given up everything for his sake? Now I say to
+myself, 'Did you not know what you were doing when you married a
+soldier? Is the uniform merely for the parade and the court ball?
+Therefore, rest content. In this world everything must be paid for. It
+is necessary to accept the consequences of one's actions.' Am I right
+or wrong?"
+
+Annette always closed with a note of interrogation, and of course I was
+obliged to respond affirmatively.
+
+Bertha smiled sadly, and said in a weary voice: "Yes, father, I must
+admit it; I have always thought that war was one of those things of
+which one only learned in the hour devoted at school to history. I only
+knew of the Punic wars and the Peloponnesian war--for we never got as
+far as modern history--and thought of these things as of what had once
+been. But I honestly admit that I did not think they would come to pass
+again in our time."
+
+"Just think of it, Bertha," said Annette, while she drew a thick volume
+from her satchel, "this is the Bible. You know that I never take
+quotations at second-hand, but prefer looking them up myself. This
+morning while the hairdresser was with me, it occurred to me that the
+Bible says the wife should leave her father and her mother for his
+sake. So I sent for the Bible, the very one that the dowager princess
+presented me with when I was christened. I hunted up the passage, but
+what did I find? Why, that for this the 'man would leave his father and
+mother,'--the man. Now just look, it says the man; and why should it
+say _the man_? He is not a domestic plant, like us girls!"
+
+The vivacity of the pretty and graceful woman cheered me, and I must
+admit that from that time my opinion of Annette changed. She seems
+imbued with much of that power of self-reliance which is a peculiar
+characteristic of the Jews; they are nothing by inheritence, and are
+obliged to make themselves what they are.
+
+But Annette seemed to guess at my silent thoughts, and continued, "Do
+not praise me, I beg of you! I do not deserve it. I am quite different
+when I am alone; then I am tormented with horrible fancies. And let me
+tell you, Bertha, when our husbands leave, you must keep me with you. I
+cannot be alone. I am beginning to hate my piano already. I do not go
+into the room in which it stands. Ah, here come our husbands!"
+
+We heard advancing steps. The Major entered, and greeted me politely,
+but seemed quite gloomy.
+
+I told him that I had brought Ernst.
+
+"I hope he will do himself credit," said the Major in a hard voice.
+
+I told him that the Parliament was about to reassemble, whereupon the
+Major with great emphasis said, "Dear father, I beg of you do not let
+us talk politics now. I have the greatest respect for your patriotism,
+your liberalism, and for all your opinions. But now it is my uniform
+alone that speaks; what is inside of it has not a word to say."
+
+He pressed both hands to his heart, and continued:
+
+"Pshaw! I, too, once believed in 'German unity,' as they are fond of
+calling it,.... and even had hopes of Prussia. But now we will show
+these impudent, mustachioed Prussian gentlemen what we are made of."
+
+I was careful not to reply to his remarks, in which I could easily
+notice the struggle that was going on within him. He was on duty; and
+it is wrong to talk to a man who is at his post.
+
+What sort of a war is it in which they know no other cry but "Let us
+show them what we are made of!"
+
+And if the victory is achieved, what then? An invisible demon sat
+crouching on the knapsack of every soldier, making his load heavier by
+a hundred-fold.
+
+We seated ourselves at the table. The Major seemed to feel that he had
+been harsh towards me, and was now particularly polite. He asked about
+mother, Martella, and Rothfuss. He told us that he had that day heard
+from our newly discovered cousin, in a letter from Mayence, in which he
+had expressed the hope that they might stand side by side on the
+battle-field, and thus again become bound to each other.
+
+The Major had nothing more to say. He poured out a glass of wine for
+me, and drank my health in silence. Annette used every exertion to
+dispel the dark cloud under which we were laboring.
+
+She asserted that her saddle horse seemed to know that it would soon be
+led forth to battle, and told us a number of marvellous stories about
+that clever animal. She was very fond of telling anecdotes, and had
+considerable dramatic talent.
+
+"Dear father," said the Major, "I believe I have not yet acquainted you
+with my darling wish."
+
+"I do not remember your having done so."
+
+"My request is, that when we leave, Bertha and the children should
+remain with you until the end of the campaign, which from present
+indications will not extend to your neighborhood.
+
+"They are now, at last, constructing a telegraph line through your
+valley--it has been deemed a military necessity, and that will enable
+us to hear from each other with dispatch."
+
+"And will you accept an unbidden guest?" interposed Annette. "I know
+that you will say 'yes,' and I promise you that I will be quite good
+and docile."
+
+I extended my hand to her, while she continued:
+
+"You know that it has for a long while been my wish to be permitted to
+spend some time with your wife. Iphigenia in the forest, in the German
+pine forest! Oh, how charming it was of your father-in-law to name his
+daughter so! Are pretty names only intended for books? Of course,
+Grecian Iphigenia should not knit stockings. Did not your father-in-law
+begin to translate Goethe's 'Iphigenia' into Greek, but fail to
+complete it? Is not Iphigenia too long a name for daily use? How do you
+address your wife?"
+
+"By her middle name, Gustava."
+
+"Ah, how lovely! 'Madame Gustava.' And the forest child? I presume she
+is still with you? And now I shall at last become acquainted with your
+noble and faithful servant, Rothfuss, who said that 'one who is
+drenched to the skin need not dread the rain.'"
+
+As far as our all-engrossing anxiety would permit it, Annette's
+volubility and liveliness contributed greatly to our relief.
+
+We had just left the table when Rolunt, the Major's most intimate
+friend, entered. He had at one time been an officer in the service of
+the Duke of Augustenberg, and had thence returned to his home, where he
+was now professor at the military school.
+
+Now political conversation could not be restrained, although the Major
+refrained from taking part in it.
+
+Rolunt was furious that, no matter how the war might end, Germany would
+be obliged to give an indemnity, in the shape of Nice, to France.
+
+We had the galling consciousness that one nation presumed to decide the
+affairs of another, with as much freedom as it would regulate the taxes
+or the actions of its own citizens.
+
+We remained together until it was quite late, and when we separated, it
+was with crushed hearts.
+
+The Major insisted on my staying at his house; the war, he said, had
+done away with all minor considerations.
+
+On the following day there was another session of the Parliament. The
+government demanded an extraordinary credit, which was accorded,
+although it was hoped that we might escape being drawn into war; for
+both the government and the legislature fondly expected that our
+troubles might be arranged by diplomacy.
+
+Who, after all, was the enemy that we were fighting against?
+
+I went to the barracks. I was refused admission. Fortunately, I saw the
+ensign approaching, and, under his protection, I was allowed to enter.
+Ernst, who had already donned the uniform, was lying on a bench. He
+seemed surprised to see me.
+
+"Pray do not say a word until we get outside."
+
+He received permission to go out for half an hour, and soon stood
+before me in his smart attire. There was something graceful and yet
+determined in his bearing.
+
+When we gained the street, he asked me whether there was any chance of
+his discharge.
+
+I was in a sad dilemma. I had taken no steps, because it was only too
+evident that my efforts would have been of no avail.
+
+It was this that made me hesitate in answering him, and Ernst
+exclaimed, "All right. I know all about it."
+
+My very heart bled, pierced as it was by the same sword that rent my
+Fatherland in twain.
+
+I endeavored to persuade my son that there are times when our own wills
+and thoughts are of no avail against the great current of Fate.
+
+"Thanks, father, thanks," answered Ernst, in a strangely significant
+tone.
+
+I could only add, "I feel assured that you will do your duty. Do not
+forget that you have parents and a bride."
+
+He seemed to pay but little attention to my words.
+
+He took off his helmet, and said, "This presses me so: I am unused to
+it. It seems to crush my brain."
+
+He looked very handsome, but very sad. We were standing before the
+office of the State Gazette, when suddenly the street seemed filled
+with groups of excited people, listening to a man who had climbed to
+the top of a wagon and was reading off a dispatch just received from
+Berlin, to the effect that there had been an attempt to shoot Bismarck,
+but that the ball had missed aim.
+
+"Curse him!" cried Ernst; "I would not have missed aim."
+
+I reproved him with great severity, but he insisted that one had a
+right to commit murder. I replied that no one would ever have that
+right, and that this deed had been as culpable as the assassination of
+Abraham Lincoln; for if any one man has the right to be both the judge
+and the executioner of his enemies, you will have to accord the
+privilege to the democrat as well as to the aristocrat.
+
+"Let us cease this quarrelling," he answered; "I have no desire to
+dispute with you. I am firm in my belief that one is justified in doing
+wrong for the sake of bringing about a good result. But, I beg of you,
+father, let us now and forever cease this quarrelling."
+
+His face showed his conflicting emotions, and he kissed my hand when I
+gently stroked his face.
+
+The crowd had dispersed in the meanwhile, and we proceeded on our way.
+
+Ernst suddenly stopped and said to me: "Farewell, father. Give my love
+to mother and Martella."
+
+He held on to my hand quite firmly for a moment or two longer, and then
+said, "I must go to the barracks."
+
+His eyes plainly told me that he would like to say more that he could
+not express; but he merely nodded, and then turning on his heel,
+departed.
+
+"Write to us often!" I called out to him. He did not look back.
+
+I followed after him for a while, keeping near enough to hear his firm
+step and the rattling of his spurs. I fondly hoped that he would yet
+return to me, and tell me of the thoughts that oppressed his heart.
+
+I met many acquaintances on the way, who saluted me and extended their
+hands. They wanted me to stop and talk with them, but I merely nodded
+and passed on.
+
+In my eager haste I ran against many people, for I did not want to lose
+sight of my son. There he goes! Now he stands still--now he turns.
+Surely-- At that moment a company of soldiers marched down the street
+to the sound of lively music; we were now separated. I could not see my
+son again. I returned to Bertha and the Major, and the latter promised
+me to keep a watchful eye on Ernst, and to send us frequent tidings in
+regard to him, in case he should neglect to write.
+
+I rode to the depot. I was fearfully tired, and felt as if I could not
+walk another step.
+
+As the trains were quite irregular, I was obliged to wait there for a
+long while.
+
+I felt--no, I cannot--I dare not--revive the painful emotions that rent
+my bosom. Of what avail would it be? My son was going forth to war, and
+I had brought him here, myself.
+
+"Brother fighting against brother." I fancied that I had been talking
+to myself and had uttered these words; but I found that they were
+frequently repeated by the excited groups that were scattered about the
+depot. All about me there was ceaseless turmoil. People were rushing to
+and fro, yelling, shouting, cursing, and laughing. I sat there absorbed
+in thought, not caring to see or hear anything more of the world, when
+a familiar voice said to me, "How charming, father, that I should meet
+you here!"
+
+My son Richard stood before me; he had finished his lectures and was
+about to return home.
+
+Accompanied by him, I started for home.
+
+Richard informed me of the political divisions among the professors,
+and thus afforded me a glimpse of a sphere of life entirely different
+from my own. Even the immovable altars of science were now trembling,
+and personal feeling had become so violent that the friends of Prussia,
+of whom Richard was one, could not appear in public without being
+subjected to insults. On our way home, we stopped for dinner at the
+garrison town, where we heard the most contemptuous allusions to the
+"Prussian braggarts," as they were termed.
+
+It was said that they had no officers who had ever smelt powder. That
+what had been done in Schleswig-Holstein had been achieved by the
+Austrians; and that if they ever dared go so far as to fight, they
+would be sent home in disgrace.
+
+I do not know whether they really believed what they said, or whether
+they were simply trying to keep up their courage. But, on every hand,
+one could hear them say, "They will not let matters proceed so far;
+they are loud talkers and nothing else."
+
+I was quite beside myself; but Richard begged me to remain silent. He
+thought it was well that matters had come to this pass.
+
+Whoever had brought on this war had assumed a great, but perhaps
+unavoidable, responsibility. It was the sad fiat of fate, and none
+could foretell where the sacrifice and suffering would end. History
+would march on in its appointed path, even though sin and suffering be
+its steppingstones.
+
+And then he pointed to our surroundings, and added, "Such fellows as
+these will never be converted by speeches; nothing but a thorough
+beating will teach them reason."
+
+I have found that sober history tells us very little of all those
+things. She brings the harvest under shelter and enters the result; but
+who stops to ask how the weather may have changed while the grain was
+ripening?
+
+But to us who live in the present, such things are not trifles; and I
+cannot help maintaining that the war of 1866 was forced on the people
+against their will, as far as I can judge, and I have spoken to many on
+the subject. The Prussians did not desire war; the conservatives did
+certainly not wish for it, for Austria was, spite of all, the bulwark
+of their principles. The liberals did not want it; nor did the soldiers
+go forth with cheerful hearts. But necessity had become incarnate in
+the brain of a single statesman: separation from Austria was the end to
+be gained, and though it went hard, that result must be achieved.
+
+But the operation was a difficult and a painful one.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXII.
+
+
+Before the train left the station, the newsboys were running about
+offering copies of extra issues of the journals, with news that the
+Diet had raised the German colors: black, red, gold.
+
+And thus the Diet dared to unfurl the flag which we had always regarded
+with devotion,--for the sake of which we had been persecuted,
+imprisoned, or exiled. It seemed as if the holiest of holies had been
+denied and dishonored.
+
+"It is the death-bed repentance of a sinner who has not enough time
+left to do good in," said Richard, who divined the thoughts that were
+passing through my mind.
+
+A large company of soldiers was on the train, and went as far as the
+next garrison town.
+
+But how could they have found it in their hearts to sing?
+
+Haymaking had begun, the cars were filled with the fragrant odor of the
+newly mown grass. The laborers in the fields would look up from their
+work, and raise their scythes on high when they saw us pass.
+
+And now, when it seemed as if my Fatherland was to be laid waste and
+destroyed, I became more than ever sensible of my great affection for
+it.
+
+These woods, these fields and villages, were all to be laid waste, and
+shrieks of woe would resound from the flames. I felt it as keenly, as
+if beholding a beloved relative in the grasp of death.
+
+The train was just moving away from the station when I heard a soldier
+call out to me, "Grandfather!"
+
+I recognized him: it was my grandson Martin, the son of my daughter
+Johanna. He nodded to me, and when I turned to look at him, I saw the
+lieutenant collaring and buffeting him for speaking without orders
+while in the ranks.
+
+We had proceeded but a short distance when I observed that Funk was on
+the train. He kept at a distance from us. He had bought a large bundle
+of extra newspapers, which he distributed to the people at the
+different stations.
+
+When we reached our circuit town we repaired to the Wild Man Tavern,
+where, while waiting for a conveyance, we seated ourselves under the
+newly planted lindens. While sitting there, engrossed by thoughts of
+the country's troubles, I learned of another trouble nearer home.
+
+I am old enough to know something of human wickedness, but I admit that
+I am, even to this day, frequently surprised by the shape that human
+meanness will sometimes take.
+
+At a side table was seated Funk's special satellite--the baker Lerz,
+of Hollerberg. He was accompanied by his wife, and both looked about
+them with an air of serene contentment. The baker was a sensual,
+self-complacent man, who had a habit of smiling and moving his lips, as
+if he were smacking them at the thoughts of a feast he had just been
+enjoying. He had just been involved in an unclean piece of business, in
+which he had sworn that he was innocent, although, according to my
+conviction and the general belief, he had perjured himself in so doing.
+But what does such an unconscionable voluptuary care for that? When the
+peril was passed, all care was at an end.
+
+The baker approached me and inquired if I would like to ride home with
+him; for the government levies had rendered it difficult to obtain a
+conveyance. I declined; Fortunately, my neighbor, the young meadow
+farmer, who had been taking hay over to the railway station, was
+passing by at the time, and so I rode home with him.
+
+A little way out of the town, we came up with a young woman who was
+walking along the road. She had covered her head with a large white
+kerchief, and was carrying an infant in her arms.
+
+Her head was bent forward; and it is generally a sign of deep thought
+if one who is walking along a road does not look around at the rapid
+approach of a vehicle. And this woman was Lerz's victim.
+
+The meadow farmer, who was, usually, a man of few words, leaned back
+from his seat on the front bench, and whispered to me, "Such a fellow
+as Lerz ought not to be permitted to take an oath."
+
+The meadow farmer had for a long while been my worst enemy, simply
+because I had deprived him of his greatest enjoyment--venting his spite
+on others.
+
+Although it may, in these pages, seem as if I had cherished too high an
+ideal of the people, I desire right here to say that I have found among
+the lower classes that which is noblest and highest in man. But I have
+also found much that is mean and revolting. Envy and malice are
+characteristics almost peculiar to the farmer, and are especially shown
+about the time of irrigating the meadows. It affords him peculiar
+pleasure to wait until a neighbor has set his water-traps, and to sneak
+out and reverse them so as to make the water flow on to his own
+meadows.
+
+The authorities had forbidden the watering of meadows after two o'clock
+on Sunday morning, but it availed nothing. I appointed a servant who
+was to have the sole right of setting the water-gates and opening them
+again; and the meadow farmer could not forgive me for this. I had
+robbed him of the pleasure of wreaking his spite on others.
+
+It was not so much on account of the advantage he had gained thereby;
+but, like the rest of them, he had found it great sport to outwit the
+"gentleman farmer," as they called me.
+
+The meadow farmer really hated me and Joseph; for if it had not been
+for us he would have been the first man in the village. Wherever he
+went, they inquired, "How goes it with Waldfried?" or "How is Joseph
+Linker?" It annoyed him that they did not ask after him first of all.
+
+He would have been glad to take a share in politics, but was too mean
+to bestow the requisite amount of time upon such matters; and then he
+would say, "Such folks as Funk should not be permitted to put in their
+say; there is nothing behind him."
+
+We had just reached the saw-mill, down in the valley, when we saw a
+large hay-wagon coming along the road in the direction of the meadow.
+Martella sat on top: Rothfuss was walking beside the horses.
+
+Martella alighted. She looked quite troubled. She welcomed Richard, and
+asked me, "Where have you left Ernst?"
+
+"He is not with us."
+
+"Where then?"
+
+We had no time to reply before Martella called out, "So he must go to
+war after all!"
+
+"Of course."
+
+"Of course? Of course?" Martella asked repeatedly. She stopped for a
+moment, and removing the rake from her shoulder rested herself upon it.
+
+I told her that in all likelihood there would be no war, and that all
+the clamor was nothing more than angry threatening on both sides.
+
+"That is not true!" cried Martella; "you should not tell me an
+untruth!"
+
+"Martella, this is my father!" cried Richard.
+
+"And mine too," she interrupted; "forgive me! Because you are my father
+you should forgive me; if you did not you would not and could not be my
+father. Forgive me! Oh! they will shoot my good, kind Ernst!"
+
+She sat down by the roadside and covered her face with both her hands.
+In a little while, however, she yielded to our entreaties, and
+accompanied us to the house, but without speaking a word on the way. As
+soon as we arrived there, she hurriedly left us and hastened to the
+barn. In a few moments she returned and cried out with a loud voice,
+"Mother, Richard is here!"
+
+The child's temperament was strangely variable.
+
+My wife was especially delighted at Richard's return. "With one
+exception," she said, smiling (for she could not reconcile herself to
+Richard's remaining unmarried), "you always did the right thing at the
+right time. We need both a son and a Professor. Perhaps you will be
+able to make Martella understand what is meant by the words State and
+Fatherland."
+
+She told us that Martella, who was generally so quick of apprehension,
+found it impossible to form any conception of those ideas, and that,
+naturally enough, in her present troubles, this was doubly difficult.
+For, even in our eyes, the events as well as the duties of that sad
+period seemed like a horrible enigma.
+
+It seemed as if thinking of Martella had relieved my wife from the
+weight of her own trouble. When I informed her of the expected arrival
+of Bertha and the children, her face beamed with joy. She at once
+repaired to the rooms that they were to occupy, and seemed, in
+anticipation, to enjoy the thought of entertaining those who were
+dearest to her.
+
+I had told my wife nothing of Annette's coming. She was, however,
+gifted with a prophetic insight that bordered on the marvellous.
+Results which to others were yet invisible were, by her, discerned with
+unerring foresight. She at once devoted two large rooms opening on the
+garden to Annette.
+
+Martella hurried about, helping to get the house in order, and seemed
+as if there was nothing to depress her spirits.
+
+Rothfuss complained to me that the "forest imp," as he at times called
+Martella, left him no peace, day or night. She wanted him to tell her
+why people had to be soldiers, and why there was such a thing as war;
+and she had abused the Prince in terms that would secure her seven
+years in the fortress of Illenberg, if her remarks were reported to the
+authorities.
+
+She had once even wanted to run off to the Prince and tell him how
+wicked it was to command human beings to shoot one another, and that he
+should, at all events, give her lover back again, for the war was
+nothing to Ernst or to her.
+
+Rothfuss called the professor to his assistance.
+
+Richard declined the commission, remarking that it was not necessary
+for every maiden to know why her lover was forced to go to the wars,
+and that, in the present instance, he hardly knew the reason himself.
+
+Notwithstanding this remark, he essayed to speak with Martella on the
+subject, and I have never seen him so nervous and confused as on that
+occasion; for Martella called out to him, "Do not say a word: it is all
+of no use." Then she embraced him, and kissed him, and pressed him to
+her heart.
+
+Martella's ardent kisses had so surprised and confused him that it was
+some time before he could collect himself. I had never seen him so
+unnerved before. I believed that I understood the cause of his emotion.
+
+Martella was a riddle which to Richard seemed more difficult of
+solution than to any of us.
+
+What we had all failed to accomplish was brought about by the
+simple-minded Spinner.
+
+Had she been told that she could be of use, or had she divined it? She
+came up to Martella and said, "Child, your lot is a hard one; but look
+at me: mine is still harder. My best child, indeed my only one,--for
+the others had left me to starve,--has also gone to the war; and though
+a lover be ever so dear, he is not a son, as you will sometime know
+when you have a son of your own."
+
+After that, Martella was quite resigned. She had, of course, not
+acquired any idea of the significance of the word "State;" but she now
+felt that the fate of all beings was ordained by a great overruling
+power.
+
+Joseph kept us constantly informed of the excitement that reigned
+through the neighborhood. Funk was the chief spokesman. He announced
+that the time was about to arrive when Germany would become a free
+confederation like our neighbor Switzerland.
+
+I do not think that one of those loud talkers believed in the
+fulfilment of such hopes; but, for the time being, it afforded them an
+opportunity of indulging in high-sounding phrases. On the other hand,
+we knew that to "abolish Prussia," as their phrase ran, would simply be
+the first step towards preparing for Germany the fate of Poland.
+And yet my own kindred--my son, my son-in-law, and Martin, my
+grandson--were fighting to accomplish that very object.
+
+
+
+
+
+                              BOOK SECOND.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER I.
+
+
+We were seated on the balcony when we saw Bertha and her children
+coming up the hill towards the house. My wife at once arose, and opened
+the two folding-doors, as if with that action she were opening wide our
+hearts to receive them.
+
+Realizing the fact that there was no escaping from our troubles, Bertha
+had conquered her sorrow, and now appeared as fresh and cheerful as if
+she had just been drinking at the fountain of youth.
+
+As soon as the first greetings were over, my wife inquired about Ernst.
+
+Bertha had seen him but once, as his captain had sent him up the
+country to get transportation for horses.
+
+"That is bad; they should not have sent him there. O Ernst, poor, dear
+Ernst!" suddenly shrieked my wife.
+
+She grew pale and fell back on a chair. We feared that she would faint.
+Bertha rushed to her aid, but she speedily recovered herself, and her
+trembling lips were the only sign, of the emotion she had passed
+through. She did not tell us why she had found it so wrong of them to
+send Ernst on that errand. She accompanied Bertha to her room, and
+stroking the light locks of little Victor, whom she had taken on her
+lap, said, "He looked just as you do when he was a little boy, except
+that he had blue eyes."
+
+"Yes," said Bertha, "my husband has often noticed that Victor bears
+great resemblance to Ernst."
+
+"And Uncle Ernst promised me a horse," said Victor.
+
+"Did he?" said my wife, with pleased looks: "If he did that, it is all
+right, but sad enough for all. Still, others have their burdens to bear
+as well as we."
+
+Martella's first meeting with Bertha as well as with Annette, resulted
+in mutual attraction.
+
+Bertha was obliged to tell Martella all that she knew about Ernst, and
+while she was holding the hand of the strange child, the latter must
+have felt a consciousness of the candor and straightforwardness of
+Bertha's character, for she looked into her face with sparkling eyes.
+
+Martella asked Bertha whether Ernst had sent the broken ring by her.
+
+Bertha said he had not.
+
+She removed a ring from her finger and offered it to Martella, who
+declined it.
+
+When Annette offered both her hands to Martella, and said that she had
+for a long while been anxious to make her acquaintance, Martella was
+quite confused, and looked down towards the ground. When she raised her
+head, her eyes fell on a light green necktie which Annette wore.
+
+"How pretty it is!" were her first words.
+
+Annette immediately removed the tie, and fastened it about Martella's
+neck.
+
+"It is quite warm, yet," said Martella; and Annette replied, "How
+lovely! Let us regard that as a good omen."
+
+When Bertha, who rarely gave way to sentiment, returned and joined us
+again, she said, "Let us now be thrice as kind and loving to one
+another as we have been, and be indulgent with each other's moods. It
+is only by such means that we can manage to live through these terrible
+times."
+
+Bertha and her daughter Clotilde, a charming, graceful child about nine
+years of age, were so clever in anticipating every wish of my wife's,
+that, although it had always been her wont to be serving others and
+providing for their comfort, she was now obliged to let them have their
+own way.
+
+Martella seemed almost inseparable from Rothfuss, and Victor was always
+with the two. He accompanied them out to the fields and into the woods;
+and it was difficult to say which of the two was the happier, Rothfuss
+the old, or Victor the young, child.
+
+It would have been difficult also to say which of the two, Victor or
+Martella, cut wilder capers, for the young play-fellow with the soldier
+cap seemed to make her forget all her trouble. She was quite proud of
+her skill in leaping, and loved to display it.
+
+Bertha maintained that, in spite of rough manners, many of Martella's
+movements were full of wondrous grace; and when she would turn around
+five or six times on one foot, Victor could never imitate her.
+
+On the very day of her arrival, Annette awakened great interest in the
+village.
+
+She ascended to the top of the church steeple, where none of us had
+ever been. She waved her handkerchief from the little window in the
+belfry, until we took notice of her and returned her salute. All of the
+villagers who were not engaged in the fields had gathered in groups,
+and were looking up at the church steeple.
+
+When she joined us at dinner, she told us that she had already found
+out everything. The school-master had told her of the woods that had
+been planted by my wife, that she had already been at the Gustava
+Spring, and that the water had tasted as if it were pure dew.
+
+"Ah, how fortunate you are to own all this! The very air you breathe is
+your own."
+
+She talked incessantly, and many of her remarks were quite
+entertaining. She plied Richard with so many questions that he looked
+quite displeased, and soon left the table.
+
+"I can tell by the professor's looks that he is musical; is he not?"
+
+"Indeed he is; he is esteemed an excellent violincello player."
+
+"I can assure you that I asked no one, and I am so glad that my
+intuitions did not deceive me."
+
+While Annette was paying a visit to the school-mistress, Richard gave
+vent to his anger at her; but my wife pacified him. Annette could not
+enjoy the quiet possession of anything, and was always anxious to
+impart what she knew and felt to others. She was evidently of a very
+hospitable nature, and would, in good time, acquire repose of manner.
+
+During the first few days, while we were yet without news of any kind,
+and before the journals had given us any information as to the
+movements of the troops, Annette did not allow us to get a moment's
+rest.
+
+The way she worried us all, and Richard in particular, was quite
+provoking; and yet this lesser trouble made us forget the greater one.
+
+My father-in-law had converted the large corner room on the ground
+floor of our house into a veritable temple of beauty. He had, from time
+to time, purchased casts of the best antique statues, and had carefully
+arranged them along the walls and on pedestals, placing beautiful
+engravings between them.
+
+He had thus brought the immortal types of beauty into the depths of the
+forest. The room in which he had placed the statues, and which Richard
+jokingly entitled "Athens," was a favorite haunt of ours.
+
+Annette was greatly surprised to find such treasures with us, and said
+to Richard, "These undying types of a past great civilization are at
+home everywhere. It is because they no longer have, and indeed never
+did have, anything in common with the life of fashion, that they are
+thus immortal. Do you not agree with me?"
+
+She always insisted on having an answer to her questions. Then she
+would briskly add: "Now I understand the meaning of the Niobe; she is
+the old spinner who lives out on the rock." When we laughed at this
+conceit of hers, she told us, "Oh! I beg your pardon, I mean that she
+is the embodiment of a mother's grief in time of war."
+
+Pointing to a statue of Iphigenia, she inquired, "Herr Professor, can
+you tell me how the Grecian priestesses spent their time? Do you think
+it possible to be constantly offering sacrifices and uttering lofty
+thoughts?"
+
+Richard admitted that he could not give her the desired information;
+and Annette was quite delighted that she had posed the professor. She
+did not give up troubling him, however.
+
+All her notions of life in the country had been derived from books, and
+she was quite shocked to find that the mere money value or utility of
+trees was the only point of view in which they were regarded.
+
+Notwithstanding her overflowing, emotional temperament, she had quite a
+taste for details, and even for figures. At the first sight of a
+prettily situated village, she would always make inquiries in regard to
+the number of its inhabitants, their means, and manner of living. I was
+obliged to tell her all about my own household--how many acres of
+timber there were ready to cut, and how much was young timber; the
+amount of our annual production, how much live-stock my meadows would
+support, how much fruit my orchards gave me, and also how the work was
+divided amongst the four men-servants and three maids that we employed.
+
+She examined the whole establishment, from the stable to the loft. She
+seemed to take especial delight in the happy combination we had
+effected between the fruits of culture and the pursuit of husbandry.
+There was a certain air of solid comfort and good taste in our home. It
+had descended from the times of my father-in-law, and had been kept up
+by us.
+
+With good judgment, Annette thought that the very best site had been
+selected for our house. The hill beyond the hollow at the back of the
+house protected us on three sides, but was not near enough to deprive
+us of fresh air, or to keep out the gentle breezes that would come up
+from the valley after sunset and carry away the miasmatic vapors, thus
+affording us healthful and refreshing sleep during the night. A barn,
+which the meadow farmer had so placed that it destroyed part of the
+view down the valley, was a great eyesore to Annette.
+
+She asked Richard why the air with us was so cool and invigorating, and
+was very grateful when he explained the theory of the dew-fall to her.
+
+She was full of charming ingenuousness, for she once said. "I do not
+doubt that you enjoy the singing of the birds, but I honestly confess
+that I do not. It is pleasant to know that the little animal up in the
+trees is so joyful; but, nevertheless, there is no beauty in tones
+without connection or expression. I find that there are no more tones
+in the scale of the finch than in that of the barn-yard rooster; and
+why do we prefer the notes of the finch?"
+
+Richard often felt annoyed that Annette was constantly keeping every
+one about her on pins and needles, and seemed to desire his special
+approval of all that she did. He maintained that she was entirely
+deficient in mental balance.
+
+The temperaments of Annette and Bertha were in marked contrast to each
+other.
+
+When they were seated opposite each other and engaged in conversation,
+Bertha would bend forward, while Annette would lean back in her chair,
+as if immovable.
+
+Bertha's mere presence exerted a grateful influence, while Annette felt
+that she must always be doing something, in order to inspire others
+with an interest in her.
+
+Bertha, with all her affection for Martella, remained somewhat reserved
+towards her, while Annette was open and confiding, as with a sister.
+She was incapable of any other relations than those of perfect intimacy
+or absolute indifference.
+
+Richard noticed all these peculiarities, and when he mentioned them to
+me, I was almost startled to find how carefully he had been observing
+Annette.
+
+He was obliged, however, to agree with my wife when she said,
+"Annette's habit of requiring her friends to interest themselves in
+whatever engages her attention, is both innocent and childlike. A child
+will always think that its whip or its ball is of as much importance to
+others as to itself. Bear in mind, moreover, that Annette takes a
+lively interest in all that others do, and naturally enough supposes
+that they resemble her in that respect."
+
+Annette had gone from the school-house one day, to pay a visit to my
+nephew Joseph, who was a friend of her brother, the lawyer, who resided
+in the capital. She found that there were well-furnished rooms in his
+house, and a few days later removed there. She frankly admitted that
+she was too noisy for our home, and that it were better that she should
+visit us for a few hours at a time, instead of living with us.
+
+She at once set about rearranging the furniture and removing
+unnecessary decorations in her new quarters; and, on the next day,
+while the carpenters were busily engaged in making the changes she
+had ordered, she drove over to the city to visit the family of the
+kreis-director, with whom she had formerly been intimate.
+
+She returned in the evening, bringing their eldest daughter, whom she
+intended to keep with her as a companion. A large wagon carrying sofas,
+rocking-chairs, and all sorts of furniture followed.
+
+Although Annette had intended to lead a quiet and contemplative life,
+she might have been seen in the village at any hour of the day. She
+speedily acquainted herself with all of its features. She had, by
+rearranging the furniture in her own rooms, made them habitable and
+tasteful, and she now desired to effect a corresponding transformation
+in the houses of the wood-cutters; but the wives of the well-to-do
+farmers looked askance. Whenever she met one of the villagers, she
+would greet him or her politely, and would ask both old and young what
+they had had for dinner. She insisted that this was the most important
+of all questions. The people, however, found it great sport to answer
+her with lies.
+
+She had speedily become attached to the wife of the school-master, but
+disliked to go to the clergyman's house.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+
+
+Our clergyman was the son of poor parents. His father had been a
+beadle. He is without a single spark of genius, but is said to have
+distinguished himself by great application. He attends to his duties
+methodically, but in a cold and perfunctory manner. During the summer,
+he spends much of his time fishing; in the winter, he is almost always
+at home. He is well-skilled in that game of chess which requires but
+one player. He lost his father while he was quite young, and in order
+to be able to aid his mother and his many brothers and sisters, he
+married a wealthy, but half-witted girl, whom he never cared to take
+into society. Politics had no attractions for him.
+
+Formerly, if a beggar applied to him for alms he would have him sent up
+into his room, and would ask him, "What good will it do if I give you
+that which will only help you for a moment or so? Come and listen"--and
+he would then read the beggar a sermon, or a chapter out of the Bible.
+But, of late years, the beggars had piously avoided his house.
+
+Our school-master, on the other hand, is a clever and wide-awake man.
+He, too, had taken part in the political movements of 1848, but when
+placed on trial was acquitted. Ever since that time, he has held aloof
+from political affairs. He married a woman who is exceedingly clever,
+and who brought him some money besides.
+
+The clergyman has no children: the school-master has three--two sons,
+one of whom is a merchant down by the fortress; the other is a
+machinist, and resides in America. He is said to have quite a large
+business. The daughter is the wife of the inspector of roads. The
+school-master is quite proud that he can say, "If I were to give up my
+position to-morrow, I could afford to live without work"--a state of
+affairs to which the skill and economy of his wife has greatly
+contributed. The couple lead a loving and tranquil life. They are hale
+and hearty, and, as it often happens when two persons have lived
+together many years, they have grown to look very much alike. Their
+garden was filled with teeming flower-beds. Florists from the
+neighboring watering-places would come daily to purchase flowers, and
+thus the garden had become a source of considerable profit.
+
+But now that the war had emptied the watering-places, the flowers were
+left to perish for want of purchasers.
+
+Annette instructed the school-master's wife in the art of drying
+flowers, and making pretty bouquets of them.
+
+Carl's mother, who lived in a little house out by the rock, worked
+every day in the garden of the school-master's wife.
+
+Annette was attracted by the woman. She was short and thin, old and
+stooping, but had wonderfully clear and sparkling eyes, and Annette
+felt quite happy to think that this old woman, who was almost deaf,
+could by means of her eyes still have so much enjoyment.
+
+During the summer, the spinner, as had been her wont every year, would
+scrape off the bark from the branches of the elderberry tree, and
+afterward tie up the branches in bundles. Annette did great damage by
+explaining to her--she had only learned it herself the day before--that
+they would be used to make gunpowder. When the old woman heard that,
+she felt as if she could not bear to touch the wood; but, as she had
+undertaken the task, she was obliged to finish it, and so went on with
+her work, although it was not without murmuring.
+
+Through Annette's insinuating herself into the intimacy of others, much
+that happened in our village acquired clearer colors, and greater
+importance in my eyes.
+
+I told her the history of the spinner. She had had a husband, a tall,
+handsome man. He had been employed as a laborer on the road, but had
+wasted all his earnings at the tavern.
+
+Besides that, he had been a sportsman, and had loved, above all things,
+to roam through the woods with the forester and his attendants, in
+search of game.
+
+While these things were going on, the wife had, with her own earnings,
+reared four children, who were always among the tidiest in the village.
+Whenever anyone expressed pity that she had so thoughtless and
+inconsiderate a husband, she would say, "Oh, that's all right. If he
+were not so shiftless a fellow, he would never have married me; he
+would have gone and married some woman better, handsomer, and richer
+than I was."
+
+When the building of the railway was begun, he gave up his situation
+and went to work in the valley; but he would never bring home a
+groschen of money. Indeed, on one occasion, when he received a larger
+sum than usual, he drove up in a carriage with two comrades, and the
+three were not content until the last kreutzer had been spent.
+
+But yet with all this no word of complaint ever fell from the lips of
+his wife; and when, at last, her husband lost his life while blasting a
+rock, she bewailed his death, saying that he was the best man in the
+world.
+
+Two of her sons and one daughter were employed at Mulhausen; but they
+would not help the mother. Carl, who had been Joseph's servant, and was
+now with the troops, gave all his earnings to her, and would not suffer
+her to accept a gift from any one.
+
+When Annette knew this, she was all attention to the spinner; but it
+required much clever management to be able to do her a service. Besides
+that, it was awkward that the spinner was so indistinct of speech, that
+with the exception of her son Carl and the school-master's wife, there
+was hardly any one who could understand her.
+
+Richard and Bertha shook their heads while watching Annette's
+movements, and could not refrain from commenting on them. But my wife
+would always tell them that Annette was of an active temperament, and
+was only happy when assisting others. She also told them that Annette
+had interested herself for the baker Lerz's victim and her child, and
+that she had given the clergymen of the neighboring villages
+considerable sums to be distributed among the poor. And, further, that
+it was much to her credit that she would not allow herself to be driven
+away from her work by rudeness on the part of those whom she was trying
+to benefit.
+
+We soon had an amusing instance of this.
+
+One Sunday afternoon, while we were up in the arbor, Annette had seated
+herself with Rothfuss and Martella on a bench in front of the house.
+She was trying to find out from Rothfuss how much he loved his horses
+and cattle.
+
+Rothfuss knew nothing about loving them. All he said was, "Feed them
+well, and they will work for you."
+
+She was quite provoked that the tinkling of the bells of the cows that
+were grazing on the mountain patches was inharmonious. She said that
+she would buy bells that were in accord with each other, and present
+them to the owners of the cows.
+
+She conversed quite familiarly with Rothfuss and Martella, and asked
+them to look upon her as their companion.
+
+To which Rothfuss replied, "I have nothing against the Jews--they are
+all the same to me. In the place where I was born, there were lots of
+Jews, and I was on good terms with all of them. Two of them served in
+the same regiment with me; and in my village there was a splendid girl
+whom they called 'the little beauty;' she was strong and healthy and
+jolly. She loved to dance with me; and, if I could only have afforded
+to marry, I would have been bound to have her. And you may take my word
+for it, she would not have refused me.
+
+"You are a sensible woman; one can talk to you about all sorts of
+things. You are not like Baroness Arven, who once ordered me to take my
+cap in my hand while I was speaking to her. You are better than she is.
+
+"Yes, indeed; my first love was a Jewess.
+
+"And then there was Myerle the horse-dealer, who often came to see us.
+He looks just like you;--are you related to him? I know him intimately;
+he is a sharp fellow, and a man of his word, and always gives two crown
+thalers drink-money. Of late he has been trying to make it Prussian
+thalers, but that won't go down.
+
+"The Jews are just like us in everything. There is only one thing that
+they cannot do--they don't know how to drink; and they don't try it,
+either. But in all other respects they are just like us. 'He who is wet
+to the skin need not dread the rain.'"
+
+"And you, Martella," asked Annette, "what do you think of the Jews?"
+
+"I? I don't think of them at all. I want nothing to do with them. In
+the forest they always told me that my mother must have been a Jewess;
+but it is not true."
+
+"Who is your mother, then?"
+
+"Who? Why, Madame Cuckoo;--just ask her."
+
+Martella walked away.
+
+Annette joined us and told us all that had happened, adding: "One is
+always getting new and interesting ideas. Rothfuss and Martella,
+comparing their religion with mine, look upon themselves as nobles who
+vouchsafe me their favor. I accept it with thanks."
+
+My wife, however, looked over to us with a significant glance that
+seemed quite distinctly to say, "There, you can see now that she is
+free from prejudice, and full of imperturbable kindness."
+
+Notwithstanding her love and respect for us, Annette found great
+pleasure in her intimate relations with the neighboring family of Baron
+Arven. This may have been the result of her having formerly been kept
+in the background.
+
+Her constant journeyings to and fro were the occasion of our making
+some delightful acquaintances.
+
+Just beyond the boundary line, where I owned a large piece of woodland,
+there resided a young forester, who was of noble birth, and a relative
+of Annette's husband. We had before that been strangers to each other;
+but Annette knew how to draw him and his wife into our circle, and we
+were charmed by the simple manners of these highly cultivated people.
+
+Our family was so widely extended that we found it quite easy to trace
+a distant relationship to our newly discovered friends. The young wife
+was the daughter of a high official. Though living in the woods, she
+did not neglect her intellectual life, and found good music of great
+assistance in that regard. She had also been able to bring up sturdy
+boys; and we were quite pleased to learn that her only rule with them
+had been _truthfulness and obedience_. These two requisites had been
+firmly and inexorably insisted upon, and as a result the boys did their
+parents great credit.
+
+The new element that Annette had thus introduced into our circle often
+caused us to forget that the very next hour might bring us the saddest
+news.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III.
+
+
+It was eventide. The clear tones of the village bell filled the valley
+and were echoed back from the mountains opposite. The young woods down
+by the stone wall seemed transparent with the reflection of the rosy
+sunset, and all looked as if bathed in golden clouds.
+
+We were sitting in the arbor, and every one was probably thinking to
+himself, "Perhaps at this very moment men of the same nation--yea,
+brothers--may be murdering one another on the battle-field."
+
+In a low voice, and with an absence of all that resembled her usual
+excessive excitability, Annette remarked that my wife ought to feel
+very happy to think that she had planted yonder wood.
+
+At that moment we saw a carriage coming up the hill.
+
+"It is father!" exclaimed the daughter of the kreis-director, and ran
+to meet him.
+
+We observed that he opened the carriage door for her, and that she
+entered it and remained with him.
+
+Annette remarked that she had given orders that all telegrams should be
+sent to Herr Von Rontheim, who would forward them to us as speedily as
+possible. This must be a matter of importance, however, as he had come
+in person. But let his tidings be what they may, we would stand by and
+support one another.
+
+Rontheim entered.
+
+He brought us the news of a great victory gained by the Austrians, who
+were said to have penetrated into Silesia. His manner of imparting this
+was in accord with our feelings, and was quite free from any spirit of
+rejoicing. A brief telegram had brought the news.
+
+Rontheim seemed quite ill at ease and soon left, taking his daughter
+and Annette with him. A little while after that, Joseph arrived, and
+told me privately that he wished that Richard and I would come over to
+his house.
+
+I was struck with fear, and felt that there was bad news in store for
+me.
+
+Without knowing why, I felt alarmed.
+
+When I entered Annette's apartment, Rontheim was seated at a table on
+which there was a lighted lamp. In his hand there was a newspaper. He
+did not rise to receive me, but requested me to be seated.
+
+He grasped my hand firmly while he said, "You are a strong man, a just
+father--no father can be blamed for what his child may do.--Your son
+Ernst has deserted."
+
+Those were his words: I have written them down with my own hand. Could
+I, at that time, have believed that I would ever be able to do this!
+But to this day, I cannot tell what rent my heart and crazed my brain.
+All that I can recollect is that I felt as if a bullet were piercing my
+brain, and found it strange that I knew even that much of what was
+going on. I remember Richard's throwing his arms about my neck, and
+crying, "Father! Dear father!" and all was over.
+
+When I recovered consciousness my first thought was, "Why live again?
+Death has been conquered."
+
+The next thought that flashed upon me was, "But my wife!--She foresaw
+it all, yet how will she bear this burden?"
+
+Annette came up to me and seemed to guess at my thoughts, for with a
+voice choked with tears she said:
+
+"Do not tell your wife of this to-night. In the morning, when day
+approaches, if you wish me to tell her of this, I am at your service.
+But how cold your hands are!"
+
+She knelt down and kissed my hands.
+
+The director handed the newspaper to Richard. I noticed how his hand
+trembled while he held it. I asked to have it handed to me, and read
+the proclamation of my son's dishonor and the order for his arrest.
+
+When I at last started to return home, I was obliged, for the first
+time in my life, to lean on my son Richard for support. Annette had
+asked permission to accompany me. We declined her proffered aid. The
+kind-hearted, impulsive creature was all gentleness and desire to
+assist me.
+
+I arrived in front of the house. There stands the large and
+well-ordered house,--but no joy will ever enter there again.
+
+The wind from the valley was swaying the red beech to and fro; the
+fountain swelled and roared while its waters glistened in the broad
+moonlight. All this to be seen again and again, and yet--"daily
+suicide"--
+
+"What are you saying, father? What do you mean by those words?" asked
+Richard.
+
+It was not until then that I became aware of my having uttered them.
+
+For Ernst, for my poor child, no day would ever more begin with the
+love of life. "Daily suicide"--in this phrase his deed and its
+consequences seemed to concentrate themselves. I was obliged to sit
+clown on the steps, and not until then was I able to shed tears.
+
+How often Ernst had run up and down there! I could yet remember the
+first time that he climbed those steps on all fours, turning his pretty
+head with its light curls towards me when I called out to him, and
+waiting quietly until I would come and take him up in my arms!
+
+But now he had conjured up a restless demon whom no cry or supplication
+could exorcise.
+
+At this very moment I can distinctly remember how I wished that all the
+sorrow and pain might descend on my own head and be gathered up into my
+own heart, in order that I might bear them for others.
+
+"Master, why are you sitting at your own threshold like a strange
+beggar?" were the words with which Rothfuss surprised me. "I have
+already heard what our madcap Ernst has done; do not let that grieve
+you to death--that will do you no good. In this world, every one must
+carry his own hide to market. It is bad enough in all conscience, but
+there is courage in it for all. There are hundreds and thousands of
+them who would like to do what he has done; but they follow the drum
+with its rat-tat-tat, and put on airs into the bargain. Do you know
+what I think of this matter?--Do not interrupt me, Heir Professor; I
+know what I am talking about--I say that every large family must
+have its black sheep, and I would rather a thousand times have a
+good-for-nothing than an idiot, the very sight of whom makes one's hair
+stand on end.
+
+"Yes, indeed; my mother was right. Her favorite maxim was: 'Better sour
+than rotten,' and 'To be hard of hearing is not half so bad as to have
+poor eyes.'
+
+"In every family there is something; or, as the poor woman once said:
+'There is something everywhere,--except in my lard-pot, where there is
+nothing at all.'"
+
+Rothfuss would not rest until I got up again.
+
+I went up the steps with him and into the room. He drew off my boots,
+and was full of kind attentions.
+
+Addressing me in a whisper, he offered to tell the news to his mistress
+in the morning, as he thought that he was best fitted for the task.
+
+He meant to speak of it in such a way that she would take it as his
+stupid talk and give him a thorough scolding, and thus wreak her anger
+on him. He thought that would be the best way, because that would help
+to break the first shock of the news, and then it would be easier to
+endure the rest.
+
+The only other thing that troubled Rothfuss was how he might stop
+Funk's evil tongue. He felt sure that with the exception of Funk,
+others would be as much grieved as we were.
+
+That was the trouble. The news would enlist the attention of the busy
+world, those who pitied as well as those who rejoiced in the sufferings
+of others.
+
+But what matters the world: it can neither help nor hinder our griefs.
+
+I have experienced much bitter suffering:--I have gazed into the grave
+that had received all that had been dearest to me on earth, but no pain
+can be compared to that of grief for a son, who, though living, is
+lost.
+
+Morning had already dawned. The birds were singing in the trees; the
+sun had returned; all life seemed to awake anew; and at last I found an
+hour's sleep.
+
+"Destroyer of sleep!" were the first words I uttered when I awoke.
+
+How can he enjoy a moment's rest, or swallow a morsel of food while he
+knows that his parents are sorrowing for him.
+
+I have often been advised--it is easy enough to say the words--"Make up
+your mind to blot his name from your memory." But it is not so easy to
+follow such counsel.
+
+My wife softly slumbered through the whole night. Will she ever again
+have so refreshing a sleep?
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+The morning was bright and clear. We were seated around the breakfast
+table, every one of us doubly oppressed. We were grieved on our own
+account, and troubled by the thought that the mother's heart was soon
+to become rent by the sad tidings.
+
+Richard had told the news to Bertha.
+
+My wife seemed to be watching Bertha, and at last reproved her for
+having been weeping again. "It is our duty," said she, "to accept the
+inevitable with resignation. Mankind might well be likened to the
+plants in the field, which are obliged quietly to submit to the storm
+that descends on their heads."
+
+We exchanged hurried glances, but Bertha did not reply.
+
+"Will my wife be as strong in a few moments from now?" was the question
+I inwardly asked myself.
+
+Rothfuss was heard cracking his whip in front of the house. He was
+about to drive out into the fields, taking Martella with him.
+
+His intention was to tell her all that had happened as soon as he
+reached the fields, so that she might there spend her rage, and not
+annoy the household by her noise.
+
+Victor rode along with them.
+
+My wife inquired whether the newspaper had not yet come, or why I was
+not reading it, and wished to know what was the matter.
+
+The moment had arrived. I gathered up all the courage that was yet left
+me, and said, "We will take you at your word--'It is our duty to accept
+the inevitable with resignation.'"
+
+"What is it? Tell me."
+
+"Our son Ernst has--deserted!"
+
+"After all!" exclaimed my wife, while she laid her clinched fists on
+her heart, as if to prevent it from bursting, and with compressed lips
+stared into vacancy.
+
+Fearing that she would faint, the children and I rushed to her
+assistance.
+
+"Never mind; all will be over in a moment. I can now breathe again. And
+now, I beg of you all, be silent." She closed her eyes. We remained
+standing around her in silence. Not a sound was heard, save the rapid
+ticking of the clocks and the innocent singing of the thistle-finch.
+
+At last, she removed her hands from her face and gave way to a torrent
+of tears. With her hands folded on her breast, and softly, without a
+loud sign of pain, she thus lamented:
+
+"O my son! My poor son! My poor, unhappy child! You are now a fugitive
+in the wide world, and without a home--lost and distracted--a wandering
+proof of the confusion of our broken household, now rent in twain and
+bereft of peace. His heart is a wayward one. It is easier to spoil a
+human being than to improve one. Let him who believes that this war is
+just before God rise up and plunge his sword into my son's heart!"
+
+She had raised herself while uttering the last sentence; when she
+finished, she fell back in her seat again. She then suddenly and
+energetically sat up again, and asked, "Does Martella know of this?"
+
+I replied that Rothfuss had taken her out into the fields with him in
+order to tell her all.
+
+"It is well," she answered. "Give me the newspaper, that I may read the
+letter of arrest. This was the reason the director came to us yesterday
+and departed without saying good-by. Give me the advertisement which
+thousands are now reading--I am his mother."
+
+I was obliged to tell her that I had given the paper to Rothfuss, who
+had asked for it in order that he might show it as a proof to Martella.
+
+My wife nodded approvingly, and said, "Yes, Martella. Listen to what I
+am about to say. Ernst has run away because he was unwilling to fight
+in this fratricidal war. That is true enough, as far as it goes; I
+feel assured of that. But let me tell you something more--he is
+unfaithful--unfaithful to his parents, his brothers and sisters, and
+his betrothed. I beg of you, Henry, do not contradict me! Promise me
+one thing."
+
+"Whatever you wish."
+
+"You, my husband, and you, my children, faithfully promise me that,
+when I am no longer with you, you will firmly and inviolably cherish
+Martella as a child of the house and as one of the family."
+
+We promised all that she asked.
+
+"I have one other request to make. Whatever may happen, do not for a
+moment conceal aught from me; do no violence to yourselves for my sake.
+I can support everything as long as I know all."
+
+Her next wish was that we should all go out into the fields, for she
+felt sure that Rothfuss would not be able to control Martella, who, she
+feared, might run away and rush into suffering or death.
+
+Richard said that he would be able to assist Rothfuss, and that he knew
+the direction in which they had gone.
+
+He hurried away to meet them.
+
+"You had better go in and join them," we heard Richard say as he left
+the house, and then he ran off on his errand.
+
+A moment later, Annette joined us. Although usually quite courtly in
+her manner, she was now diffident and timid, and in heartfelt tones
+begged us to consider her as one of us, and permit her to assist in
+bearing our affliction.
+
+My wife extended her arms towards her, and for the first time embraced
+and kissed Annette.
+
+"I have brought smelling-salts and other restoratives," said Annette in
+a cheerful tone, while the thick tears were running down her cheeks.
+"But, dear Madame Gustava, you need nothing of that kind; you are as
+firm as a forest-tree."
+
+"Ernst will never again return to his forest," complained my wife.
+
+Neither Bertha nor I were able to utter a word, but Annette said to my
+wife, "You have a right to indulge in the deepest grief. I shall never
+attempt to persuade you otherwise. I know how galling it is when
+friends come and imagine that they can console us by smoothing over or
+belittling our griefs. It is well, after all, that I am with you. It is
+indeed true that I only feel your sorrows through sympathy, while the
+blow itself has descended on your heads. With all my sincere sympathy,
+there are hours when I can forget your sorrows, and am thus better able
+to be of use to you."
+
+My wife again took Annette's hand and pressed it to her own forehead.
+
+"Do you believe," said my wife, addressing Annette; "do you believe
+that Ernst sees his actions in their true colors?"
+
+"I do not."
+
+"I hope that it is so. Indeed, I really trust that my child does not
+reason clearly on this subject. I would rather have him think himself
+right in what he is doing; for he will then be able to endure his days,
+and to sleep peacefully at night."
+
+"How happy one is to watch the growth of bright, youthful memories in a
+child's soul; but after such a deed, it were kindest to wish that he
+might forget everything." And then turning towards me, she added, "I
+feel so badly to think that my favorite maxim is now dead."
+
+"Which?"
+
+"When I was asked how one could best bring up children, I would always
+answer, 'Let your married life be pure, for thus alone can you have
+good, righteous children.' But it seems that even this is no longer the
+case."
+
+No one replied. Annette told us that she had just received a dispatch.
+The tidings of victory were false, and the very reverse of the first
+news was the true report, for the Prussians had penetrated into
+Bohemia.
+
+"Ah, how soon there will be more grieving mothers! If the woful cries
+of all these mothers could be concentrated into one utterance, who is
+there that could hear it, and still live?"
+
+Thus lamented my wife. We sat in silence.
+
+Richard entered, saying, "Mother is right; she looks far ahead." He
+told us that Martella had shouted with joy when Rothfuss had told her
+of Ernst's flight; she had praised his adroitness.
+
+And Victor called out, "For shame! Uncle Ernst is a coward! For shame!
+Uncle Ernst is a bad man!"
+
+Martella raised the scythe and was about to hurl it at Victor, but
+Rothfuss fortunately parried the stroke. Martella now wrestled with
+Rothfuss, and called out to Victor, "You soldier's child! Keep quiet,
+you soldier's child!" She seemed to use the words reproachfully.
+
+Suddenly she exclaimed, "I know where Ernst is! I am going to
+him--away, away from all of you!"
+
+She started on a brisk run, but was caught in the arms of Richard, who
+was just coming up.
+
+When Richard told us all this, his voice seemed broken, and, for some
+time, he stood with his eyes cast on the ground. Then he went on to
+tell us that Martella had become quiet and gentle, and had willingly
+consented to ride home again, when he told her that mother wanted to
+see her; and that now she was down in the barn, and was sitting on the
+clover, waiting until she was sent for.
+
+Martella was called up to the house. When she entered the room, my wife
+requested us to leave. I have never learned what passed between them.
+
+I was quite surprised at what Rothfuss told me.
+
+When Richard caught Martella in his arms, she cried out, "No, no; you
+shall not kiss me!" and pushed him from her with such force, that he
+would have been thrown to the ground if Rothfuss had not come to his
+assistance.
+
+Richard had told us nothing of that.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER V.
+
+
+When Edward Levi, the iron merchant, came to out village, he cautiously
+went, first of all, to my nephew Joseph; he then sent for me, and
+handed me a letter from Ernst. It was written in a firm hand, and read
+as follows:
+
+
+"To my parents I say farewell. I leave my so-called Fatherland forever.
+
+"It grieves me to know that I must grieve you, but I cannot help it.
+
+"If thousands had done what I did, it would have been praised as a
+noble deed. Must we sacrifice ourselves to this degenerate Fatherland?
+
+"I cannot murder my compatriots, nor do I care to allow them to murder
+me.
+
+"Take care of Martella for my sake. I will write to her myself.
+
+                                         "YOUR LOST SON."
+
+
+"You must pluck such a child from your heart--you must forget him
+entirely."
+
+These were Joseph's words after he had read the letter. Many others
+spoke just as he did. But he who has ever heard the word "father" from
+the lips of his child, knows that this is impossible. From that time I
+always said to myself, "No day without sorrow." Do you know what it
+means never to have a pure, bright, happy day?--"no day without
+sorrow?" And yet, I admit it, I was not without hope. I felt a quiet
+assurance that Ernst would be all right in the end. How it was to be
+brought about, I did not know; but I felt that the seeds of
+indestructible virtue and purity were yet lurking amidst this mass of
+ruin and rottenness. There might yet be a turn in the tide of affairs,
+that would draw the current of my son's life into the proper channel.
+My wife mentioned his name only once after that. But her love for the
+child was stronger and firmer than her resolution.
+
+She took pains to be about and to keep up an interest in all that was
+going on: but, from the moment that she was shocked by the news of
+Ernst's desertion, it was evident that it cost her an effort to control
+her will.
+
+She seemed constantly tired. She rarely went out--hardly ever as far as
+the garden, where she would walk but a short distance before sitting
+down on a bench. She would often sit in an absent manner, gazing into
+vacancy, and when addressed would seem as if hurriedly collecting her
+thoughts.
+
+Martella had also received a letter. It contained a ring; but she would
+not show any one, not even my wife, what Ernst had written. Edward
+Levi, the iron merchant, acted with great good sense and delicacy. He
+attempted neither to explain things nor to console us; but gave us the
+simple account of how the affair had happened. If it had not related to
+my own son, and had not been so full of sadness, Ernst's ingenuity in
+the matter would even have afforded us amusement.
+
+It was late in the evening when he arrived at the town in which Levi
+resided. He went to the police-office at once, and ordered a forester
+whom he found there to produce Edward Levi, who arrived shortly
+afterward, and to whom Ernst used these words:
+
+"You have been a soldier and can be trusted. I shall confide my secret
+to you."
+
+He then informed him, with an air of great secrecy, that he had been
+ordered to enter the Prussian lines as a spy, and requested him to
+provide him at once with some French money and the dress of a Jewish
+cattle-dealer; and also to bring to him a cattle-dealer provided with a
+correct passport.
+
+After all this had been successfully accomplished, Ernst wrote the two
+letters and handed them to Levi, with instructions not to deliver them
+until three days had elapsed.
+
+He started off with his companion. On the way, he asked him to show him
+his passport: it was handed to him but not returned. He carefully
+instructed the cattle-dealer to address him by the name of Rothfuss.
+
+"Why, that is the name of the old servant that your father thinks so
+much of!"
+
+"That is the very reason I have chosen it; you will have no difficulty
+in remembering it. What is my name?
+
+"The same as the servant's."
+
+"No--but what is it?"
+
+"Rothfuss. Why, every child knows the name. Might I inquire--"
+
+"No; you need ask no questions."
+
+They journeyed on together as far as Kehl, where Ernst suddenly
+disappeared. The drover waited all day, in the vain hope of seeing him
+again, and at last returned home.
+
+Ernst had in all likelihood gone to my sister, who lives in the Hagenau
+forest, or to my brother-in-law, the director of the water-works on the
+Upper Rhine. Before leaving, he handed a bag of money that belonged to
+the state to Edward Levi, for safe-keeping.
+
+Joseph, who was always ready to assist others, at once offered to
+journey after Ernst, in the hope of overtaking him and consulting with
+him as to his future.
+
+I had instructed Rothfuss to make up a package of the clothes that
+Ernst had left behind him, and I was at Joseph's house when he brought
+the bundle there.
+
+Martella wanted to accompany Joseph; but, finding that he would not
+consent, she turned around to her dog, and said: "Pincher, go with
+Joseph and hunt your master!"
+
+The dog looked up at her, as if knowing what she said, and then ran
+after Joseph.
+
+While I was yet with Joseph, a copy of our newspaper came to hand; it
+had been sent to me marked.
+
+The marked passages read as follows:
+
+"Father Noah, the Prussian lickspittle"--I recognized Funk by these
+very words--"has allowed a dove to desert from his ark.
+
+"We cannot but regard the rumor that the father had urged his son to
+take this step, because of his own aversion to fighting against the
+beloved Prussians, as a malicious invention.
+
+"We do not believe the party of these beggarly Prussians, or this
+weak-minded old gray-beard, endowed with the requisite firmness.
+
+"But the noble Caffre's pride in his virtue must have received a
+fearful blow."
+
+I must admit that this low personal attack gave me much pain. I was,
+however, more grieved to think that party hatred could induce men to
+indulge in such abuse.
+
+Joseph remarked, "One should indeed always have an enemy, in order to
+find out what criticism and explanation our deeds may be subjected to."
+
+Joseph was a burgomaster. The game-keeper came to report to him.
+
+My very heart trembled with fear, and I felt ashamed of myself in the
+presence of the game-keeper.
+
+He had the description and order of arrest for my son in his pocket.
+
+One does not find how far and how deep honor has spread its roots,
+until it is lost.
+
+Unrest, the most hateful demon in the world, had been conjured up in
+our house.
+
+Now that our pride was broken, we at last noticed how proud we had
+been.
+
+One day, when walking through the village, I met the perjured baker,
+Lerz of Hollerberg. He extended his hand to me in a friendly manner.
+Did he regard me as one of his equals? I withdrew my hand.
+
+He shrugged his shoulders contemptuously and went on his way.
+
+The first neighbor who visited me was Baron Arven, who lives about a
+mile and a half from our house.
+
+I believe I have not yet referred to this man. His dignified and quiet
+demeanor betokened a really brave and noble character. He was just what
+he seemed to be--free from all pretence or deceit.
+
+I must add a few words in regard to his family. Following the bent of
+most of the dwellers in our part of the country, he had gone down the
+Danube and had entered the Austrian army. He afterward left the service
+and returned to the family estate, bringing with him a wife who was a
+native of Bohemia, and who held but little intercourse with the
+neighborhood. Her only familiar companions were the clergy.
+
+The Bishop had stopped there on two occasions while making his pastoral
+journeys.
+
+She led a life of seclusion in the castle, or rather the convent; for
+the estate on which they lived had, at one time, belonged to a
+religious order.
+
+The Baron had two sons, splendid fellows, who were serving in the
+cavalry. He is a member of our upper chamber. He is a man of but few
+words, but always votes with the moderate liberals.
+
+He has no respect for the people; their coarse morals and manners are
+repugnant to him. He does not deny that mankind in general have equal
+rights; but, as individuals, he would only accord them such
+consideration as their education, their means, or their social position
+would entitle them to. In this respect he is a thorough aristocrat.
+
+The farmers speak of him with love and veneration, although he is never
+friendly towards them. He is very active as the President of our
+Agricultural Association. He has the finest cattle and the best
+machines, and his special hobby is to stock the many woodland streams
+and lakes of our vicinity with fish.
+
+He is passionately fond of the chase and of fishing, and possesses the
+art of getting through with his day in the most approved and knightly
+manner. Rautenkron acts as his forest-keeper.
+
+That very day, the Baron came riding along, followed by his two fine,
+large dogs. He alighted at Joseph's house and saluted Annette, with
+whom he had become acquainted at the capital, for he spent several
+months there with his family every winter. The family of Von Arven
+owned an old mansion in the city.
+
+He came up to me, offered me his hand in silence, and seated himself.
+
+I could not help thinking of some words from the Book of Job, that had
+always so deeply affected me: "And none spake a word unto him, for they
+saw that his grief was very great."
+
+"My dear neighbor," he at last said, "I see that you, too, have been
+highly assessed in the impost of misfortune that every one of us must
+pay. I shall spare you any words of attempted consolation, and only add
+that there are thousands who would like to do just as your son has
+done."
+
+And then, in his calm and collected tone, he spoke of this horrid war,
+in which Germans were fighting against each other. Napoleon's darling
+hope was that Austria and Prussia might mutually weaken each other, so
+that he might be the master and the arbiter of peace, and could then
+dictate his own terms. Arven had at one time been an Austrian officer,
+and was naturally not partial to Prussia. He had an inborn aversion to
+Northern harshness; but with his knowledge of the organization of the
+Austrian armies, he felt free to say that Prussia would be victorious.
+Although both of his sons were in our army, he said this with great
+calmness.
+
+The Baron's presence exerted a gentle, soothing influence on our
+household. When I told my wife that he had expressed a wish to speak
+with her, she came into the room; and when the two were conversing with
+each other, it was like a beautiful song of mourning.
+
+The Baron's presence always produced a subdued tone, an atmosphere of
+quiet refinement--an influence like a subtile, pleasing perfume
+lingered in the room long after he had taken his departure.
+
+And now, when he was conversing with my wife, she gave utterance to
+thoughts that otherwise we might never have become acquainted with.
+When conversing with strangers, she revealed far more of her pure and
+elevated views of the world than when she was with us alone.
+
+Shortly after the Baron's departure, we were visited by Counsellor
+Reckingen, who came over from the city to see us. He usually lived in
+strict seclusion from the world. While sailing on Lake Constance, he
+had lost his young wife. He had plunged in after her, and had succeeded
+in reaching the bank with her, only to find that life had fled. Since
+that time, he had lived in solitude, devoting himself to the education
+of the little daughter who was left to him.
+
+Under these circumstances, I could not but appreciate his kindness in
+paying me this visit.
+
+He seemed to have become quite unused to conversation. He said but
+little, and soon went out into the garden in front of our house, in
+order to plant some rose-slips that he had brought with him.
+
+I was greatly gratified by the visit of a deputation of my
+constituents. It consisted of three esteemed farmer-burgomasters of the
+neighborhood. They made no allusion to the grief which had befallen me;
+our conversation referred only to the war; and when Martella brought in
+wine, they looked at the child with curious eyes.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+Ought we to bear the blame of our son Ernst's having wandered from the
+right path?
+
+By our example and precept we have guided our children in the path of
+virtue, but who can control their souls? I have caused many a fallow
+soil to bear fruit, and up on the bleak hills have raised sturdy trees.
+Nature's law is unchanging; but if not even a tree can mature without
+harm coming to it, how much less can a human soul be expected to do so.
+We have lived to see naught but what is good and proper in our son
+Richard. His development is so natural and consistent. In his earliest
+youth, he decided to devote himself to science. He has steadily
+advanced, swerving neither to the right nor the left, and has always
+been full of the conscious power of the clear and temperate mind that
+grasps the laws underlying the phenomena presented by the world of
+thought and of action.
+
+We can neither take credit to ourselves, in the one instance, nor
+acknowledge that we were in fault in the other.
+
+My wife had been true to herself, and yet full of resignation in the
+first shock of this bitter grief; but now there came an insurmountable
+desire to quarrel with her lot, and the puzzling question, "Why should
+this happen just to us?" was again awakened.
+
+I dislike to admit it, but truth forces me to say that this was brought
+about by the arrival of my daughter Johanna.
+
+Johanna also had her troubles. Her husband was sickly, her son was in
+the army, and she seemed chosen for suffering; but chosen by reason of
+a higher faith. With inconsiderate zeal, she attempted to awaken the
+same faith in us. At that very moment, she thought, when we were
+crushed and bowed down by sorrow, our redemption should take place. She
+assigned the impiety of our household as the cause of our son's
+disobedience.
+
+The education which my wife had received from her father was, as some
+would call it, a heathen one; for she had received more instruction
+from the classics than from the Bible.
+
+We were seated in our statue gallery. The door that led to the garden
+was open; my wife had been eagerly reading from a book, which she now
+laid aside with the remark, "That does one good."
+
+"What were you reading?" inquired Johanna.
+
+My wife made no answer, and Johanna repeated her question, when she
+said, "I have been reading the Antigone of Sophocles, and I find that I
+am right."
+
+"In what respect?"
+
+"It has renewed my recollection of an idea of my father's. When I was
+reading the Antigone aloud to him for the first time, he said, If a
+woman acted in this way, she would be doing right; but a brother should
+not have done so. With a sister, or with a mother, the natural law of
+love of kindred is above that of the state, which would have treated
+the brother as a traitor to his country. And in this lies the deeply
+tragic element--that innocence and guilt are so closely interwoven, and
+that two considerations are battling with each other. You men may pass
+judgment on Ernst; you require unconditional submission to the lawful
+authorities. You are right, because you are men of the law. But, with
+Antigone, I rest myself upon that higher law which is far above all
+laws that states may frame!
+
+    "'It lives neither for to-day nor for yesterday, but for all time,
+      And none can know since when.'
+
+"This book is to me a sacred one."
+
+"Mother!" cried Johanna, with a voice trembling with emotion, "mother,
+how can you say that, while I here have the only sacred book in my
+hand?"
+
+"In its own sense, that, too, is sacred; but it teaches me nothing of
+the deep struggles between the human heart and the laws of the state."
+
+"Mother," cried Johanna, kneeling before her; "here is the Bible. I
+implore you to give up those profane books; they cannot help you.
+Listen to the Word of God!"
+
+"To me he speaks through these books," answered my wife.
+
+"Mother, we are mourning for the lost son."
+
+"Our son is not lost; he is a sad sacrifice."
+
+Richard entered. Mother said to him, "Read me the story from the
+Gospel."
+
+"What do you refer to?" inquired Richard.
+
+"Mother means the Parable of the Prodigal Son," interrupted Johanna;
+and holding the Bible on high, she continued: "Here it is: Gospel of
+St. Luke, fifteenth chapter, eleventh verse."
+
+"Not you, but Richard, shall read it."
+
+"But, mother--"
+
+"Richard, I wish you to read it."
+
+He had just taken the book, when Annette entered. She asked whether she
+was disturbing them.
+
+My wife said that she was not, and requested her to sit down at her
+side.
+
+In a calm and full voice Richard read:
+
+"'And he said, A certain man had two sons:
+
+"'And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the
+portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his
+living.
+
+"'And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, and
+took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance
+with riotous living.
+
+"'And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land;
+and he began to be in want.
+
+"'And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he
+sent him into his fields to feed swine.
+
+"'And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine
+did eat; and no man gave unto him.
+
+"'And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my
+father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
+
+"'I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I
+have sinned against heaven, and before thee.
+
+"'And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy
+hired servants.
+
+"'And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way
+off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his
+neck, and kissed him.
+
+"'And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and
+in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
+
+"'But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and
+put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
+
+"'And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be
+merry:
+
+"'For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is
+found. And they began to be merry.
+
+"'Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to
+the house, he heard music and dancing.
+
+"'And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
+
+"'And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed
+the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
+
+"'And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out
+and entreated him.
+
+"'And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve
+thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandments; and yet thou
+never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends.
+
+"'But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living
+with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
+
+"'And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have
+is thine.
+
+"'It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy
+brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.'"
+
+When Richard had finished, he placed his hand on the open book and
+said, "This story has much dramatic interest. The father, the two sons,
+the servant, are clearly and strikingly drawn; and with correct
+judgment; the mother is not mentioned, for here it would not do to have
+double notes--a variation of emotion on the part of the father and one
+on the part of the mother. I might, indeed, say that a mother would
+have dwelt on the appearance her son presented on his return; while
+here it is left unnoticed. Further--"
+
+"What do you mean? You are not among your students," angrily
+interrupted Johanna.
+
+"You are right," continued Richard, with a quiet smile; "my students
+are polite enough to permit me to finish a sentence without
+interrupting me. I will also state, first of all, that this ingenious
+parable makes no mention of the sister. I do not know what a sister
+would have said in that affair."
+
+Johanna jumped from her seat in anger; her features seemed distorted
+with passion. She opened her mouth to answer him, but could not utter a
+word.
+
+"Shall I go on, mother?" asked Richard.
+
+"Of course; speak on."
+
+"In the first place, the pure spirit which here reveals itself is as
+fully acknowledged by us as by the pious believers.
+
+"To me the all-important point is, that it illustrates a view of the
+relation between parents and children, which is completely the reverse
+of that fostered by the ancient civilization, in which the children
+suffer for the sins of their parents. Just think of the curse of the
+Atrides. In our days, it is quite different, and the fate of the
+parents--their happiness as well as their sorrow--depends upon the
+conduct of their children.
+
+"The individual to whom such affliction comes is subject to the great
+and universal law of the newer life."
+
+"Is there anything else you would like to say?" inquired Johanna, in an
+angry voice. She had some time before that snatched the Bible out of
+Richard's hands, and had been reading in it ever since, as if she
+thought that the best way to counteract the influence of the heresies
+he had been uttering. With all that, she seemed to hear every word that
+was said.
+
+"I certainly have, if you will permit me. To me this story seems a
+repetition, in a new shape, of a subject already treated in the same
+book. The story of Joseph in Egypt is a family history that borders on
+the region of fable, narrated without any regard to the moral that
+underlies it, and yet representing to us the reward of innocence. This
+story which tells of a son who had been a real sinner, and for that
+reason was not permitted to return as a viceroy amid joy and splendor,
+but in the garb of a beggar, has another lesson for us. Viewed from the
+stand-point of the Old or New Testament, or even by our own feelings,
+it tells the story of redemption. Yes, every human being who falls into
+sinful ways, shall be obliged to eat the husks;.... but he is not lost.
+When through self-knowledge his soul has been humbled in the dust, He
+who never fails will lift him up again, for it is far easier to avoid
+sin than, before God and one's own soul, to confess having sinned."
+
+After a pause of a few moments, Richard continued: "There is an
+excellent painting of the Prodigal's Return. It is by Führich. The
+artist has chosen the moment when the father is embracing his long-lost
+son, now kneeling at his feet; the son, however, dares not venture to
+embrace his father; bent down towards the earth, he folds his hands
+upon his breast in humble, silent gratitude."
+
+Johanna seemed to think that she might as well abandon all attempts to
+change our views of religious matters. She arose from her seat and,
+pressing the Bible to her bosom, left the room without uttering another
+word.
+
+"Come into the garden with me," said my wife to Richard. I was left
+alone with Annette. Great tears were rolling down her cheeks. After a
+little while she said that now she was at last really converted, but
+not in the way that the church would wish her to be. She could at last
+understand that the best consolation and the most elevating reflection,
+in time of sorrow, is to consider individual suffering a part of a
+great whole, and as a phase of the soul-experience of advancing
+humanity.
+
+She regretted that Bertha had not been with us. She felt sure, also,
+that her husband would have been a delighted listener. He had always
+felt attracted to Richard, although he had never become intimate with
+him.
+
+She hurried home in order, as I fancy, to write out for her husband's
+benefit her impressions of what she had just heard.
+
+Johanna left us that very day. She said that she now felt as a stranger
+in our home, and consoled herself with the thought that she could feel
+at home in the house of a Father whom we, alas! did not know.
+
+We were neither anxious nor able to prevent her departure. And why
+should I not confess it?--we felt more at our ease without her.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+As far as she could, Bertha led a self-contained and secluded life. She
+frankly admitted that she was not in the mood to worry about her lost
+brother; her heart was filled with thoughts of her husband, the father
+of her children.
+
+When haymaking began on the mountain meadows, Bertha would go out and
+assist in scattering the newly mown grass. She hoped that physical
+exercise would enable her again to enjoy the refreshing sleep of her
+childhood, and was quite happy when, in the morning, she found herself
+able to tell us that she had passed a night in dreamless sleep.
+
+Annette suffered greatly from the heat. Bertha, however, said that it
+was best to expose one's self to the sun, because the heat would then
+be less oppressive. She was quite delighted to see how the sun browned
+her own children.
+
+Annette again introduced the subject of the parable of the Prodigal
+Son, when Richard, with an ironical smile, replied, "I am glad to see
+that you can dwell on a subject and again return to it; and I shall
+only add, that in the Old Testament the history of a nation is
+conceived in a popular manner, while the New Testament is a history in
+which one exalted and idealized man serves as the sole and central
+figure. The real life of the family, the relations of parents and
+kindred, is not emphasized in the latter. Life, there, is isolated, and
+looks only towards heaven.
+
+"In the Old Testament, the life of the family is in constant action,
+and superfluous figures which serve no moral in themselves are also
+introduced.
+
+"To express myself symbolically, I should say Moses has a brother and a
+sister who are also important figures. Jesus, on the other hand, stands
+alone against the golden background, and no relationship of His is
+mentioned except that to His mother, which was afterward poetically
+invested with a higher significance."
+
+"Accept my thanks; I believe I understand you. If one were able always
+to regard individual suffering as merely part of the world's
+development, one would be saved from all pain," said Annette.
+
+Richard's look was one of surprise, almost of anger, at these words.
+
+When we were together, most of his attentions were for the daughter of
+the kreis-director. Her calm and gentle manner seemed to him the very
+opposite of Annette's; and it may have been his desire to let Annette
+see that cultivated womanhood consists of something more than
+incessantly propounding questions, or in keeping a man in a constant
+trot to prove his gallantry by providing for the intellectual
+requirements of the ladies.
+
+"I greatly fear," said Richard to my wife, "that Annette is one of that
+class of beings with whom everything resolves itself into talk, and of
+whom one might well say that what to us is a church, is to them a
+concert." And he went on to complain that, in the strict sense of the
+word, Annette did not have a nice ear; that where she thought she fully
+understood one's meaning, she usually misconceived it. When he had
+finished, my wife answered with a quiet smile:
+
+"Be careful: the professor is again showing himself in you. It seems to
+me that the professor finds it annoying to have listeners who are not
+all attention."
+
+Richard was a severe judge of his own motives and actions, and frankly
+confessed that he deserved the reproach. Nevertheless ne could not
+accustom himself to Annette's presence.
+
+He had much knowledge of men, and constantly lived in a certain equable
+atmosphere of his own; and the impulsive, changeable traits of Annette
+were therefore repugnant to him.
+
+She, too, felt the antagonism, and one day said to him, quite
+roguishly, "The forester is the type of many men. I had always thought
+that he found it refreshing to breathe the pure air of the woods; but I
+find that he is constantly smoking his vile tobacco."
+
+The petty war between Richard and Annette enabled us, for many an hour,
+to forget the greater war that was raging out of doors. Annette was
+quite anxious in her care for my wife, and could never fully gratify
+her desire to be with her always.
+
+Although Richard attempted to conceal it, it was quite evident that he
+had a decided aversion to Annette.
+
+He would sometimes spend whole days with Rautenkron the forester, and
+was more frequent in his visits to Baron Arven than he had formerly
+been.
+
+But in the evenings, when we were all together, Annette seemed to
+possess the art of drawing him out in spite of himself.
+
+And thus we led a simple and yet intellectual life, while, without
+doors, armies speaking the same language were arrayed against each
+other with deadly intent.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+"Pincher is here again; he could not find him," said Martella one
+morning. Her dog had returned during the night.
+
+At noon, Joseph returned from Alsace. He had not succeeded in finding
+Ernst, who had remained at my sister's house but one day, and had
+seemed excited and troubled while there.
+
+He had understood that Ernst had met some one at the railway station,
+as if by appointment.
+
+Joseph, who was always so cool and collected, seemed remarkably nervous
+and excited.
+
+I thought that he had perhaps seen Ernst after all, and was not telling
+us all that he knew; but he assured me, in a somewhat confused manner,
+that he had concealed nothing. He told me that he was out of sorts,
+simply because of the triumphant and malicious airs that the Alsatians
+had displayed. Business friends of his, among whom there was a deputy
+who seemed to be well posted, insisted upon it as a fact that the
+Prussian statesman had offered the French Emperor a considerable
+portion, if not all, of the left bank of the Rhine, on condition that
+the Emperor would not prevent him from using his own pleasure towards
+Germany, if conquered.
+
+The left bank of the Rhine! How often I, too, while in Alsace had heard
+it said that France must take possession of this left bank, as a matter
+of course; for the Frenchmen thought themselves the lords of creation,
+with whom it was only necessary to express a wish in order to have it
+gratified.
+
+Would I yet live to see the ruin of my Fatherland? At that very moment,
+Germans were battling against Germans, in order that the aims of France
+might be served.
+
+I asked Joseph and Richard whether they could conceive of such a thing
+as a German selling and betraying his Fatherland.
+
+We had no assurance of this, and thought it best to encourage each
+other's faith in humanity.
+
+The failure of Joseph's mission had only served to arouse my own deep
+sorrow anew.
+
+My son lost! When night came, I could not make up my mind to retire.
+For a long while, I sat gazing at the starry heavens, and the dark
+forest-covered mountains. Where is he now? Can it be possible that he
+is not thinking of us? He is in danger, and may work his own ruin. How
+gladly would I fly to his help, if I only knew how!
+
+At last one goes to his couch, thinking: "To-morrow something definite
+must be done." But the morning comes, and the deed is left undone. Thou
+hast waited this long, and shalt wait still longer. And thus the days
+pass by, while naught is accomplished. When I lay awake at nights,
+thinking of my son, I felt as if with him; and when, by chance, other
+thoughts arose in my mind, the one great grief would thrust them aside.
+It seemed as if my soul had for a time left the body and had now
+returned to it again.
+
+The fear of sleeplessness is almost worse than the reality; but one
+falls asleep at last without knowing how, and so it shall some day be
+with our final sleep.
+
+And, often, when the tired body had fallen asleep, the troubled soul
+would awaken it again.
+
+At these moments I would say to myself, "Life is a solemn charge." It
+went hard with me to renounce perfect happiness.
+
+One morning, when I was just about to go out into the fields, Martella
+came running towards me. She was almost out of breath, and told me that
+the captain's wife was over in the garden of the school-master's wife,
+and had fainted. She had received a letter with bad news. Her husband
+had been shot in the forehead, and was dead.
+
+My wife hurried on ahead of me, and stepped as quickly as in the days
+of her youth.
+
+When I reached the garden gate, Annette was already sitting on a bench.
+She had her arms around Gustava's neck, and had buried her face in my
+wife's bosom.
+
+She raised her head and said, "The flowers still bloom." Then she
+covered her face with her hands, and sobbed bitterly.
+
+My wife placed her hand on Annette's head, and said, "Weep on. You have
+a right to lament. Let them not dare come and say, 'Conquer your pain,
+for hundreds suffer just as you do.' Were there thousands to suffer
+this same grief, every one must suffer it for himself, and through life
+carry a wounded heart. You are very, very unhappy. You were life and
+joy itself: you must now know what it is to be sad. It is a hard
+lesson, and although I bear my burden, that will not lighten yours.
+That you must bear for yourself, as none besides you can."
+
+Annette raised her head, and when she saw me, extended her hand, saying
+at the same time:
+
+"You knew him well; but no one knew him as I did. He was a hero, with a
+soul as pure as a child's. Can it be? Can it be possible that he lives
+no more? Can a mere bullet put in end to so much beauty, so much
+happiness? Surely it cannot be! Why should it have been he? Why should
+this stroke fall on me? Forgive me, Bertha, you were stronger and more
+determined than I. And how your husband will mourn him! Victor, do you
+know what has happened? Uncle Hugo is dead! And in the very hour of his
+death I may have been laughing. Alas, alas! Forgive me for making you
+all so sad. I cannot help myself."
+
+We had not yet left the garden, when the kreis-director entered. He was
+accompanied by a tall gentleman who was a stranger to us.
+
+"Max, you here!" exclaimed Annette. "While I was happy, you did not
+come to me, but now you do come. How kind!"
+
+She threw her arms around his neck, and I then learned that he was her
+brother.
+
+We retired, leaving them together.
+
+I had known that Annette was an orphan. I now learned that her brother,
+who was a lawyer of renown, had given up all intercourse with his
+sister, because of her having embraced Christianity. He had wished her
+to remain true to the faith of her ancestors, and to contract only a
+civil marriage. For her husband's sake, however, she had embraced the
+Catholic religion. This was the first intimation I had of her being a
+Catholic.
+
+A sudden shower forced us to withdraw into the house.
+
+It is depressing to think that while we were absorbed by the deepest
+despair, a petty annoyance could cause us to flee. We entered the
+school-room.
+
+"There it is!" exclaimed Annette, pointing to the blackboard; "there it
+stands!"
+
+On the blackboard were the words, "War, Victory, Fatherland, Germany,"
+as a writing-copy for the children.
+
+"Children are taught to write it," said Annette, "but where is it? All
+life is a blackboard, and on it are written the words, '_Death_,
+_Grief_, _Tears_.'"
+
+The old spinner entered. She walked up to Annette, took her by the
+hand, and uttered a few words which none of us could understand.
+
+Annette called upon us all to bear witness, that from that very hour
+she would give the spinner a considerable annuity in case her son
+should lose his life; but that, even if he were to return in safety,
+she would nevertheless make her a yearly allowance.
+
+Her brother objected that at such a time it were wrong to make a vow.
+She could, from year to year, give the old woman as much as she thought
+proper; but that she ought not, at this moment, to make a promise which
+would be irrevocable, and for life.
+
+We all looked at him with surprise.
+
+He added that he, too would be happy to contribute a generous sum to
+the annuity.
+
+Annette returned to her dwelling, in order to prepare for her
+departure. Her orders were, that her rooms should remain in the same
+condition as she left them, as it was her intention to return.
+
+"Your master is dead," she said to the brown spaniel; "your eye tells
+me that you understand my words. You must remain here; I shall return
+again. He loved you, too; but rest quiet: we can neither of us die yet.
+You are well off--you can neither wish for death for yourself, nor seek
+it: you cannot think of these things. Yes, you are well off."
+
+I can hardly find room to mention all the strange images that were
+called up by Annette's words. Her richly endowed and many-sided mind
+was in unwonted commotion.
+
+The shower had passed away; the grass and the trees were radiant with
+the sunlight, and the lines of the opposite hills were clear and
+distinct.
+
+Annette stood at her window gazing into the distance, while she uttered
+the words:
+
+"While the earth decks itself with verdure and brings forth new life,
+it receives the dead. Let no one dare come to me again and say that he
+understands the world and life!
+
+"Where is the professor?"
+
+My wife was the only one who could quiet Annette, and she said, "If I
+could only go with you!"
+
+"You will be with me in spirit, I am sure," replied Annette.
+
+She extended her hand to my wife, saying, "I can assure you of this: I
+will so conduct myself, that you could at any moment say to me, 'This
+is right.'--I have been wild and wayward; I am so no longer; hereafter,
+I will be strong and gentle."
+
+The carriage drove up and we accompanied Annette down the hill as far
+as the saw-mill.
+
+There was a rainbow over our heads; it reached from our mountains to
+the Vosges.
+
+Annette held a handkerchief to her eyes. My wife and Bertha were
+walking on either side of her.
+
+The only time I heard her speak was when she said to Bertha:
+
+"Your husband has lost his best comrade. The Major will live; there
+shall yet be some happy ones on earth. I shall write you from the
+camp."
+
+Rothfuss was ploughing the potato field. He was walking with his back
+towards us.
+
+Annette called to him. He came out into the road and inquired what was
+the matter.
+
+"My husband is dead. I am going to bring him and lay him in the earth
+which you are now ploughing," said Annette in a firm voice.
+
+Rothfuss extended his hand to her. He seemed unable to utter a word,
+and was excitedly swinging his cap about with his left hand.
+
+At last, in a loud voice, and stopping after every word, he exclaimed:
+
+"I would--rather--not--be--King--or Emperor--than have--that--rest--on
+me."
+
+He returned to the field and continued his work.
+
+When we reached the valley, Annette said, "I shall not say 'good by;' I
+shall need all my strength for the other sad affair."
+
+She quickly stepped into the carriage; her brother, Rontheim, and the
+daughter of the latter following her.
+
+The carriage rolled away.
+
+On our way back to the house, my wife was several times obliged to sit
+down by the roadside. The sad events of this day had deeply affected
+her.
+
+We were seated under an apple-tree, when my wife, taking me by the
+hand, said, "Yes, Henry, how full of blossoms that tree once was; but
+May-bugs and caterpillars and frost and hail have destroyed it. And
+thus it is with him, too."
+
+She was not as demonstrative as I was; she could bear her sorrow
+silently; but the thought of Ernst did not leave her for a moment.
+
+When we got back to the house she fell asleep in the armchair, and did
+not awaken until sunset, when Richard, whom we had not seen all day,
+returned.
+
+He admitted that he had heard of Annette's bereavement, but had kept
+out in the woods to be out of the way, as he thought there were enough
+sympathizers without him, and that he could not have been of any
+service.
+
+My wife looked at him with surprise.
+
+Richard told us that during the rain-storm, which had been quite heavy
+in the woods, he had been with Rautenkron.
+
+The gloomy man had spoken of Ernst with great interest, and had
+incidentally inquired in regard to Martella. He was quite enraged that
+he, who never read a newspaper and did not want to have anything to do
+with the world, was obliged to know of this war, as one of his
+assistants and a forest laborer had been conscripted. He felt quite
+convinced, too, that Prussia would be victorious.
+
+For a long while there was no news from the seat of war, except reports
+of marching and countermarching.
+
+After that, there came a letter from the Major, who lamented the death
+of the Captain, and wrote in terms of admiration of the noble and
+composed bearing of Annette.
+
+Richard, who, during Annette's presence, had, as far as possible,
+affected solitude, was now again with us almost constantly.
+
+He spoke quite harshly of Annette, and said that she was always
+expressing a desire for repose and a quiet life, while at the same time
+she was constantly disturbing every one. She would allow no one to live
+in his own thoughts; her only desire was, that the thoughts and
+feelings of others should be the reflection of her evanescent emotions.
+
+He thought it likely, however, that she might emerge from the refining
+fire of a great grief, purer and firmer than she had ever been.
+
+"I know now," said my wife to me one evening, "why Richard went out
+into the woods. It was well of him."
+
+I did not understand it, and she, in order to tease me, refused to
+explain. She seemed quite pleased with her secret, and I was only too
+happy to see her smile once again.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+"Thank God, they have beaten us!" were the words with which Joseph
+entered our house the next morning, carrying an extra paper in his
+hand. In those words was concentrated the whole misery of those days.
+"If Prussia would only march into the South German palaces! That is the
+only way to bring about a proper understanding."
+
+This was the second idea that Joseph expressed.
+
+An armistice was concluded. Bertha wished to return home at once. A
+letter from her husband was received, requesting her to remain at our
+house, and informing her that he would join her there immediately after
+the return of the troops.
+
+He also informed us that he had received a letter from the widow of our
+Austrian cousin; her husband had lost his life at Königgratz.
+
+We also received news from Annette. In a few short words she informed
+us of her wretched journey with the corpse of him who had been all her
+joy, and had been sacrificed to no purpose.
+
+The postscript contained special greetings for Richard, both from her
+and from his friend, a medical professor, who had introduced himself to
+Annette as a friend of ours, and had been of great service to her.
+
+Sad tidings threw the village into excitement.
+
+Carl, who had been the favorite of the whole village, had fallen. It
+was both sad and gratifying to hear how every one praised him. Even the
+taciturn meadow farmer stopped me on my way to the spinner's cottage,
+and said, "He was a steady young fellow."
+
+If I had replied by asking him to contribute a stated sum for the
+support of the destitute widow, he would have looked at me as if I were
+crazy, to think of making such a suggestion to him. According to his
+views of life, poor people were sent into the world to starve, and the
+rich in order that they might eat to their heart's content and fill
+their iron cooking-pots with gold.
+
+The meadow farmer was accompanied by a peasant-prince from the valley
+on the other side of the mountains, where the succession falls to the
+minor, the youngest son inheriting the estate.
+
+It was said that the only daughter of the meadow farmer had been
+determined on as the wife of this young peasant. He had inherited a
+considerable sum in securities, and now sought a wife. Love did not
+enter into the question; all that was required was to keep up the name
+and the honor of the peasant-court; and, while a noble life cannot
+result from such a union, it generally proves a respectable and
+contented marriage.
+
+I remembered that there had been a rumor in the village that Marie, the
+daughter of the meadow farmer, loved Carl.
+
+When I drew near to the house of the spinner, I saw Funk coming out,
+Lerz the baker following him. I think Funk must have seen me; otherwise
+there could have been no reason for his remarking to his companion in
+quite a loud voice, "What do you think of your beggarly Prussians now?
+This is their work--to kill the son of a poor widow. If he had been a
+prince, they would have gone into mourning, and for seven weeks would
+have eaten out of black bowls and with black spoons!"
+
+It went hard with me to enter the widow's cottage, after hearing those
+words. The old woman, who had always been so quiet and contented, and
+who had never left her dwelling, unless it was to go earn her daily
+bread, was now quite urgent in her demands. She asked for money, so
+that she might go and witness the burial of her son, and know where
+they laid his body. She also wanted to go to the Prince, for whom her
+son had lost his life. She knew that she, a poor woman, had a better
+right to a good pension than the Captain's widow, who was a great lady.
+
+When my wife came, the old woman said, "You are better off than I am.
+Your son still lives, but mine is dead. They told me that you once said
+your son was more than dead. But, tell me, what does it mean to be more
+than dead? Ah, you do not know. The Prussian sought out the best heart
+of them all. He knew what he was about. Of all the thousands who say
+'mother,' there was no better child than my Carl. Your Ernst is also a
+good lad. They were born on the same day. Don't you remember? My
+husband was quite tipsy when he came home that evening. He was
+gloriously full, and so jolly! He must have known that he was soon to
+be the father of such a splendid boy.
+
+"Oh, my poor Carl! You may hunt the land through, but you will never
+find so handsome a lad as my Carl. He did not get his good looks from
+me; but his father was just as good-looking as he--nay, almost more so.
+
+"Ah, it will be a long while before you find so pretty a fellow as
+Carl--one who will sit down beside his mother of a Sunday afternoon and
+tell her merry jokes, so that her heart may be gladdened, although his
+own be sad.
+
+"Yes, go and seek another such as he!
+
+"Don't go away, Waldfried! There is no one left with whom I can talk.
+Or send Martella--to me she will do."
+
+On our way home, my wife gently said, "His regiment was not once in
+battle."
+
+This was the first intimation I had received of her careful reading of
+the newspapers. Ernst's regiment had not fired a single shot, and all
+our suffering had been to no purpose.
+
+We sent Martella over to the spinner's cottage, where she remained all
+night.
+
+On the following morning, Martella returned. She was quite joyful, and
+maintained that Ernst had been saved and would soon return to us.
+
+She had arranged everything with the old spinner. The two of them would
+go to the Prince, and the spinner would say to him, "My son is dead!
+but give me the one who was born on the same day, and wipe out all that
+stands against him!" Or else the spinner would say, "My tears shall
+wash away all the charges that stand written against him on the slate."
+
+It went hard to make Martella understand that this plan was nothing
+more than an idle dream.
+
+The battle was over, and peace had been concluded.
+
+Although Austria was separated from Germany, there was, as yet, no real
+Germany. While the high contracting parties were framing the chief
+clauses of their treaty, the Frenchman who was looking over their
+shoulders took the pen in his own hand and drew a black mark across the
+page, and called it "the line of the Main."
+
+The Major came home, and the joy of Bertha and her children knew no
+bounds. The Major, however, seemed unable to shake off a deep fit of
+melancholy.
+
+He was a strict disciplinarian. He never allowed himself to say aught
+against his superiors or their orders; but now, he could not keep down
+his indignation at the manner in which the war had been conducted. When
+a nation really goes to war it should be in greater earnest about its
+work.
+
+There was much distrust, both as to the courage and the loyalty and
+firmness of the leaders. While the Major's feelings as a soldier had
+been outraged, there were many other thoughts which suggested
+themselves to him as a lover of his country, and in regard to which he
+maintained silence.
+
+He told us that Annette had behaved with dignity and composure when she
+went to receive the body of her husband. But now it was evident that
+she had attempted too much; that she was unwell, and would be obliged
+until autumn to repair to the sea-side, where her mother-in-law would
+be with her.
+
+When the Major remarked that he had heard it said that in this war even
+slight wounds might prove fatal, because every one was so filled with
+mortification, on account of this unholy strife, that the very idea
+itself would serve to aggravate even the slightest wound, my wife
+exclaimed, "Yes, it is indeed so. There are wounds which are made fatal
+by the thoughts of those who receive them."
+
+We all felt that she was thinking of Ernst, and remained silent.
+
+The Major did not mention Ernst's name, nor did he inquire whether we
+had heard from him.
+
+He had heard of the death of Carl, and was just about to pay a visit to
+his mother, when Rothfuss came rushing into the room in breathless
+haste, and told us that Carl was down in the stable, and begged that we
+would go to his mother and gently break the news of his safe return to
+her.
+
+We had Carl come up to us, and learned from him that he had been cut
+off from his companions during a reconnoissance, and taken prisoner,
+and had thus by mistake been entered in the list of the killed.
+
+When he heard this, the Major inveighed furiously at the want of system
+that obtained everywhere.
+
+I decided that I would go to his mother, and that Carl and the Major
+should follow me a little while later.
+
+I went to the spinner's cottage. She sat at her spinning-wheel; and I
+could not help believing myself the witness of a miracle, for as soon
+as she saw me, the old woman called out, "Will he come soon?"
+
+She then told me that she had awakened during the night--she was quite
+sure it was not a dream--and had heard the voice of her son saying
+quite distinctly, "Mother, I am not dead--I will soon be with you. I am
+coming--I am coming!" And she had heard his very footsteps.
+
+"I went to the pastor's," she said, taking off one spindle and putting
+on a new one; "the pastor had given orders to have the church-bell
+tolled on account of Carl's death; but I will not allow it--my Carl is
+alive, and I do not want to hear the bells tolling for his death."
+
+I told her that in time of war there was necessarily much confusion,
+and that I, too, believed that her son was still alive, and would
+return again. I was just about to say that I had already seen Carl,
+when he stepped out from behind the wood-pile, and called out,
+"Mother!"
+
+The spinner remained seated, but threw her spindle to the far end of
+the room.
+
+Carl fell on his knees before her and wept.
+
+"You need not weep--I have done enough of it myself, already," said
+she. "But I knew it--you are a good child, and you would not be so
+cruel as to die before me. Get up and pick up my spindle. Have you
+eaten anything, Carl? You must be hungry."
+
+When Carl told her that he did not wish for anything, she replied,
+"Indeed, I have nothing but cold boiled potatoes. Now, do tell me, how
+did it seem when you were dead? You surely thought of me at the last
+moment? Tell me, did you not last night at three o'clock, wherever you
+were, say to yourself, 'Mother, I am not dead: I shall soon be with
+you--I will come soon--I will come soon?"
+
+Carl answered that he had really uttered those very words at the time
+mentioned.
+
+"That is right," said the old woman.
+
+She arose from her seat, took her son by the hand, and went on to say,
+"Now, come up into the village with me. Let us go with these gentlemen.
+Major, I thank you for the honor of your visit. I suppose I may go
+along with you?"
+
+We returned homewards.
+
+It was already known through the whole village, that the young man who
+had been lost and so sincerely deplored had returned. Friends poured
+forth from every doorway, while from the windows cries of "Welcome
+Carl!" were heard.
+
+On our way we met Marie, carrying a bundle of clover on her head. She
+threw her bundle away and hurried towards Carl; but when she came up to
+him she suddenly stopped, as if frightened.
+
+"Good-day, Marie. I am glad that you, too, have come to bid me
+welcome," said Carl.
+
+He extended both his hands to her, and she took hold of them, but did
+not utter a word.
+
+We walked on, and when I turned to look back, I saw Marie sitting on
+the bundle of clover, with her face buried in her hands.
+
+Rothfuss was the jolliest in the party.
+
+"Now one can see how untruthful the world is," he exclaimed. "Did not
+every one say how much he would give if only Carl were alive! He is
+here, now, and is alive again, and what do they give? Nothing. One
+ought not to do people the favor to die; anything in the world but
+death."
+
+We reached the house. Carl's mother walked up to my wife and said,
+"Madame Waldfried, here he is--my son Carl. Just as he has come back to
+all that is good, so will Ernst surely return. They were born on the
+same day--do you remember? There was a great storm at the time; and the
+nurse came directly from your house to mine. And at that very moment
+the lightning struck the tree that stands behind my house and tore it
+to pieces; and then the nurse said, 'This boy will see something of
+war.'
+
+"You did not believe in it, but it came to pass, nevertheless. Down in
+the valley there is a spring, and a mother's heart is like a spring,
+for it flows by day and night. Your Ernst--my Ernst--will return
+again."
+
+No one dared reply, but with Ernst everything was different.
+
+The old woman now begged that we would inform "the great lady," as she
+always called Annette, of Carl's return. The Major promised to do so;
+and when he and I were alone together, he mentioned Ernst's name for
+the first time, and informed me that the commander of his division had,
+in the presence of the entire corps of officers, expressed his great
+regret that his brother-in-law had deserted.
+
+Ernst had brought pain and disgrace on us all; but there was still
+another trouble in store for us.
+
+A letter reached us from Johanna, in which she informed us in short,
+hard sentences that her son Martin had died of the wound he had
+received; and that her husband, who had been an invalid for many
+months, could not long survive him. I told the Major of this, but kept
+the news from the rest of the family.
+
+On the day before the Major left us, we had received a letter from
+Ludwig in America. He was delighted to know that the Diet had been
+dissolved, and thought that he now saw the dawning of a great era for
+our Fatherland. The Americans already spoke with great respect of
+Germany, and of the power of Prussia and its leaders.
+
+There was a bitter tone in the remarks of the Major when he said, "Ah,
+yes; thus things seem to those who are far away, and get all their
+information from newspaper reports. If I only knew how I could turn my
+talents to use in the New World, I would ask for my discharge and
+emigrate to America."
+
+This man, who had never known anything of discord or dissension, was
+now, like many others, torn by conflicting doubts.
+
+The children had left; the house was quiet again, and winter
+approached.
+
+Martella seemed filled with new life, and was glad that she could be
+alone with my wife again. When Annette wrote to us that she would spend
+the whole or a part of the winter in the village, Martella said, "That
+is well, too: she is so entertaining to mother."
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER X.
+
+
+The Diet was again convoked; and I can hardly describe how hard I found
+it to leave my home and resume the disagreeable and exhausting
+occupations that now devolved on me.
+
+In company with Joseph, I drove into town, on my way to the capital,
+when Annette called to me from the warehouse of Edward Levi. Her
+mourning attire invested her with an air of majestic gloom; but her
+brilliant glance and her clear complexion prevented her black habit
+from looking too sombre. She must have noticed that I was pleased with
+this, for she said, "I am trying to recover my health, and avail myself
+of the two greatest remedies; I have just left the ocean, and shall now
+go into the woods. My mother-in-law has gone to Paris to join her
+daughter, who is the wife of our minister. She has an idea that one
+cannot exist, save in Paris. I shall come and see you; you and your
+wife can do me much good, and I may perhaps be of some use to you. I
+have never learned how to lead a life of repose. I shall now learn it;
+in your house I shall find the best school, and your wife will have
+patience with a sad, yet wayward pupil."
+
+She bought an ingeniously constructed stove with all sorts of cooking
+utensils belonging to it, and presented it to Carl's mother. Besides
+this, she had bought all sorts of new furniture for herself, as she
+intended to spend the winter at the village. She was so glad to see
+Rothfuss again that she left her carriage and got into ours, so that he
+might tell her of all that had happened during her absence. Her driver
+had been instructed to take all her new purchases up to Joseph's house
+and deliver them to her maid.
+
+I went on towards the capital, and Annette towards the village.
+
+On the way, Joseph told me that he had done very well by the war. The
+South Germans, he told me, had been such violent partisans of Austria
+because the greater portion of the proprietors in the neighborhood had
+invested their money in Austrian securities.
+
+Annette's brother had, however, in good season, called his attention to
+the fact that a great change was taking place in financial affairs.
+America had already successfully passed through a great war, and the
+current of capital was now tending in the direction of the United
+States, where its investment was both safe and profitable.
+
+Joseph's object in visiting the city was to dispose of his American
+bonds, which were then commanding a very high price.
+
+It has always been, and will ever remain, a marvel to me how Joseph,
+with all his real interest in public life, could at the same time
+manage to reap a profit from the movements of capital.
+
+I had the good fortune to travel in company with Baron Arven, who was a
+member of the Upper Chamber, and was also on his way to the capital. He
+seemed greatly depressed, and admitted that the realization of hopes
+one could not help entertaining sometimes produced new and unforeseen
+griefs.
+
+Thus it had been, he said, with the separation of Austria from the rest
+of Germany. It had long been recognized as necessary to the proper
+development of our own political life, and as an advantage to Austria;
+and yet, when it was brought about, it seemed more like a death that
+one had felt it his duty to wish for.
+
+From many hints that he threw out, I could not but feel assured that
+the painful political dissensions had been deeply felt by the Arvens,
+who were connected with the empire through so many family ties.
+
+The Baron invited me to take up my quarters, while in the capital, in
+his mansion, as his wife did not intend going there during that winter.
+I declined with thanks, as I had promised Annette to make use of the
+vacant dwelling that belonged to her.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+The deputies were all in a state of great excitement. There is no
+greater test of accord among a body of men than a sudden calamity. Just
+as, with an individual, a lazy resignation will, in times of doubt and
+indecision, alternate with vehement energy, and self-distrust succeed
+overconfidence, so did it happen with this large assembly. All felt
+that a bold operation was necessary, but who was to be the surgeon, and
+whence was he to come. It was necessary to wait for the hour of danger,
+and even then there was great reason to fear that when the treatment
+had been decided on, our cousin on the other side of the Rhine, who had
+been praised as the great saviour, might interpose his objections.
+
+In a secret session, we were informed of the stipulations that had been
+determined on by the North German Confederation in regard to a union of
+German forces, in case of coming danger. We were sworn to secrecy, for
+all were afraid of our neighbor in the west.
+
+My son-in-law, the Major, left on a long furlough. I have never yet
+been able to discover whether he passed his time in Paris or in Berlin.
+
+The work and the angry debates in Parliament taxed our patience and
+endurance to the utmost.
+
+When I returned to my home, I was frightened by my wife's appearance;
+her face showed the traces of great suffering. Although I took all
+pains to prevent her from seeing that I noticed it, she discovered my
+concern, and assured me that she was feeling quite well, but was
+sometimes weak; and that all would be right again in the summer, when
+she would accompany Annette to the springs. She was so active and
+cheerful that I silenced my fears. She had already learned of the death
+of our grandson Martin, and spoke of it with calmness.
+
+She informed me of Martella's kind and considerate behavior. Rothfuss
+had been sick again, and even now was only able, with great exertion,
+to drag himself about the house. Martella took charge of all his
+duties, and, what with this and her instructions from mother and
+Annette, was kept quite busy; but she was never so happy and cheerful
+as when full of work.
+
+My wife took great pleasure in explaining to me what strange
+counterparts Annette and Martella were.
+
+Annette was endeavoring to free herself from the effects of overwrought
+culture and to get back to simplicity. Martella, who had become
+conscious of her own simplicity, was vexed thereat, and with iron
+industry sought to acquire the rudiments of an education. Annette had
+always lived out of herself; Martella had always lived within herself.
+Annette had always tried to subject everything to critical analysis:
+Martella was merely artless impressibility.
+
+It was certainly a strange pair that my wife was teaching to keep step
+with each other.
+
+With great self-control Annette had accustomed herself to the quiet
+winter life of the village. She often said that she would leave in a
+few days. She seemed determined not to commit herself by any promise,
+in order that she might from day to day make new resolutions. When I
+told her that she was thus making both herself and us uncomfortable,
+she promised to remain until I should advise her to leave. She admitted
+that it was pleasant to her to be guided by another's will. She spun
+assiduously, and, like a diligent child, showed me the result of her
+labor.
+
+The old spinner maintained that Annette was learning all the secrets of
+her art. In spite of this, she was at times unable to control her
+restless spirits. She had the snow cleared away from the pond, and went
+skating on the ice, while half of the village stood around looking at
+her. My sons had sometimes skated on this pond; but it was quite a
+different sight to see the tall, handsome lady, with the black feather
+in her hat and the closely fitting pelisse trimmed with fur. She
+ordered a pair of skates for Martella, but could never induce the child
+to try them.
+
+Annette left us occasionally in order to spend a few days with Baroness
+Arven. On her return it would always seem as if a wondrous change had
+come over her.
+
+One day she came back in great excitement and exclaimed:
+
+"Oh, if I could only have faith! I think I shall have to administer
+chloroform to my soul."
+
+We could make no reply to this, and she soon again adapted herself to
+the quiet tenor of our life.
+
+I was obliged to introduce a change that gave me almost as much trouble
+as my opponents in the House of Delegates had done. It was necessary to
+engage some one to replace or assist Rothfuss. I could do nothing
+without his consent; several whom I had proposed he had rejected, and
+when I at last obtained Joseph's consent to engage Carl, Rothfuss was
+scarcely pleased, although he interposed no objections.
+
+Rothfuss always insisted that Carl, while a soldier, had behaved in the
+same way as the girl who said, "Catch me: I'll hold still."
+
+He had allowed himself to be caught. If Ernst had only been smart
+enough to do likewise!
+
+For the sake of his affection for Ernst, Carl submitted to this unjust
+reproach. He was indeed a brave and daring soldier, and felt provoked
+that during the whole war there had been nothing but marching hither
+and thither, back and forth, without once meeting the foe.
+
+Rothfuss and Martella had much to say to each other about Ernst, to
+whom Martella clung with unshaken confidence.
+
+Whenever the letter-carrier came, she was all anxious expectation, but
+had enough self-control to conceal her feelings for my wife's sake.
+
+My wife never mentioned Ernst's name, but ever since the day on which
+news had come from him, her sleep had been restless.
+
+When I returned from the session she said to me, "I am sure you have no
+news that you are concealing from me?"
+
+I could truthfully assure her that I had none, and after that she
+seemed as tranquil as if she had been speaking of an indifferent
+subject. And yet this grief preyed on her incessantly.
+
+Annette received many letters; and, as she could have nothing to
+do with any one without feeling a personal interest in him, she
+would always have something to eat and drink ready for the country
+letter-carrier. She soon knew all about the toil and trouble
+inseparable from his work, and also inquired in regard to his family
+circumstances, and assisted him as well as she could.
+
+She ordered a sheep-skin coat for him, but he was obliged to decline
+it, because in his walks over hill and dale the weight of it would have
+been insupportable. She presented the skin to a poor old man; and,
+indeed, tried to do good to every one in the village and neighborhood.
+The oldest house in the neighborhood is yet standing down in the
+valley. It is built of logs, and is known as _the hut_. The smoke fills
+the whole house and forces its way out through the crevices.
+
+Annette found this smoky atmosphere particularly grateful. She often
+went down to the hut, and the people would come from the houses near by
+and listen to her stories and her strange jokes. She was always in good
+spirits on her return.
+
+Annette had once encountered Rautenkron. She attempted to engage him in
+conversation, but he rudely turned on his heel; and when she was
+telling us of the manhater, my wife made a remark which I shall never
+forget:
+
+"This man must have come from a respected and well-to-do family, for
+the child of poor parents can never become a misanthrope."
+
+Although Annette kindly cared for the poor and did not permit herself
+to be repelled by any rudeness or vulgarity on their part, she was both
+severe and void of pity with the faults of those who were in better
+circumstances.
+
+Rimminger, who had taken his discharge and had married the only
+daughter of the rich owner of the saw-mill, endeavored, as an old
+comrade of her deceased husband, to bring about friendly relations
+between Annette and his household. She kept him at a distance, however,
+and expressed herself quite forcibly on the subject. She maintained
+that the young wife always looked like an _ennuied_ duchess, and was
+constantly trying to show that she had been educated in Paris.
+
+My wife said that she disapproved of such personalities. Annette looked
+at her with surprise and then cast her eyes to the ground.
+
+Our days were full of work, our evenings all leisure; and Annette
+called our attention to something that had never occurred to us. She
+found it very strange that there were no playing-cards in our house.
+She could not conceive how, living in the country, we could have
+overlooked this pastime. But we had never felt the want of it.
+
+Annette had a rich, musical voice, and would often read aloud to us.
+
+Joseph and his wife would come and listen, while Martella would spin so
+softly that one could not hear her wheel.
+
+Rothfuss would sit on the bench near the stove, and would artfully
+prevent us from noticing when he fell asleep. When the reading was
+over, he was always wide-awake, and would insist on being permitted to
+light the way to Joseph's house for Annette.
+
+In her letters to Richard, my wife described our pleasant genial life;
+and yet, for the first time, Richard did not visit us once during the
+whole winter. He regretted that he had an extensive work in hand which
+could not be laid aside, and believed that he was about to finish a
+novel and important contribution to his favorite science.
+
+Annette had procured various fugitive articles of Richard's that had
+been published in scientific journals, and during the winter had read
+all of his books, as well as an essay of his on the "Origin of
+Language."
+
+She once said: "I do not consider it vanity when a writer asks me,
+'Have you read such and such work of mine?' How can he believe that one
+faithfully listens to his words if one does not care to become
+acquainted with the best that he has done--the fruit of the deepest
+labors of his calmer hours?
+
+"I read the Professor's writings, and find much in them that I cannot
+understand; but he wrote them, and I read them for that reason, if for
+no other. And then again, I often chance on passages which are quite
+clear to me."
+
+My wife looked at me with a significant glance, and for the first time
+it occurred to me that it might be possible that Richard was in love
+with Annette, and for that reason held himself aloof from her.
+
+It was towards the end of February. There was grief among our nearest
+friends. Joseph's father died. On the day that he was buried, Annette
+received a letter informing her of the illness of her mother-in-law in
+Paris.
+
+I, of course, advised her to depart at once; and thus we were again
+left to ourselves. We all felt the void that Annette's departure had
+made, but soon after new and heavy troubles fell upon us.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+Days have passed in which I did not once take my pen in hand; I could
+not. Must I indeed write of this? What forces me to do so?
+
+"Above all things, leave nothing unfinished that you have once begun,"
+was a maxim of hers; and I must therefore tell of her death. When the
+fogs of autumn and the frosts of winter scatter the foliage of the
+trees, a branch may here and there be seen to which a few leaves are
+still clinging. Why should those alone have remained?
+
+My memory has remained true to me; but of that grief which seemed to
+divide my life I have but little recollection. I constantly thought of
+the saying of Carl's mother, "You are a good child: you cannot be so
+cruel as to die before me." From the garret, I looked on while they
+were filling up her grave. The spade shone in the sunshine. No one knew
+that I was looking on. Shall I again renew the feelings that then
+passed through my soul? Let it be so.
+
+My wife was ill. She uttered no complaint, but she was feeble, and took
+no interest in what was going on about her. During the day, she would
+sleep for hours; and at night, when she awoke, would seem surprised by
+the surrounding objects. During her sleeping hours, she may have dwelt
+in quite a different region; but she never alluded to it. The physician
+gave her but little medicine, and consoled us with the hope that the
+return of summer, and a visit to a watering-place, with cheerful
+companions, would help her.
+
+Annette soon returned to us. She was followed by my daughter Johanna,
+who had, in the meanwhile, lost her husband, and was accompanied by her
+daughter Christiane. She took up her abode with us. Her only son was
+living as a vicar in the Unterland.
+
+Assisted by Balbina, Johanna took charge of our entire household. When
+my wife told Martella that she had better submit to Johanna in all
+things, she replied, "I shall gladly do so; this was her home before it
+was mine; and I shall thus be better able to spend all of my time with
+mother." My wife indeed preferred to have this stranger-child about
+her; for Johanna could not help treating us in a patronizing, pitying
+manner, because we were not as pious as she would have us be.
+
+Spring returned, and my wife's health seemed to improve. I was quite
+happy again. At that time, I did not understand what the prudent and
+sensible physician meant, when he told me that it would be better for
+me to moderate my joy.
+
+All preparations for a journey to the springs had been made. Bertha had
+promised to join us there, and bring her daughter with her.
+
+Suddenly the physician decided that it would be better if my wife would
+remain yet awhile among the surroundings she was accustomed to. He was
+a young and kind-hearted man, constantly endeavoring to improve himself
+by study; full of love for his calling, and beloved by all throughout
+the valley. His visits now became longer than they had been. He would,
+at times, acquaint me with the details of his own life, and tell me
+that, although he had lost his wife while quite young, he endeavored to
+console himself by the remembrance of the happy days he had passed in
+her society. I listened to his words without giving them further
+thought; but afterwards it became clear to me why he had spoken so
+impressively on the subject.
+
+The days passed on. I gradually accustomed myself to the thought of my
+wife's illness; but when out in the fields, I would suddenly become
+alarmed, and imagine that something terrible must have taken place at
+the house. I would hurry home and find that all was going on as usual.
+
+Back of my house, where the road makes a descent, the young teamsters
+would crack their whips quite loudly. I observed that this startled
+Gustava, and she overheard me telling Rothfuss to ask the young fellows
+not to make so great a noise.
+
+"Do not interfere with them," said she. "A man who saunters along the
+road and has an instrument that is capable of making a noise, finds
+pleasure in using it. Do not stop him."
+
+I had never, before that, seen Rothfuss in tears; but when he heard
+those words, he wept, and that evening he said to me, "The angels who
+look down from heaven to see what we human beings on earth are doing,
+must be just as she is. She is no longer human--she will not stay with
+us. Pardon me: I am a stupid fellow to be talking this way. You know I
+am a simpleton, and do not understand such things. She is right,
+though; stupid people must always make a noise, be it with their mouths
+or with their whips."
+
+He had, however, in the meanwhile persuaded the youths not to crack
+their whips.
+
+My wife was determined that Annette and Bertha should go to the springs
+without her; and, as she would listen to no refusal, they were obliged
+to comply with her desire.
+
+Several weeks had gone by, when, one evening, the physician told me
+that she could last but a few days longer. I cannot describe my
+feelings at that moment.
+
+Joseph telegraphed for the children. They came.
+
+Strangely enough, my wife was not surprised by their speedy return. She
+conversed with them as if they had not been away more than an hour.
+
+The physician said that perhaps there might still be a chance to save
+my wife by injecting another's blood into her veins, and that, at all
+events, the attempt should be made. Johanna immediately declared her
+readiness, and though her offer was well meant, the manner in which it
+was made jarred on my feelings. She said that, as a daughter, she had
+the first right; but, if they did not want her blood her child must be
+willing.
+
+The physician declared that neither her blood nor that of her child
+would serve the purpose.
+
+The choice now lay between Martella and Annette, and when the physician
+decided in favor of Martella, her face brightened, and she exclaimed:
+
+"Take my blood--every drop of it--all that I have."
+
+Some of Martella's blood was injected into my wife's veins, and during
+the night, she gained in strength. But it was very sad to find that she
+had almost lost her hearing, and that the only medium of pleasure yet
+left her was the sense of sight.
+
+Martha, the eldest daughter of the kreis-director, had painted a
+picture of the view from our balcony, looking towards the woods down by
+the stone wall, and now brought it to my wife, who was delighted with
+it. The only figure was a hunter coming out of the woods.
+
+Martha told us that she could not draw figures, and that Annette had
+been kind enough to sketch the huntsman for her; and she kissed my
+wife's hands on hearing her say, "I think the hunter looks like our
+grandson, Julius."
+
+It was on the 22d of July, when she said, "Have a little pine-tree
+brought for me, from my woods, and placed here beside my bed."
+
+I sent Rothfuss out to the woods; he brought a little pine, placed it
+in a flower-pot, and I observed, while he was leaning over it, how his
+tears dropped upon the branches.
+
+He turned around to me and said, "I hope that will not harm the little
+tree."
+
+When I placed the tree at her bedside, she smiled and moved her left
+hand among its branches, but the hand soon fell down by her side.
+
+What wonderful powers of memory lie in a mother's heart! She would tell
+us of a thousand and one little stories and sayings of Ernst, and of
+his bright, clever freaks, with as much detail as if they had happened
+but the moment before; but, strangely enough, she did all this without
+mentioning his name. She praised his flaxen hair, and moved her hand as
+if passing it through his locks.
+
+"Do you not recollect how he once said, 'Mother, I cannot imagine how
+you could have been in the world without me: of course I have never
+been in the world without you'?"
+
+She repeated the words, "without you--without me," perhaps a hundred
+times during the night: and she was almost constantly humming snatches
+of old songs.
+
+In the morning, just as day was breaking, she turned around to me, and
+said with a smile, "This is his birthday." And that was her last smile.
+"This is Ernst's birthday."
+
+And when the lost son returned, there was no mother to receive him.
+
+Her silent thoughts had always been of him, but now they were deeper
+than ever.
+
+She had lost her hearing. Suddenly she exclaimed in a loud voice, "God
+be praised; Richard will marry her after all!" and then--I cannot go on
+with the story--I must stop.
+
+It was eleven o'clock (I do not know why I was always looking towards
+the clock that day) when she said, "Water from my spring."
+
+Richard hurried to bring it.
+
+What must his thoughts have been while on his way there and back!
+
+He soon returned, bringing the water with him, but she seemed to have
+forgotten that she had asked for it. When Richard lifted her up in bed,
+and placed the glass to her lips, she motioned him away.
+
+I heard a voice from without the house. A cold shudder came over me; my
+hair stood on end.
+
+It is the voice of our son Ernst!
+
+If Ernst were to come at this time! Could he have been drawn here by a
+presentiment of what is happening? And if he were here, what power
+could dare take him away from us, at this moment--and how will he enter
+his mother's presence?
+
+I hurried out. It was Julius--his voice is just like Ernst's. He
+brought a letter that Edward Levi had handed to him. It was from Ernst,
+and was dated at Algiers.
+
+I could not stop to read the letter. I could not remain away from the
+bedside--every moment was yet a drop of blood to me, and everything
+glimmered before my eyes. I hurried back to the sick-room; my wife
+looked at me with strangely bright eyes.
+
+"There is a letter here from Ernst!" I called out.
+
+I do not know whether she understood me, but she reached for the sheet
+that was in my hand, and held it with a convulsive grasp.
+
+I lifted her head, and moved it towards the cooler side of the pillow;
+she opened her eyes, and tried to raise her arms; I bent towards her
+and she kissed me.
+
+It was just striking the hour of noon, when she breathed her last.
+
+I tottered to her room at last; it seemed to me as if I must still find
+her alive; and when I was in her chair, I could not realize that I was
+seated there, and that she lay so near me, while I could do nothing for
+her.
+
+I do not know how it was, but I felt awed by the very silence of the
+place.
+
+Martella said, "I have stopped the clock; it, too, shall stand still."
+
+They had withdrawn the letter from her convulsively closed hand, and I
+read it. It has since disappeared--whither, I know not. I remember only
+this--that it contained news from Algiers, and that Ernst said in it
+that if Martella and Richard were fond of one another, he was quite
+ready to release her from any promise to him.
+
+With the exception of Ernst and Ludwig, all of my children were
+present. Many friends, too, were there. I recollect that I grasped the
+hands of many of them; but what avails that? They all have their own
+life left them--I have none.
+
+All arose to attend to the funeral. They set down the coffin in front
+of the house, and not far from the spring. They told me that my
+grandson, the vicar, delivered an impressive address in the name of the
+family. I heard nothing but the rushing of the water.
+
+How I reached her grave, or who led me, I know not.
+
+This alone do I know. I saw how Martella kissed the handful of earth
+that she threw into the empty grave, and when I returned homeward, the
+waters were still roaring in our fountain. It roars and roars.
+
+I felt borne down as if by a load of lead. Tears were not vouchsafed
+me. I could not realize that my hands could move, my eyes see--in fact
+that I was still alive.
+
+When I looked out again over the valley and towards the hills, it
+suddenly seemed as if my eyes had become covered with a film, and then
+all--the forest, the meadows, and the houses seemed of a blood-red
+color, as if steeped in the dark glow of evening.
+
+I closed my eyes for a long while, and when I opened them again, I saw
+that the meadows and the woods were green, and everything had its
+natural color.
+
+The water flows over the weir and bubbles and rushes and sparkles
+to-day, just as it did yesterday, and as it will tomorrow. How can it
+be possible that all continues to live on, and she not here. Do not
+tell me that nature can comfort us against real grief. Against a loss
+for aye she availeth nothing.
+
+If, in your closet, you have grieved because of insult and falsehood
+and meanness, do but go out into the fields or woods. While gazing upon
+the bright and kindly face of nature, or inhaling the sweet perfume of
+the trees and flowers, you will soon learn to forget such troubles. How
+weak is all the world's wickedness, when compared with such undying
+grandeur? That which is best on earth is still yours, if these things
+but preserve their sway over you. But, if your wife has been torn away
+from you, neither tree, nor stream, nor the blue heavens, nor the
+flowers, nor the singing birds will help you. All nature lives a life
+of its own, and unto itself, and of what avail is it all, when she no
+longer shares it with me?
+
+The first thing that recalled me to myself, was hearing the old spinner
+say to Carl, "Why am I yet here? She was so good and so useful, and I
+am nothing but a burden to you and to the world. Why must I stay
+behind? I would so gladly have gone in her stead."
+
+The poor people were gathered all about the house, and one old woman
+cried out, through her tears, "The bread she gave us was doubly
+welcome, for it was given cheerfully."
+
+I felt that my energies would never again arouse themselves. I cannot
+say that the thought alarmed me; I merely felt conscious that my mental
+powers were either failing or torpid. For days I could not collect my
+thoughts, and led a dull, listless, inanimate life. My children were
+about me, but their sympathy did not help me. Ernst's evil letter was
+the only thing that had any effect on me.
+
+I could not realize that what had once been life, was now nothing more
+than a thought, a memory.
+
+When I heard some one coming up the steps, I always thought it must be
+she returning and saying, "I could not stay away; I must return to you,
+you are so lonely. The children are good and kind, but we two cannot
+remain apart." And then I would start with affright, when I noticed how
+my thoughts had been wandering.
+
+When I walked in the street, I felt as if I were but half of myself. As
+long as she was with me I had always felt myself rich, for my home
+contained her who was best of all.
+
+No one can know what a wealth of soul had been mine; through her, and
+with her, I had felt myself moving in a higher spiritual sphere. But
+now I felt so broken, so bereft, as if my entire intellectual
+possessions had gone to naught. The children are yet here; but they are
+for themselves. My wife alone was here for me--was indeed my other
+self.
+
+Before that, when I awakened of a morning it was always a pleasure to
+feel conscious of life itself; but now with every morrow I had to begin
+anew and try to learn how to reconcile myself to my loss. But that is a
+lesson I shall never learn. My sun had gone down; I did not care to
+live any longer, because all that I experienced seemed to come in
+between her and me, and I did not wish to live but in thoughts of her.
+
+I looked at her lamp, her table, her work-basket--all these had
+survived her, are still here, and will remain. The one clock was never
+wound up afterward. From that day, there was but one clock heard in our
+room.
+
+I can now understand why the ancients buried the working implements
+with their dead.
+
+I looked out of the window. The neighbors' children were in the street;
+their noise grated on my ears. I could not but think how she once said
+to me, "Why should it annoy us? Is it anything more than the singing of
+the birds? The children are like so many innocent birds."
+
+All things remind me of her. I could sit by the window for hours and
+look at the chickens running back and forth, picking up crumbs, and
+watching the strutting cock.
+
+I must have been like a little child that, for the first time, begins
+to take notice of the objects that surround it.
+
+I seemed as if awaking from darkness, as if dreaming with my eyes
+open. Everything seemed new and strangely mysterious to me, although I
+had nearly attained my seventieth year.
+
+When, after many weeks, I again saw my face in the mirror, I was
+surprised at the saddened, sunken features of the old man. Could that
+be I!
+
+I had gone to the neighboring village to order a gravestone. On my way
+home, night overtook me. Suddenly a storm burst upon the valley. Like a
+child, I counted the interval between the lightning and the thunder. At
+first I could count up to thirty-two, afterwards only to seven; and
+then I stopped counting. I saw the houses by the roadside, and knew who
+lived in them here and there, I might have found shelter, but what
+should I do in a strange house, wet to the skin as I was? I kept in the
+middle of the road, on the broken stone. When I came to where the
+little bridge was, I had to wade through the water.
+
+I noticed that I was in the midst of the storm-cloud. How glorious it
+would have been to die at that moment--to be struck dead by lightning!
+
+"But my children, my children!" I uttered the words in a loud voice,
+but the thunder drowned my cries.
+
+The flashes of lightning succeeded each other so rapidly that they
+blinded me; I could see nothing more. I closed my eyes and held fast to
+a rock by the wayside. I had never heard such fearful roaring of the
+thunder, or seen such uninterrupted flashes of lightning. I stood still
+and concluded to wait there, while I thought of the many other beings
+who were also exposed to this storm; and at last, I could weep. I had
+not wept since her death, and now it did me good. The hail beat into my
+face, already wet with tears.
+
+Suddenly Rothfuss appears and exclaims: "Martella sends me. Oh, God be
+praised! there is a good bed waiting for you at home."
+
+Guided by Rothfuss, I reached the house. Although my family were
+greatly concerned as to the effect it might have, the shock that I had
+undergone had really benefited me. I slept until noon, and when I arose
+I felt as if breathing a new life.
+
+I must stop here. I cannot go on. I was obliged to learn how to begin
+life anew. When one has buried his dearest love in the earth, the earth
+itself becomes a changed world, and one's step upon it a different one.
+I trust that I shall not be obliged hereafter to repeat my lamentations
+for my own life. The first tranquillizing influence I found was in the
+statue gallery, with its figures from another world, so silent, so
+unchanging. We can offer them nothing, and yet they give us so much:
+they are without life or color, but they represent life in its
+imperishable beauty.
+
+Rothfuss offered me a strange solace. He said, "Master, there must be
+another woman somewhere in this world just as she was."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"I always thought that God only suffered the sun to shine because she
+was here, but I see that the sun still shines, and so there must be
+others like her."
+
+Martella, however, could not realize that she was dead.
+
+"It cannot be: it is not true: she is not dead. She is surely coming up
+the steps now. How is it possible that a being can remain away from
+those who love her so? I have one request to make. I wish you would
+give the pretty dresses to Madame Johanna and Fraulein Christiane; a
+few of the work-day clothes you can give to me, and the good woollen
+dress you can give to Carl's mother. Let no one else have any of her
+clothes. It would grieve me to the heart to know that a strange person
+was wearing anything that she had worn. Whoever wears a dress of hers
+can neither think an evil thought nor do an evil deed."
+
+My son Ludwig wrote a letter, in which he lamented my wife's death with
+all the feeling of which a son is capable, and yet spoke of death as a
+wise man should. My daughter Johanna lost the letter. I think she must
+have destroyed it on account of the heresies it contained.
+
+My consolation is that I have been found worthy of the perfect love of
+so pure a being; that, of itself, is worth all the troubles of life.
+Let what may come hereafter, what I have experienced cannot be taken
+from me.
+
+I have had a tomb-stone placed at her grave. It has two tablets on one
+are the words:
+
+                               "HERE LIES
+                      IPHIGENIA GUSTAVA WALDFRIED,
+                      _Born December 15th, 1807_,
+                        _Died July 23d, 1867_."
+
+On the other, my name shall one day be placed.
+
+
+
+
+
+                              BOOK THIRD.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER I.
+
+
+Life is indeed a sacred trust. I now began to feel that great and noble
+duties yet claimed me.
+
+I had become dull and listless. I had taken life as it came, resigning
+my will to outer influences, just as one without appetite sits down to
+a meal, merely to gain nourishment.
+
+I had become morbidly sensitive; every effort that was made to
+alleviate my sufferings and restore my accustomed spirits only served
+to pain me anew.
+
+I was now experiencing the worst effect of grief--indifference to the
+world.
+
+My path seemed to lie through dismal darkness; but at last I stepped
+out into the bright light of day and into the busy haunts of men.
+
+The village street leads into the highway; the forest-brooks flow on
+until they reach the river that empties itself into the ocean.
+
+Thus too has it been with my life.
+
+Yielding to Joseph's earnest wishes, I had made a collection of
+specimens illustrating every stage in the cultivation and growth of the
+white pine. When the collection was complete, I sent it to the great
+Paris Exposition.
+
+I received a medal of honor. I did not really deserve it; it should in
+justice have gone to Ernst, who had acquainted me with the results of
+his careful study of the subject.
+
+I have the diploma, and the medal bearing the effigy of Napoleon. I
+looked at them but once, and then enclosed them under seal. They will
+be found in the little casket that contains my discharge from the
+fortress and other strange mementoes of the past.
+
+Joseph asked me to accompany him to Paris, and would listen to no
+refusal. He wanted to acquaint himself with the new methods of
+kyanizing railroad ties, and insisted that he could not get along
+without my aid.
+
+I had not yet escaped from that condition in which it is well to resign
+one's self to the guidance of others.
+
+I saw Paris for the second time. My first visit was in 1832 or 1833,
+and was undertaken with the object of making the acquaintance of La
+Fayette. In those days we fondly believed that Paris was to save the
+world.
+
+Compared with what I now saw, all that had been done in the Parliament
+that was held in the High street of our little capital seemed petty and
+trifling.
+
+Though storms were gathering, Jupiter Napoleon sat enthroned over all
+Europe, and ruled the thunder and the lightning.
+
+I saw him surrounded by all the European monarchs, and often asked
+myself whether the world's life is, after all, anything but mummery.
+
+One day, while I was sitting on a bench in the Champs Elysées, and
+gazing at the lively, bustling throng that passed before me, I was
+approached by a Turco, who said to me:
+
+"Are you not Herr Waldfried?"
+
+My heart trembled with emotion.
+
+Was it not Ernst's voice? Before I could collect my thoughts, the
+stranger had vanished in the great crowd that followed in the wake of
+the Emperor, who was just passing by.
+
+I caught another glimpse of the man with the red fez and called out to
+him; but he had vanished.
+
+Had I been awake or dreaming?
+
+It could not have been Ernst. He would not have left me after thus
+addressing me. And if it were he after all! I felt sure that he would
+return; so I waited in the hope of again seeing the stranger. The
+people who passed me seemed like so many shadows, and I felt as if
+withdrawn from the world.
+
+Night approached, and I was obliged to go to my lodgings. I told Joseph
+of all that had happened. He stoutly maintained that I must have been
+dreaming; but nevertheless went with me the next day to the Champs
+Elysées where, seated on a bench, we waited for hours without seeing
+any sign of the stranger.
+
+On my journey homeward, I spent a whole week with my sister who lives
+in the forest of Hagenau. She can cheer me up better than any of my
+children can. Her excellent memory enabled her to remind me of many
+little incidents connected with our childhood and our parental home. In
+her house, I was, for the first time since my affliction, able to
+indulge in a hearty laugh.
+
+In the eyes of my brother-in-law, the medal awarded me at the
+Exposition invested me with new importance; he never omitted to allude
+to this mark of distinction, when introducing me to his acquaintances.
+On the 15th of August, Napoleon's _fête_ day, he actually wanted me to
+wear the medal on my coat. He could not understand why I would not
+carry it about with me constantly, so as to make a show of my medal of
+honor, notwithstanding the fact that the French consider their whole
+nation as the world's legion of honor. Every individual among them
+seems anxious to thrust himself forward at the expense of the rest.
+
+My sister privately informed me that the young sergeant whom I met at
+her house was a suitor for the hand of her eldest daughter, and was
+only awaiting the satisfactory settlement of the proper dowry on his
+future wife. He was a young man of limited information, but was very
+polite and respectful towards me. He hoped to win his epaulets in an
+early war with Prussia, which had been so bold as to gain Sadowa and
+conclude a peace without paying France the tribute of a portion of her
+territory.
+
+The young man evidently thought himself vastly my superior, and spoke
+of the future of the South German States in a patronizing and pitying
+tone. As I did not think it worth while to contradict him, he fondly
+thought that he was instructing me.
+
+As a German, I found the Hagenau Forest of especial interest, from the
+fact that a part of it had been presented to the town of Hagenau by the
+Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.
+
+I gave my brother-in-law many councils in regard to arboriculture; but,
+as the new ideas entailed work, he declined making use of them. He was
+very proud of his epaulets which were displayed in a little frame that
+hung on the wall; but he was devoid of all love for the forest, and
+indifferent to anything that helped the State without at the same time
+contributing to his personal advancement.
+
+I passed a delightful day with my brother-in-law the pastor.
+
+I accompanied him to church, and was greatly moved to once again hear
+German preaching and German hymns. The organist was one of the most
+respected men of the neighborhood, and was the owner of a large forge.
+
+I was introduced to him after the service. In the presence of others,
+he was quite reserved towards me; but during the afternoon, he visited
+the pastor, and, while we were seated in the arbor under the
+walnut-tree, we conversed freely in regard to the dangers that, in
+Alsace, menaced the last remnant of German institutions and the
+Evangelical Church.
+
+"France was happiest under Louis Philippe," said the pastor; and when
+the manufacturer ventured to inveigh against the Emperor, he replied
+that Napoleon was not so bad a man after all, but that the Empress was
+spoiling everything; that she was a friend of the Pope, and was
+endeavoring, at one and the same time, to destroy Protestantism and
+increase luxury.
+
+I returned home. Johanna superintended my household affairs, and also
+the farm, with great judgment.
+
+During the whole winter I was in delicate health, and in the following
+year I was obliged to visit the springs of Tarasp. Richard accompanied
+me.
+
+I was indeed unwell, for when I rode through the Prattigau and the wild
+waters of the Land-quart roared at the side of the road, it seemed to
+me as if the stream were a living monster that was climbing up and
+seeking to devour me.
+
+When on Fluella, I plucked the first Alpine rose. I wept. There was no
+one left to whom I could carry the flower that bloomed by the wayside.
+
+Richard regarded me for a long while in silence, and at last said,
+"Father, I know what it is that moves your soul. Let it content you
+that you did so much to make her life a lovely one."
+
+On those heights, where no plant can live, where no bird sings, where
+nothing can be heard but the rushing of the snow currents, where the
+fragments of rocks lay bare and bleak, and eternal snows fill the
+ravines, I felt as if I were floating in eternity--released from all
+that belonged to earth--and I called out her name--"Gustava!"
+
+Ah, if one could wait until death should overtake him in this cold,
+bleak region, where naught that has life can endure.
+
+I went on, and met people who had pitched their dwellings in lofty
+spots, in order to shelter and entertain tourists. My heart seemed
+congealed; but I can yet remember where I was when it again thawed into
+life. Neither the lofty mountains nor the mighty landscape helped me. I
+sat by the roadside and saw a little bush growing from among the
+rubble-stones and bearing the blue flowers called snakeweed. And it was
+there that I became myself again.
+
+But look! A bee comes flying towards the bush. She bends down into the
+open blossoms; she overlooks none of them, from the top to the bottom
+of the bush, but seems to find nothing, and flies off to another
+flower. On the next branch she sucks for a long while from every
+flower-cup.
+
+A second bee, apparently a younger one, approaches. She, too, tries
+flower after flower, and does not know that some one has been there
+before her. At last, however, she seems to become aware of the fact,
+and skips two or three of the blossoms until she at last finds one that
+contains nourishment for her.
+
+Here by the wayside, just as up above where human footsteps do not
+reach, there grows a flower that blooms for itself, and yet bears
+within it nourishment for another.
+
+I do not know how long I may have been seated there, but when I arose I
+felt that life had returned to me, and that I was in full sympathy with
+all that was firmly rooted in the earth or freely moving upon its
+surface.
+
+My soul had been closed to the world, but was now again open to the air
+and the sunshine of existence. From that moment, I felt the spell of
+the lofty peaks and lovely scenery, and, yielding to it, at last became
+absorbed in self-communion.
+
+I was again living in unconstrained and cheerful intercourse with human
+beings; and indeed I could not, at times, refrain from showing some of
+the well-informed Swiss that I met how carelessly and sinfully their
+countrymen were treating the forests. They complained that the
+independence of the cantons and the unrestrained liberty of individuals
+rendered it useless to make any attempt to protect the forests.
+
+I made the acquaintance of many worthy men, and that, after all, is
+always the greatest acquisition.
+
+We met the widow of our cousin who had fallen at Königgratz. She was
+exceedingly gay, was surrounded by a train of admirers, and flaunted in
+elegant attire. She nodded to us formally and seemed to take no pride
+in her citizen relatives.
+
+I must report another occurrence.
+
+On the very last morning, Richard had succeeded in plucking a large
+bunch of edelweiss. He was coming down the mountain where the wagon was
+waiting for us. Just then another wagon arrived, and in it was Annette
+with her maid.
+
+Richard offered the flowers to Annette.
+
+"Were you thinking of me when you plucked them?" she asked.
+
+"To be truthful, I was not."
+
+"Thanks for the flowers--and for your honesty."
+
+"I did not know, when plucking them, for whom they were; but I am glad
+to know that now they are yours."
+
+"Thanks; you are always candid."
+
+We continued our journey. On the way, Richard said, "Our cousin, the
+Baroness, is quite a new character; she ought to be called 'the
+watering-place widow.' She travels from one watering-place to another,
+wears mourning or half-mourning, is quite interesting, and always has a
+crowd buzzing around her. It were a great pity if Annette were to turn
+out in the same way."
+
+I replied, "If she were to marry, which indeed, were greatly to be
+desired, she would no longer be 'the watering-place widow.'"
+
+He made no answer, but bit off the end of a cigar which he had been
+holding in his hand for some time.
+
+On our way home, we rested in the shadow of a rock on a high Alpine
+peak, and there I found a symbol of what was passing between Annette
+and Richard--a forget-me-not growing among nettles.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+
+
+I reached home refreshed and invigorated. The china-asters that she had
+planted were blooming. Martella had decorated her grave with the
+loveliest flowers, and maintained that the wild bees affected that spot
+more than any other. Her memory gradually began to present itself to me
+as overgrown with flowers.
+
+I went to attend the winter session of the Parliament, and Martella
+accompanied me. We lived with Annette--she would take no refusal, and
+we were both at ease in her beautiful house.
+
+Annette always wanted to have Martella about her, but Martella had an
+unconquerable--I cannot say aversion, but, rather, dread of Annette;
+for Annette had an unpleasant habit of calling attention to every
+remark of Martella's, and had even quoted several of them in society.
+
+Richard, who, as the representative of the University, had become a
+member of the Upper Chamber, seemed provoked; not on account of my
+having brought Martella with me, but because I had allowed myself to be
+induced to stay at Annette's house.
+
+He hinted that Annette's marked hospitality was not caused by regard
+for me; and it really seemed as if she desired to see much of Richard
+at her house, although he had been cold and distant, and, at times,
+even scornful towards her. Nevertheless, he often visited us and
+allowed Annette to draw him into all sorts of discussions.
+
+One evening when we three were alone,--Annette had been invited to the
+house of a friend,--Martella said:
+
+"Richard, do you know what Madame Annette admires most in you?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Your fine teeth. She lets you use your good teeth to crack her hard
+nuts."
+
+Richard jumped up from his seat embraced Martella, and kissed her.
+
+Martella blushed crimson and called out, "Richard, you are so polite
+and yet so rude! Is that proper?"
+
+But Richard was quite happy to know that Martella had guessed at what
+had so often displeased him.
+
+Martella, who never wanted to leave me, one day suddenly expressed a
+wish to return home. Annette had on the previous evening taken her to
+the theatre, where a ballet had been produced in addition to the drama.
+A little child, representing a winged spirit, had descended from above,
+and Martella had called out in a loud voice, "That hurts!"
+
+All eyes were turned to Annette's box, in which Martella sat with her
+eyes wide open and looking towards the stage as if oblivious of aught
+else.
+
+Annette left the theatre with her. Martella could not be induced to
+utter a single word in explanation of her sudden fright. I was
+surprised to find how Annette bore this mishap, in which she herself
+had been subjected to the unkind glances of all the audience. "How
+strange," said she; "we are all, unconsciously, slaves of ceremony.
+There seems to be a tacit understanding that every member of a theatre
+audience or art-gathering must either remain silent or confine himself
+to one of two childish expressions--clapping the hands and hissing. And
+here this child is perfectly innocent, and I thank her for having
+solved another problem for me."
+
+In the morning, Martella wanted to go home. We accompanied her to the
+depot, and I telegraphed to Rothfuss to meet her at the station.
+
+My active labors for the Fatherland had restored me. In my solitary
+walks, my mind was now occupied by something besides constant thoughts
+of myself.
+
+Spring was with us again, and the wondrous power that revives the human
+soul had its influence on me.
+
+I was often invited to consultations in regard to matters affecting the
+common weal, and it seemed as if my little world was extending its
+area, when I made the acquaintance of many brave men, who lived in a
+neighboring district, and who kept alive their hopes for the future of
+our Fatherland.
+
+During the summer holidays, Richard paid us a visit. He and Baron Arven
+had stocked the forest-streams with choice varieties of fish. In some
+instances they had not succeeded in getting a pure breed; there were
+pikes among their fish.
+
+He was fortunate enough with several of the streams, but was greatly
+provoked to find that the farmers of the neighboring villages would not
+wait until the young brood had grown, and had already begun to catch
+the fish. He induced the authorities to threaten the farmers with a
+fine, but on the next day found the notice floating on the stream.
+
+He appointed a forester as watchman, and spent the night in a log cabin
+hastily built near by. Once they were fortunate enough to catch the
+thief.
+
+Richard and the forester brought the culprit before the authorities,
+and he was sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment. While we were seated
+at table, Richard expressed his satisfaction at the punishment which
+had been meted out to the offender. This made Martella as angry as I
+have ever seen her, and she became the more provoked when Richard
+quickly took down the mirror and held it up to her, saying:
+
+"Here, look at yourself; you are prettiest when you are angry."
+
+"It is nothing to you, how I look!" cried Martella. "Tell such things
+to your Madame Annette, but not to me."
+
+The color left Richard's cheeks.
+
+Annette had for several weeks been living in the neighborhood, with
+Baroness Arven, and Martella had hardly finished speaking, when we
+heard the clatter of horses' hoofs in front of the house. Annette and
+Baron Arven came riding up the road. The Baron congratulated Richard on
+having caught the first of the pirates, and Annette was in quite a
+merry mood.
+
+The Baron also brought us a piece of news that he had just received
+from his brother, the forester-in-chief, to the effect that my grandson
+Julius had been appointed assistant forester, and that the next
+official gazette would announce the appointment.
+
+We sent for Joseph. We were all very happy at the news, and Martella
+exclaimed, "That is the position Ernst wished for. But I congratulate
+Miss Martha with all my heart she will make a handsome young wife for
+the town forester."
+
+We had always avoided alluding to this connection, but now that it had
+been openly mentioned, we made no concealment of our joy.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III.
+
+
+Richard and the Baron rode over to the Wild Lake which they had
+intended to stock. Annette accompanied them.
+
+It was already night, but Richard had not returned; I was seated alone
+at the table, and waiting for him. It had always been his habit to tell
+us when he intended to remain out longer than the usual time.
+
+Martella entered. Her cheeks were flushed, and she said, "Father, send
+me away--wherever it be. I cannot remain here. It shall not be my fault
+if any one is bad."
+
+Trembling, and covering her face with her hands, she declared that
+Richard had told her that Ernst was unworthy of her, even if he were
+yet living, and that he would never return again. And after that he
+said--it was some time before she would tell what it was, and at last
+she exclaimed: "that he loves me with all his heart, and wanted to make
+me his wife! He! His brother! I would rather he should tie a stone
+about my neck, and throw me into the lake where his young fishes are! I
+could hardly believe at first, that he had said it, and answered him:
+'That is a poor joke: just think of how your mother would feel if she
+knew that you would joke in this way!' and then he swore that mother
+had said Ernst was untrue to me, and had for that very reason gone out
+into the wide world. Can mother have said that? My eyes would start
+from their sockets, before Ernst would forsake me. But let me never see
+Richard again. Never! Let me go away. You can send me away, but Richard
+cannot cease to be your son. Nor can I cease to be your child, but I
+can go away."
+
+It is impossible to find words for all that bubbled forth from
+Martella's soul. I pacified her, and she promised to remain until the
+next day.
+
+I sat up alone to await Richard's return. He did not come until near
+midnight.
+
+He wanted to bid me a short "good-night," but I detained him. He sat
+down and told me that the Baron and Annette had met Rautenkron down by
+the lake, and that he had ridiculed their undertaking. He had said, and
+rightly too: "Where there are no frogs, there is no stork; where there
+are no flies and worms, there are no birds or fishes. In what was
+called 'all-bountiful nature' one beast used the other for its blessed
+meal; and, besides that, the lake was entirely frozen over every
+winter, and had no outlet that was open through the whole year. If
+fishes were in it, they would become suffocated for want of air."
+
+Rautenkron had displayed much knowledge in the matter, but he would not
+consent to assist them. He was delighted, moreover, that nature
+contained much that was egotistic and was of no use to mankind. Thus
+spoke Richard.
+
+I was indignant. I could hardly conceive how Richard could talk about
+such subjects, and not make the slightest allusion to what had happened
+between him and Martella. I thought of Ernst's letter that I had
+received on the day of my wife's death. No one had seen it but I; for
+why should I have cared to spread the knowledge of Ernst's wickedness
+in offering his betrothed to another? Could it be that an open rupture
+with Annette had urged Richard to this unheard-of deed?
+
+I endeavored to stifle my indignation, and said, "You talk of the Wild
+Lake--Wild Lake, indeed; you have an unfathomable one in yourself."
+
+He looked at me with surprise.
+
+"What do you mean, father?"
+
+"How can you ask? You dare to touch that which should be holy in your
+eyes--the betrothed of your brother!"
+
+"Father, did she tell you herself?" he said hesitatingly.
+
+And I replied:
+
+"What matters that? Until now, I had always thought that you were even
+a better man than I was at your age; do not undeceive me."
+
+I said nothing more, and that was enough.
+
+On the following morning, Richard announced that he was about to
+depart, and it cost me a great effort to induce Martella to permit him
+to take leave of her. At last she came, on condition that I would
+remain present while Richard bade her farewell.
+
+Richard said:
+
+"Martella, you have a right to be angry with me, but I am angrier at
+myself than you can possibly be. I make no protestations, no oaths; but
+I pledge my honor as a man, that you will nevermore hear a wrong word
+or receive a wrong glance from me. Farewell."
+
+Thus, this trouble was arranged; but it seemed as if there could be
+nothing perfect in this world.
+
+I do not know whether Johanna had been eavesdropping, or how she
+happened to find it out; but, at dinner, she spitefully hinted at what
+had happened, for when we were talking of the imprisoned fish poacher,
+she said, "People who are without religion are capable of anything, and
+the irreligious ones who catch a thief are no better than the thief
+himself. They stretch forth their hands to grasp things that ought to
+be sacred in their eyes."
+
+During the whole of that winter I saw nothing of Richard, and received
+but one letter from him, in which he informed me that he had been
+offered an appointment at a distant university, and that, for many
+reasons, he would gladly have accepted it, but that the Prince had
+requested him to remain in the country. He added that he was now again
+able to say that his only happiness lay in the pursuit of science.
+
+It was a great pleasure to me to have Julius stationed in our
+neighborhood. He was so pure, so fresh, and so bright, that whenever he
+came to our house, his presence seemed like the odor of flowers.
+
+I am indebted to Julius for joys which even transcend those my children
+have given me, and my pride in my eldest grandson was now about to be
+mingled with that I cherished for my eldest son.
+
+My joy was fully shared by Rothfuss. He counted how many days it would
+be before Ludwig arrived, and said:
+
+"There are but seven steps yet--right foot, sleep; left foot, get up;
+or, taking it the other way, the two together make one step."
+
+The last days of waiting seemed long, even to me. Ludwig had
+particularly requested that I should not go to meet him.
+
+On the night before his arrival, I suddenly felt so oppressed that I
+thought I should die.
+
+I heard footsteps on the stairs, and, afterward, the breathing of some
+one in front of my door. Assuredly, he has wished to prevent my
+worrying--he is here already.
+
+"Who is there?"
+
+"It is I,--Rothfuss. I thought to myself that you would not be able to
+sleep, and then it suddenly occurred to me that everybody says I am so
+entertaining that I can put any one to sleep, and so I thought--"
+
+Rothfuss' allusion to this peculiar art made me laugh so heartily that
+I felt quite well again. After he left the room, I was obliged to laugh
+again at the thought of what he had said; and then I fell asleep, and
+did not awake until the bright daylight shone into my room.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+                                                   _May_ 28, 1870.
+
+"Good-morning, dear Henry," she said to herself, this day forty-six
+years ago, when she awoke on the last morning she spent in her own
+chamber.
+
+"Good-morning, Gustava," said I, opening my eyes. It was the
+anniversary of our wedding-day, and every year while we were together,
+these were the first accents from her lips and mine--in joy and in
+sorrow, always the same.
+
+And this very morning, when awakening, I heard her quite distinctly in
+my dream saying, "Good-morning, Henry." But I am alone. She has been
+snatched away from me.
+
+On this day our first-born returns from the new world. I am writing
+these words in the early dawn, as it will be a long while before I
+again have a chance quietly to set down my recollections. I will now
+prepare myself to go forth and meet my son.
+
+                                                     _June_, 1870.
+
+Ludwig and Richard have gone to the capital, and I have at last quiet
+and time to note down his arrival and his presence with us.
+
+I had just finished writing the above lines, on the twenty-eighth of
+May, when I heard Rothfuss drawing the chaise up from the barn to the
+front of the house. He then placed the jack-screw under the frame and
+took off one wheel after the other and greased the axles, singing and
+whistling while at his work.
+
+He saw me seated at the window, and called out in a joyful voice:
+
+"One waits ever so long for the Kirchweih,[4] but it comes at last.
+Martella is up already, and has been fixing up the beehives with red
+ribbons; the bees, too, are to know that joy comes to this house
+to-day. While busy at her work, she called out Ernst's name, as if she
+could drag him here that way. But to-day we must not let ourselves
+remember that any one is missing."
+
+There it was again. No cup of joy without its drop of gall.
+
+But the mind has great power, and one can force himself to forget
+things.
+
+It would be wrong towards my son Ludwig, if I were to mix other
+feelings with joy at his return; and it is also wrong towards myself
+not to permit a single pleasure to be without alloy.
+
+My spirits were, however, not a little checked on my being reminded of
+Ernst. Every nerve in me trembled, so that I began to believe that I
+would not be able to survive the hour in which I should again see
+Ludwig. But now the sad thought that had floated across my mental
+horizon soothed my excited nerves.
+
+Ludwig had sent me his photograph from Paris, in order that I might
+recognize him at once.
+
+He had placed the pictures of his wife and of his son in the same
+package.
+
+I read over his last two letters again.
+
+In a letter from Paris, dated Sunday, April 24th, he wrote:
+
+"Here I am in the midst of the hubbub in which the 'saviour of the
+world' is permitting the people to vote. It is truly a demoniac art,
+this power of counterfeiting the last word of truthfulness. In order
+that nothing may remain uncorrupted, the ministers declare that the
+question of the day is to secure tranquillity to the land for the
+future, so that, both on the throne and in the cottage, the son may
+peacefully succeed his father. The last lingering traces of modesty and
+purity are being destroyed; the last remnant of piety is appealed to in
+order to carry out the deceit.
+
+"How glad I should be, on the other hand, to bathe my soul in the pure
+waves of great harmonies. The thought that I shall enter my Fatherland
+in time to assist in celebrating the Centennary of Beethoven's birth is
+an inspiring and an impressive one to me."
+
+Joseph was at Bonn, awaiting the expected guests. He was again
+successful in combining high objects with business profits; he
+concluded a contract to build the festival building out of trees from
+the Black Forest.
+
+I looked at Ludwig's picture, and it seemed to me, indeed, as if I were
+looking at my father in his youth. All generations seemed to be
+combined in one, as if there were no such thing as time.
+
+Martella came into the room, dressed in her Sunday attire.
+
+"Good-morning, father," said she. "To-day you will hear somebody else
+say, 'Good-morning, father.'"
+
+I could not help wondering how Martella would appear to Ludwig. She
+seemed new to me. It seemed as if during the four years that she had
+been with us she had become taller and more slender. She wore the
+pearl-colored silk dress that had been my wife's, and had about her
+throat the red coral necklace that Bertha had sent her. Her
+unmanageable brown hair was arranged in the form of a coronet; and her
+walk and carriage were full of grace and refinement. Her face seemed
+lengthened, instead of being as round as it had once been; and her old
+defiant expression had given way to one of gentleness. Indeed, since
+the death of Gustava, a certain look of pain seemed to have impressed
+itself on her features, her large eyes had become more lustrous, and
+seemed full of unsatisfied longing.
+
+Johanna and her daughter had also arrayed themselves in their best
+clothes; at least, as far as that was possible with Johanna, for, since
+the death of her husband, she had always worn mourning.
+
+I rode off in the chaise with Rothfuss; Julius, with Johanna and her
+daughter, followed us.
+
+Martella remained in the house with Carl; and the schoolmaster's wife
+had come to assist in baking and cooking.
+
+When we reached the saw-mill, the miller said, "I have heard the news
+already--this is Ludwig's day."
+
+We drove on, and after a while Rothfuss said, "It seems to me that the
+trees are stretching and straightening themselves in order to appear at
+their best when our Ludwig goes by."
+
+When we arrived at the top of the last hill, Gaudens, who was breaking
+stones on the road, said: "Ludwig will have to own that the roads are
+not kept better in America than here." It was strange how the news of
+his return had been noised about.
+
+At the last village before reaching the station, Funk came out of the
+tavern and called out, "Rothfuss! Stop!"
+
+Rothfuss turned towards me with an inquiring look, and I told him to
+stop.
+
+Funk now informed me that he had succeeded in inducing the members of
+Ludwig's party to refrain from receiving him at the railroad station
+with a festive procession. He did not wish to interfere with the family
+festivities; but on the following Sunday, the friends of freedom would
+take the liberty of greeting Ludwig as one who belonged to mankind.
+
+I could only reply that I could decide nothing for my son,--that he was
+free and would act for himself.
+
+Funk went back into the tavern. We drove on. Rothfuss remarked, "That
+fellow is like a salamander; when he tries to climb a rock and falls on
+his back, he turns about and is on his feet again quicker than
+thought."
+
+We were much too early when we got into town, and I walked about the
+streets as if I had never been there before, and as if there were
+nowhere a chair on which one might rest.
+
+It suddenly occurred to me that I ought to have sent my picture to
+Ludwig, so that he might know me; I had grown a full beard since his
+departure, and it would grieve me if he did not at once recognize me.
+
+I decided at once. There was yet time enough to have my beard removed;
+and when I returned, Johanna and Rothfuss were greatly astonished by
+the change in my appearance. But I did not tell them my reason for
+removing my beard.
+
+I had a presentiment that Ludwig would bring Ernst with him. I note
+this down, because we frequently speak of fulfilled presentiments, but
+never of those which are not fulfilled.
+
+At the depot, there were numbers of emigrants who were about to leave
+the valley. I knew many of them, and they guessed at my innermost
+thought; for now one, and then another, would come to me and say, "If I
+learn anything about Ernst, I will write to you immediately."
+
+The locksmith's widow was there, with her three children. The children
+had bouquets in their hands, and I begged them to stand aside until the
+first meeting was over.
+
+A young stone-cutter who lived at a village in our neighborhood, and
+was employed in the shops at the depot, greeted the locksmith's widow
+in the most friendly manner. He held her hand in his for some time, and
+she seemed pleased thereat. How strange that at such moments one can
+see more than is transpiring about him! It suddenly occurred to me,
+"Who knows--they may yet be a couple."
+
+The Inspector invited me to his dwelling; I accompanied him. A short
+time afterward, he returned and told me that the train had been
+signalled. He led me down the steps and remained at my side. Now we
+hear the whistle;--now the train is coming round the curve; now it is
+slacking its speed. No one is beckoning to me from the car windows. Can
+he have failed to come? Many passengers alight; but I see no sign of my
+son.
+
+Suddenly a guard calls out to me, "Herr Waldfried, you are to come this
+way!" He opens the door of the car and I am lifted up into it.
+
+I hear a voice exclaim, "Father!" and I know nothing of what happened
+for some time afterward.
+
+"Grandfather, give me your hand," says another voice. But, before that,
+I am embraced by a lovely woman, who sheds tears of joy.
+
+Leading my son with my right hand and my grandson with the left, I
+walked out as if marching in triumph. My daughter-in-law was escorted
+by Johanna and her daughter.
+
+Suddenly Ludwig dropped my hand and called out, "You here, Ernst?"
+
+"I am not your brother Ernst; I am Julius, the son of your sister
+Martina."
+
+"Where is Rothfuss?" inquired Joseph, who had also come on the train
+with Ludwig.
+
+I had already seen him. He stood aside, lighting one match after
+another, and seemed to be waiting for Ludwig to come to him to get a
+light for his cigar.
+
+At last he threw the match away and called out, "Hurrah! Shout till you
+burst your throats!"
+
+They all shouted "hurrah," and when Ludwig and his son had shaken hands
+with Rothfuss, and the wife had taken him by the hand, Rothfuss said,
+"She has a firm hand; you have done this thing well, Ludwig."
+
+A middle-aged man, erect in figure, and with a red mustache, was
+looking after Ludwig's luggage. Ludwig now called to him, "Willem, just
+leave those things and come here. Here, Rothfuss, let me recommend to
+you my servant and friend, Willem. Shake hands with each other, and be
+good friends."
+
+Rothfuss extended his hand, and asked, with an air of doubt:
+
+"He speaks German, of course--does he not?"
+
+"Yours to command; I know nothing else."
+
+It was on a Saturday, and the Jews of the little town were accustomed
+on that day to loiter about the station. We were just about to leave,
+when the Jewish teacher came up to me and said, "Herr Waldfried, the
+verse in the Bible which tells of Jacob again seeing his son Joseph,
+applies to you. It says, 'And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die,
+since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.'"
+The words of the little old man did me much good.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER V.
+
+
+Funk had been unable to deny himself the pleasure of being on hand.
+
+When we passed the garden of the "Wild Man" tavern he stood at the
+fence, surrounded by several of his companions. They lifted their
+foaming beer-glasses on high, and cried, "Long live Ludwig, the
+republican!" Ludwig merely nodded his thanks, and then said to me:
+
+"Father, let us get in and ride home."
+
+The carriages were awaiting us.
+
+I wanted my daughter-in-law to sit with me, but she insisted that
+Ludwig and Wolfgang should do so, while she joined Johanna and the rest
+of the party.
+
+Rothfuss, who at other times took so great a pleasure in cracking his
+whip, now sounded it but lightly.
+
+"Rothfuss, how long have you been with us?" asked Ludwig.
+
+"Longer than you have been in this world," was the answer.
+
+My grandson, Wolfgang, laughed out loud, and told us that his father
+had prophesied that very answer.
+
+As we drove through the village, every one came to the windows to greet
+us.
+
+We were passing the house of the kreis-director. The family were seated
+in the garden, and we were obliged to stop with them for a little
+while. The roses were lovely, and the faces of our friends were bright
+with kindness.
+
+The husband, the wife, and the daughters welcomed the new-comers most
+cordially, and the wife handed my daughter-in-law a bouquet of roses.
+
+Their son was also present. He had become a lieutenant, and his
+countenance seemed to combine the clear, bright expression of the
+mother, with the sternness of the father.
+
+Julius and Martha were standing a little way off, beside a blooming
+rose-bush, and when I said to Ludwig, "Behold your future niece," they
+were both so suffused with blushes, that they resembled the roses. My
+daughter-in-law embraced Martha, and was afterward embraced by the
+Privy Councillor's wife.
+
+Ludwig urged our departure for home, and the charming woman thanked us
+heartily for the short visit we had paid her. In the meantime, Rontheim
+had opened a bottle of wine and filled our glasses.
+
+Our glasses clinked; we emptied them, and started on our way; and
+Rothfuss said, "The Privy Councillor did the right thing in pouring out
+some wine; eating and drinking is the best half of nourishment." Ludwig
+laughed heartily.
+
+Ludwig held me by the hand while we drove along the valley road.
+
+"The houses have been rebuilt," he said, pointing towards the right
+bank of the stream. It was there that, during the uprising of 1848, he
+had been in command, and where the houses had been burned to the
+ground.
+
+"We have him in a sack; if we could only keep him there for ourselves
+for a couple of weeks," called out Rothfuss.
+
+My grandson did not understand him, and I was obliged to explain how
+Rothfuss always managed to catch my very thought.
+
+I had wished to be able to have Ludwig's society for myself, and to
+give no one a part of him, except of course his brothers and sisters.
+From a few remarks of Ludwig's, I gathered that he was aware of my
+thoughts, and the first thing he said to me was a text for all that
+followed.
+
+"I have not forgotten mother's saying, and it has often been a guide
+for me: 'We have part in the world, and the world ought to have part in
+us.'"
+
+It seemed to me that Rothfuss was laughing to himself. I had been
+mistaken, however, for Wolfgang, who was seated on the box with
+Rothfuss, now called out, "Father, Rothfuss is crying!"
+
+"Is there anything that such an American wouldn't notice?" replied
+Rothfuss, sitting upright on the box, and cracking his whip with all
+his might.
+
+"And so the new road through the valley is finished," said Ludwig; "I
+suppose Antonin built that. It would have been better, though, if they
+had carried it along the other bank."
+
+The new road had, however, only been laid out as far as the boundary
+line; from there unto my dwelling, which was fully two hours distant,
+there was only the old road, which was in a horrible condition.
+
+"Father," exclaimed Wolfgang, "here are the boundary posts that you
+told me of."
+
+"Yes," said Ludwig; "this is yet old Germany. Here, there is still
+separation."
+
+I believe that I have not yet mentioned that I live near the border.
+Our village is the last point in our territory, and further down the
+valley is the beginning of the neighboring principality.
+
+How strange! There was so much that we wished to speak of to one
+another, and the first subject of conversation was the laying out of
+the new road.
+
+And it is well that it is so; for this helps one over the heart-throbs
+that otherwise would be almost insupportable.
+
+Ludwig had mentioned mother, and for the present she was not referred
+to again.
+
+He had a quick glance, and always thought of what might benefit the
+community; and when Wolfgang expressed his delight at the wild, rushing
+valley stream, Ludwig said to me, "That stream could do much more work.
+There is a fortune floating there, thrown into the water, as it were,
+and flowing away from our valley out into the ocean."
+
+"To whom does water-power belong?" inquired Wolfgang.
+
+We gave him the desired information, and this question was a happy
+proof of his active, inquiring mind.
+
+"Over yonder," said Rothfuss, "there is a miller who has his
+water-power direct from the heavens." He pointed to the house of the
+so-called "thunder miller," who had built his mill in such a way that
+its wheel would only go after there had been a storm.
+
+The ground for some distance before we reached the tunnel, was covered
+with cherry-trees with straight trunks, the branches of which looked
+like a well-arranged bouquet; and on the heights were the beech-trees
+with their red buds, and one could follow the gradual development of
+the foliage.
+
+"Look, Wolfgang," said Ludwig, "you can see here how spring gradually
+climbs up the mountain side."
+
+"Father," exclaimed Wolfgang, "the people in the fields are all looking
+up at us."
+
+"They all know grandfather," replied Ludwig; and, turning to me, he
+explained: "It seems strange to the boy, for the American never looks
+up from his work, even if seven trains of cars rush by within ten paces
+of him."
+
+At the boundary line, Gaudens greeted us.
+
+We halted there for a while. He came up to the carriage, stretched out
+his hand, and exclaimed, "Do you know me yet?"
+
+"Certainly I do; you are Gaudens."
+
+"Yes, it is easy to find me; from here around the corner, down to the
+Maiengrund is my district. I was in the revolution too, but I lied my
+way out. Yes, Ludwig, you have wandered about a great deal in the wide
+world. It is best at home, after all; isn't it? Is this your son?"
+
+"It is."
+
+"God bless him. And what a splendid wife you have!--What a pity about
+Ernst; he has such a good heart and is such a sensible fellow, and yet
+commits such wicked and foolish tricks. All I wish for is to have a
+place where I might have some little extra profits from fruit and grass
+by the road; nothing ripens here but pine cones."
+
+When Wolfgang shook hands with him at parting, he said, "He has a soft
+hand; he cannot swing the pickaxe as you did when you were building
+your first road."
+
+"How lovely it is here," said Wolfgang. "Here you know every one, and
+every one knows you; you cannot meet a stranger."
+
+He was right; it is so; and this makes a full life, but a hard one too.
+
+We left the forester's house, where the forester's pretty wife, holding
+a child on her arm, greeted us. Our way lay along the crest of the
+mountain, and looked down into the valley, where the haystacks were
+scattered about the meadow, in the hollow, and along the hillside.
+Ludwig said:
+
+"Whenever I thought of home, this view of the valley always came back
+to me. I was walking here once with Ernst, while he was yet quite a
+little fellow, and he said to me, 'Ludwig, look at the haystacks. Don't
+they look like a scattered herd of cows on the meadow?'"
+
+He must have noticed that his allusion to Ernst had agitated me, and he
+added, "Father, we must be strong enough to think calmly of the dead
+and of the lost ones."
+
+When we passed the woods that belonged to Uncle Linker and me, Ludwig
+was delighted to find how nicely they had been kept.
+
+He then inquired about Martella, and when I said that she had a strange
+aversion to America, and disliked to hear it mentioned, he replied:
+
+"Do you not believe, father, that she has an unexplained, and perhaps
+sad, past, which is in some way associated with America?" I was
+startled;--the case seemed to present new and puzzling difficulties.
+
+Ludwig was pleased with the meadow-valley where he had arranged the
+trench with sluices. In very good seasons, there were four crops; but
+one was always sure of at least three. The value of the meadow-farmer's
+property had in this way been doubled.
+
+Down by the saw-mill, we met Carl, who was just using the windlass to
+drag a large beam from the wagon.
+
+He turned around as we approached and saluted us, and Ludwig's wife
+said, "What a handsome fellow! He is just as I have imagined all your
+countrymen to be."
+
+We alighted, and walked up the hill and on towards the village.
+
+When Ludwig saw the churchyard, he removed his hat from his head,
+remained standing for a moment in silence, and then walked on briskly.
+
+At the steps of the house he extended his hand to his wife and said,
+"Welcome to the house of my parents!"
+
+Martella was standing on the piazza: she stood there immovable, holding
+herself by the railing.
+
+"That pretty girl there, with large staring eyes, is Ernst's betrothed,
+I presume?" said Ludwig.
+
+I said, "Yes."
+
+We went up the steps and entered the room. Without speaking a word,
+Martella offered her hand to every one of the new arrivals. She seemed
+absent minded and was silent.
+
+My daughter-in-law and Wolfgang were surprised to find that we still
+had fires in our stoves.
+
+A little pleasantry at once made us all feel at home with one another.
+I told my new daughter-in-law how happily I had lived with my wife, but
+that even we had been obliged to adapt ourselves to each other's ways.
+
+From the earliest days in autumn until far into the summer, it had been
+our custom to have our sitting-room heated every morning and evening.
+At first it went hard with me, but after a while we accustomed
+ourselves to the same outer temperature, and the nicely warmed room at
+last became a great comfort to me, whenever I returned from the fields.
+
+"I understand perfectly, and thank you for telling me of mother first
+of all," said my daughter-in-law.
+
+Martella remained silent and reserved towards the newcomers, and, for
+the rest of the evening, we did not see her again. She remained in the
+kitchen and instructed one of the servants to serve the meal. With the
+help of the schoolmaster's wife she had prepared us a fine feast.
+
+Wolfgang suddenly asked to see the family woods, and as it was still
+broad daylight, Ludwig took him out to gratify his curiosity.
+
+I was left alone with my daughter-in-law, and when I conducted her
+through the house and showed her, above all things, the apartment with
+the plaster casts, her pure and tranquil nature became revealed to me
+for the first time.
+
+When Ludwig returned, he expressed great pleasure with the fountain
+that mother had ordered to be repaired at the time the new forest path
+was laid out. He promised to send to the iron foundry at once, and
+order a pretty column with a pipe through it.
+
+"Mother inspired me with an affection for this spring," said he. "While
+building the aqueduct, I thought of her almost every day; and along the
+space where the pipes were running under ground, I planted pines, in
+order that pretty woods might grow there, and the temperature of the
+water always remain the same. Of all the great and impressive things I
+beheld in America, one little monument impressed me most of all; it was
+that to Fredrick Graff, who built the waterworks of Philadelphia."
+
+Night approached. We were seated in the arbor, and Wolfgang exclaimed,
+"The stars shine more brightly here than elsewhere."
+
+"The dark woods make it appear so," said Ludwig. And just over the
+family woods, seeming to touch the tops of the trees as if fixed there,
+a star glistened and shone with a brightness that was marvellous even
+to me.
+
+Ludwig conducted himself with great self-control and moderation. He
+spoke slowly and in a low voice, in order to keep down all agitation.
+
+Long after the new-comers had retired to rest, Rothfuss and I were
+still sitting in front of the house.
+
+Rothfuss could not come to an understanding with himself. He said, "Our
+Ludwig is still the same, and is changed for all; he has not grown, and
+yet he is larger."
+
+He told me that Ludwig had come out into the stable to him, and when he
+had told Ludwig that the sorrel horse was the son of our gray stud, he
+had taken the horse firmly by the mane and said, "Rothfuss, you have
+been faithful to my father; I cannot fully recompense you for it, but
+express a wish and I will do what I can for you."
+
+Rothfuss had heard no more of what was said.
+
+He could not help crying like a child; and now he would like to know
+what he ought to wish for. He said that he wanted no one to advise him;
+he must find it out himself. For a long while, neither of us spoke a
+word. There was not a sound to be heard, save the bubbling of the
+fountain in front of the house.
+
+I retired to my room, but could find no rest, and sat by the window for
+a long while.
+
+It seemed to me as if an invisible and inaudible spirit was wandering
+through the house and bestowing upon it peace and quiet, above all
+other spots upon this earth.
+
+Just then the watchman called the hour of midnight; the window of
+Ludwig's chamber opened, and Ludwig called out, "Tobias, come and see
+me to-morrow: I have something for you."
+
+"Are you still awake?" cried I.
+
+"Yes, father; and when I heard the watchman I knew for sure that I am
+at home. Now I understand the proverb, 'He who does not wander, does
+not return.' It is only among strangers that one learns to appreciate
+his home.
+
+"But now go to sleep. Good-night, father."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+"The Herr Professor has arrived," were the words with which Martella
+greeted me early the next morning. I must observe that Martella now
+always spoke of Richard as "Herr Professor." The meeting of the
+brothers was a most affectionate one.
+
+Ludwig's wife and Richard were friends at once. She introduced herself
+to him as the daughter of a professor, and Richard's impressive manner
+seemed to please her greatly.
+
+Wolfgang was greatly moved, and whispered to me:
+
+"I can now for the first time, say the best words: 'grandfather,'
+'uncle;' and"--turning quickly to Johanna--"'aunt;' to Julius I have
+already said 'cousin,' and I shall soon have more cousins."
+
+The brothers were soon involved in a most zealous discussion of the
+great questions of the day. Richard warned Ludwig against permitting
+the demagogues to make use of him, as their only aim was to foment
+disturbance, and to abuse all existing institutions. They were wholly
+without lofty or honest aims of their own. When he warned him to be on
+his guard and not to permit this or that one to influence his views of
+affairs in the Fatherland, Ludwig replied: "With your permission, I
+shall begin with you." Richard observed that, just as time helps to
+correct our judgments, in regard to past events, so does distance aid
+us in criticising contemporary history. It may take ten years before we
+can see the Europe of the present in the light in which it appears to
+the unprejudiced American of to-day; and when he asked Ludwig whether
+we might not cherish the hope that he would now remain in the old
+world, Ludwig answered that, with all his love of home, he did not
+believe he would be able to give up the perfect independence of
+American life.
+
+"And what do you think on the subject, my dear sister-in-law?"
+
+"I am of the same opinion as my husband."
+
+Richard expressed a wish that Ludwig might, at some future day, take
+charge of the family estate, as there was no one else who could do it.
+It seemed to me, indeed, that, in all that he said, Richard was trying
+to determine Ludwig to unite his fortunes with those of the Fatherland.
+
+Ludwig, who had come by way of France, could tell us much of the great
+excitement that had been produced there by the _plebiscite_.
+
+The brothers were agreed that the expression of the popular will had
+been accompanied by fearful deceit on the part of the authorities; but
+they did not agree as to the object contemplated by that deceit.
+
+"I was often obliged," said Ludwig, "to think of our old schoolmaster,
+who explained the philosophic beauty of the Latin language to us by the
+fact that _volo_ has no imperative; but the author of the 'Life of
+Cĉsar' has shown us, by means of the _plebiscite_, that _volo_ has an
+imperative."
+
+Ludwig asserted that the majority of educated Frenchmen hated and
+despised Napoleon; for all the large cities, with the exception of
+Strasburg, which gave a small majority on the other side, had voted
+_no_. At the same time, what they hated and despised in him was just
+what they themselves were; for every individual Frenchman really
+desires to be a Napoleon; and the _no_ that a portion of the army had
+voted, simply meant, "We want war." Napoleon had undermined every sense
+of duty, and the misfortune of France was that no one there believed in
+the honesty or the unselfishness of another creature.
+
+"I have also made the acquaintance of French emigrants in America. It
+is, of course, unfair to judge of a nation by its emigrants; but I
+could not help being struck by the fact that those whom I met had no
+confidence in any one."
+
+Richard, on the other hand, had a very good opinion of the French. He
+told us that about the time he was working in the library at Paris, he
+had travelled much through France, and had made the acquaintance of
+Frenchmen of every station in life.
+
+"The French are industrious and temperate, and a people of whom that
+can be said, has a noble destiny awaiting it. They have a great desire
+to please, which makes them agreeable, and gives all their work the
+impress of good taste. They are fond of all that partakes of the
+decorative, whether it be a glittering phrase or a badge. If that
+which, from its very nature, ought to be general, could gain
+distinction for them--if there could be an aristocracy in republican
+virtue, I cannot help believing that the Frenchmen would be unbending
+republicans."
+
+"Yes," said Ludwig; "and they are humane, also. The vain and conceited
+man is usually generous and communicative: he thinks he has so many
+advantages that he is glad to bestow a share on others, and is annoyed
+and almost angry if they do not care to accept his bounty; for he
+considers their declining it as a want of belief in his superiority,
+and is surprised to find that others do not hunger and thirst for the
+things that he regards as delicacies."
+
+The brothers became involved in all sorts of discussions, and, although
+Richard was the younger of the two, he showed, in a certain patronizing
+way, how pleased he was to find that the school of experience had
+moderated Ludwig's views. For the brothers agreed on one point--that,
+as there was no one church which could alone save mankind, so there was
+no one form of government which could alone make all men free. After
+all, everything depended on the honesty and the morality of the
+citizen, and, for that reason, it could not be maintained that the
+republican form of government was a guarantee of freedom, or that a
+monarchy necessarily implied a condition of servitude.
+
+The brothers now understood each other better than they had done in
+former times.
+
+Richard always occupied himself with general principles, while I can
+only interest myself in particulars. The first question that I ask
+myself is, How does the rule apply to this or that one? Richard is
+different. He has no eye for isolated cases, but a far-seeing glance
+where general principles are concerned. He looks upon everything from a
+certain lofty historical point of view. He regards the hilly region in
+which we live with the eye of an artist and a scientist, noticing the
+elevations and the depressions, without giving a thought to the people
+who dwell among them. He does not see the villages, much less a single
+villager.
+
+My experience with Richard solved a question which had always been a
+riddle to me. He has no love for the people, and is, nevertheless, an
+advocate of liberty. Until now, I could not understand how it was
+possible; now it is clear to me.
+
+Advocates of liberty are of two classes. The one class ask for it as a
+logical necessity; the other are disappointed when the people, or
+portions thereof, become obstinate or prove themselves unworthy of
+freedom. The former have nothing to do with mankind, but simply busy
+themselves with the idea of liberty, and are, for that reason, more
+positive and exacting and less given to fine talk.
+
+Formerly, Richard had been dissatisfied with all of Ludwig's actions
+and opinions. He was opposed to all that was violent; but now Richard
+had become the more liberal, and Ludwig the more conservative, of the
+two. It was in America, where the tendency seemed towards a loosening
+of all restraint, that Ludwig had for the first time learned to attach
+importance to the preservation of established institutions. While they
+were yet children under the instructions of Pastor Genser, who
+afterward became my son-in-law, the two boys had given much of their
+time to music. To listen to Richard playing the violincello and Ludwig
+playing the piano, was one of the greatest pleasures that our household
+afforded Gustava and myself.
+
+Ludwig has given up music, and they can now no longer play together.
+But when I heard them talking in unrestrained converse, and observed
+how the one transposed the mood and the thoughts of the other into his
+own key, and developed it, adding new combinations of ideas; and when I
+noticed how the eye of either speaker would, from time to time, rest
+upon the other with a joyful expression, it seemed yet more beautiful
+and more grateful to my heart than any music could be. And withal, each
+temperament preserved its own melody. Richard looked forward for some
+event that would mark a turning-point in the affairs of men, or for the
+advent of some great man, to utter the command, "Come, and follow me."
+Ludwig added that liberation could only be brought about by one who
+possessed a cool head and a firm hand, so that, without swerving a
+hair's breadth to either side, he could put in the knife where it was
+needed.
+
+Richard, with more than his wonted animation, spoke joyfully of being
+released from the opposition party, and when Ludwig approvingly said
+that the time was now coming for Germany in which those who were
+dissatisfied with its laws and institutions would not be the only free
+ones, Richard again urged him to consider how hard it would be if no
+one of us should take charge of the estate, and it should thus at some
+day fall into the hands of strangers.
+
+"That is no misfortune," replied Ludwig. "Our posterity may again
+become poor, just as our ancestors were; all property must change hands
+at some time or other. To encourage the fond desire of retaining
+possession of a so called family estate, savors of aristocratic
+feeling."
+
+Richard was struck by this reply, and said: "You are more familiar with
+the history of the Indians than I am; but do you recollect the reply of
+the chief whom they were endeavoring to persuade to move off with those
+who belonged to him, into another territory--'Give us the graves of our
+ancestors to take with us?' And, Ludwig, over there is the grave of our
+mother."
+
+There was a long silence after that, and Ludwig merely replied, "You do
+wrong to urge me so."
+
+Martella had been sitting near by while the two had been carrying on
+their familiar conversation. In all likelihood, she had understood but
+little of what was said, for, while discussing the improvement of the
+whole world, they indulged themselves in vistas of the distant future.
+But Martella would look first at one and then at the other, and then at
+me, nodding approval each time. And afterward, when she and I were
+alone together, she said, "Father, your eyes told me how happy you
+were, and you must have thought just as I did; did you not? Ah, if
+Ernst only knew how his brothers are here talking with each other from
+their very hearts! Indeed, if he were here he would be the most
+sensible of all, for there is no one like Ernst."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+Ludwig's servant entered and inquired whether he might accompany
+"madame" (meaning Johanna) to church.
+
+"You may go," replied Ludwig to the servant, who saluted in curt
+military style and left the room.
+
+Richard inquired where the man was from, for his pronunciation would
+prove him a North German.
+
+Ludwig replied, "Yes, he is a specimen of North German discipline and
+reliability.
+
+"Although he was willing to work at anything, he was almost perishing
+with want when I made his acquaintance. I took him into my service, and
+every order I gave was executed by him as implicitly as if he were
+obeying an imperative law of nature.
+
+"One evening I had an appointment to meet several persons at the town
+hall; I took him with me, and said to him, 'Willem, wait here for me.'
+
+"I entered and had a lengthy interview--forgot Willem, and left through
+another door.
+
+"The next morning I came back to the town hall, and there stood Willem.
+
+"'What are you doing there?' I asked.
+
+"'_Ik warte_.'[5] said he.
+
+"He had waited there all night, and would probably have waited the
+whole of that day, if I had not by chance come there.
+
+"After that, we always called him 'Ik-warte.'"
+
+We were so happy together. It was one of those moments that one wishes
+might be prolonged forever, and in which one dreads to move from his
+seat for fear of breaking the spell. Our happiness was, however, not to
+be of long duration.
+
+The locksmith's widow came, bringing her children with her. They
+brought a pot of fine honey, and fresh garlands of daisies and violets.
+
+Ludwig advised the children--they were two girls and a boy--above all
+things not to consider themselves Americans; for if Germans would work
+as they do in America, they could do just as well as the Americans.
+
+The widow said that she would like to have a talk with Ludwig alone,
+for she looked upon him as the guardian of her children. Ludwig
+promised to pay her a visit at an early day.
+
+She was about leaving when new guests arrived.
+
+Funk called, but he had discreetly sent in advance his parade horse,
+Schweitzer-Schmalz, who was attired in the national costume she was so
+fond of, with large, round, silver buttons. He walked along with an air
+of great importance, with his bull neck, his face shining with good
+living, and his thick eyelids, from beneath which his little eyes cast
+their contemptuous glances. He was followed by the village lawyer, a
+man of pleasing appearance, and, indeed, a noble being who had but one
+fixed idea, and that was that the world was to be protected against all
+corporalism.
+
+Funk followed after these two fit companions of his. He had not been in
+my house for four years.
+
+Schweitzer-Schmalz was the first to speak, and uttered a short, hearty,
+"Welcome, Ludwig!"
+
+For the first time, he avoided his haughty manner of treating every one
+as "little fellow." The tall, commanding appearance of Ludwig awed him.
+
+After that, the lawyer delivered a somewhat longer and quite fervent
+speech, and I was obliged to beg Richard to keep quiet, for he
+whispered to me, "All this so early in the morning, and without an
+audience of empty bottles!"
+
+Funk extended his hand in silence and nodded significantly, as if he
+meant to say, "You know already what I mean."
+
+Martella brought wine and glasses. It hurt me to feel that she was in
+the presence of Funk, who had, years ago, so maliciously dragged her
+name before the political meeting.
+
+I had told Ludwig nothing of my rupture with Funk.
+
+Funk inquired about several who had been their companions in revolution
+and who had emigrated. Of many, Ludwig could give no information, while
+of some he could give us good report, and of many others, sad news.
+
+Ludwig disapproved of the emigration fever.
+
+The turn that the conversation had taken did not seem to Funk's taste;
+but Ludwig was able to direct it as he desired, and, addressing himself
+more especially to the lawyer, he spoke of the intimate relations that
+existed between our country--South Germany in particular--and America.
+
+Owing to their innate energy, and in spite of want, misery and
+ignorance of the language, the proportion who succeed in attaining
+wealth, position, and honors is much larger with the first generation
+of emigrants than with their children who are born in America.
+
+Statistics had proven that, in spite of want and temptation, the first
+generation offered far fewer objects for the jails than did the second.
+On the other hand, the former were more largely represented in the
+insane asylums.
+
+Funk was evidently displeased, and emptied his glass at one draught.
+Although he laughed, he seemed ill at ease when Schweitzer-Schmalz
+said, "There you have it. I have always told you little folk may
+emigrate; but the right sort of a man," he said, stroking his fat belly
+at the same time, "knows where he is best off, and keeps at home."
+
+"I believe that you are also one of the deceived ones," said Ludwig,
+supplementing his remarks. "You cannot know, or, at all events, only
+know it superficially, that the projectors of new railroads attempt to
+help the price of their shares by encouraging emigration into the
+territory traversed by their road, and that many who get gratuities by
+them do not even know this."
+
+Funk suggested that a festive gathering of people from the village and
+surrounding country should take place on any Sunday that Ludwig might
+fix upon. The meeting was to be in honor of his arrival. At this time
+he was doubly welcome, for he would assist in dispelling the Prussian
+pestilence.
+
+"I see you are still fond of set phrases," replied Ludwig, and added:
+"How strange it is since the congress of Vienna, all friends of the
+Fatherland have been clamoring for a man who, with firm hand and shrewd
+judgment, would, regardless of consequences, force Germany into unity;
+and now that he is with us, they hurl stones at him. And do you know,
+Professor, what it is that particularly pleases me in Bismarck?" he
+exclaimed roguishly.
+
+"How should I know?"
+
+"He has fortunately one of those rare names that can be pronounced the
+same in all languages."
+
+"We had thought we should meet an old republican--an enemy of tyrants!"
+exclaimed Funk.
+
+"I have not changed in that respect," answered Ludwig. "The question
+whether a republic or a monarchy should be preferred, is about the same
+as if one were to ask which is better, meat or farinaceous food? All
+depends upon the manner in which the food is prepared, and upon the
+digestive powers of the stomach. But don't let us dispute now. I trust
+we shall have a chance yet to discuss these matters more calmly."
+
+"What day have you determined on?" inquired Funk.
+
+Ludwig said that he desired no such compliment. He preferred to renew
+his acquaintance with the people and their circumstances in a quiet,
+unobtrusive manner.
+
+The church bells began tolling, and Funk said: "Perhaps you wish to go
+to church? You have probably grown religious, too?"
+
+"Thanks for catechizing me," said Ludwig.
+
+"Ah, I forgot to address you as 'Colonel,'" said Funk.
+
+"That makes no difference, although my rank is that of colonel. I was
+promoted at the front, and it is the greatest pride of my life that I
+did my duty in the war for wiping out slavery."
+
+I do not know whether it was shrewdness or arrogance towards his
+companion or ourselves, that induced Schweitzer-Schmalz to assume his
+wonderfully self-complacent air.
+
+"Yes, Colonel," said he, "another American war would not be so
+unpleasant to us after all?"
+
+"What do you mean by that?"
+
+"Why, that we gained one great advantage from it, or, as my student
+says, 'pitch.'"
+
+"I do not understand you."
+
+"Yes," began Schweitzer-Schmalz, after emptying his glass, "your father
+doesn't like rosin; but, for the little farmers, the pine-trees which
+give rosin are just like so many milchcows. I have a piece of woodland
+that I milked hard, because, so long as the war lasted, no rosin came
+from America, and the price of ours went up very much."
+
+Richard could not refrain from remarking on the wonderful connection
+that made changes in one country affect the most distant portions of
+the globe. And thus the visit, which had promised to be so
+disagreeable, ended quite pleasantly.
+
+Funk and his companions left, and when Richard was about to speak of
+Funk's emptiness, Ludwig replied:
+
+"You are deceived in him. He is full of what we, in America, call
+'steam.' He has a restless spirit of enterprise."
+
+My daughter-in-law and Johanna went to church together, and Ikwarte
+followed after them.
+
+The watchman came, and Ludwig gave him a considerable present.
+
+After that, Ludwig requested me to accompany him to the statue gallery,
+where he said: "Father, I have brought nothing for you; but I know that
+your greatest pleasure is to do acts of beneficence; let me, therefore,
+place this sum of money in your hands, so that you may distribute it
+according to your best judgment. If I can do good through you, I shall
+be doing good to myself; and, as mother is no longer living, I must ask
+you to attend to this for me."
+
+I doubt whether in yonder church there was one heart more piously
+inclined than ours were on that day.
+
+But it seems that nothing in life can remain perfectly pure and
+undisturbed.
+
+We were just about sitting down to dinner, when a wretched-looking
+creature, called Wacker, entered. He lived in the neighboring valley,
+and had once been a comrade of Ludwig's at the Polytechnic school. He
+had left school at an early day, in order to take charge of a beer
+brewery, and had become a drunkard. His place had been sold out, and he
+now wandered about from one little tavern to another, where he would
+spend the day between maudlin curses and drunken slumbers. When he
+entered the house, it was only noon, and he was already intoxicated.
+
+"Brother," he exclaimed, "give me one of your California lumps of gold;
+or, if that is asking too much, see that I have free tap for one year
+at the 'Lamb.' Here is my hand. If the war begins again, I will help.
+Give me hand-money--throat-money--throat-money!"
+
+He offered his hand to Ludwig, who declined it. I saw his indignation;
+his glance fell on Ludwig's wife and on Wolfgang, for the latter seemed
+surprised that the degraded creature should address his father in such
+familiar terms. Wacker begged for a gift, but Ludwig refused it with
+the words, "Get some employment, and then I will help you, but not
+before."
+
+Wacker replied in vile, abusive terms.
+
+Ludwig instantly collared him and led him from the room.
+
+We could hear him cursing, after he got out into the road; and then he
+staggered down the hillside.
+
+There was something cold and hard as iron in Ludwig's manner towards
+all except his nearest kindred, to whom he was kind and gentle.
+
+This interruption was a shrill dissonance in our Sunday's pleasure. We
+soon forgot it, however.
+
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VIII.
+
+In the afternoon, Julius and his betrothed visited us, and, in a little
+while, letters containing uniform messages were sent in all directions.
+The Professor, my daughter-in-law, Wolfgang, Johanna and her daughter,
+Julius and his intended, all wrote; for every one was to have a
+separate invitation to the great family gathering on the following
+Sunday. At Ludwig's request, all of our relatives were informed that he
+insisted on their making the journey at his charge. Those who did not
+need it should state the amount, nevertheless, and if they so wished
+might give it to the poor. In this way, no one who could not afford the
+expense would be prevented from undertaking the journey.
+
+Rothfuss and Ikwarte walked off to town to mail the letters, of which
+there were nearly fifty. To my sister who lived in the Hagenau forest,
+I wrote in person.
+
+Rothfuss had told Ikwarte all that he had done for Ludwig, and was not
+a little surprised to receive, instead of praise, a nod of disapproval
+and the reproach, "It was not right, after all." He told me of it, and
+could not understand how that "up there in Prussia," they were not all
+opposed to the government and glad to deceive it. He seemed to think
+that Ikwarte, and all like him, were exceedingly simple.
+
+Rothfuss was as jealous of Carl as a reigning prince of the heir
+apparent. He noticed that Ikwarte was well inclined toward Carl, whose
+good looks and military air were much in his favor, and he went so far
+as to confide to Ikwarte that Carl had suffered himself to be taken
+prisoner in order to avoid fighting.
+
+After that Rothfuss was the sole favorite of Ikwarte, who hardly
+bestowed a glance on Carl, and barely answered his questions.
+
+A soldier who voluntarily allows himself to be captured! He could not
+understand how such a man could walk erect, and on Sundays wear his
+soldier's cap with the red pompon.
+
+"He knows nothing about oxen, but he is a first-rate judge of horses,"
+said Rothfuss, speaking of Ikwarte; "and he holds the plough as if he
+were screwed fast to it. And he can work, too; that's certain. And he
+is modest. Instead of saying 'No,' he always says, 'I am not sure;' and
+instead of saying 'Yes,' he says, 'It is so.' He can't sing, nor even
+_yodel_; and the greatest praise he gives any one is to say, 'He is a
+steady fellow.' And when he wishes to say that you are right, he says,
+'It agrees.' And he is not at all inquisitive; he never asks who any
+one is."
+
+Willem was just as sparing of words as Rothfuss was lavish of them; and
+it was a droll sight to watch the two sitting together. I think that
+each one considered himself the superior of the other and patronized
+him accordingly. Rothfuss did it with words, Ikwarte with glances. He
+evidently regarded Rothfuss as an old child; and Rothfuss, in turn,
+looked upon him as a poor awkward being who had not learned how to
+express himself properly. When they spoke to each other, they always
+screamed at the top of their voices; each only understood about half of
+what was said by the other, and they thought they might help matters by
+screaming.
+
+Rothfuss could hardly be brought to believe that Ikwarte had not
+emigrated on account of his being unable to endure German oppression;
+but Ikwarte was without a trace of political opinion. All that he knew
+of the state was that one should serve it as a soldier and pay taxes.
+Of Ludwig, he said, "My master is a man, and a man of his word at
+that."
+
+Towards his master, he had a certain feeling of implicit and dutiful
+obedience; he was fond of saying, "Let everything be well grounded."
+
+Rothfuss consoled him with the words: "Don't mind it, if they try to
+tease and worry you here. If you plant a strange tree in the forest,
+the stags will rub their horns against it and tear the bark, but the
+tree is not harmed, after all."
+
+Rothfuss was quite beside himself with laughter when Ikwarte asked him
+what bodily infirmity had prevented my two servants, who had not been
+soldiers, from entering the army. He could not understand that we still
+drew lots in our neighborhood.
+
+Ludwig had gone to the capital to make various arrangements for the
+family meeting, and I remained at home working in the forest with Carl
+and Ikwarte, whose clever ways and even temper greatly pleased me.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+The schoolmaster's wife and Martella had decorated our steps and the
+doorway with flowers and garlands, to the great delight of all of us,
+and Ludwig in particular. But on the second day, Ludwig said to
+Rothfuss:
+
+"Take down the wreaths; nothing is uglier than to let flowers hang
+until they wilt."
+
+"He is right," said Rothfuss, smiling. "My mother always said that
+Sunday clothes should not be worn on week days. Ludwig's mother had
+good sense, and so had mine."
+
+On the third day, Ludwig said, "Father, I shall now leave my wife and
+son with you for a few days."
+
+He sent his little trunk ahead, and, throwing his plaid over his
+shoulder, took up his walk through the valley and over the mountains.
+Richard, who was obliged to examine several candidates for the doctor's
+degree, accompanied him.
+
+I felt surprised that Ludwig should leave me so soon, but by noon it
+was clear to me that he had acted wisely. His wife and son were much
+more at their ease when they found themselves alone with me; for, with
+all his kindness, there was something commanding in Ludwig's manner
+which made every one feel as if under restraint while in his presence.
+
+His wife was quiet and self-contained, and, seeing that I noticed this,
+told me that she had been living on a lonely farm with her father, who
+was very sparing of his words, and that she had thus acquired a habit
+of silence. After her marriage and her father's death, which soon
+followed it, Ludwig had been obliged, by his engagements as constructor
+of water-works, to spend days and weeks away from home. It was not
+until the last year, when they had moved into a city, that he was more
+at home; but, even then, public affairs claimed a great share of his
+time. During the war, he had been in the field with the army for at
+least two years.
+
+She had seen much trouble. She was but twelve years old when the family
+emigrated to America. During the first few years, her parents employed
+themselves as teachers; and when, in rapid succession, the mother and
+her brother and sister died, she and her father moved to the farm.
+Assisted by a couple of free negroes who helped in the field, she was
+obliged to conduct the whole household. The two children she had lost
+had died because medical assistance could not be obtained in time, and,
+for that reason, they had moved to the city. Their eldest son had died
+while Ludwig was in the army, fighting against the secessionists.
+
+She gently hinted that it was her wish to remain in Europe, but that
+she would not urge this, as she feared Ludwig would not find a large
+enough field for his energy. She said that he was accustomed to
+constant and varied activity, and stood very high at home.
+
+It was with some hesitation that she asked me whether I objected to the
+fact of her having only been married by civil process, and that
+Wolfgang belonged to no church. I reassured her, for I felt well
+satisfied that Johanna had already made persistent attempts at
+conversion in this quarter. My daughter-in-law became much attached to
+Joseph's wife and the school-master's. She was very fond of raising
+flowers, and determined to take many different kinds of seeds back to
+America with her.
+
+While the presence of my newly found daughter was a quiet pleasure, my
+grandson was an incomparable joy to me. He was at my side from morning
+till night. I think he must have asked Martella to tell him what
+pleased me, for he seemed to anticipate my every wish.
+
+I showed him our own saw-mill, and also the one that belonged to the
+village. He readily understood the principle of the machinery, and
+seemed to have quite a store of general information.
+
+I had a little nursery of forest-trees; it was well situated. Martella
+was always my best assistant: she knew all about planting and how to
+care for the plants that had been raised from the seed, and, morever,
+had a watchful eye for the grubworm. Since she came to us there had not
+been one of these to destroy the seed.
+
+I now went there with Wolfgang, and his first question, on seeing the
+thriving bed, was whether it were still early enough in the year to sow
+seeds of forest-trees.
+
+We had some soaked one-year-old seeds. We marked his name in the
+ground, and he laid the seeds in the furrow, after the subsoil had been
+trodden down so that the seeds might at once have firm soil in which to
+take root. After that, we placed loose and fertile earth on top.
+
+I explained to him our manner of working: how we mixed lime with the
+barren soil of the heath, and thus produced the best and most
+nourishing soil for the young shoots; how the seed should be sown after
+spring had fairly set in, and how, after the tender plants had reached
+the age of two years, they should be transferred to the nursery, there
+to remain until their fifth year, when they were to be set out in the
+place they were finally to occupy; how the new nursery should not face
+directly towards the north, on account of the absence of light, and
+because the plants could not then be transplanted to land exposed to
+direct rays of the sun, on account of their not being accustomed to
+such intense light.
+
+"Grandfather, how long does it take, after planting the seeds, before
+the plant shows itself through the soil?"
+
+"Two, or, at the most, three weeks; it generally shows before that
+time."
+
+I shall never forget the look that Wolfgang then gave me, and it moved
+my heart to think that my grandson, who was born in America, had
+planted his name in German soil.
+
+I asked Wolfgang if he did not wish to accompany me up into the woods
+where my wood-cutters were at work. He took my hand in silence.
+
+I took my gun with me, for I was on the lookout for a fox which had its
+cave a short distance from the road; but it had slipped out with its
+young ones. I handed my second gun to Wolfgang; we shot wild pigeons,
+and my setter brought them to us, laid them down before Wolfgang, and
+looked up into his face.
+
+I must be brief, however. I have always been fortunate enough to see
+something more in the forest than merely so many cords of wood. But how
+weakly words describe the sunshine, the forest-breezes, the singing of
+the birds, or cheerful walks through shady groves, with resting-places
+on heights where the lovely valley is spread before one's eyes. It had
+never been so charming as on that very day.
+
+We met Rautenkron, and he was carrying two young does whose mother had
+been driven away by a strange hound. I introduced Wolfgang to him; but
+he shook his head and made no reply.
+
+"What a sullen, gloomy man," said Wolfgang. "Can one become so in these
+lovely woods, so full of sunshine and the songs of birds? But yet he
+must be good, for all that; he carried the does."
+
+I felt obliged to explain how that might have come about. The roe lures
+the dogs on false scents, in order to save its young ones.
+
+We heard sounds of a church-bell coming up from the valley, and met
+Rautenkron's laborers carrying their caps in their hands; they passed
+us in silence.
+
+I explained to Wolfgang that these were Catholics, and that they were
+praying.
+
+I grasped his hand, and said, "Since you confess no especial form of
+religion, it is doubly your duty, both for your own sake and for that
+of freedom, always to remain brave and steadfast, so that people shall
+not be able to say--"
+
+"I know already, grandfather, what you wish to say. You can depend upon
+me."
+
+We continued our walk up the mountain, which was known as Silvertop.
+From its peak one can see far over the mountain-peaks, with their
+dark-green mantle, in which the ravines form majestic folds. There were
+remnants of a fire at which the forest-laborers had prepared their
+noonday meal. I threw a few handfuls of brushwood on the fire; the
+flames arose on high. Wolfgang exclaimed: "Grandfather, it was just
+like this! It was just so that I saw you in my dreams. And now I can
+remember what you said. It often annoyed me to think that I had
+forgotten it; the voice was powerful, and said, 'The water nourishes
+the tree, and the fire destroys it; the water roars, and the fire
+gently sleeps.' Thus ... and so on."
+
+Wolfgang's eye glowed with a strange expression, and I had just opened
+my lips to address him, when he vehemently motioned me away with both
+hands, and, gazing into the distance, said in an impressive tone, "Yes,
+I hear the sound; it came from the blazing fire."
+
+                  Far above us,
+                  In the heavens,
+                  Hovers now
+                  The darkening cloud.
+                  Still united,
+                  Soon divided;
+                  Now creating,
+                  Now destroying:
+                  Joined divinely,
+                  Fire and water
+                  In its bosom,
+                  Peaceful, dwell.
+
+The youth looked about him as if in ecstasy, and then grasping my hand
+in both of his, he said: "Yes, grandfather; daring my illness I saw you
+standing in the forest at such a fire. You can ask father--but you
+believe me, don't you?"
+
+"Of course."
+
+The countenance of the youth seemed illumined with joy.
+
+We seated ourselves on a bench, and silently gazed at the distant
+prospect.
+
+At last Wolfgang spoke. "Grandfather, now I have it. In your forest
+garden are your grandson trees. The seed comes from the trees that you
+planted. And now I know something. I know it quite positively, but I
+can keep it to myself. Father always says that one should not be too
+hasty in talking of important things that one intends to do; it is best
+to sleep on them first. If one is of the same mind the next morning, it
+is all right. I shall tell it you tomorrow, but not to-day. My idea is
+a good one, and I think it will please you as much as it does me."
+
+We took up our path, and stopped where some woodcutters were rolling
+the trunk of a tree down the mountainside; it bounded over young trees
+in its way, and Wolfgang said. "Won't it crush them?"
+
+"Oh, pshaw!" said a wood-cutter, "They'll straighten themselves again.
+We have to do the same thing ourselves."
+
+We reached the spot where my woodmen were at work. Wolfgang at once
+took hold of an axe and helped them lustily. But here, too, he showed
+his good judgment. He was not hasty, as novices usually are, and soon
+succeeded in copying the manner of the workmen.
+
+We kept up our walk until we reached the mountain lake. The last time I
+had been in this spot was twenty years ago, with Gustava; and now it
+seemed as if I were there for the first time in my life.
+
+There lay the lake, surrounded by steep, pine-covered walls; not a
+sound was heard, save at times the roaring of the trees, and the solemn
+beating of the waves against the shore. The sun shone on the water, and
+its ripples sparkled like so many glittering diamonds.
+
+"Do you come here often?" asked Wolfgang.
+
+"No; the last time I was here was with grandmother, twenty years ago."
+
+It went hard with me to leave the lake. Who knows whether I shall live
+to return there again? It will ever remain unchanged; for generation
+after generation shall come here, as to a shrine, and yield itself up
+to the mysterious influence of the place.
+
+When we at last started to leave, I was often obliged to turn and look
+back. I constantly felt that now it must be full of its awful beauty,
+and that I had seen it for the last time.
+
+It was towards evening when I reached the house. I had not been so
+tired for a long time; for climbing forest-clad mountains, while
+excited by emotions, be they ever so joyous, is apt to exhaust one. But
+I was looking forward into a happy future.
+
+When I awoke on the following morning, Wolfgang stood at my bedside,
+and said: "Grandfather, it has rained during the night; our plants are
+thriving beautifully. Now I can tell you--I have determined to become a
+forester."
+
+I had, on the previous day, explained to Wolfgang a beautiful provision
+of nature; how, when, through accident, the growth of the main trunk of
+the pine-tree is interfered with, a side branch becomes converted into
+the main trunk. None of my sons had become foresters, and now Julius
+and Wolfgang were side-branches that made up for it.
+
+I believe it was fortunate that Wolfgang's resolve to become a forester
+sprang from his affection for the forest, and not from his love of the
+hunting.
+
+Unfortunately, the other motive had been Ernst's. I had often warned
+him, but in vain.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER X.
+
+
+A few days after that, I was surprised by a newspaper article, which
+had been written by my son Ludwig.
+
+I have preserved it. It read as follows:
+
+                  "THREE QUESTIONS AND THREE ANSWERS.
+
+"All hail to the friends of my youth, and of my Fatherland!
+
+"Every one has a right to address three questions to me; and, as it is
+not one of the pleasures of life to repeat the same thing a hundred
+times, I hope I may be permitted to answer in this public manner.
+
+"_First_: How goes it with you, and do you intend to remain with us?
+
+"It goes well with me. For the first few years I spent in America, I
+had hard times; but I worked my way through. I am not rich, but have
+enough. I married a German, the daughter of Professor Uhlenkemp. I lost
+my eldest son during the war with the South, and have another son
+sixteen years of age, who belongs to no religious denomination.
+
+"As to my remaining here, or leaving, I am for the present, unable to
+answer.
+
+"_Second_: What do you think of emigration to America?
+
+"_Answer_: The United States afford elbow-room and freedom, and are a
+good refuge for people who are willing to work hard in order to achieve
+independence. But he who emigrates must make up his mind to forego many
+pleasures, with which we at home are so familiarized that we do not
+know that we are enjoying them; just as we do not miss the drink of
+fresh, pure water, until it can no longer be had, and do not think of
+the pure air while it is ours to breathe.
+
+"_Third_: How do you find Germany?
+
+"I find only halves of Germany; but they must and will--who knows how
+soon--become a whole Germany.
+
+"The German people have become more practical and well-to-do than they
+were formerly. As far as I have been able to observe, there is an
+abundance of well-directed energy; great activity in all that pertains
+to the trades, to science or to art, and enough liberty to achieve what
+is still needed to make a complete whole. Let all remain strong and
+firm, and, without faltering, faithfully labor for the common weal.
+
+"These are my answers; and to every one whom I meet and find true to
+the Fatherland and to liberty, I shall cordially extend the hand of
+fellowship.
+
+                             "LUDWIG WALDFRIED,
+
+                                   "Hydraulic and Civil Engineer,
+
+                                                        "Chicago."
+
+This explanation of Ludwig's naturally caused me some surprise. But it
+was practical, at all events, although the reference to Wolfgang seemed
+unnecessary, and calculated to provoke unpleasant comment.
+
+I soon became aware of its effect, in a manner which, at first,
+promised to be unpleasant, but afterward proved for the best.
+
+Although Annette was still living in our neighborhood, I have not
+mentioned her for some time. She would ride over to see us, but paid us
+only short visits, and would occasionally inquire about the Professor,
+as she, too, now termed Richard.
+
+She seemed provoked at him, and probably felt resentment that the
+friendship, and, perhaps, affection, which she had offered him were not
+returned.
+
+She visited the spinner and the schoolmaster's wife; she greeted
+Martella and Rothfuss, but her whole manner seemed strange and
+constrained. I soon knew the reason for this; for Johanna expressed her
+satisfaction that Annette, who had been so worldly, had at last been
+saved; "for," as she said, "safety can be found even in the Catholic
+faith."
+
+The Baroness and her clerical assistants had succeeded in drawing
+Annette into their toils.
+
+One day, Annette came to us looking pale and greatly excited. She said
+that, although I had so many guests, she begged me to permit her to
+stay with us for a few days. She frankly confessed that she had, now
+and forever, broken with the Baroness and all her adherents. The
+Baroness had endeavored to bind all who were in the faith to break off
+intercourse with our family; for it is written, "woe to that man by
+whom the offense cometh," and the worst offense had issued from our
+house. The fact that my daughter-in-law considered herself a wife,
+although her marriage had not been solemnized by a clergyman, might
+have been passed over in silence; but the public proclamation of the
+grandson's want of religion was exasperating.
+
+Annette had determined to flee from such fanatical surroundings.
+
+I told her of Wolfgang's power of self-control, and how he had held
+back a resolution which illumined his whole being until he had quietly
+matured it; and Annette exclaimed, "Yes; that is the best religion;
+that is a holy spirit."
+
+I was obliged to restrain her from expressing herself thus to Wolfgang.
+On the following day, Ludwig returned; and this afforded her an
+opportunity to unbosom herself to him. At their first meeting, he
+conceived a great liking for her.
+
+He told her of the great family gathering that was to be held.
+
+As she was not related by ties of kindred, she did not wish to remain
+with us.
+
+But Ludwig induced her to stay; and when he and I were alone, he said,
+"I cannot understand why Richard does not sue for her hand; she seems
+to be made for him."
+
+I told him that, on her deathbed, mother had said, "He will marry her
+for all."
+
+I now felt satisfied that Gustava had, in all likelihood, referred to
+Annette. Ludwig felt sure of it; but, as if at the same time marking
+out his own course, he said, "Father, do not let Richard notice our
+feelings in this matter, or we may frighten him away."
+
+Wolfgang's desire to become a forester met with the glad approval of
+his father, who said: "It will soon turn out with the American forests
+just as it does with the fishes of the sea. One cannot always be
+harvesting and preying on others; it is necessary to plant and to
+cultivate as well."
+
+He requested Annette, who was very much interested in Wolfgang, and
+spent much time with him, not to interfere with his wonted equanimity;
+for she was constantly trying to discover how Wolfgang felt when he saw
+a church-steeple, or heard the church-bells. She had just emerged from
+an atmosphere which was religious to the exclusion of all other
+considerations, and the youth was therefore a mysterious and marvellous
+contrast to all that she had left behind her. He seemed to her the
+representative being of later centuries; and she tried to discover how
+things would be after our generation. She was pleased to call Wolfgang
+'Emile, and reminded us of Rousseau's work of the name.
+
+Ludwig's wife avoided Annette, who, in her impulsive way, had at once
+desired to cultivate intimate relations with her. Conny, who was quiet
+and reserved, had a dread of the restless fluttering of such a being as
+Annette.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+
+One evening, Martella came to me, and, with a timid manner to which I
+was quite unused in her, asked me to allow her to return to Jaegerlies,
+with whom she had formerly lived. She had heard that the old woman was
+sick, and at the point of death. She had left her quite suddenly, and
+now wanted to return; and thought it would be far better if she were
+not to come back until our guests had left.
+
+She extended her hand to me, and said, "I promise you that I will
+surely return."
+
+Her behavior puzzled me; and when I endeavored to find out why she
+really wished to leave, she said that it might be a stupid feeling, but
+she had a constant presentiment of some great misfortune near at hand.
+
+I tried to persuade her that there were no grounds for this uneasy
+feeling, as Ludwig, his wife, and Wolfgang all treated her as one of
+the family. She persisted in her determination; and I at last reminded
+her that she had promised my wife never to leave me.
+
+"I did not think you would remind me of that," she said; "but, of
+course, if you fall back on that, I shall remain here even if they try
+to drive me away."
+
+Martella might well feel anxious, for she was a living proof that our
+family was incomplete; she, too, had been obliged to accustom herself
+to constant sorrow, and to learn to lead a life tranquil and resigned.
+
+Nearly all to whom invitations had been sent, promptly answered that
+they would come. My sister wrote that she would bring her daughter, and
+her future son-in-law; but, that, on account of his duties, her husband
+would be unable to leave home. My brother-in-law, the pastor, who lived
+in Alsace, was also unable to come.
+
+With every letter that came, I felt as if I must read it to my wife.
+Who could so help me to celebrate such a day, as she would have done?
+The life of the best of children is really for themselves. It is only
+the wife who lives entirely for and with her husband--one life
+consisting of two lives inseparably united. Inseparably! They have been
+separated, and a portion yet lives, leading a fragmentary existence.
+
+I succeeded in repressing my emotions, and prepared myself for the
+great joy which was yet vouchsafed me.
+
+On his return from his short trip, Ludwig had much to tell us, giving
+us quite a medley of merry and sad experiences. He had met many of his
+old comrades; and, among others, had visited his most intimate friend,
+a Professor at the teachers' seminary, in a town of the Oberland. The
+Professor was a model of quiet unobtrusive learning.
+
+"I am shaping my block of stone," were the Professor's words: "what
+place it may occupy in the great Pantheon I do not know; but,
+nevertheless, I fulfil my little task as well as I know how."
+
+He felt quite sad to find one of his old comrades in the very position
+he had occupied twenty-five years before. He might have become one of
+the best of men, for he has a good wife, and fine children; but he is
+the slave of drink, and is intoxicated from morning till night. Indeed,
+in the country one must constantly renew his intellectual life, or
+there is danger of giving way to drunkenness.
+
+Ludwig had also visited his uncle, the Inspector of the water-works at
+the Upper Rhine, under whom he had worked for a year. He regretted his
+inability to attend our festival, but promised to send his son; and
+Ludwig was quite pleased when he told us how his uncle had said:
+
+"The Rhine seems as if lost, and does not know whither it should flow.
+It is against nature that one bank of a stream should belong to one
+country, and the opposite bank to another."
+
+Sister Babette and her family were the first to arrive; and, shortly
+after their first greeting of Ludwig and his family, they inquired for
+Martella. She was delighted to find that they were so much interested
+in her, and also to obtain from them some little news in relation to
+Ernst's short stay with them. Even Pincher recognized the Alsatians.
+
+The bridegroom-elect, who was now an officer of the customs, had come
+in his uniform, and was quite condescending in his manner, as if he
+intended, with every word, to say, "I am superior to you all, for I am
+a Frenchman." And yet, in spite of this, he had the very German name of
+Kräutle.
+
+Annette did him the favor to speak French with him. He was quite
+delighted, and Annette asserted that he and his bride were ashamed of
+the Alsatian language; when speaking French, they evidently felt that
+they appeared at their best, and to ask them to forego that pleasure
+would be much the same as requiring one never to wear his Sunday
+clothes.
+
+Annette was embroidering a silk ribbon; and Richard picked up the end
+of it and held it in his hands. But she generally managed to spoil the
+effect of her pretty speeches, and added that people could talk French
+without having ideas; but that, when speaking German, they noticed the
+absence of costume, and were ashamed thereat. When she uttered these
+last words, Richard dropped the ribbon he had been holding, and walked
+away.
+
+Annette was happy whenever she could express her pleasure with any one,
+and Ludwig was not wrong in saying:
+
+"She will be one of the best of wives when she is once a mother. Now
+she is fluttering about, hither and thither; is herself restless, and
+disturbs others."
+
+With every hour, new guests arrived, and Martella said: "It was stupid
+of me to have wanted to go away; I am needed here, where there are so
+many strangers--no, not strangers--O dear Lord, so many beings who
+belong to one! If mother were only living yet, she could help me love
+them. O dear father, when we step over into eternity, and meet all the
+beings who belong to us--so many! so many! Indeed, father, you are now
+experiencing a part of eternity."
+
+And it was so.
+
+But I felt that age was coming on me. I could not walk about much, and
+was obliged almost constantly to remain seated in my room, where they
+all came to me. To see Wolfgang and Victor together, was to me joy
+unutterable. My sister asserted that, when a child, I had looked just
+as these two now did. I cannot imagine that I ever looked so elegant
+and distinguished-looking.
+
+After the Major joined us, the customs officer became much quieter in
+his manner; for the Major had come in full uniform.
+
+Johanna, who, since Ludwig's arrival, had become even more reserved and
+austere, seemed to find the meeting with her son, the vicar, a pleasant
+change. Nothing daunted by my presence, she complained to him that,
+with a sister-in-law who had only been married by a civil magistrate,
+and with a nephew who had not even been christened, she felt as if
+living among heathens.
+
+The vicar, who was more liberal in his views, and yet felt quite at
+home in his vocation, pacified his mother, and she concluded to take
+part in the family festival.
+
+The eldest son of the inspector of the water-works came with his two
+sisters, and the Major was delighted to find that this young man, my
+godson, had determined to follow the sea.
+
+Ludwig told us that a sea-captain had assured him that the naval cadets
+were principally recruited from the inland provinces, while the sailors
+naturally came from among the dwellers along the sea-coast.
+
+The medical counsellor, who had formerly been director of the jail in
+which Ludwig and Rothfuss had been imprisoned, but who had now retired
+on a pension, was also among the guests, and Rothfuss was delighted
+beyond measure to meet him again.
+
+Baron Arven did not fail to offer his congratulations. He seemed quite
+surprised to find Annette dressed in colors. He cordially greeted us
+all, and constantly addressed Ludwig as "Colonel." He remained but a
+short time, and had probably only visited us in order to show that it
+was his desire to keep on good terms with us, and that he wished to
+have nothing to do with any enmities or unpleasant feelings which other
+members of his household might cherish towards us.
+
+Ah, I thought I could have given the names of them all, but I find it
+impossible. The hearty greetings of so many guests had so fatigued me,
+that I slept until late on Sunday morning. When I awoke, I heard a
+lovely chorus, accompanied by an harmonium; and, after that, a
+quartette of female voices.
+
+This was the first intimation we had of Conny's powerful and
+sympathetic contralto voice.
+
+The other voices I recognized at once. They were Bertha's, Annette's,
+and Martha's.
+
+If it was pleasant to see Wolfgang and Victor together, it was,
+perhaps, yet more lovely to see the sympathy between Conny and Bertha;
+and Martella expressed my own feelings, when she said, "Dear sister
+Conny, you did not have the happiness to know mother, but Bertha is
+very much like her."
+
+When I at last joined all my kindred, there was a new surprise in store
+for me. Before retiring, I had inquired about Julius. I do not know
+whether you have already observed it, but he is a special favorite of
+mine. He is well-off in every respect--well provided for, both
+intellectually and in regard to the world's goods, though without great
+riches or luxury. He is like a healthy forest-tree; without bright
+blossoms, but silently thriving, nevertheless. I shall not indulge in
+further praise of him, for he dislikes praise.
+
+And now Julius came and told me that Ludwig had obtained a dispensation
+for the marriage of the young people without the delay of publishing
+the banns. Rontheim and his wife had at first been disinclined to
+consent to such haste, but Ludwig had persistently urged them. And now
+it was determined that the wedding should take place to-day, and that
+his cousin, the vicar, should marry them, for Martha had insisted that
+they should be married by a clergyman. Whereupon Ludwig said: "We are
+certainly very tolerant towards these believers."
+
+I had ceased to be surprised by anything.
+
+We marched towards the church to the sound of music, the ringing of
+bells, and the noise of cannon, which the mountains re-echoed. But when
+we reached the spring, which, as I afterwards learned, had been
+decorated by Martella, I felt a pang. Why could Gustava not have lived
+to enjoy this? And then, repressing the sad thought, I let joy descend
+upon me, and said to myself, "Keep thyself erect, and in health, so
+that thou mayest not disturb the happiness of the many who belong to
+thee."
+
+When we reached the spring at the edge of the woods, we halted. What to
+us had seemed impossible, Ludwig had already accomplished. The iron
+column was already there, and around it were stone seats, and also a
+high bench, where people might lay aside their burdens.
+
+"One learns these things in America," said Ludwig. "There they do not
+care for yesterday, and do not console themselves with the hope of
+to-morrow: all must live in the present."
+
+After leaving the church, where the wedding was celebrated in a simple
+manner, we marched in procession to the family woods, where, by
+Ludwig's orders, great tables had been erected; and on our way there he
+told me how clever Ikwarte had been in the work.
+
+I cannot find words to speak of the great table in the woods.
+
+Before we seated ourselves, we were all obliged to remain perfectly
+still for a short time. Ludwig had made arrangements to have the whole
+group photographed. They all say that I look very sad in the picture;
+it may be so, for I could not help thinking, "Where is Ernst now? Does
+the sun that now shines on us, shine on him too?" It is especially
+pleasant to see Martella and Rothfuss in the background, holding each
+other's hands. Annette is also in the family picture; her eyes are
+downcast, while Richard is looking towards her. Since the loss of her
+husband, she had never laid aside her mourning, but to-day she wore
+colors.
+
+The Major's speech at the dinner was even better than the vicar's in
+the church.
+
+Martella's best and only treasure was Ernst's prize cup. She had placed
+it before me on the table, and Annette had wound a garland of flowers
+around it.
+
+After the Major's speech, the wine-cup travelled the rounds of the
+whole table.
+
+After the clinking of glasses, and the drinking of healths, the
+conversation had become loud and excited; after that, all became as
+noiseless as in a church during silent prayer. It was one of those
+pauses that ensue after the soul has unburdened itself, and when, for a
+moment, there is nothing new to engage it.
+
+And during that pause I could hear Annette saying to Conny, "Yes, dear
+Conny, I, as a stranger, beloved and loving in return, can speak more
+impartially than relatives can. I cannot describe the mother to you;
+and yet I have seen her to-day, or at least her counterpart. When
+Julius was standing at the altar, he had her very expression. He
+resembles her more than any one--he has her eyes.
+
+"Ah, what a pity that you did not know her! She was full of life, and
+yet gentle withal; and when she spoke with you, she never looked to
+right or left. She never tried to create an impression, and yet in her
+presence one always felt exalted; and while her glance rested on one,
+it was impossible to indulge in vile or ignoble thoughts. What to
+others seemed exalted and great, was with her a matter of course. She
+practised and expressed all that is highest as easily as others say
+'Good-morning.' In her hands, even the common-place became invested
+with beauty. She judged of people with love, and yet with freedom.
+
+"Thus, she once said, 'I felt inclined to be angry with Baroness
+Arven, because she does not understand her excellent husband; but he,
+on the other hand, does not do his wife justice. She is created for
+society--for interesting, witty small talk--and he desires to feed her
+soul with thoughts of nature and Fatherland. Fanaticism, in every one
+of its thousand shapes, endeavors to force its own convictions on
+others, and this is both good and evil at the same time.'
+
+"She said something to me which I have worn as an amulet, and it is,
+after all, but a simple maxim.
+
+"When I complained to her that it was so difficult with me to fix the
+proper relation towards others, she replied:
+
+"'Child, you do not maintain the right distance between yourself and
+others. With every one, even though it be a Rothfuss, you move into
+most familiar contiguity.' Her words impressed me deeply, and were of
+great help to me.
+
+"She understood herself, and that made every one else feel on sure
+ground. When one felt depressed or sad, without hardly knowing why, the
+mere fact that you were suffering was enough to arouse her sympathy:
+and that would always cure the pain.
+
+"But what avails it to speak of separate disconnected traits. I might
+as well try to give you an idea of a glorious symphony by singing a few
+bars of one of its melodies. When with her I felt in a higher world."
+
+Thus spoke Annette. She did not seem to notice that all were silent
+while she was talking.
+
+And then Bertha and Conny arose from their seats and covered her with
+their caresses.
+
+I could not move from the spot. I saw Richard rising, but he sat down
+again at once.
+
+Ludwig turned to him and said: "Her mind and her exterior correspond.
+At first she does not impress one as wondrously beautiful; but, day by
+day, she grows in loveliness."
+
+This invocation of my wife had, for the time being, invested the
+festival with a certain solemn impressiveness; but soon mirth burst all
+bounds, and the young couple again became the centre of joy.
+
+Rontheim was so happy that he drank fellowship with the Major, with
+Ludwig, and with Richard. A blissful feeling of brotherly affection
+seemed to unite all.
+
+Rothfuss afforded us great amusement. He wore a bouquet in his hunter's
+coat, and another, with a red ribbon streaming from it, in his hat.
+"Colonel," he called out to Ludwig, "may I be permitted to say one
+word?"
+
+"Have you made up your mind what to wish for?"
+
+"No; this is something else. All I wish is that you shall say 'Yes,'
+and that will do."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"Listen. You are Colonel of the negroes--of the blacks--and there are
+people who say that negroes are not human beings. Now listen! What is
+it that man alone can do, and that neither horse nor ox nor stag can do
+like him?"
+
+"Why, _speak_, to be sure."
+
+"Wrong: The beasts do speak; but we are too stupid to understand them.
+No; I mean something quite different: _man alone can drink wine_. If
+the negroes can drink wine, they are men just as we are. Tell me, can
+negroes drink wine?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"All right, then. Here's to the health of our black brethren."
+
+He emptied his glass and was about to walk away, when Richard called
+out: "Stop! I ask all to join me in drinking the health of the great
+man who has solved the question of slavery, in wine. Long live our
+great philosopher--Rothfuss!"
+
+It seemed as if the cheers would never end, and Rothfuss called out,
+"To-day I will get jolly drunk seven times at least--no, seven times is
+not enough!"
+
+When we at last arose from the table, I inquired for Rothfuss. I was
+concerned about him, for he had been acting like a crazy man.
+
+Ikwarte said that, although Rothfuss showed signs of having drunk too
+much, he had gone up into the woods and had taken a bottle of champagne
+with him.
+
+They hunted and hunted, and at last found him. He was asleep, and the
+empty bottle was lying on the ground by his side.
+
+"Oh," he complained, "why did you wake me? I died so happy. To die
+drunk is the best way, after all; now, I've got to die over again. No
+matter; I'll wait for master, and then we will ride to heaven in double
+harness; or, if the parson is right in what he says, to hell. It's all
+the same to me; I shall stay with master."
+
+Then he embraced Ludwig, and repeatedly said to him; "Let me go to jail
+once more for you." They managed to get him home without further
+trouble.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+The newly married couple left; but the young people were averse to
+breaking up, and kept up the dance until long after nightfall. A little
+circumstance occurred which greatly excited Martella.
+
+Julius's friends had come in their smart hunter's suits; even
+Rautenkron had overcome his scruples, and attended the festival,
+although he did not join us at table.
+
+We were told that Rautenkron had always been angry that Martella was
+permitted to keep her own dog, and Pincher, moreover, had a special
+aversion to Rautenkron.
+
+At the same time that Rothfuss was being looked up, a terrible barking
+and yelling arose. The strange dogs had fallen upon Pincher, and it was
+even said that Rautenkron had called out to his dog, "At him, Turenne!
+Break his neck for him!"
+
+When they at last succeeded in separating the dogs, Pincher was dead,
+and Martella's lamentations were heart-rending. She indulged in
+expressions that I would not have expected of her: "It was the only
+living thing that belonged to me, and that Ernst had left me. Now I am
+all alone in the wide world!"
+
+When I spoke to her, she hastily said, "Forgive me; I am sometimes very
+silly."
+
+She could not bear the sight of the dead dog, and begged that he might
+be buried in the woods.
+
+In the meantime, Rautenkron was explaining to Wolfgang that his
+ambition to become a forester was based on a false ideal; that dealing
+in rags was a much prettier occupation. For then one need know nothing
+of the people who once wore the rags; but that the forest people were
+all cheats, and, if they could, would convert the trees into as great
+cheats as they were.
+
+We were still engaged watching the dancers, and it was a great pleasure
+to see Wolfgang dance with Clotilde, the Major's daughter. Wolfgang
+arranged an American dance, which was so wild that it evidently
+originated with the Indians.
+
+The young Alsatian couple also joined in the dance.
+
+Carl had allowed Marie to dance with another one of the village lads,
+and stood holding the hand of Martella, whom he had led to the dancing
+floor. She said that she did not wish to dance, and that for tenfold
+reasons she ought not to, especially as her betrothed was far away. But
+all persuaded her. Rothfuss--who, having been aroused by the music, had
+gathered himself up again, and was now seated at the table by the side
+of Ikwarte--was especially anxious that she should dance.
+
+When Martella began to dance, a great change seemed to come over her.
+There was something uncanny in her features and in her eyes.
+
+Nearly all of us left the dancing floor, and Annette requested Martella
+to go with us.
+
+"Oh, no," she exclaimed, while her eyes rolled and her lips quivered;
+"I have now begun, and I cannot stop so soon. Good-night, my lady."
+
+She remained, and all were filled with admiration of her light
+movements and her wonderful _tours de force_.
+
+"Why, you can jump about like a squirrel, and fly like a bird," said
+Rothfuss.
+
+"So I can," cried Martella. "Do you know how it is when one of the
+cuckoo's brood leaves its nest in which the simple tomtits have fed it?
+None of you have ever seen it, but I have. I, too, am one of the
+cuckoo's brood. It flies away it flies away. Play on, fiddlers. Let us
+have the cuckoo's song. Keep quiet, all of you; I will dance for you."
+
+And then she began to dance, raising herself and bending towards the
+ground again as if she really had wings; and all were delighted.
+
+When she stopped all cried out, "Again! again!" and the Alsatian
+exclaimed, "_Da-capo!_"
+
+Ikwarte arose and said, "Miss, do not let them abuse your good-nature;
+do not let them make a fool of you. There is enough of it."
+
+"This is not your affair," exclaimed Carl, "you Prussian!--you
+starveling!"
+
+"I have nothing to say to you," answered Ikwarte; "you are not worth
+answering."
+
+Martella danced again, to the great delight of all.
+
+But while she was dancing, one could see that it took several of the
+lads to hold Carl.
+
+When the dance was over, Carl rushed up to Ikwarte, and cried:
+
+"You cursed Prussian! why do you think that I am not worthy of being
+answered?"
+
+"I have no respect for a man who would put himself in the way of being
+captured."
+
+"Is that it?"
+
+"Carl, take none of the Prussian's impudence," called out Martella. "It
+is the Prussians' fault that my Ernst had to go forth into misery. Pay
+him up for it!"
+
+And then followed terrible scuffling and fighting.
+
+Ikwarte seemed, at first, unable to realize that he was actually
+involved in a fight; but when he saw that matters were in earnest, he
+seized Carl, and held him as firmly as in a vise. Rothfuss urged them
+on, for fighting was his delight. They were at last separated, and then
+Martella threw herself on the ground, tore her hair, and cried out, "It
+is all my fault! It is my fault! I am ruined!"
+
+Rothfuss succeeded in leading her away. She tried to escape from him
+and to run out into the woods, saying, "Anything rather than go back
+home, for I don't deserve to go there."
+
+He succeeded, at last, in inducing her to enter the house of Carl's
+mother. Accompanied by Annette and Conny, I went there to bring her
+home, and was startled when I saw what a change had come over the poor
+child. Nevertheless, her agitation had not disfigured her; she seemed
+more lovely than ever--almost supernaturally beautiful.
+
+"O father!" she cried. "Indeed, I have no longer the right to use those
+words. I knew it; I felt a presentiment of it all, and I wanted to go
+away. Why didn't you let me go? I don't belong here, and now less than
+ever. The worst that could have happened to me has happened. I have
+relapsed into savage folly. And yet she who is up there said, 'Do not
+lose faith in yourself and in your goodness, and you can accomplish
+everything.' The worst punishment is mine, for I have lost faith in
+myself. I may become crazed again any moment; I no longer believe in
+myself."
+
+When Conny and Annette spoke to her in their kind way, she exclaimed,
+"Every kind word of yours gives me new pain. Scold me, beat me, kick
+me--I deserve such treatment, and shall find it less painful than kind
+words that I do not deserve. I was so happy in thinking that I had
+accomplished all, but it is not so. Now I see how much love and respect
+you all had for me; and when Ernst returns I shall tell him everything.
+He may scold me heartily, for I have deserved it."
+
+We conducted her to the house, where we found Ikwarte, whose appearance
+seemed the very opposite of what it usually was. He seemed as if
+crushed, and continually said, "Colonel, I admit that it was highly
+improper on my part, especially as it happened in a strange land."
+
+Ludwig took it all in good part, and laughingly remarked that North and
+South Germany had again been scuffling with each other. Then he
+apologized for Ikwarte, by saying that he could not stand wine; that,
+except when taking communion, he had not tasted a drop of wine up to
+his twentieth year.
+
+Ikwarte stood by, nodding his assent and pulling his red mustache.
+After that, he went off with Rothfuss.
+
+In the meanwhile, Martella sat crouching on the floor in a corner of
+the room.
+
+Ludwig softly said to me, "Now is the time to let Martella tell us who
+and whence she is."
+
+I thought that as the child was overmuch agitated, it might be better
+to wait until the next day; but he insisted that this was the proper
+time.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+Ludwig went up to Martella and said, "Martella, there is a woman in
+America who knows you."
+
+Martella jumped to her feet and, brushing her hair from her face with
+both hands, asked, "How do you know that?"
+
+"I will tell you how, when you have told your history. Will you do so?"
+
+"I will. It is well and proper that I should. But no one shall be
+present but you and father. Forgive me, kind ladies," she said,
+addressing Conny and Annette in an unwonted tone. "I can only tell this
+to father and to brother."
+
+She drank a few drops of water, and then, seating herself behind the
+table that was next to the wall, began:
+
+"I can only remember as far back as my sixth year. I have no distinct
+recollection of anything that happened before that time. We lived in a
+city on the Rhine,--I believe it is called Mayence. There are two sorts
+of soldiers there--Prussians and Austrians. The Austrians have white
+coats, like the cousin who once visited us with Baron Arven. Under the
+small golden mirror in my mother's room on the opposite wall, there was
+quite a large glass that reached from the ceiling to the floor there
+was a portrait of a handsome officer, whom I believe I have already
+seen. My mother always addressed him as 'Prince,' and he laughed when
+she did so. His eyes were of a light blue; I cannot recall any of his
+other features. My mother would often say to me, while she pointed to
+the picture, 'Martella, do not forget, this is your father. He has
+great love for me, and for you too.' It was a long while before I knew
+how my mother gained her living. She would sleep until near mid-day,
+and would often stand on her toes, or walk on them around the room.
+Then she would suddenly let herself fall to the ground, spring up again
+and take long steps. Then she would place herself before the mirror,
+and bow and kiss her hands to herself. Once she looked so lovely, with
+a thin gauze-like robe about her body, and various kinds of gauze over
+that. She looked just like a beautiful bird, and almost like the
+peacock down in the garden. And I was prettily dressed also. I had
+wings on my shoulders, and they had two mirrors for me, so that I might
+see how I looked in front, and in the back. And I had golden shoes on,
+and had to learn how to spread out my hands and then bring them
+together quite slowly. With a girdle around my waist--it was golden,
+and studded with diamonds--I floated in the air, and could hear the
+people screaming with delight and clapping their hands; but I could not
+see where I was, or how many people were there. We rode home in a
+carriage--I can recollect that, but cannot remember what happened for
+some time afterward. One day, my mother showed me a man who wore a
+green dressing-gown and had curled hair; then she said to me: 'My
+child, this is your father now--you must say "father" to him.'
+
+"He spoke to me, but I could not understand what he said; and mother
+said, 'The child is worth ten thousand florins, and can earn a great
+deal of money.'
+
+"About that time, I often heard the word 'America,' and, as I was told
+to call everybody 'uncle,' I once inquired where 'Uncle America lived?'
+whereupon they laughed very loud, and the man with the curled hair,
+whom I had to call father, kissed me.
+
+"There was a maid living with us, who would always say, 'You poor
+child, you must go to America, among the savages. O you poor child!'
+
+"And one morning, I heard them say that we would go to America that
+day. Down by the Rhine there was a great crowd and noise, and when we
+were on the vessel, some one said, 'Keep your seat here, or you will be
+left behind?' And when all was confusion on shipboard, I stealthily
+crept on shore, and hid myself behind some hogsheads in which the bees
+were humming; they did not trouble me. I heard the ringing of the bell,
+and the paddling of the wheels--but did not move. I had a little
+satchel full of cakes, which I ate.
+
+"The embroidered satchel had been presented to me by the Prince, whose
+picture hung under the mirror. I still own it; it is the only memento I
+have of that time. And we had a dog whose name was Pincher, and for
+that reason I called my poor departed dog by the same name.
+
+"When at last evening came, I crept out of my hiding-place, and saw a
+great crowd gathered about an old woman who was sitting on the ground
+and lamenting: They have purposely left me behind; they did not want to
+take me with them!'
+
+"The people told her they would help her, and would give her money that
+she might follow her relatives. But she always replied, 'No, I will not
+do that; they do not want me.' And they gave the old woman money and
+went on their way. And when they had all gone, I said to her, 'Take me
+with you; I am worth ten thousand florins.'
+
+"Then she laughed and said, 'Indeed you are!' And then I told her that
+I had secretly remained behind--that I did not want to go to America.
+
+"She laughed again, and took me on her lap, saying: 'That is right. We
+two will stay together.'
+
+"And we wandered far and near, and she told every one that I was her
+granddaughter. We received many gifts, and every one told me that I was
+so pretty; and I told the old woman--her name was Jaegerlies--that I
+had wings, and she said, 'I believe it: they will grow again when I am
+dead.' But I am telling you silly stuff--am I not?"
+
+"No, no; go on."
+
+"At last we reached yonder forest, and then Jaegerlies said, 'Let us
+stay here.' She had acquaintances who lived in the neighborhood, but
+she had no desire to meet any one, as they always laughed at her
+because her folks had left her behind when they emigrated to America.
+
+"The gifts that we had received, had enabled us to buy cooking
+utensils, coverings for our moss beds, and a goat; and of food we could
+always have plenty.
+
+"The summers were pleasant, but the winters were not so. We caught many
+birds, which served as food.
+
+"I was also sent to school, and it was quite humiliating to me to be
+always told that I was a 'Jew girl.' I did not know what was meant by
+Jew, but I knew, that it was intended as a term of disgrace. I am not
+sure, but I think my mother was a Catholic.
+
+"And thus I grew up and could wield the axe as well as the strongest
+wood-cutter; and no one dared to lay a finger on me.
+
+"You might blind-fold me, and I could, by my sense of smell, recognize
+trees or their leaves. I carried a serpent's egg on my person; I had
+found it one morning between eleven and twelve, and had pocketed it. I
+had also a gift of finding wild honey, and the bees never harmed me
+when I took the combs. I was once employed that way, when Ernst came up
+to me. He acted as if he were about to punish me for what I had done;
+but I told him that this was not breaking of the laws of the forest,
+and that it was not poaching. And then he said to me, 'You are wild
+honey yourself.'
+
+"Thus Ernst found me and brought me here, where I now am. But I do not
+deserve it. They say that Ernst is in Algiers, with the wild Turks.
+Give me some money that I may go to him--I can find him.
+
+"But tell me now, Ludwig, how do you know that my mother is in
+America?"
+
+"I know nothing of it; I simply guessed so, because you always have
+such a fear of America."
+
+"So you are the son of such parents--and yet can lie? Your mother in
+heaven will never forgive you for that."
+
+Ludwig was moved by this apostrophe, and asked Martella to forgive him.
+She nodded assent and shook hands with him and with me, saying at the
+same time: "Father, I shall do nothing more but what you tell me to do.
+I shall never again act of my own free will."
+
+"Were you always called Martella?" inquired Ludwig.
+
+"No."
+
+"How, then?"
+
+"Conradine."
+
+"Who gave you the name of Martella?"
+
+"Jaegerlies."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Because, she said, 'No one will know you by that name, and if they
+seek you they cannot find you.'"
+
+"But how did she chance on that name?"
+
+"That you ought to have asked her. And that is enough. Good-night."
+
+Martella walked away.
+
+Ludwig afterward told me that he had been making inquiries over in the
+valley where Jaegerlies had been living. He could not understand why we
+had not done so long before. Now it might be very difficult to discover
+anything, as Jaegerlies had died a few days before.
+
+He had learned, from the neighbors, that she often spoke of America in
+a mysterious and indistinct manner, and that, together with Martella's
+aversion to the very mention of America, caused him to question her in
+the way he had done.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+In spite of Martella's and Ikwarte's trouble, the great feast was
+pleasantly remembered in our house and throughout the village. Annette
+said: "Whenever I gave a large entertainment, it always grieved me to
+see the many people, who had just been together so cheerful and so
+lively, suddenly disappear. And it was always especially agreeable to
+me when several of my more intimate friends would remain. We would then
+gather together for a little quiet enjoyment, and so a smaller and more
+congenial circle succeeded the larger one; for that reason, I think
+some of us ought to remain here."
+
+I saw Richard looking at Annette, and it was the first contented, happy
+glance I had ever seen him direct towards her. He had intended to
+leave, but now concluded to stay. It seemed as if, in spite of
+themselves, they had always chanced on points on which they could not
+agree, but now at last, and to their great delight, found themselves in
+accord.
+
+Annette had greatly changed. She would no longer suddenly bound from
+one subject to another. Her manner had become calmer. She had learned
+how to put her questions modestly and yet firmly, and also how to be
+quiet.
+
+Once she said, "Martella has told us what is the severest punishment.
+It is this: to lose faith in one's self, and to learn that excitement
+and weakness place us in the hands of chance or of strangers, and cause
+us to express the very things that we have desired most of all to keep
+within ourselves."
+
+The festival brought painful consequences to Rothfuss, Ikwarte, and
+Carl, as well as to Martella. They went about without saying a word,
+and Annette, who was anxious to help, and quick to sympathize with
+others, tried her best to cheer them up.
+
+One morning, we were sitting in the garden. Richard and Conny had gone
+over to the village, and Ludwig said to Annette, "We do not know how to
+thank you for having given my wife so true and feeling a description of
+mother."
+
+Annette now expressed her delight with Conny, and when she asked Ludwig
+how he had made her acquaintance, he said,
+
+"If father does not object to hear the story over again, I will tell
+you."
+
+I consented, and Ludwig went on:
+
+"The Americans have one thing in common with the old Romans; whenever
+they found a city, they provide, above all things, for pure water.
+There happened at the time to be a lively discussion in regard to the
+building of water-works. I hoped that the contract would be assigned to
+me, and travelled about for some distance through the neighboring
+country, in order to find the best springs. A mountain brook whose
+stream could easily be led into another, seemed to me best adapted for
+the purpose.
+
+"I followed it up to its source, and was fortunate enough to find rich
+and copious springs. I had been wandering all day, when, towards
+evening, I saw a log-cabin half-way down the hillside. I walked up to
+it, and at last reached the house. The doors were open, and a dog, that
+seemed to be the only guardian of the place, jumped towards me as if
+glad to welcome me. I went into the entry and called out, but no one
+answered. I opened the door, and found a cosy, pretty room.
+
+"Mother always used to say that the walls of a room are an index of the
+culture of its inmates. There were two engravings, copied from the
+paintings of the great masters, an open piano, and above it a bust of
+Mozart. I ventured to approach the piano. Mozart's G minor symphony lay
+open on the music-desk.
+
+"Although I had not touched an instrument for a great while, I felt a
+great longing to touch the keys.
+
+"I began to play, and felt as happy as a skilful swimmer breasting the
+waves. I played on and on, forgetting where I was; and when I stopped
+and looked around, I saw a fine-looking old man and a lovely, blooming
+maiden standing in the doorway.
+
+"I suppose I need not tell you more.
+
+"I remained in the hospitable house over-night, and soon discovered
+that my host was a refugee, and had been a comrade of father's.
+Constance, or, as she was familiarly called, Conny, became my
+betrothed, and afterwards my wife; and our son, who was born on the
+anniversary of Mozart's birthday, received his name.
+
+"Our marriage is a happy one, blest with perfect harmony in thought and
+feeling.
+
+"When I entered the army my wife merely said, 'You are doing right.'
+
+"When my eldest son died, she was deeply afflicted, but soon resigned
+herself to the thought that all must make sacrifices.
+
+"I was not a good commander--not that I was deficient in courage or
+endurance; but soldiering must be studied just like other things. My
+long experience in topographical studies, was, however, of great use to
+me. I had a quick eye for the advantages and the disadvantages of
+positions on our side, or that of the enemy. On the other hand, the
+Southerners had much better leaders than myself and many others who,
+like me, had not studied the art of war.
+
+"Now you know the most important facts; and I must stop, for I see
+Conny and Richard coming."
+
+They came, and Annette had enough self-command not to betray what she
+had just heard.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+Richard and Ludwig left with the intention of entering Wolfgang at the
+forester's school. Richard and Annette now understood one another, and
+Richard's parting words were: "I think you will do well to remain here
+for some time. Your stay will be of benefit to yourself as well as to
+others."
+
+Annette made no answer, but I could not help observing how her breast
+heaved with emotion.
+
+She and Conny seemed also to be on excellent terms with each other.
+
+Annette now understood how the intellectual life can be kept up, and
+even developed, in solitude, and, as usual, she was always delighted to
+find words in which to couch a new impression. She said to me, "There
+are hermits of education as well as of religion, and they attain the
+highest degree of development."
+
+She often expressed her admiration of Conny's light hair, and
+endeavored to persuade her that it might be dressed in a far more
+effective style than the braids in which she wore it. Conny, however,
+did not care to act on this suggestion of Annette's.
+
+On his return, Ludwig told me that he would not be able to remain
+through the summer, unless he had some fixed occupation. He was anxious
+to carry out a plan for a new and large builder's mill. He would be
+willing to superintend the erection of the building, but did not have
+enough ready money to undertake the enterprise. When I told him that I
+was no better off than he, Annette asked that she might be permitted to
+advance the sum. I declined, but, as Ludwig at once accepted her offer,
+I could make no further objection.
+
+"Father," exclaimed Ludwig, with unwonted enthusiasm, "I firmly believe
+that water-power will assist us to solve the great labor question.
+
+"What we are about to undertake makes me, in many respects, feel both
+free and happy. I hope to be able to set the two great levers of our
+age--enterprise and economy--in operation. I felt the so-called social
+question as a personal affront. I asked myself, 'Are you so old that
+you need fear a great change? In your younger years, you felt offended
+when you heard the old ones say, that is overdone, or utopian or
+demagogical, or whatever it might be, but now you use these very terms
+yourself.' I honestly examined myself in this, and felt obliged to act
+as I have done.
+
+"If we domesticate industry, and open new sources of profit to those
+who dwell in the neighborhood, we are strengthening the best possession
+we have in this woodland region--our love of home.
+
+"Love of home is a life artery, which, if not killed, is at least
+compressed by emigration.
+
+"The old maxim advises us to remain at home and gain a living among
+those whom we know best. We extend its application by enabling others
+to do as we would do. We must learn how to keep up with the progress of
+the age. At first, we sent rough logs down the stream, towards Holland;
+now we send planks; and after this we must send them doors and
+window-frames and steps."
+
+It was a pleasure to hear him explain his plans. He was determined that
+the people hereabouts should have better doors and windows, steps and
+flooring, than ever before. Besides that, he would see that there
+should be pretty designs for balconies. "The result of all which will
+be, that both we and our countrymen will make lots of money. Actions
+which are for the benefit of the general public will, if managed
+rightly, turn out to the profit of the individual."
+
+Annette wanted to know whether he would not destroy all individuality,
+by attempting to provide people with ready-made houses just as they
+could buy ready-made clothes.
+
+"That is what I propose to do," exclaimed Ludwig, cheerfully. "All
+should be uniform, for, after all, every one wears his coat in his own
+peculiar way. And I think I can anticipate another objection you are
+about to make--that the machines will disturb the landscape."
+
+"That is my meaning exactly."
+
+"And there are thousands who think just as you do. But mankind must
+accustom themselves to new ideas. It is the question of spinning-wheel
+or sewing-machine over again. Just as, in old times, the spinning-wheel
+occupied the most exalted station in the household, so does the
+sewing-machine now occupy the place of honor; and the spirit of beauty
+and the force of custom will soon adorn the latter as it once did the
+former--although that was a simple machine, while this is a complicated
+one."
+
+"Thanks," said Annette, extending her hand to Ludwig; "you are really a
+citizen of the new world."
+
+Ludwig's plan was to connect an island which lay in the valley-stream
+with the mainland, by blasting out and turning in some rocks from
+shore. He would thus be able to turn what had heretofore been useless,
+to good account, and at the same time increase the water-power. He went
+to work in true American style, and was delighted when I told him that
+the raftsmen were not allowed to pass down the stream except during two
+hours of the day, and that we could thus arrange our time in such a way
+that they would not interfere with us. He felt pleased that the people
+were no longer allowed to dilly-dally about their work, but were
+obliged to make use of an appointed time. He decided that the time for
+floating the rafts past the island should be fixed for the dinner hour,
+when the workmen in the mill were taking their rest.
+
+"Ah," said he at last, "I can remember the very minute when mother
+explained to me what work really is. We were standing at the
+blacksmith's shop when she said to me, 'Look, Ludwig, this pound of
+iron is worth but a few _groschen_, but a pound of watch-springs is
+worth many hundred _thalers_. This shows you what labor is.' The
+recollection of that moment at the blacksmith's shop has remained alive
+in my memory ever since. I can yet see the blacksmith's journeyman at
+his work, forging the spikes with which the rafts were held together,
+and while he was shaping one spike the other was heating in the fire. I
+have always worked on the same principle."
+
+We were visited by Annette's brother, who was just from Wildbad, and
+told us that on the day previous the French Ambassador had left there
+under instructions to visit the King of Prussia; and, it was further
+rumored, to bring it about that no German Prince should ascend the
+Spanish throne. There was great excitement everywhere, and he thought
+it hazardous to invest large sums in new enterprises; especially so for
+those who were near the French borders. The air seemed heavy as with an
+impending storm, and no one could tell how soon the cloud might burst.
+
+Napoleon would be obliged to justify the new lease of power that the
+_plebiscite_ had given him; he would find it necessary to furnish
+amusement for the French, who looked upon a war with us as a most
+agreeable diversion. Anything would serve him as an excuse.
+
+For this reason, he thought it his duty to dissuade Annette from
+joining in our enterprise. He was willing, however, to advance the
+required sum out of his own funds, for, after all, there must be peace
+at last; and, if the undertaking should prove successful, it was his
+intention to transfer either the whole or a half of his share to
+Annette.
+
+Ludwig wanted to employ none but discharged soldiers. He had no
+confidence in workmen who had not served in the army; and, as the
+stonecutter had been a soldier, he appointed him as chief of the
+stone-masons. He engaged an older man to superintend the erection of
+the building, who had been recommended as thoroughly honest; and it was
+Ludwig's intention to take him back to America with him.
+
+We learned that this man had formerly been an officer of engineers. He
+had been obliged to resign, and now led a simple and industrious life,
+eating and sleeping with the quarry-men. It was only when at work, that
+one could notice that he was of a higher caste. But he seemed to have
+no judgment of his own, and always required instructions; when he
+received these he would execute them with care and precision. He was a
+man of very few words, and always seemed as if seeking something which
+he either could not or dared not name.
+
+And then Ludwig sent for Wacker, the dissipated fellow who lived in the
+valley beyond the mountains. He was only slightly intoxicated when he
+arrived, and Ludwig said to him, "Wacker, I will give you a good
+situation on one condition: you may get drunk three times; but after
+the third, you will be summarily discharged. If you are agreed, all
+right; and I shall only add, beware of the first time: it will not cost
+you your situation, but it will make an inroad on your capital."
+
+For a while, Wacker conducted himself properly; but he gave way at
+last. He had his three drunks, and was consequently discharged.
+
+It was now time to begin measuring and other preparations, and to
+employ the laborers; for the first thing in order was to regulate the
+bed of the stream.
+
+Annette found great pleasure in watching the progress of the building.
+
+Ludwig had ascertained where the stream had the greatest fall. He had
+an instrument, by means of which one can, while on land, quickly
+ascertain the descent of the current; and this, too, afforded Annette
+much amusement. She was anxious to know whether the power of water was
+measured by so many horse-power. In her desire for information, she was
+constantly asking questions. Ludwig, being more practical than Richard,
+was naturally more indulgent with Annette's questionings. Annette had,
+moreover, ceased to speak as if she felt herself a privileged person;
+she had become more simple and retiring in her ways.
+
+One day when Annette exclaimed, "Ah, what a pity to make the pure water
+work so!" Ludwig imitated her voice, and replied, "Ah, what a pity that
+the beautiful horses must draw Madame Annette's carriage!"
+
+Annette blushed crimson; but she controlled herself, and said, "You are
+right; I spoke quite childishly."
+
+"Oh, you angel!" cried Ludwig; "a woman who can say, 'You are right; I
+have been wrong,' really is a marvel."
+
+We received permission to carry the road farther down the mountain, and
+in that way secured the best place to store our material.
+
+There was another obstacle which we were obliged to overcome, and one
+of which we had never thought. The Englishman had leased the right to
+fish in the valley, from the villagers and farmers along the banks of
+the stream; and he now attempted, through the courts, to enjoin us from
+blasting the rocks; for just there was the best spot for trout.
+
+Ludwig went before the court in person, and he succeeded in having the
+injunction set aside.
+
+Before that, the Englishman had been a mere stranger to us; but now he
+was our enemy, and would not deign to bestow a glance on us. When any
+one of us walked or drove by, he would turn his back on us.
+
+In all this trouble, Ludwig was calm and kind; but careless work made
+him so indignant that he characterized it as crime and villany. He was
+dissatisfied, because, in their own home, he found that the German
+workmen had two great faults--they were awkward, and wasted too much
+time. In the new world, these very people would act quite differently.
+
+Annette wanted to erect kitchens down by the banks of the stream
+for the workmen. She had already discussed the matter with the
+schoolmaster's wife, and the locksmith's widow was ready to assist; but
+the people took no interest in the affair.
+
+Although she had already made up her mind, the locksmith's widow
+considered it her duty to consult Ludwig in regard to her marrying
+again. She had chosen the young stone-mason, who was hardly as old as
+she.
+
+The wedding took place on a Sunday; and Annette busied herself
+conjecturing how the three children must have felt at their mother's
+marriage.
+
+We were obliged, out of compliment, to be present at the marriage
+feast; and Schweitzer-Schmalz, who was a relative of the bridegroom,
+called out, at the top of his voice, that the bridegroom had not needed
+to marry so soon for fear of being obliged to go to war again. The
+blatant Prussian would not venture to try conclusions with France; and
+if he did really attempt it, the real Germans, that is, the South
+Germans, would not assist.
+
+In a loud voice, he retailed the wisdom of the popular journals; and I
+verily believe that he did it with the intention of drawing us out.
+
+Ludwig whispered to me, "It is not worth while trying to convert this
+man; events will teach him."
+
+Although I did not believe there would be war, Ludwig looked forward to
+it with great certainty, and only feared that we might neglect the
+proper moment to let the whole world see that it was France that was
+wantonly and impiously forcing war upon us.
+
+We went down to the valley stream in order to see that no accident
+should happen while the rocks were being blasted.
+
+Ludwig superintended the blasting in person. With Annette and Conny, I
+was stationed down the road, while Rothfuss and Martella were on the
+other side, in order that all might be warned of the danger.
+
+Suddenly there was a loud report which reverberated through the valleys
+and the forests; the blasting was a complete success.
+
+Soon after, we were assembled on the road, and even the quarry-men were
+with us, when Ikwarte, accompanied by one of the forester's men, came
+running up to us, out of breath, exclaiming, before he reached us:
+
+"War has been declared!"
+
+The forester brought me a message informing me that France had declared
+war, and calling on me to repair to the meeting of the Parliament at
+once.
+
+Ludwig gave instructions that the work should be continued without
+interruption, and placed the completion of the new building in charge
+of the engineer. That very evening he accompanied me to the capital,
+Martella going with us.
+
+The Englishman stood by the bank, angling.
+
+It was not until after I had left home, that I began to realize what
+was in store for us.
+
+
+
+
+
+                              BOOK FOURTH.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER I.
+
+
+The great crisis which we have dreaded and yet hoped for has at last
+arrived. We are again obliged to contend with our hectoring neighbor,
+whose lust of power goads him to trample on our rights. We must fight,
+if we wish to endure; and will all Germany be united? If in this
+juncture we are not as one, our ruin is assured, and will be richly
+deserved.
+
+To know that the decisive moment is at hand, and that you cannot
+actively participate--that you are only a single wave in the current,
+is at once an oppressive and an exalting thought.
+
+In my mind, I go over the list of my fellow-members in the Parliament.
+The decision seems to hang in doubt. Eccentricity is still rampant, and
+decks itself with all sorts of revolutionary ideas.
+
+And how is the Prince inclined? Were it better if it rested with one
+man to decide whether we should have war or peace?
+
+And there is another bitter experience that is forced upon us in
+periods of doubt and indecision; namely, that fixed principles begin to
+waver.
+
+I found it a great comfort to have Ludwig with me. He was so thoroughly
+in sympathy with me, and yet, at the same time, a foreigner. He had
+become a citizen of the New World, in which he had lived over twenty
+years, and his views were freer from prejudice than ours could be.
+
+In spite of the declaration of war on the part of the French
+government, the ravings in the French Legislative Chambers, and the
+outcry in the streets of Paris, I yet encouraged a hope that war might
+be averted. But Ludwig thought--and I was obliged to agree with
+him--that it were both treachery and folly now, when the right was on
+our side, not to accept the battle which would thus only be postponed.
+For this constant waiting and watching for what others may do, is a
+painful state of dependence.
+
+Ludwig was younger; his pulse was steadier. He had already fought in
+this country with undisciplined crowds, and, in the United States, had
+taken part in the great war.
+
+He said in confidence that if he had known that the decision was so
+near at hand, he would have kept on better terms with Funk; because, at
+that moment, the great object was to gain his allegiance and that of
+his party, in which there was no lack of noble enthusiasts. Ludwig held
+that, in politics, it was not alone permissible, but even necessary, to
+use strategy and double-dealing.
+
+Martella so urgently entreated me to permit her to accompany us, that,
+for her sake, Ludwig's wife remained at home.
+
+At the village down by the railway station, and at nearly every
+station on the road, I was asked whether I believed there would be war,
+and whether I would advise the people to drive their cattle into
+out-of-the-way ravines and valleys, and to hide their household goods,
+on account of the threatened invasion of the French hordes.
+
+I took great pains to explain my views; but, at the second station,
+Ludwig said: "Father, you are giving yourself unnecessary trouble. The
+people do not wish to learn anything. They think that you cannot know
+any more about it than they do. They simply ask you idle and anxious
+questions, just as they would at other times, 'What kind of weather do
+you think we will have?' Father, do not pour out the deepest feelings
+of your heart."
+
+After that, I replied that one could not say much upon the subject; and
+I observed that the people, were more respectful because I was so
+reserved. They assumed that, as I was a delegate, I was fully informed
+on all subjects, and neither dared nor desired to unbosom myself.
+
+It was rather late, but not too late. From that day, I learned that it
+is not best to open one's soul to another and reveal all that is within
+it; and for that reason, it is said of me that, since the beginning of
+the war, I am a changed man. In those days, I learned things that never
+were suffered to pass my lips.
+
+The first one whom we met at the capital was my son-in-law, the Major.
+
+"What is the opinion in the army?" inquired Ludwig.
+
+The Major looked at him steadily, and, after a pause, answered,
+"Opinion? In the army there is obedience." With forced composure, he
+added, "As far as I know, the army neither debates nor votes."
+
+He turned to me and said that this time we were better prepared than
+four years ago.
+
+I asked whether the army orders had already been promulgated.
+
+He shrugged his shoulders, and evidently did not care to divulge
+anything. He told me, though, that since the evening previous, he had
+been advanced to the rank of colonel, and had been placed in command of
+a regiment. When I spoke of this, as indicating that the Prince had
+decided for war, he lapsed into silence.
+
+We soon parted, regretting that we could not go to his house, for
+Annette had already prepared quarters for our reception.
+
+I then went to our club-house and learned that our party was already
+broken up. The Funk faction--I must give it this name, although he was
+not its leader--held separate meetings.
+
+Ludwig determined logo at once to the meeting of Funk's party, because
+it was important above all things to know what was being done there.
+
+"I believe in Lincoln's maxim," said he, "that 'it will never do to
+swap horses while crossing streams.'"
+
+In little more than an hour, he returned and told us that he had been
+coldly received, although the leadership was shared with Funk by two
+members who had once been among his most intimate friends. He was now,
+however, able to tell that their plan was to insist on neutrality. They
+did not dare to think, much less to speak, of an alliance with France.
+Their intention, however, was to call together a large meeting of the
+popular party, in order to exert a moral influence on Parliament, and
+perhaps to overawe it.
+
+At our meeting, we were expecting the arrival of the prime minister;
+the right wing of our party sided with the ministry.
+
+The minister did not come; but sent one of his councillors, who
+informed me that the session would not be opened unless a quorum of
+delegates was present.
+
+He told us that there was great disorder among the telegraphs.
+
+After the councillor had left, Loedinger, my old associate and
+prison-mate, told me in confidence, that he expected a _coup d'etat_.
+He felt that the Prince had no desire to take counsel with the country,
+and had determined that his glory as a warrior should be shared by no
+one.
+
+Loedinger was one of those imaginative persons who, whenever they form
+suspicions against any one, carry them to their extremest consequences.
+
+The President, who was a member of our party, told us under the seal of
+secrecy, that the reason for delaying the opening of our session was
+that they might first ascertain what action the delegates in the next
+state would decide upon.
+
+We were thus held in anxious suspense.
+
+During the night, I found it impossible to sleep; and Ludwig, who was
+in the next room, called out to me: "Father, you must sleep; to-morrow
+will be a trying day. Just think of it!--the Emperor of Germany--I
+should say, the King of Prussia--must also sleep to-night, and he is
+three years older than you are."
+
+Yes, it was on that night, the 16th of July, that my son announced the
+German Emperor to me. I could not help smiling with joy, and at last
+fell asleep. And, strange to say, I dreamed that I was again at Jena,
+and that the fantastic mummery of those days was being renewed. Because
+I had a round head and a ruddy complexion, I was termed the "Imperial
+Globe," and they maintained that, with my large stature and broad
+shoulders, the imperial mantle would fit me best of all. They placed it
+on me, and I was obliged forthwith to distribute offices. And suddenly,
+I was no longer the Emperor, but Rothfuss, who laughed most terribly.
+I, too, was obliged to laugh--and, laughing, I awoke.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+
+
+When I opened my eyes, Ludwig stood at my bedside and said, "You have
+slept well, father, and it is well that you did. You will need all your
+strength to-day; for to-day it will be--Good-morning, Germany."
+
+I cannot describe how my son's presence helped to strengthen me. I felt
+that, with his power added to mine, I was doubly prepared for all that
+might happen.
+
+There is nothing more encouraging, in troubled times, than to have a
+faithful friend at one's side,--a truth which was proved to me on that
+day and many a time since.
+
+I could not help recounting my strange dream, and when I added that it
+gave me incomparable joy to think that the day had at last arrived in
+which one might say the hearts of all Germans throbbed in unison,
+Ludwig begged me not to talk so much. He said that he could sympathize
+with me, and feel what a satisfaction it must be to me, after having
+fought and suffered for fifty years, at last to witness the fruition of
+my hopes, even though the price paid be war and bloodshed.
+
+He was indeed right. He responded to all my feelings; I may indeed say
+that he anticipated them.
+
+When I reached the street, the throng was such that it seemed as if all
+the houses had been emptied of their inhabitants. Here and there, were
+groups talking aloud, and before the printing-office of the principal
+newspaper, it was almost impossible to work one's way through the
+crowd.
+
+It was there that I met an old friend, the incorruptible Mölder. In
+1866 he had resigned a high position under the state, in order,
+thenceforth, to devote himself to his Fatherland, and, above all, to
+the cause of German unity.
+
+"It is well that I meet you," he said; "we have war now, and have
+stolen a march on the French. Here, in the capital, the majority of the
+citizens are on our side, but in the country, as you well know, the
+so-called popular party is to a certain extent in the majority. The
+common people are not so willing to follow our advice, for they are in
+the hands of the clergy and the demagogues, who, for a little while
+longer, will travel together on the same road. For this reason, we have
+issued the call for a mass meeting at the Turners' Hall for this
+evening."
+
+"Would it not be best for us delegates to hold aloof from it?" I
+inquired.
+
+"No; it is too late for that. You will have to speak there, and so will
+your son from America. We did not care to arouse you so late last
+night, and I have, therefore, on my own responsibility, signed your
+name to the call. But look!"
+
+I saw crowds standing at the street corners, and reading a large
+placard, calling on all whose hearts beat with love of Germany to meet
+together--and I really found my name at the foot of it.
+
+I could not object; our actions were no longer at our own disposal.
+
+Excited crowds filled the streets during the whole day. The whole
+population seemed like one restless being in anxious suspense. It was
+said that the telegraph wires had been connected with the palace, and
+as the people knew nothing of this before, the information caused great
+surprise. The afternoon paper brought the official news that they had
+wanted the King of Prussia to address the French Emperor in an humble
+letter, in which he was particularly forbidden to refer to the
+relationship existing between the French Emperor and the Prince of
+Hohenzollern, who had been elected King of Spain--a pleasant
+preparation for what was to ensue in the evening.
+
+I did not see the Colonel during the whole day, but his friend,
+Professor Rolunt, hunted me up; and, from the manner in which he spoke
+of our project, it seemed to me that my son-in-law approved of it, and
+that the popular movement about to be set on foot, was not looked upon
+with disfavor by the government. Moreover, the Professor had become
+very cautious, and was known to stand well with government circles. He
+was believed to be an anonymous contributor to the official organ.
+
+In the evening, we repaired to the place of meeting.
+
+Mölder arrived, and with pale and trembling lips, told us:
+
+"It is rumored that the friends of the French will attempt to break up
+the meeting. But I have called on the Turners. They are all on our
+side, and your son stands as well with them as he once did."
+
+The proceedings began.
+
+Mölder was the first speaker. I have never seen any one more excited
+than he was. His lips trembled, and he held fast to the rail with a
+convulsive grasp, while he began:
+
+"We do not desire to become Prussians; but we wish to be Germans, as we
+must and shall be. Is there one among you who would dare to utter the
+accursed words, 'Rather French than Prussian!' If there be one who
+dares to think it, let him dare to say it."
+
+He paused for a while, and then exclaimed:
+
+"Is there such a one among you? Answer me! Yes or no!"
+
+"No!" resounded from a thousand throats, and he responded with joyous
+voice, "Then we are all friends." He then concluded his address,
+eloquently maintaining that to attempt to remain neutral were both
+treachery and folly.
+
+A young advocate who had been defeated in the recent elections, by one
+of the clerical party, followed. He spoke with that studied eloquence
+which talks glibly and in nicely rounded phrases. He concluded by
+demanding that the whole meeting should proceed to the palace and
+request the Prince to discharge his hesitating ministry; or, at all
+events, the one minister who seemed to be unpatriotically inclined.
+
+Enthusiastic and joyous shouts of approval were showered upon him.
+
+I saw the danger that threatened, and asked for the floor.
+
+"There has been enough talking; it is time now for deeds!" cried a
+voice in the assembly, and it seemed as if the crowd were already on
+the move.
+
+My heart stood still. We were no longer masters of our own actions.
+
+Then Ludwig cried out, in a voice so powerful that the very walls
+seemed to tremble, "If you are men, listen! My father wishes to speak."
+
+"Hurrah for the King of the Turners! Let old Waldfried speak! Silence!
+Order! Let old Waldfried speak!"
+
+It was a long while before the shouting and the cheering ceased, and I
+think I spoke the right word at the right time.
+
+I had a right to refer to my past, and to explain to them that it would
+only create disturbance and confusion to adopt such violent measures
+before anything had really been decided upon. If I were the Prince, I
+would not yield to their wishes until the voice of the representatives
+of the people had been heard.
+
+The temper of the meeting changed, and I received many signs of
+approval.
+
+When I had finished, there were shouts of, "We want to hear the King of
+the Turners speak!"
+
+Ludwig mounted the rostrum; but so great was the applause, that it was
+several minutes before he could speak.
+
+At last he began, in a cheerful tone, saying that we Germans were still
+full of the haughty arrogance of youth, and that this very meeting was
+a proof of it.
+
+Then, with words that carried conviction to all who listened, he told
+them how the events of the last year had been a blessing to the
+emigrants in America; a blessing, indeed, which could not thoroughly be
+appreciated by those who were yet at home. The German had been
+respected, if he could call himself a Prussian; but now the time had
+come when the word _German_ must be an honored name. And if, as some
+maintained, the South Germans are the real Germans, let them prove it.
+
+If the Prussians are not yet Germans, they shall, and must, and will
+become so. They delivered us from the real Napoleon; they will also be
+able to free us from the counterfeit one. The first was not made of
+gold, but this one is mere pinchbeck.
+
+"I have fought against negro slavery; now the battle is against the
+slavery that French ambition would submit us to."
+
+While Ludwig was speaking, the chairman handed me a little slip of
+paper, on which were written the words, "Your son knows how to allow
+the heated steed to cool off before tying him."
+
+Ludwig could, indeed, direct the mood of the meeting at will.
+
+To the great amusement of his audience, he said that he had the rare
+good fortune of having been born near the boundary line, and that,
+consequently, the first object he had become sensible of, were the two
+brightly painted posts which stood side by side on the road; and that,
+while yet a child, he had often looked up to the trees in the woods, to
+see whether they knew to which of the posts they belonged.
+
+"And when I returned, the abject life that we had been leading was
+again brought to my mind. On the one side marked by the bright post,
+all is Catholic, and on the other side all is Protestant, because in
+those times the people were obliged to accept their so-called religion
+from their masters.
+
+"Allow me to take a comparison from my own trade. It requires many
+strong posts to make the scaffolding of a building. The departed
+martyrs for German unity were the scaffolding. It has been torn down,
+and now we behold the building, pure and simple, firmly and regularly
+built, and appropriately adorned.
+
+"Or another simile: Have you ever observed a raft in the valley stream?
+It floats along slowly and lazily, but when it reaches the weir it
+hurries; and then is the time to find out whether the withes are strong
+and hold the planks firmly together.
+
+"The German logs must now pass through the weir. There is a cracking
+and a straining, but they hold fast to each other, and right merrily do
+they float down into the Rhine and out into the ocean.
+
+"The bells in the neighboring state have a different tone from ours;
+but if the two are in accord, the effect is so much the more beautiful.
+And from this moment let all bells chime in harmony."
+
+Ludwig had the rare faculty of introducing apt illustrations while his
+audience was all aglow with enthusiasm, and thus kept the meeting in
+the best of humor and ready to agree with him when he concluded by
+saying: "We have been patient so long--for more than half a century:
+indeed, ever since the battle of Leipzig--that we can well afford to be
+patient for a few days, perhaps only a few hours longer."
+
+The meeting which had been so excited closed with singing. It was on
+that evening that I heard "Die Wacht am Rhein," for the first time. It
+must, before that, have been slumbering on every lip, and had now at
+last awakened.
+
+The young advocate who had proposed the immediate removal of the
+minister, whispered to me, "I thank you for having defeated my motion."
+
+I looked at him with surprise, and he continued: "I do, indeed, thank
+you. The only object was to show the friends of the French that even
+though it might require extreme measures, no demand that liberalism
+could make would surprise us."
+
+That sort of worldly wisdom was not to my taste.
+
+The chairman then put the following resolution to a vote:
+
+That we would remain true to the articles of confederation and to the
+German cause, with all our means and at every sacrifice.
+
+They shouted their approval with one voice; and now he closed the
+meeting with a few cheerful remarks, announcing that we would adjourn
+to the garden, where the beer was very good, and where there would be
+no more speeches except the clinking of the mugs.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III.
+
+
+"Father, you had better go home; you need sleep. I will accompany you
+to our quarters, but I must return again, as they all insist upon my
+doing so."
+
+Ludwig and I took our way through the streets. They were still filled
+with a surging crowd, and in front of the palace the entire guard was
+under arms. They had evidently made preparations against a popular
+disturbance.
+
+When I arrived at the dwelling, Ludwig left me.
+
+Annette was still awake, and informed me, as soon as I entered, that a
+member of the cabinet had been there, had left word that I should come
+to the palace that evening, and that if I would mention my name at the
+left entrance I would be admitted. He had also said that, no matter how
+late it was when I returned, I should not fail to come. I said that
+there must have been some mistake--that they probably meant my son
+Richard, or Ludwig; but Annette repeated that "Father Waldfried" had
+been especially mentioned.
+
+I replied that I was so tired that I would have to leave it until the
+next day, but Annette thought that such a command must be implicitly
+obeyed, and believed that the Prince himself desired to speak with me.
+
+I repaired to the palace. The whole of the left wing was illuminated.
+
+When I gave my name to the lackey at the foot of the staircase, he
+called it out, and a secretary appeared and said, in a respectful
+voice; "The Prince awaits you."
+
+I pointed to my workday dress, but was assured that that made no
+matter.
+
+I ascended the staircase. On every hand there were guards. I was
+conducted into a large saloon, where the secretary left me. He soon
+reappeared, holding the door open and saying, "Please enter."
+
+I went in. The Prince advanced to meet me, and took me by the hand,
+saying: "I thank you sincerely for having come. I would gladly have
+allowed you to rest overnight, but these times do not permit us to
+rest. Pray be seated."
+
+It was well that I was allowed to take a seat.
+
+The Prince must have observed that I was almost out of breath, and
+said: "Do not speak; you are quite exhausted. Permit me to tell you
+that, in this trying hour, I repose full confidence in you. I have, for
+a long while, desired to make your acquaintance. I have known your son,
+the Professor, ever since he was at the university."
+
+He added other highly complimentary remarks.
+
+A pause ensued, during which I noticed, on the opposite wall, a picture
+of the deceased Princess, who, as I had often heard, had been a great
+benefactress to the country during the famine of 1817. This picture
+revived my recollections of Gustava, and I felt as if I were not alone,
+but as if she were with me.
+
+All this passed through my mind during the few moments of silence.
+
+The Prince went on to say that he had been informed of what I had said
+an hour ago at the popular meeting. It had, for several days, been his
+desire to act in union with me, but that he had entertained doubts on
+various points,--among others as to whether I could attach myself to
+him; and that the information he had just received had at last aided
+him to form his conclusion.
+
+"Excuse the question, but are you a republican?"
+
+"I have sworn to support the government," was my answer.
+
+"Are you a republican in theory?"
+
+"In theory? The days of Pericles and Scipio are reflected in the soul
+of every German who has received a classical education, and, logically
+considered, a republic is the only form of free government. But neither
+the life of nature, nor that of human history, is absolutely logical,
+for actual necessity sets aside the systems erected by abstract
+reason."
+
+"That is well, and we shall, therefore, no doubt agree on all that
+follows. But let me ask you one other question: Do you candidly and
+heartily desire the continued existence of my sovereign dynasty?"
+
+"Sovereign--no; dynasty--yes."
+
+At these words the Prince arose from his seat, and hurriedly walked
+across the floor. It seemed as if he involuntarily placed a distance
+between himself and me. He remained standing in a dark corner of the
+room.
+
+There was a long pause, during which nothing broke the silence except
+the ticking of the little clock on his table.
+
+Such words had never been uttered in those halls. I had done my duty;
+but I distrusted the Prince. Although suspicion is foreign to my
+nature, his entire behavior aroused it in me. The Prince returned,
+and stood opposite me, while he rested his clenched fist on his
+writing-desk. The full light was streaming on his face.
+
+"Explain yourself more fully," he said.
+
+"Your Highness," I replied, "what I said to you was said after full
+reflection."
+
+"I feel assured of that; but speak out fearlessly."
+
+"I have fought, thought, and lived for this during my whole lifetime.
+If we are to gain a real Fatherland, the princes must relinquish their
+claim to sovereignty: that belongs only to the whole.
+
+"The growth of the idea of German unity has been in geometrical
+progression. During the period of the rotten restoration, from the
+battle of Leipzig down to 1830, those who entertained it might have
+been counted by hundreds, or, at most, thousands, and they were to be
+found only among the cultured or learned classes. After 1830, they were
+counted by hundreds of thousands, and after 1848, by millions; and
+to-day the thought of German unity is alive in all who know that they
+are Germans.
+
+"One system of laws within our borders, a united army, and united
+representation in foreign lands. But the league of the states, that
+through joy and sorrow have achieved unity for themselves, should be
+faithfully preserved. The forest is one united whole, and yet every
+tree has its individual life.
+
+"Your Highness, I live near the borders. The obstinacy of the Vienna
+congress has so cut up the country that we are obliged to go out of our
+state to get salt. I have fields and woods beyond the boundary post,
+and this has given rise to a thousand and one annoyances. Even the
+protection of the forests, on which depends the life of our landed
+interests, is obstructed by the diversity of laws. The hailstorm we had
+last week paid no regard to boundary posts."
+
+From the depths of my heart, I said: "Your dynasty, you and your house,
+should remain our chief; but they should be subject to the greater
+commonwealth."
+
+"Subject?" said the Prince. He evidently expected that I would withdraw
+or modify the word; but I felt that I could not do so.
+
+And then he took my hand in his and said:
+
+"I knew that these were your thoughts; I assumed as much. But I feel
+grateful that you have allowed me to hear them from your own lips. Do
+you believe that the majority of my--or our--people feel as you do?"
+
+"No, I do not believe so. That is, they do not feel so to-day, but they
+will to-morrow. Deeds--deeds of sacrifice--are the most powerful
+instructors; they teach men what they should think, and even find a
+voice for what has been slumbering in their souls, but which--through
+pride and anger, or through want of courage--they have not even dared
+to think of."
+
+"You are not an enthusiast."
+
+"I do not believe I am one. The people love the princes from force of
+habit, and will be none the less glad to love them when reflection and
+reason permit them to do so."
+
+"Have you ever had the desire to occupy a position of authority under
+the government?"
+
+"Certainly; it was my greatest desire, and I believe--"
+
+"You ought to be President of the ministry."
+
+I replied that I was a practical farmer, and had never been in the
+government service.
+
+"Tell me how you have become what you are," said the Prince, taking a
+seat opposite me.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+"I shall gladly tell you all."
+
+"The less reserve on your part, the greater my thanks."
+
+"I was one of those who were persecuted on account of what at that time
+was called demagogism.
+
+"The soldier who guarded me--he is now a servant in my employ--informed
+me that I had been sentenced to death, and offered to change clothes
+with me, in order that I might escape. I refused the offer and
+remained. We were not sentenced to death, but to imprisonment for ten
+years. Ten years! A long, long night stared us in the face.
+
+"Your Highness has taken me by the hand. Your father declared that he
+would never voluntarily offer his hand to me or my confederates,
+although it were necessary to do so if we meant to give him a pledge of
+our allegiance.
+
+"You cannot remember the circumstance.
+
+"After being imprisoned for five years, we were pardoned, and I and two
+of my prison-mates were elected members of the Parliament.
+
+"The Jurists objected to our assuming the privileges of citizenship.
+
+"The House which acknowledged our election was dissolved, naturally
+enough, by Metternich's order. A new one met, and, as we had in the
+meanwhile been re-elected, it confirmed the validity of our election.
+Your father--I fully acknowledge his many acts of benevolence--was
+obliged to extend his hand to us in order that we might take the oath.
+
+"There are no words that fitly describe the wicked man who lived in the
+imperial city, and to whom the sovereign German princes were obedient
+subjects. In future days it will seem incredible, that, in obedience to
+orders from Vienna, the German princes ordered our youth, under heavy
+penalties, to desist from improving their physical strength by
+gymnastic exercises.
+
+"Perhaps you never knew that even singing clubs were forbidden, and
+that officials who had been connected with them were regarded with
+suspicion.
+
+"Is it conceivable that a government which forbids physical development
+by means of gymnastics, and spiritual elevation by means of song, can
+for a moment have faith in its own stability?
+
+"I am not easily moved to hatred; but, even now, the name of that man
+fills me with indignation.
+
+"What crime had we been guilty of? Why, only this: with a youthful
+confidence in solemn promises, we had simply held fast to the idea that
+Germany had freed itself from the Corsican yoke in order to become a
+free, united empire.
+
+"You cannot conceive, your Highness, how many noble-hearted men were
+thrown into dungeons, or driven into exile in those days. Who can
+measure what noble gifts ran to waste.
+
+"When I think of these things, a sad picture presents itself to my
+mind's eye.
+
+"Among our fellow-prisoners at the fortress, there was a young man who
+had already begun to lecture at the university.
+
+"His father was an eminent philologist, and had been removed from his
+professorship for permitting himself, while lecturing, to indulge in
+expressions in favor of liberty. In a material sense, he was,
+fortunately, well-to-do. His family owned a large estate in the forest
+country, whither he repaired, taking with him his collections of
+antiques and his books.
+
+"The son sickened while in prison, and a wasting fever undermined his
+youthful strength; and, as his days were numbered, the physician at the
+fortress requested the authorities to release him.
+
+"I have positive information--as the sister of that young man afterward
+became my wife--that our Prince, your father, was willing to grant the
+discharge. But, before it could be carried into effect, it was
+necessary to ask for Metternich's permission--and Metternich refused
+it.
+
+"The commandant of the fortress held me in great esteem, and permitted
+me, on his own responsibility, to be placed in the same cell with the
+sick prisoner.
+
+"I nursed him faithfully, and watched his every movement. I shall never
+care to recall the thoughts that passed through my mind during the long
+days, and still longer nights, that I passed at his bedside. He was
+slowly sinking; for confinement was killing him, and yet no word of
+complaint ever fell from his lips.
+
+"His father came and--could you imagine it?--was not allowed to
+converse with his son except in the presence of a guard.
+
+"Then came his sister, only fifteen years old--but of that no matter at
+present.
+
+"The noble martyr died. He was buried in the village at the foot of the
+fortress.
+
+"While these things were going on, there was dancing and dining at
+Court, and Metternich was writing witty _billet-doux_.
+
+"You, of course, have never heard of these things.
+
+"Through the bars of our prison, we could look out into the
+fortress-yard and see the coffin placed on the wagon that was to carry
+it to the grave. But why should I revive the anger and sense of
+disgrace that filled our hearts at that moment? And who, on the other
+hand, would have the right to condemn us prisoners if, when at last
+free, we should indulge in deeds of vengeance?
+
+"Your Highness will understand that I am only telling you of these
+matters so that you may have an idea of the sacrifices that were made
+to bring about the result which is now to be consummated through a
+struggle of life and death."
+
+"I know it--I know it well; pray go on."
+
+I plucked up my courage and continued: "My parents died while I was a
+prisoner. When I was at last discharged, I had lost all taste for a
+clerical calling. I was down in the village standing by the smithy, saw
+the blazing fire and watched the heavy hammers, and I yearned for just
+such hard manual labor. I begged the smith to take me as his
+apprentice, and he at once handed me a hammer. I was there but a week,
+when the father of the young man who had died in prison came and took
+me to his estate."
+
+"And you married his daughter?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And does she still live?"
+
+"No; she died, as I am unfortunately forced to believe, through grief
+on account of the desertion of our youngest son just before the war of
+1866."
+
+"I know it, I know it. I hear that your son is serving in the French
+army in Algiers? I know," he said, interrupting himself when he saw my
+painful agitation, "what grief this son has caused you. If it were in
+your power to send him word, he might, if he would deliver himself up
+of his own will, be received back into the army with some trifling
+punishment, and might afterward by his bravery distinguish himself, and
+all would be well again. But, of course, at present, communication is
+impossible either through diplomatic or private channels."
+
+I was obliged to admit that I did not know of Ernst's whereabouts.
+
+Strange it is how a poet's words will suddenly come to one's aid.
+
+"My son is like a different man,'" said I, with the words taken from
+the history of my friend; and I was myself astonished by the tone in
+which I spoke. I had enough self-command to say that our present
+troubles required that all should be united, and, that we should,
+therefore, not complicate them by introducing our own personal
+interests; nor did I conceal the fact that I had lived down my sorrow
+on account of Ernst, and had almost ceased to be haunted by the thought
+of him. It pained me, nevertheless, to listen to the well-rounded,
+sentences in which the Prince praised the Roman virtue that indulged my
+love of country at the expense of my feelings as a father. He seemed
+pleased with this conceit of his, and repeated it frequently. I felt
+quite disenchanted.
+
+Thoughts of Ernst almost made me forget where I was, or what I was
+saying, until the Prince requested me to resume my story, unless I
+found it too fatiguing.
+
+I continued:
+
+"When I think of the times before 1830, I see opposed to each other
+extravagant enthusiasm and impotence, courageous virtue and cowardly
+vice, chaste and devoted faith in the ideal, and mockery, ridicule, and
+frivolous disbelief in all that was noble--the one side cherishing
+righteousness, the other scoffing at it. In other words, on the one
+side, Uhland; on the other, Metternich.
+
+"My relations with my family, with the community in which I lived, and
+even in a wider circle, were happy enough. But the thought of my
+distracted Fatherland remained, and filled my heart with grief that
+could not be assuaged. I lived and suffered for the general good, and
+my associates did the like; but the storm-cloud was always impending
+over us, and we were obliged to learn how to go about our daily work
+with fresh and cheerful hearts, although danger threatened; to be
+patient for the sake of the people, and to look into our own hearts for
+strength.
+
+"The best men of our Fatherland were deeply anxious to be up and doing,
+but we were condemned to the worst lot of all: a life-long opposition.
+
+"While we were languishing for healthy political action, our minds were
+filled with a bitter and consuming protest against the miserable
+condition of our affairs.
+
+"It is hard when one's whole being is in conflict with his
+surroundings."
+
+I went on to tell him of the great hopes that the spring of 1848 had
+inspired us with, and that I, too, had had the good fortune to be
+permitted to assist in building up the great Fatherland, and to have
+been in the confidence of the best men of my time. I told him of the
+sad days when our so-called "Rump Parliament" was dispersed by the
+soldiers, and also spoke of my son Ludwig.
+
+"I understand that your son has become a man of great ability and force
+of character, and that he distinguished himself in the war with the
+slave States?" said the Prince.
+
+I was surprised to find how well he was informed.
+
+And then the Prince added, in an animated voice: "You are an
+enthusiastic friend of Prussia?"
+
+"I am; for in Prussia I recognize the backbone of our national
+existence; she is not prepossessing, but steadfast and reliable.
+
+"I lived at the time of the war of liberation; many who were of my age
+took part in the war that saved us. Our section stood with Napoleon,
+but Prussia saved Germany. She has dallied a great while before
+claiming her reward for that service; but at last she receives it."
+
+The Prince arose, and, resting both hands on his writing-table, said,
+"That is the very reason I sent for you. Both they and we--both high
+and low--must extinguish the memories of 1866. We have all much to
+forgive, and much to learn."
+
+And then the Prince asked me whether I believed that the majority of
+the House of Delegates agreed with us?
+
+I was obliged to express my doubts on that head.
+
+"I have made up my mind, however," exclaimed the Prince, "whether the
+delegates agree with me, or otherwise. You are an old, tried soldier.
+Are you ready to ally yourself with me--no, not with me--with the
+Fatherland?"
+
+"How?"
+
+"Call it a _coup d'etat_, if you choose--we dare not let names frighten
+us--these are times in which legal forms must be disregarded. Are you
+willing to accept the presidency of my cabinet, so that your fair name
+may lend its lustre to my actions? You shall bear testimony to my love
+of country."
+
+"I am willing, your Highness, to sacrifice the short span of life that
+is yet left me; but I am not an adept in state affairs."
+
+"That is no matter; others will attend to that. What I require is the
+moral influence of your presence. Your son-in-law, Colonel Karsten, is
+willing to accept the portfolio of Secretary of War."
+
+I informed the Prince that I would be obliged to insist on important
+conditions: not from distrust of him, but of his noble associates who
+had deserted us in 1848, and had used us liberals as cat's-paws.
+
+I told him that, in my opinion, Germany would either emerge from this
+war as a great power, or disappear from the roll of nations.
+
+"We hope for the best, and we must conquer, for defeat would be
+destruction."
+
+As a first condition, I requested the Prince to give me a written
+assurance that he resigned all privileges which would interfere with
+German unity.
+
+He smiled. I do not know whether it was in scorn, or whether he had not
+heard my last words. He rose, placed his hand on my shoulder, and said,
+"You are a good man."
+
+I, too, was obliged to smile, and answered, "What else should I be,
+your Highness?"
+
+"Is not what you demand of me equivalent to an abdication?"
+
+"No; it is nothing more than retiring to the position held by the
+princes before domestic dissensions enabled Louis XIV. to wrest Alsace
+and Lorraine from the German Empire."
+
+It was with an air of embarrassment that the Prince said:
+
+"Here is my hand. I have a right to do this, and desire to be the first
+to hail the victorious King of Prussia as Emperor."
+
+The Prince touched a bell, and a lackey entered, whom he told to bid
+Colonel Karsten come.
+
+My son-in-law Minister of War, and I president of the cabinet! Was it
+all a dream? My eye fell on the picture of the deceased Princess, and
+it seemed to resemble Gustava and to smile upon me.
+
+The Colonel entered. He remained standing, in the erect attitude of a
+soldier.
+
+The Prince informed him, in a few words, that we agreed with each
+other, and submitted a proclamation with which the Chamber was to be
+dissolved, in case the majority should decide for neutrality. For the
+present, this was to be kept a secret.
+
+The Prince then withdrew.
+
+Arm in arm with my son-in-law, I returned to my dwelling.
+
+To think of all that had happened to me during that one day
+
+Could this be myself? I could scarcely collect my senses.
+
+Ludwig had not returned, and I was almost glad that it was so, for I
+was not permitted to reveal what had been secretly determined on.
+
+Martella was still awake. She came to meet me with the words:
+
+"Father, you have heard news of Ernst. Did the Prince give you his
+pardon?"
+
+I could not conceive how the child could have had this presentiment,
+and when I asked her, she told me that a brother of the porter at
+Annette's house had returned from Algiers and had told her about Ernst.
+
+I could not enter into Martella's plans. What mattered the life of a
+son, or the yearning affection of a girl? I scarcely heard what she
+said--my heart was filled to overflowing; there was no room left for
+other cares.
+
+One memory was revived. Years ago, the Privy Councillor had told me
+that I was well thought of at court. At that time it was scarcely
+probable. But could it have been true, after all?
+
+Morning was dawning when I reached my bed. I felt that I would never
+again be able to sleep, and only wished that I might live a few days
+longer, so that, if nothing else was left, I might plunge myself into
+the yawning abyss for the sake of my country.
+
+It was fortunate that the session was not to begin until noon. I slept
+until I was called.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER V.
+
+
+The Colonel came and told me that the troops were under orders.
+
+I was startled. I shuddered at the idea of using force against our
+fellow-citizens, and felt as if I could by my own strength, oppose and
+conquer the demon of dissension. I felt assured that I must succeed,
+and as confident as if success had already been achieved.
+
+Ludwig accompanied me through the streets; they were even more crowded
+than on the day before.
+
+Annette and Martella had preceded us, in order to secure good seats. It
+was with difficulty that we forced our way through the crowd. Ludwig
+was obliged to shake hands with many whom we met, and was often greeted
+by men whom he did not recognize, and who seemed annoyed that, in spite
+of the changes that twenty-one years had made in them, he did not at
+once address them by their names.
+
+A company of soldiers were mounting guard before, the House of
+Parliament. Ernst Rontheim, son of the Privy Councillor, was in
+command. He saluted me in military fashion.
+
+I gazed upon the vigorous youth, with his ruddy face and bright eyes,
+and asked myself: "Will he this very day be forced to command his
+troops to fire upon his fellow-citizens?" Did he know how full of
+danger his post was? It required a great effort, on my part, to refrain
+from speaking to him. At that moment, the minister of war arrived, and
+the young officer called out, "Present arms!"
+
+In the ante-chamber, and in the restaurant attached to the House, there
+were many groups engaged in lively and animated discussions, in which
+the speakers accompanied their remarks by forcible gesticulations.
+
+The three members who had been fellow-prisoners o f mine at the
+fortress, were still faithfully attached to me. The one whom we had
+termed "The Philosopher" had distinguished himself by new theories in
+political science, and the other two were eminent lawyers.
+
+Only one of the members of the old student corps had gone over to the
+radicals, but he was recognized as the most independent and the purest
+of men, and was everywhere spoken of as "Cato."
+
+The others had remained true to our colors; and one who was known as
+Baribal called out "What! Bismarck? If that black devil will bring
+about union, I shall sell my soul to him!"
+
+I spoke with "Cato," when no others were by, and he frankly confessed
+that he feared that this war would strengthen monarchism, and that,
+therefore, he still was, and ever would be, a republican.
+
+"We have, thus far, been forced to act against our wishes, and have
+complained in secret," he said, "but if we conquer in this war, we
+shall have voluntarily become subjects, and be happy in the favor of
+their high mightinesses. I am not a subject, and do not wish to become
+one."
+
+He gave me a fierce look, and I felt obliged to tell him that he could
+not be at his ease while receiving honors from people whom he despised.
+
+He did not feel that war was inevitable, but was inclined to favor it,
+if the German princes would promise that the constitution of the German
+Empire, as proposed in the Frankfort Parliament, would be adopted in
+the event of our success.
+
+"Cato" assured me that even if we were to bring about a union, it would
+be such only in name. Organic life cannot become a harmonious whole
+unless there is freedom of action; and therefore, we must, first of
+all, insist on guarantees for freedom.
+
+"Why do you," said he in conclusion, "who aided and abetted the
+Frankfort Parliament, never mention it?"
+
+When I told him that this was political orthodoxy, he paid no regard to
+what I said.
+
+Funk once furtively looked towards me, and then turned to his neighbor,
+with whom he conversed in a low voice.
+
+Various members who, it was evident, desired to take the lead, were
+walking up and down absorbed in thought.
+
+I heard that telegrams had been received to the effect that France
+would not consent to further delay, and insisted that all must be
+absolutely neutral or else avowedly take sides.
+
+Loedinger, my former prison-mate, approached me and said that it would
+be necessary to prevent any conclusion being reached on that day, and
+that we should govern ourselves by the course that the neighboring
+state decided upon.
+
+I asked him whether the party had determined on this. He said, "No,"
+and told me that his only object was to bring about a postponement in
+case the probable issue seemed adverse to us.
+
+I felt that this would be impossible. I entered the chamber more
+agitated than I have ever been. I had never in all my life been obliged
+to conceal anything, and now I had to face my associates with a weighty
+secret on my mind. I saw the ministers enter and take their seats, and
+could not help thinking, "You will soon be seated there."
+
+One minister whom we knew to be of our party came down to where I was
+sitting and shook hands with me. He spoke with confidence and
+hopefulness.
+
+I noticed Funk pointing at me, and could hear the loud laughter that
+followed on the part of the group that surrounded him.
+
+The President took his seat; the ringing of the bell agitated me; the
+decisive moment approached.
+
+I looked up. Annette nodded to me. Richard was seated at her side.
+
+I was obliged to drive out all roving thoughts, for it was now
+necessary to concentrate all my energies on one object.
+
+The proceedings began. My friend Loedinger, who had been seated at my
+side, was the first speaker, and supported the motion in favor of
+taking the field. He spoke with great fervor, and invoked the spirits
+of those who had gone before us.
+
+"Would that the mighty spirits of the past could descend to us this
+day," were his words, while his own utterances were those of a spirit
+pure and beyond reproach. When he finished his remarks, a storm of
+applause followed. I grasped his hand; it was cold as ice.
+
+Funk requested the President to preserve order in the galleries, and
+said that this was not a Turners' festival.
+
+The President reminded him that he knew his duty, and meant to perform
+it, and that Funk, in his eagerness, had only anticipated him.
+
+The next speaker was "Cato." He unearthed all the grievances that
+Prussia had inflicted on the patriots. He called on the spirits of
+those who had fallen during the war of 1866, and said they might well
+ask those who now counselled aiding Prussia, "Are you willing to stand
+side by side with those who murdered us in a fratricidal war?"
+
+When he closed, it was evident that his words had deeply moved the
+assembly.
+
+I was the next to have the floor, and explained that, although brothers
+may quarrel among themselves, they are brethren nevertheless, and that,
+when an insolent neighbor endeavors to invade and destroy their home,
+they must unite to defend it. Addressing my opponents, I exclaimed,
+"You know full well what the decision will be, and I am loth to believe
+that you desire to embarrass or disgrace it by opposition and
+dissension."
+
+Great excitement followed this remark, and prevented me from going on.
+I was called to order, but the President decided that my remarks had
+not been personal.
+
+I endeavored to keep calm, and to weigh every word before uttering it.
+
+In spite of this resolution, I forgot myself, and aroused a perfect
+storm of anger, when I expressed my deepest convictions in the
+following words:
+
+"You who are seated on the other side do not believe in neutrality. Ask
+yourselves whether this be an honest game that you are playing.
+Neutrality is a hypocritical word which, translated into honest German,
+means willingness to aid France, a Rhenish confederation, and treason
+to the Fatherland!"
+
+I was called to order and was obliged to admit that I had gone a little
+too far.
+
+The President interrupted the debate, and inquired whether the Chamber
+would permit him to read a telegram which had just been received, and
+was of some importance in relation to the subject under consideration.
+
+"No! No!" "We are debating this among ourselves!" "Our deliberations
+must be free and untrammelled!" "No outside parties have a right to
+interfere!" cried the one side.
+
+"Yes! Yes!" "Let us have it!" "Read it to us!" cried the others, and
+all was confusion.
+
+The President at last restored order, and then informed us that the
+telegram was from the House of Parliament of the neighboring state. He
+desired to know whether he might read it to the assembly. He would
+permit no debate on the subject; those who were in favor of the
+reading, would simply rise.
+
+The majority arose, and Loedinger was almost trembling with emotion
+when he grasped my hand and said, "Brother, the day is ours!"
+
+The President read the telegram. It was to the effect that a small
+though decided majority of the Parliament of the next state had
+determined that their forces should take the field.
+
+Then followed, both on the floor and in the galleries, a few moments of
+terrible confusion and excitement.
+
+Order was at last restored, and the President announced that the
+business would now be proceeded with.
+
+I had the floor.
+
+"Make no speech--ask for a vote at once," said Loedinger, as I arose. I
+acted on his advice.
+
+The vote was taken; the majority was ours.
+
+Loud shouts of joy filled the air, but I felt happier than all the
+rest. I had been saved from a fearful danger.
+
+Annette's carriage stood in a by-street, awaiting us. We rode to our
+dwelling, and, when I reached there, I felt like one who, after long
+and weary wandering over hill and dale, can at last sit down and
+rest. And while I sat there, with myriad thoughts passing through my
+brain, I could not help thinking, "The dream of my youth has repeated
+itself--they only tried the mantle on me."
+
+Shortly after that, Ludwig returned home to join his wife and to look
+after his workmen.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+How often we had yearned for unity of feeling, and an interchange of
+sympathy with our compatriots! How sad it was to keep in our path with
+the knowledge that the feelings and aspirations of those whom we met
+had nothing in common with our own!
+
+The unity of feeling had at last been brought about. Every street had
+become as a hall of the great temple in which love of country testified
+its readiness to sacrifice itself. Every valley resounded with the
+joyful message, "Awake! Our Fatherland has arisen in its might! Hasten!
+for the battle is not yet over. The soul of him who falls will live on
+in the comrade who marched at his side. Now none can live for himself
+alone, but for the one great cause."
+
+After my sad bereavement, life had ceased to be aught but duty, and I
+would have been ready, at any time, calmly to leave the world. But now
+my only desire was to live long enough to witness the fruition of the
+hopes which, during my whole life, had filled my soul.
+
+My children and grandchildren, each in his own way, showed their love
+of country.
+
+Society at large was now like one great family, united in sentiment.
+
+The vicar was the first of my family to visit me. He came to offer his
+services as chaplain to the troops. Julius followed soon after. It had
+gone hard with him to leave his wife, but he was happy to know that he
+could at last serve his country. It moved me deeply when he told me of
+the courage and resignation his wife had shown at parting. He was
+accompanied by his brother-in-law, the lieutenant, who joyously
+confessed that he was filled with hopes of glory and rapid advancement.
+He drew his sword a few inches from its scabbard, and said, "This blade
+has lost patience--it is all athirst."
+
+My grandson Wolfgang returned from the forester's school.
+
+"Grandfather, have my pine-seeds sprouted?" was his first question.
+
+"They do not grow so fast, my child; the bed is still covered with
+brushwood."
+
+He wanted to enter the army as a volunteer, and was quite sad when we
+told him that foreigners would not be accepted, and that it would,
+moreover, take a good while before he could learn the drill. He could
+with difficulty reconcile himself to the fact that he was not permitted
+to take part in the war, and with a voice full of emotion, exclaimed,
+"Although my name is growing on its soil, I am not allowed to fight for
+Germany!"
+
+Wolfgang was accompanied by Annette's nephew, the son of Offenheimer
+the lawyer. He desired to offer his services as a volunteer. He was a
+comrade of Wolfgang's, and a student in the agricultural department of
+the forester's school. His face was marked by several scars, and
+although he was not of a quarrelsome disposition, he had been in
+several duels. He had served in the Young Guard, which, during the past
+few years, had been recruited from the students of Gymnasiums and
+polytechnic schools.
+
+I inquired whether his father consented to his entering the service,
+and he answered me in the affirmative.
+
+Shortly afterward, his father entered the room. In a few words he told
+us that he had expected this war, and then, turning to his sister, he
+remarked that his son Alfred had entered the regiment which had
+formerly been the Captain's, as Colonel Karsten could not take him in
+his regiment. He also told me that he had fully determined, in case the
+war resulted in our favor, to withdraw from practice, and to devote
+himself to public affairs.
+
+Offenheimer was an able, clear-minded man, of liberal opinions, and
+free from prejudice; and yet it seemed as if this vow of his had been
+made in order to assure himself of the success of our cause and the
+preservation of his only son.
+
+Annette had always observed a certain distance with her kindred, and
+was, indeed, kinder to Martella than to her own nephew. But now, the
+war and the unanimity of feeling which it had induced, seemed, even in
+her case, to awaken new sympathies.
+
+On the following morning, when I was preparing for my journey homeward,
+a messenger came from the palace to inform me that the Prince required
+my presence. And now I went, in bright daylight and with a peaceful
+soul, to the same place that I had approached during the night,
+ignorant of what was in store for me. I was happy to know that the
+serious charge, which I was hardly fitted to undertake, had not been
+imposed on me, and I was, at the same time, encouraged by the feeling
+that I had shown my willingness to do all in my power.
+
+On the staircase, I met the French ambassador, who had just received
+his parting audience; and thus I saw the last French ambassador who
+witnessed our dissensions.
+
+The antechamber of the Prince's apartments was full of life and bustle.
+Adjutants and orderlies were constantly coming and going.
+
+I saw my son-in-law, but only for a few moments. He shook me by the
+hand, and said, "My regiment marches through your valley; I shall see
+you again at home."
+
+I was called into the Prince's presence. His cheeks were flushed and
+his eye sparkled. He took me by the hand and said: "I can only briefly
+thank you. I shall never forget your fidelity and your candor.
+Unfortunately, I can be of no service to you, for you need no favors;
+but my heart shall ever be filled with gratitude to you."
+
+His kind words so moved me that I was unable to utter a word in reply,
+and the Prince continued: "Like you, I am forced to remain at home. It
+is well and proper that princely rank does not require its possessor to
+command his armies. Leaders have been selected, from whom we have a
+right to look for the greatest results with the least bloodshed. Excuse
+me; I regret that I cannot speak with you any longer. I shall be glad
+to have you visit me soon again."
+
+He shook hands with me again, and I was about to withdraw in silence,
+when a lackey entered and said that a daughter of mine had requested to
+see the Prince, and begged that she might speak with me in his
+presence.
+
+"Let her enter. You had better remain here, Herr Waldfried."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+The door was opened and in rushed Martella, who threw herself on her
+knees at the Prince's feet and exclaimed: "Your Highness, Prince by the
+grace of God, be gracious and merciful! Give me my betrothed, my Ernst!
+I shall not rise from this spot until you have restored him to me
+again!"
+
+The Prince gazed at me in surprise, and I told him that this was
+Ernst's betrothed.
+
+The Prince extended his hand to Martella. She kissed it and covered it
+with tears, when he said to her:
+
+"I shall do all that I can."
+
+"Oh, God is gracious to you! you are all-powerful. O how happy you are
+that you can do all these things! I knew it!"
+
+The Prince said that he was occupied at the moment; that she might go,
+and he would attend to all that was necessary afterwards.
+
+"No, no!" cried Martella; "not so. I shall not leave in that way. Now
+is the right time. Let the whole world wait until this is done."
+
+"I have already informed his father that the deserter will receive but
+a mild punishment, if he now returns and helps us to fight for our
+Fatherland."
+
+"Yes, yes; I believe all that; but I must have it in writing, with a
+great seal under it, or else it is of no avail, and your subordinates
+will not respect it.
+
+"O Prince! the winter before the fearful war you were hunting in the
+district to which my Ernst belonged, and he had much to tell me about
+you; and he said that, if one considered how you had been spoiled, it
+was wonderful to find our Prince so well behaved, so just and upright a
+man.
+
+"And Rothfuss said, 'In such a war as that of 1866, the Prince would
+have been just as willing to desert as Ernst was, if he only could have
+done so; but he could not get away.'"
+
+The Prince gave me a look full of meaning, while a sad smile played on
+his lips. Suddenly he turned to Martella and asked, "And do you know
+where your lover is?"
+
+"Yes; he is with the savages in Algiers. He, too, was a savage, but, by
+this time, he must have become tamed. O Prince! give me the writing,
+and what you write will be set down to your credit in heaven!"
+
+The Prince seated himself, and then looked up from his desk and asked,
+"But what will you do with this letter of pardon?"
+
+"Let your gracious Highness leave that to me. Just you write--and
+blessed be the pen and the ink and your hand--"
+
+I implored her to remain quiet, so that the Prince could write, and she
+grasped my hand with one of hers, and with her other pointed towards
+the Prince's pen and moved her finger as if following its every stroke.
+
+When the Prince bad finished writing, he lit a lamp, and Martella
+exclaimed: "Oh, if Ernst were only here, that he might thank you! But
+mother, who is above, knows of this already, and joins me in thanking
+you."
+
+Her vigor and beauty, her touching voice, the powerful and dazzling
+brilliancy of her eyes, all seemed as if increased by an irresistible
+charm.
+
+The Prince attached the seal to the document and handed it to her with
+the words, "I wish you success;" and, turning to me, added, "I am glad,
+at all events, that I have been able to be of some service to you."
+
+Martella was about to kneel to him again, but he begged her to
+withdraw.
+
+We went through the antechamber and down the steps, and, when we
+reached the foot of the staircase, Martella suddenly stopped and said:
+"I have something in which I can keep the letter of pardon. I still
+have the embroidered satchel, but now I will put in it something better
+and sweeter than the cake it once held."
+
+When we left, the guard was just marching up to the palace, and the
+band was playing "Die Wacht am Rhein." A crowd extending farther than
+the eye could reach joined in the song, and Martella exclaimed, "The
+whole world is singing while--" and then her clear voice helped to
+swell the chorus.
+
+No one was happier at Martella's good fortune than Annette, who, to
+give vent to her joy, overwhelmed Martella with presents.
+
+Richard rushed into the room, exclaiming, "The Crown-Prince of Prussia
+has been appointed commander of the South German forces!" His face
+beamed with emotion, and he triumphantly declared that this would seal
+the union of North and South Germany.
+
+Although the younger members of my family were full of ardent courage,
+Richard had more determination and elasticity of spirit than any of
+them. We had at one time mockingly called him "Old Negligence." But he
+was no longer the man who procrastinated in all things, and who, while
+conscientious withal, was nevertheless so swayed by a thousand
+imaginary obstacles that it was difficult for him to make up his mind
+on any subject. He told us that he had offered to accompany the
+commander of our army; he had written enough of history in dead
+letters, and now he was anxious to witness living history, and perhaps
+to assist in making it.
+
+Annette had ordered the servant to bring wine, and Richard exclaimed:
+"O father! it has come at last. Self-reliance now fills every heart,
+and that is the rock of safety for the whole nation. I see it now; a
+new element has entered our German world--a feeling that we are all
+one. It is not a mere conglomerate of many thousand individuals; it is
+something quite new and exalted--a divine revelation--the fire of pure
+patriotism. We stand in the midst of a pillar of fire; every individual
+is a spark; of no value by itself, but only as a portion of the pillar
+of fire."
+
+Richard's tall and commanding form trembled with emotion.
+
+Annette placed her hand upon her heart and exclaimed, "And I too--I
+too."
+
+She had stretched forth her hand, but suddenly cast her eyes upon the
+picture of her dead husband, and buried her face in her hands.
+
+After a short pause, she said to Richard:
+
+"Your mother announced this to me. 'He will live to see the day,' she
+said, 'on which great things will happen to the world and to you all.'
+I did not understand her words then, but now I believe I understand
+them."
+
+Richard replied, "How strange it is that you should be thinking of
+mother at this moment; for I was thinking of her at the same time.
+
+"Ah, father, when mother asked for water from her spring, and I ran
+through the village down into the valley, and was nothing but a child
+running to fetch a draught that would cool her parched lips and,
+perhaps, save her, I could not, at times, help thinking of the story
+told by Apuleius--how Psyche was obliged to bring water from the rocky
+springs of the Styx.
+
+"And, father, hard and puzzling as it then was to understand how trees
+and houses could exist, and that men were working in the fields, while
+the breath of life was flickering and expiring--now, all is clear
+to my vision. I shall go off with the army; and if I can do nothing
+more, I will, at all events, endeavor to refresh the spiritual and
+physical wants of the children of the Fatherland for the sake of our
+mother--unity. It would be glorious and happy to die when filled with
+such emotions; but it is more genuine and more brave to persevere in
+small services and sacrifices."
+
+Annette, with her hands clasped upon her breast, gazed at Richard.
+Bertha entered the room at that moment, and, by her presence, brought
+about a calmer and serener atmosphere than we had just been moving in.
+
+Bertha, four years before, had been full of unrest; but now, her calm,
+equable disposition manifested itself in all its beauty.
+
+"That war," she said, "was an unnatural one, but this contest is waged
+in a holy and just cause, and its consequences must therefore be calmly
+accepted. And things, too, have changed with my husband; for now
+fortune smiles upon him."
+
+She told us that an association had been formed under the auspices of
+the Princess, for the purpose of aiding the families of those who were
+obliged to go to the war, and to prepare aid for the sick and wounded.
+
+"I shall be one of you," exclaimed Annette. "I, too, wish to do my
+share in the good work. And, Professor, I shall remember your words,
+'It is braver to persevere in small services and sacrifices.'"
+
+Richard soon left for the university town, where he had yet to make
+some preparations before starting with the army. He grasped Annette's
+hand, and it seemed to me as if he held it longer than usual; but he
+only said, "We shall meet again."
+
+His long face, with its large, full brown beard, bright blue eyes, and
+arched forehead, seemed more beautiful than ever, and his splendid,
+powerful form seemed almost heroic.
+
+In the evening I was crossing our principal street, and met Annette
+carrying several packages under her arm.
+
+War kills one weakness which in men is insufferable, and in women
+difficult to bear; namely, false pride.
+
+In such times, who can stop to think how he may appear to others? You
+are nothing more than a wonderfully small fraction of a great and
+complete whole. And it is this idea which makes you great, and lifts
+you above all petty thoughts.
+
+How absurd we had grown to be. It had come to be regarded as improper
+for a well-dressed man or woman to carry a package while in the street;
+the dress of the ladies was so fashioned that they were obliged to use
+their hands to prevent it from dragging, and thus it was impossible for
+them to carry even the smallest package; but now all that was changed.
+
+Annette told me that she and some other ladies were about to take a
+course of instruction from a surgeon, in the art of dressing wounds.
+She said this simply and unostentatiously.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+While Martella and I were on our way to the depot, in order to return
+to our home, we were encountered by a dense and impenetrable crowd.
+
+What could be the matter?
+
+"The Crown-Prince of Prussia is coming."
+
+We stopped.
+
+The sounds of distant music were heard mingling with the joyous shouts
+of thousands of voices. It was the cry with which a race welcomed its
+brothers from whom it had long been estranged, and who were now
+advancing to save it. How this must have stirred the heart of the
+Crown-Prince!
+
+I was so wedged in by the crowd, that I could see nothing. Martella had
+ascended some steps back of me, and called me to follow her; but it was
+impossible to do so.
+
+I heard a carriage approach; the men who were in front of me spoke of
+the splendid appearance, and the calm, yet determined expression of the
+Prince.
+
+"Father!" exclaimed Martella, "he looks just like him--indeed, more
+like Richard."
+
+The crowd at last scattered, and cheers were still heard in the
+distance.
+
+We started for home. The railway on the other side, which for some
+distance ran into our valley, was obstructed. They were momentarily
+expecting an invasion of the French, and, after that day, the other
+line was only to be used for military trains.
+
+We rode on for a part of the way, and, at the intersection, met a large
+crowd of persons from the watering-places. They had suddenly been
+obliged to give up the springs and the amusements that had there been
+at their disposal.
+
+The gambling banks are closed, it was said. I hoped that they might
+never again be reopened.
+
+Ludwig and his servants were there awaiting me. I also met Carl, who
+had been conscripted, and with him were two of the meadow-farmer's
+servants.
+
+Carl laughed while he told us how the meadow-farmer grumbled that he
+was now obliged to harness and feed his oxen himself. He cheerfully
+added that Marie could do the service of two laborers.
+
+His joyous face made it plain that before leaving home he had come to
+an understanding with Marie. When he spoke of her he pressed his left
+hand to his heart. I think he must have had a keepsake there.
+
+When Carl saw Ikwarte, he went up to him and extended his hand saying:
+"I forgive you. I cannot remain at enmity with any one whom I leave
+behind when I go forth to battle. Forgive me, too."
+
+Ludwig asked Ikwarte, "Willem, would you like to go?"
+
+"I am waiting until the Colonel gives me leave."
+
+"You have never asked my permission."
+
+"I have waited until the Colonel would speak of it himself."
+
+"Pray speak a few kind words to my mother, for my sake," said Carl; and
+I saw the old spinner sitting on the lower step of the depot. She gazed
+into vacancy as if she were dreaming with open eyes.
+
+"This gentleman will take you home with him," said Carl to his mother.
+
+"Then you will not take me along? I must go home--home--home," said the
+old woman; and Carl told me that Rothfuss had brought the conscripts to
+this spot, and was in a neighboring inn where he was feeding the
+horses.
+
+I endeavored to persuade the spinner to control her feelings. She
+murmured a few words that I could not understand, and which Carl
+explained to me. She had, by hard savings, gotten seven thalers
+together, and wanted Carl to take them with him, because he would need
+them while away; and that now she was quite inconsolable, because he
+wanted to leave the money at home with her.
+
+I took the money from her, and promised to send it to Carl whenever he
+should need it, through my son-in-law the Colonel.
+
+"And how is the great lady?" said the old spinner. "She ought to have
+married my Carl--she always looked at him with so much favor; and if he
+were now married, he would not have to go to war."
+
+His mother's words were unintelligible to me, and it was with a sad
+smile that Carl interpreted them.
+
+"Why have you not told her about Marie?"
+
+"I have done so, but she wishes to know nothing about her."
+
+Ludwig, accompanied by Ikwarte, started towards the Rhine. He said that
+he did not yet know how he could take part in the war, as he was an
+American citizen; but he was resolved not to remain a quiet spectator.
+
+Carl's parting from his mother was heart-rending. She refused to get on
+our wagon, and Carl, with tears in his eyes, lifted her in his arms and
+placed her there. During the greater part of our journey home, she
+bewailed the loss of her son, and we drove on in silence, for we felt
+so sad that we could not utter a word.
+
+Martella was the first to speak, saying, "It is, after all, the
+greatest happiness to have a mother."
+
+I could well understand what it was that agitated her.
+
+Up at the top of the mountain, where we always stopped to rest our
+horses, there is a large and shady beech-tree, to which was fastened
+the image of a saint.
+
+While at a distance I could see a white object on the tree, and when I
+drew near, I recognized it. It was the proclamation of the King of
+Prussia, in which, in simple but well-considered words, he declared
+that he was forced into waging this war.
+
+Soon after that, I met Joseph, who was delighted to see me again. He
+had engaged the guard of the stage-coach that passed by there every day
+to fasten the "extra" papers to the tree, so that the forest laborers,
+who at this point separated in order to repair to their different
+villages, could know what was going on.
+
+On the following day, the young Catholic pastor of the village had the
+words of the heretical king removed from the tree on which the holy
+image had been placed, and was about to lodge a complaint against
+Joseph for his sacrilegious conduct. But, on the advice of a lawyer who
+belonged to his own party, he desisted, and the tree, to this day, is
+known as "the newspaper tree."
+
+I crossed the boundary line and was in our own territory. The people
+were busily employed in changing the bed of the stream; and the newly
+married stone-mason asked me whether work would be continued during the
+war. I told him that it would be, and that we intended to give
+employment to the people as long as possible.
+
+Shortly after that, I even employed the old spinner's two sons who had
+been ordered out of Mühlhausen; and it was a very happy thought to do
+so, as the younger of the two was an excellent cabinet-maker.
+
+I walked on. All along the roadside I had planted pear-trees; they were
+laden with fruit. Will the enemy pluck the fruit or destroy the trees?
+
+I saw the young meadow-farmer. He was setting his water-gates, and
+appeared as unconcerned as if we were living in peaceful times. When I
+passed, he looked up from his work, and said, "The war does not affect
+me, thank God. None of my kindred are in it."
+
+The first house in the village belongs to the meadow-farmer. He had
+relinquished the farm to his son, and was now living on a pension which
+the latter had settled on him. When he saw me, he called out, "Now you
+have it! The accursed Prussian is at the root of the whole affair; but
+the Frenchman will give him a beating, for he has caught hold of the
+wrong fellow this time."
+
+At home all were in good spirits, and for the first time in a long
+while, I found myself in some sort of sympathy with Johanna.
+
+"It will soon be seen," she said, "whether the godless Frenchmen are as
+willing to sacrifice themselves for their country as we are."
+
+She praised the King as a God-fearing man; but to me he was simply a
+righteous German.
+
+A happy change had taken place with Johanna's daughter. She had always
+been sickly, and had thought herself of no use in this world; but now
+she knew nothing more of sickness. She had determined to join a society
+which had just been organized by the wife of the Privy Councillor, in
+order to obtain instruction in the art of nursing the sick and wounded.
+
+I was now again in my own calm and peaceful home. Rothfuss informed
+me that during my absence parties had been there to buy up oats and
+hay,--we still had a good supply left from last year,--and Rothfuss had
+promised the refusal of it to Kuhherschel, whom he always favored.
+
+The old hay was sent off, and the new was brought in. In Carl's place
+we engaged a Tyrolese farmer. The early barley was harvested, the
+ground was ploughed over again, and the potatoes were dug up. How long
+would affairs remain thus? The enemy might break in on us the very next
+day, as we were very near the border. Our enemies claimed that they
+were fighting in the interests of civilization, but sent Asiatic hordes
+against us.
+
+The schoolmaster's wife told us that Baroness Arven had left for
+Switzerland, taking a great amount of luggage with her.
+
+I was determined to await the enemy in my own home, and when Johanna
+asked me whether she, too, could go to the city and try to be of some
+use, I consented.
+
+"But you will remain with me, Martella, for you do not fear the
+French?"
+
+"Oh, I am not afraid of them," answered Martella.
+
+She had only answered the latter portion of my question, but I did not
+think of that until afterwards.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+My solitude was soon broken in upon by a visit from Baron Arven. I was
+astonished to find him looking so sad. "Is there still so much of the
+old Austrian officer left in him?" I asked myself. He soon relieved me
+of all doubts on that head, and, in a tone which showed how he had
+struggled with and conquered his grief, told me that in many things,
+and especially in religious matters, he and his wife had not agreed. He
+had, at last, conquered himself, and had determined to let her have her
+own way; but now--he said it with apparent reluctance--the long-impending
+rupture had occurred, under circumstances almost too terrible to bear.
+Although he knew that, as a Czech and a Catholic, his wife hated Prussia,
+he could hardly believe his ears when she said, "All saints be praised!
+The French are coming! Our deliverance is at hand!" Her words had
+provoked him into unpardonable vehemence of language.
+
+He hardly dared say it, but she had actually made a French flag, with
+the intention of displaying it as soon as the enemy should arrive,--an
+event of which she had felt perfectly assured. He never thought that
+his wife had political opinions of any kind, because mere abuse of
+Prussia does not argue the presence of political convictions. He had
+carefully avoided affronting her feelings as a Czech; for he well knew
+how the Czechs resent the fact of their being dependent on German
+culture. But he could never have believed that her hatred of Germany
+could have carried her so far as to allow her to connive at the
+correspondence with France, which was carried on under cover of her
+address, and with complete ignorance, on her part, of its origin.
+
+The village clergyman had been to see her, and must have given her
+strange information, for she now insisted on leaving for Switzerland at
+once.
+
+"God be praised!" said I, "let her go." I told him that her intended
+departure was already the topic of common talk.
+
+The Baron, however, feared that her course might be fraught with evil
+consequences to the whole neighborhood, as he thought that her fleeing
+to Switzerland might awaken a panic.
+
+To me, it seemed as if he were trying to justify his course in allowing
+her to leave. I assured him that no one doubted his patriotism, and he
+begged me not to divulge what he had told me.
+
+I succeeded in reassuring him, and he seemed to recover from his
+depression. He felt that I fully sympathized with him. And can anything
+be sadder than to find that one's love of country is opposed and
+ridiculed in his own home? The antagonism which had so long been veiled
+under courteous forms, now broke forth with redoubled venom and fury.
+
+"Your hearty sympathy does me good," said the Baron; "and I feel like a
+changed being since I have unbosomed myself to you--just as if I had
+withdrawn my hand from a bleeding wound, which can now flow freely."
+
+I understood him. Grief which has been long repressed, and at last
+finds vent in words, renews itself while the sufferer speaks of it.
+
+When I mentioned this to him, he took my hand and held it in his for a
+long while.
+
+"But we must not think of our own little lives," he added; "great
+questions now claim us. If France should fail of success, she is still
+France; but if we meet with defeat, we shall become the prey of
+others."
+
+I learned from him, for the first time, that the opposing bishops had
+handed in a protest against the promulgation of the doctrine of Papal
+infallibility, and that, as the measure had been determined on, in
+spite of their protest, they had left Rome.
+
+When I told him of what had happened in the city--omitting, of course,
+all mention of my interviews with the Prince--his features assumed an
+expression of cheerfulness.
+
+He was about to leave, when Martella entered, and asked, "May I show it
+to the Baron?"
+
+Before I could answer her question, she took the letter of pardon from
+her satchel and spread it out on the table, at the same time saying
+that Rothfuss and Ikwarte were foolish enough to think that it was of
+no account, because it came from so petty a prince.
+
+Baron Arven assured her that the paper would be of immense importance,
+if Ernst could be found again.
+
+"Now I shall not ask another person," joyfully exclaimed Martella;
+"that seals it doubly--and just see how nicely it fits into my little
+satchel!"
+
+She replaced it in the satchel and rubbed her hands over the
+embroidery, which represented a dog carrying a bird between his teeth.
+
+The Baron rode off just as the letter-carrier arrived. He brought me a
+letter from my sister-in-law, who lives in the forest of Hagenau. She
+wrote to tell me that, on account of the war, her daughter's marriage
+had been hastened, and that, as there was danger that the incendiaries
+might come, she had instructed her daughter to remain at Strasburg, to
+which place she had sent all her stores of linen and other valuables.
+In case any of our ladies were alarmed, she would be willing, she
+wrote, to place them under protection at Strasburg.
+
+About that time, we had sorrow in our house on account of the death of
+old Balbina. She had been our faithful servant for thirty years. When
+we attempted to console her by saying that she would recover from her
+illness, she would answer, "Don't mind me; I shall go to my good
+mistress, and she will give me the best place."
+
+It was not until after my wife's death that I learned how much she had
+done for this servant, for then Balbina said to me:
+
+"I was very wicked, but she converted me."
+
+"Wicked? why, what could you have done?"
+
+"I committed a theft when I had only been in the house a week. She
+caught me and spoke to me in private, saying: 'Balbina, I dare not send
+you off; for then you will steal from others, just as you have done
+here. I must keep you with us until you conquer this habit.' And it
+turned out just as she said, for during the thirty years I've lived in
+this house, my hands and lips have never touched a morsel that was not
+mine."
+
+Balbina died without receiving extreme unction. She regarded her
+confession to my wife as having fully absolved her.
+
+We never interfered with the religious opinions of our servants, but
+when the priest told Balbina that Protestants would not go to heaven,
+she answered, "I don't want to go to any other heaven but the one where
+my mistress is."
+
+We were now on the high road towards political unity, but was not the
+antagonism in religious matters greater than ever before?
+
+Ludwig wrote to Conny, informing her that he would soon return. She
+often told me that her father, had, until his dying hour, cherished a
+love of the Fatherland, and that no two men had ever had more beautiful
+and affectionate relations with each other than Ludwig and her father.
+
+Their projected journey to Italy was out of the question. How could
+they now find pleasure in works of art? Ludwig would not rest content
+until he could, in some way, be of service to his country.
+
+Suddenly, there was great commotion in the village and cries of "The
+French are coming!" were heard.
+
+Lerz the baker had been driving along the valley-road at full tilt, and
+had called out to the people who were working in the fields, "Unhitch
+your horses! the French are coming!" They took the animals from their
+wagons and ploughs and hurried homeward. But it soon turned out that
+the news was false.
+
+I do not think that this was wanton spite on the part of Lerz. He
+swore--although his oath was of but little value--that a farmer from
+down the valley had told him that he had seen the French. The rumor had
+indeed been spread far and near, but no one could tell who had started
+it.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER X.
+
+
+What could it have been that made me feel so proud when my
+fellow-citizens elected me as their delegate? I was still full of
+self-love, for, when I searched in my own heart, for the real cause, it
+lay in a self-complacent satisfaction in the fact of my being the
+chosen representative of many others.
+
+All this was now changed. Now none were chosen, but all were called.
+The whole people had become freed from egotism, and no one was
+isolated. Of course the sacrifice was not made without a pang. All
+thoughts were no longer centred on one man, but were directed towards a
+great invisible object which was cherished by the whole people.
+
+Sunbeams seemed to light up every tree and house, and the whole world
+seemed to have undergone a change.
+
+And how all felt drawn towards each other; they had ceased to be
+strangers--we could not have enemies in our own land.
+
+I met Funk and could not avoid shaking hands with him and saying, "I
+admit that you thought you were acting for the best, in all you have
+done."
+
+"Thanks for your good opinion," answered Funk, while he barely
+returned the pressure of my hand. I made no reply. I had followed my
+own convictions, and that is always well, even though others do not
+approve of one's course.
+
+I drove to town with Joseph, in order to attend the weekly market. It
+had never been so numerously attended, for every one that could manage
+to procure a vehicle, or get away from home, hurried to town in order
+to learn what was going on in the world. And, besides that, all wanted
+to assure themselves whether it would be best to sell supplies to the
+dealers at present prices, or, to wait for an advance, and run the risk
+of being plundered by the French in the meanwhile.
+
+It was soon seen who believed that the Germans would succeed, and who
+believed in the French. Schweitzer-Schmalz, and a large number who
+followed his example, sold their hay, their oats, and their bacon.
+
+Joseph speedily became the centre of a large crowd. He excels us all in
+knowing how to adapt himself to people of every kind. His fine, large
+figure and cordial manner make him a universal favorite, while his
+well-known riches are not without weight.
+
+The crowd were impatient, and complained that we had not yet heard of
+any actual hostilities. He asked them:
+
+"Have you never been in a saw-mill?"
+
+"Certainly we have."
+
+"Well, how do they manage there? They set the wheel and let the water
+run until the log is in the proper position; then they go ahead and saw
+it right through. Have a care. The Prussian, or, as we had better say,
+the German, waits until the log is in the proper position, and then he
+goes to work with seven saws at once."
+
+Joseph understood the feelings of the people, and felt especial
+satisfaction that Schweitzer-Schmalz seemed quite lonely and deserted
+in the midst of the crowd. He simply smiled, when Schweitzer-Schmalz
+said, "This little fellow. Joseph is all talk, like the Prussians."
+
+Joseph and I called on Martha, for I had promised Julius to visit his
+wife as soon as possible.
+
+We found her and the rest of the family calm and resigned, although the
+son and the son-in-law were in the field.
+
+For the first time since I had known him, the Privy Councillor revealed
+a sense of his noble birth. He dwelt on the fact that, as a member of
+one of the oldest families in the land, he belonged to the order of St.
+John, and that he and Baron Arven would soon enter on their duties as
+members. He explained to me that it was an old order, but that a man
+like myself might also become a member. I had never thought of that
+before, but now it struck me forcibly.
+
+The ladies requested me to accompany them to the courthouse, where the
+Sanitary Commission was to assemble. On the steps, I met Remminger, the
+so-called "peace-lieutenant."
+
+He seemed quite agitated, and urgently requested me to accompany him to
+the house of his father-in-law, where he wanted me to act as umpire. He
+gave me no further information, but said that I should find out all
+about it when we arrived there.
+
+I found the family in great distress. The lieutenant, who had left
+the army on account of marrying the daughter of Blank, the rich
+lumber-merchant, had become quite an adept in his new calling, but had
+been even more devoted to the pleasures of the chase. He had just
+announced his intention to enter the army again; in justice to himself,
+he could not remain a mere looker-on in the moment of danger.
+
+Old Blank maintained that this was a breach of promise, and I saw how
+the lieutenant clenched his fists when he heard that expression; but he
+controlled himself and calmly explained the matter, stating, at the
+same time, that he asked me to decide between them.
+
+I knew all about Blank. He was one of those men of whom one can say
+nothing evil, and nothing good. All that he asked of the world was to
+be left undisturbed while attending to his business and adding to his
+wealth. He was a zealous reader of the newspapers, and would smoke his
+good cigar while enjoying them. It suited him best when there was lots
+of news. Others might act for the state, the district, and even for the
+community, so that he might read about what they had done. He could not
+realize that one who belonged to his family could care to exert himself
+for the general good. I saw this in every word that he uttered. I
+allowed him to speak for some time without replying.
+
+"And what is your opinion?" I said, addressing the lieutenant's wife,
+who stood by the window, plucking dead leaves from the plants that were
+placed there.
+
+"Shall I call in our three children, so that you can ask them?" she
+answered, in a harsh voice.
+
+"Little children have no opinions as yet; but their parents ought to
+think for them."
+
+I asked old Blank whether he would be satisfied with my decision.
+
+"Since you ask in that way, you are, of course, opposed to me, and for
+that reason I say no."
+
+I saw that I could be of no use, declared that I would not attempt to
+decide, and left the family to settle their dispute among themselves.
+
+When I left there, I was the more pleased to meet the Councillor
+Reckingen, who lived in the town, and who had visited me shortly after
+Ernst's flight. He had conquered his feeling of loneliness and grief at
+the shocking death of his wife. He lived alone with his only daughter,
+and had devoted all his time to her education. She was just budding
+into womanhood.
+
+This man, who had always seemed troubled and absentminded, now
+approached me with a cheerful smile, and said that he had the good
+fortune to be again permitted to enter on his calling; and that, as a
+result, his child, who had been so constantly with him that he had
+begun to be alarmed for her future, would now be obliged to accustom
+herself to a life of self-reliance and activity; for the wife of the
+Privy Councillor had already expressed her willingness to have his
+daughter stay with her during the campaign.
+
+We were standing by the stream, where the water rushes over the dam
+with a mighty roar, and he said:
+
+"You are like me; in great times all little troubles disappear, just as
+the thundering of these falling waters drowns all other sounds."
+
+I passed a delightful hour with the Councillor in his lovely garden,
+which was carefully and tastefully kept. He had been very fortunate in
+cultivating roses, and I was obliged to permit him to pluck a lovely
+one for me from every bush.
+
+"She loved roses, and cared for them above all things," were his words
+while he handed me the nosegay.
+
+According to promise, Ludwig returned, bringing Ikwarte with him. He
+had written to Conny and Wolfgang to come to town. He told us that he
+had caused his name, and also Wolfgang's and Ikwarte's, to be entered
+with the Sanitary Corps. They wore the white band with the red cross on
+their arms, and soon started in the direction of the Rhine to join the
+main army.
+
+Conny went home with me.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+When we reached the saw-mill, a wood-cutter was waiting for me, and
+told me that Rautenkron, the forester, urgently requested that I would
+come to him at the bone-mill which lay in the adjacent Ilgen valley.
+
+The wood-cutter told me that one could hardly recognize
+Rautenkron--something horrible must have happened to him.
+
+I found Rautenkron seated in the bone-miller's room. He said to the
+miller, "Put enough bones into your kiln, old Adam, so that you may
+keep away for an hour, and then go and leave us by ourselves."
+
+The miller left.
+
+"Take a seat," he said, in a tone to which I was unused in him; his
+features and his manner seemed changed.
+
+After a forced laugh, he thus began: "I have bought my bones back from
+this man--I had sold them to him for a bottle of gentian; and it used
+to amuse me to think how my noble self would, at some future time, be
+converted into grass and flowers on the hillside, and perhaps furnish
+food for cattle.
+
+"But, pardon me," he said, interrupting himself; "forgive me, I beg of
+you; I ought not to address you in that tone. Forget this, and listen
+to me with patience. I will confide my last will to you; you have often
+provoked me, but now I am glad that you are here. The thought of you
+followed me in the woods, sat by me at my bedside, and has deprived me
+of rest. I have always wanted to learn what your weak side was, and now
+I have found it out.
+
+"My father was a worldly-wise man. He divided mankind into two
+classes--charlatans and weaklings. He maintained that in all that is
+termed love, be it love of woman or love of the people, there is a
+large portion of charlatanry, which at first consciously, and afterward
+without our knowing it, deceives both ourselves and others. You are not
+a charlatan--but you are vain.
+
+"Do not shake your head, for it is so. Of course, vanity is not a vice;
+but it is a weakness, for it shows dependence on others. You offered
+your hand to Funk, because you felt too weak to have an enemy running
+about in this world. Since I have made that discovery and convinced
+myself on that point, you no longer worry me. You too have your share
+in the misery that belongs to the species of vermin that terms itself
+man. It is out at last--now I have nothing more against you. Indeed, I
+cannot better prove this than by the fact of my asking you to help me.
+Usually, I have not required the assistance of others, but now I need
+yours; and I think that is enough to make you feel that you must aid
+me."
+
+I consented, but in my own mind I felt a dread of this man, who, in his
+bitter candor, seemed much more terrible than when taciturn.
+
+"I request, nay I demand--" he continued--"do not interrupt me; let me
+speak for myself.
+
+"Do you know who I am? For years, I have been called by a strange name.
+You cannot imagine how pleasant it is to be so constantly a masker, in
+the mummery known as life. I shall not, at present, mention my true
+name, but you may rest assured it is an old and a noble one, and
+related to that of Johannisberg.
+
+"My father--he was indeed my father--had become reduced, and he led a
+merry life, although I did not know where the means came from. At a
+later day, I discovered all. He purchased a captaincy for me.
+'Purchased,' he said, but it had really, so to say, been presented to
+him. He had carried others' hides to market; perhaps a couple of human
+skins to be tanned. His master had many of these tanners in the state
+_vade mecums_ known as prisons.
+
+"I was, as I have told you, a captain at Mayence, and my father lived
+near there, at Wiesbaden. He was known as Hofrath.
+
+"I do not know whether what people call conscience ever pricked him,
+but he was always merry and fond of good living, and enjoyed it as much
+as the stupidest monk might do. He would always say to me, 'Conrad,
+life is a comedy; he who does not take it in that light, but looks upon
+it in a serious manner, spoils his own game.'
+
+"I thought I had much to tell you, but I have not. My story is simply
+this:
+
+"My father had a habit of asking me about my comrades,--what they were
+doing, what they were thinking of, and to whom they wrote; and I
+faithfully told him all I knew. You may believe me! I, too, was once
+open-hearted. But, one day, two of my comrades were suddenly cashiered.
+Letters of theirs had been found--not found, but sought--which, it was
+said, contained treasonable expressions. All of us at the garrison were
+beside ourselves with surprise, and I suspected nothing.
+
+"Until the year 1848, our regiments had recruiting stations where
+soldiers were enlisted and received a good bounty. In a Gallician
+regiment which formed part of the garrison of the fortress--there were
+also Italian regiments in it--a very clever young Pole had been
+enlisted. He learned the drill, was a good horseman, and his captain
+wished that he would study German, in order that he might become an
+officer; but he did not care to do so, and said that he could not
+write. One day we learned that he had deserted. They found a letter
+from him, although he had said that he could not write. It was in
+choice French, thanked the captain for his kind treatment, and added
+that he had come and gone by the command of others, high in station.
+For some days they spoke of the fact that the Russians were even more
+successful than we as spies. For this man had evidently joined us only
+in order to inform himself as to the disposition of the Gallicians. It
+did not strike me at first, but afterward I could not but notice the
+fact that they always talked to me about spies.
+
+"A young Prince joined our regiment. He became an intimate associate of
+mine, and seemed to take a special liking to me. My father seemed much
+pleased with this, but gave me less money than he had formerly done. I
+was obliged to borrow from the young Prince and to ask favors at his
+hands. Yes, the world is wise, if one only knew it at the right time. I
+found it out too late. Is it not ingenious, and does it not do all
+honor to the human intellect, to discover that it is well to incur an
+obligation in order to acquire more perfect confidence on the part of
+those to whom we owe a debt? Although the lynx out there is ever so
+cunning, it cannot do such work; that is reserved for the image of God.
+
+"One day my father said to me--yes, my father--'Conrad, (that is my
+baptismal name), 'you are now employed at the officers' quarters; the
+adjutant of the post cannot be trusted; be careful that you get hold of
+something that involves him; but let it be in writing. That aroused my
+suspicions that something was wrong. One day, a fellow-officer said to
+me, 'There is a spy in our regiment,' and all the other comrades
+laughed. I challenged the one who had thus spoken to me, and--shot him.
+
+"But I am anticipating--I must first tell you of another matter. I
+always had a great desire to be a forester. I often begged my father to
+permit me to leave the army, but he would not consent. And I would have
+been so glad to marry and live quietly in the woods; for I had a child,
+a lovely, beautiful child.
+
+"And then, on account of the duel, I was imprisoned in the citadel. No
+comrade visited me.
+
+"When I left the prison, my child and the mother had vanished. She had
+received a letter, in my handwriting--my father knew how to imitate the
+writing of others--in which was contained a considerable sum, to enable
+her to emigrate--and she had left. A companion of hers in the ballet,
+who had been a suitor for her affection, and had, heretofore, been
+rejected, had accompanied her.
+
+"My papers had been confiscated, and I feel quite sure that it was done
+at my father's instance, for he distrusted me, and wished to get me out
+of harm's way.
+
+"Among them there was also a memento of my beloved; it was a little
+narrow red ribbon tied in a knot and torn off at both ends. She had
+given it to me in a happy moment, and I had fastened it on a sheet of
+paper and had written under it 'talisman.'
+
+"All of my papers were returned to me, but not the ribbon. My father
+had sent it in the letter to my beloved, and had, moreover, written, in
+my name, 'By this sign I request you to obey the bearer of this in all
+that he may require of you.'
+
+"My father said to me: 'She whom you call your wife has left by my
+orders.' Through a former friend of hers, I received a letter in which
+she asked me whether I had caused the child to be taken from her;
+because it had suddenly vanished about the time the vessel was
+leaving."
+
+"What ails you? What alarms you?" suddenly exclaimed Rautenkron.
+
+I controlled myself and begged him to go on with his story.
+
+"I left my father and led an adventurous life. Pshaw! I have even been
+croupier at a gaming-table. And there I heard that my father was dead.
+On the day before, I had seen him staking rouleaus of gold--he had not
+recognized me.
+
+"By chance I made the acquaintance of Baron Arven, and through him I
+received the appointment of forester in his woods, after having, as
+assistant-forester, learned my profession from Hartriegel.
+
+"I bear a strange name, and shall die with it. But, before I die, I
+shall put my living bones to use.
+
+"I could not make up my mind, but now something has helped me to
+decide. The engineer whom you are employing down by the new mill which
+you are building is one of my victims. I recognized him at once,
+although he has changed greatly. I do not know whether he remembered
+me, but I almost believe that he did. He looked at me carelessly and
+then turned away. It is well that I have had a look at one of my
+victims. That destroyed the last traces of indolence and the desire to
+hide myself from the world. I must and will live. The French are
+coming. They have made all preparations to burn our woods. The little
+spectacled forest Junker--you know that I dislike him; he still acts,
+the proud and overbearing corps student, and, besides that, is happily
+married, has a fine hearty wife and boys like young wolves. I have
+always avoided him; but I met him to-day and he handed me the French
+newspaper, in which it is joyfully proclaimed that our woods will soon
+be in flames. When I read that, I fled. That was enough for me. I am a
+good shot. If they wish me to, I can single out my man among the enemy
+and bring him down at the first fire. The little forest Junker has
+promised to look after my duties as forester. He said that would be the
+same as helping in the war, as he could not leave home. Let him make a
+virtue of it if he chooses. My woods are in safe hands, and I can go."
+
+He now requested me to use my influence with my son-in-law, the
+Colonel, and I faithfully promised that I would.
+
+I asked him whether he had no memento of the mother and the child. He
+said that he had none.
+
+"And has the child, perhaps, a keepsake from you?"
+
+"I can remember none. But, yes! When I saw it for the last time, I
+brought it cakes in a satchel on which was embroidery representing a
+dog holding a bird between his teeth."
+
+My hair stood on end.
+
+"What was the name of your child?"
+
+"Conradine."
+
+"Then all agrees--Martella is your child."
+
+And the man seized my arm as if he would break it, and gave a cry like
+a felled ox.
+
+After a while, he regained his self-control. We hurried to the village.
+On the way, he told me that he would now confess to me that he had had
+a letter from Ernst. He was in Algiers; had entered the army there and
+had become an officer. He had told me nothing about it, because he had
+thought it was of no use. Ernst had also given him messages for his
+betrothed: but he had always kept them to himself. "Spare me all
+reproaches," he concluded; "I am punished bitterly enough. Oh, if they
+had only been united! How shall I utter the word 'child,' and how can I
+listen to the word 'father'?"
+
+When, after leaving the saw-mill, we began to ascend the hill, he
+called out in a hoarse voice: "It was here, in this spot, that she
+stepped down from the wagon in the twilight. Here, by this very tree, I
+heard her voice. It was that of her mother--I could not believe it at
+the time. Here, by this very tree."
+
+Rothfuss came towards us. "Have you seen her--is she with you?"
+
+"Whom do you mean?"
+
+"She is gone off with Lerz the baker, who has become a sutler. Oh, the
+damned hound!"
+
+"Who?"
+
+"Martella is gone!"
+
+Rautenkron grasped a young tree by the roadside, and broke it in two;
+then he sank on his knees. We lifted him up.
+
+"It is right thus. So it should be," he said. "Here, on this very
+spot--do you remember?--I warned you when your wife went to bring her
+home. Tell me, wise man, what was that? I heard something in her voice,
+and did not wish to believe it. Turenne," he said, turning to his dog,
+"you killed her dog. Be quiet; I told you to do it."
+
+He followed us to the house, but did not utter a word on the way.
+
+We went to her room. She had taken nothing with her but the embroidered
+satchel, which, before that, had always hung over the mirror; and also
+Ernst's prize cup. The clothes that she had inherited from my wife she
+had carefully arranged and placed to one side.
+
+We asked Rothfuss how long it was since she had disappeared.
+
+They had been hunting for her ever since the morning of the day before,
+but in vain. No sign of where she had gone could be found.
+
+Rautenkron left the room and went out into the garden. He sat there for
+a long while, holding his rifle between his knees. I begged him to
+return to the house with me. He was looking on the ground, and did not
+raise his head. I asked him to give me his rifle. He looked up towards
+me, and, with a strange smile, said: "Don't be alarmed; I am not such a
+fool as to shoot myself."
+
+I walked away. A little while afterward, I heard a shot, and hurried
+out again. Rautenkron sat there, holding his gun with both hands, but
+his beautiful brown spaniel lay dead at his feet.
+
+When he saw me, he exclaimed:
+
+"Now I am quite alone. I had intended to give Turenne to you, but it is
+better thus. The beast might have been stupid enough to long for me."
+
+The sound of drums was heard from over the hills. The Colonel arrived
+with his regiment, and all hurried out to meet him.
+
+And the Englishman stood at the brook, angling.
+
+
+
+
+
+                              BOOK FIFTH.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER I.
+
+
+Trumpets sounded, drums rolled, and songs from thousands of voices were
+heard in the valley and on the hills. All was joyous commotion. Thus,
+singing, does a nation take the field for its protection and salvation.
+
+In the midst of anxiety for great things, for one's country, we ought
+to be troubled by no mere personal cares. But who can avoid them? The
+general sorrow is infinitely divided, and every one must bear his
+share.
+
+That my son-in-law, two grandchildren, and a faithful servant had gone
+to face the dangers of the battlefield, was a sorrow like that which
+many thousands besides myself had to bear. What a heavy burden is that
+borne by the lonely widow down by the rock! But the knowledge that one
+child is already in the whirlpool of trouble, and is dragging another
+after him--that has been given to me alone. How often it occurred to me
+at that time: had my wife but lived to see the uprising of our
+Fatherland! It was better thus. She was spared the sight of our
+youngest son enrolled in the enemy's ranks. That phrase from the Bible,
+which, when thinking of her, I had so often consoled myself with,
+remained true: "But for the elect those days shall be shortened." Why
+had Rautenkron, after keeping his story so long to himself, now
+divulged it? Had the secret become too burdensome? And why did he cast
+the load on me? Enough, I had to overcome it.
+
+The presence of my son-in-law had given me new courage, and I agreed
+with Rothfuss, who said, "When the Colonel is about, every one is more
+erect in his movements. Yes, he commands even when he says nothing."
+
+I had never seen the Colonel thus. Such joviality beamed from his face
+that a glance from him was strengthening and reassuring. His only fear
+was that a premature peace might be concluded with the insolent
+successor of the tyrant, before all was decided by battle!
+
+Our village and the entire neighborhood were in commotion while the
+regiment was quartered there. They even constructed a redoubt on
+Silvertop.
+
+My son-in-law confided to me that the redoubt was perhaps unnecessary,
+but that his men would lose their good qualities if allowed to lounge
+about idly; he also hoped that the news of their doings would spread
+across the Rhine.
+
+The peasants became refractory, and appointed a deputation, and among
+them was their ruler, the meadow farmer. They said that they had not
+forgotten how dreadfully the French had behaved in 1796, on account of
+the building of a fortification in the neighborhood. But the Colonel
+announced that whoever opposed any military ordinance, would be
+brought before a court-martial and shot forthwith. From that moment my
+son-in-law received the name of "Colonel Forthwith." Several of the
+most notable farmers from the neighboring valley, earnest, patriotic
+men, led by the burgomaster of Kalkenbach, wanted me to help them to an
+interview with the colonel. They complained that a young lieutenant
+wanted to destroy the bridges over the creek, and that he was about to
+cast burning rosin and tar-barrels into the stream, without reflecting
+that he thereby ran the risk of setting fire to the whole valley.
+
+The Colonel countermanded this at once. He sent small detachments
+hither and thither in all directions to build camp-fires on all the
+hills, leaving often only men enough about them to keep up the fires,
+which were visible from across the Rhine.
+
+People were to be made to believe that a large army was collected here,
+and he therefore notified all the towns and villages lying far beyond
+our valley, of the fact that large numbers of soldiers would be
+quartered there. On the houses they would chalk the number of men and
+of horses that were to be provided for. To judge by appearances, it
+seemed as if hundreds of thousands were at hand.
+
+The Colonel asked Rothfuss if he knew any French sympathizers. He
+evidently wished that the French should get the most alarming news from
+us. Rothfuss thought that Funk would be his man; but when my son-in-law
+consulted me about Funk, I dissuaded him from employing such an
+instrument. Rothfuss then brought us the news that a journeyman baker
+from Alsace, who had worked for Lerz, was prowling around and preparing
+to return home.
+
+The Colonel got Rothfuss to carry the news to this journeyman, that
+more than a hundred thousand men were encamped in the forest. The few
+pieces of artillery under his command were constantly moved from place
+to place, so that all were led to suppose that he had a large number of
+guns.
+
+The Colonel had orders, in case the enemy should advance on us, to
+destroy the roads; we supposed that Napoleon's plan must be to separate
+North and South Germany by a sudden invasion. This was no small matter:
+we were the first who would have to resist the shock of the enemy's
+advance, and, so far as I could learn, I felt that the main forces of
+Germany could not furnish us with immediate protection. We would be
+sacrificed first, and afterwards would be helped by an offensive
+movement from the Middle Rhine region.
+
+Rautenkron received, provisionally, the uniform of a hospital steward;
+for the Colonel was waiting for permission to enroll him. I was present
+when he asked Rautenkron:
+
+"Do you speak French well?"
+
+"Perfectly."
+
+The Colonel whispered something to him; but Rautenkron with burning
+cheeks, cried:
+
+"I can never do that; never!"
+
+He then talked confidentially and excitedly to the Colonel; I believe
+he imparted to him his real name.
+
+The Colonel then ordered him, as he was so well acquainted with the
+wooded heights, to attend to the further extension of the camp-fires on
+their tops.
+
+Conny carefully helped in attending to the wants of the numerous
+garrison. The soldiers were treated in the best manner by the
+villagers, all of whom were anxious to do their share in the good work.
+
+The old meadow farmer was the only one who did not show himself. He,
+who was always either at his door or window, and who stopped every
+passer-by to have a chat which should drive dull care away, lay in his
+little back room and declared that he was ill.
+
+Carl's mother, on the contrary, did not stay in her house for a minute.
+She would approach one group of soldiers after another, and ask each
+man if he had a mother at home. And then she would begin to talk of her
+Carl, how he was in the lancers, and how they could hunt through every
+regiment and not find a better or a handsomer fellow. The two sons, who
+were working as carpenters, had estranged themselves from their mother.
+They lived down in the valley, and did not even visit her on Sundays.
+They boasted in the taverns that they could sing French songs.
+
+While all this bustle was going on, I was constantly searching for
+Martella.
+
+Rothfuss was of opinion that she had escaped in male attire; for,
+wherever he asked after Lerz, the baker,--he had quickly lost all
+traces of him, however,--he was told of a young man that had been in
+his company, and who would never enter the room with him.
+
+The Colonel had, of course, no time to sympathize with my concern about
+Martella, and once when I spoke of her he said:
+
+"We should be glad to be thus rid of her. Such a creature does not,
+after all, belong in our family. You and mother have very likely been
+wasting all your kindness on an unworthy person."
+
+I did not agree with him. Yes, now at last I could understand many
+things in Martella' s disposition that had heretofore been mysteries to
+me. But I dared not talk about them, and the time to mourn for a single
+grief had not arrived.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+
+
+On the evening of the last day of July, the Colonel returned, heated
+from the effects of a long ride. A sharpshooter brought in a despatch.
+He opened it, and forthwith sent his adjutant off; then he asked me to
+have a good bottle of wine brought up, and to sit down beside him. He
+confided to me that his detachment was getting ready to march, that he
+would move off by daylight, and that he would leave but a few men
+behind to attend to the campfires. I became much moved on Bertha's
+account, and asked the Colonel whether he had any wishes which he
+desired to have attended to.
+
+"No," answered he, "my will is in the hands of Herr Offenheimer, the
+lawyer. But the time is come for me to speak to you, dear father, of
+myself. Perhaps we shall never be together again. I do not wish to
+leave the world and not be really understood by you."
+
+And so, leaning back in the large chair, he began in his peculiarly
+sonorous, firm voice: "I do not like to speak of myself. I have learned
+to move through life with closed lips. You are my father, and were my
+comrade in a bold and hazardous undertaking. I am your pupil, although
+you have shown great discretion in keeping everything from me which
+might interfere with the profession I was to follow. Without your
+knowing it, I developed at an early age. When crossing the prison yard
+as a boy, I often saw the brother of Bertha's mother leaning against
+the iron bars; The picture of this refined man, with his delicate
+features, his large eye, his white brow, and light beard, haunted me in
+my dreams. Do criminals look like that? I do not know whether my
+childish heart put that question, but I believe it did. I stood on the
+balcony as they carried his body away. I saw it placed on the wagon. At
+that moment a feeling awoke in me that there are other and higher
+objects in this world than princes, discipline, parole, epaulettes, and
+orders.
+
+"On that same day, I heard, for the first time, the words, _German
+unity_. It became a sort of secret watchword for me; of that I am sure.
+My father spoke of the noble enthusiast; the post-adjutant called him a
+demagogue. I looked the word up in my Greek dictionary.
+
+"I entered the military school. I learned about the Greek and Roman
+heroes; I heard of Socrates, and always pictured him to myself like the
+pale man behind the prison bars. I soon became reserved, and kept my
+thoughts to myself; outwardly I was obedient and punctilious. My father
+became commandant of the capital; as ensign, I was appointed as page to
+our Prince. I was present at the great festivities in honor of the sons
+of Louis Philippe, who were visiting our Court. I heard some one in the
+crowd say they were only princes of the revolution. I studied modern
+history in secret. The Opposition in our Parliament was also often
+discussed. I heard some names mentioned with derision and hate--yes,
+with scorn. These men were pointed out to me in the street. I did not
+understand how they could thus walk the streets, since they were in
+opposition to our Prince.
+
+"The year 1848 came. The men that had been named with scorn became
+ministers of state; they were entitled the saviours of the Fatherland.
+
+"On that 6th of August, on which we did homage to the regent Archduke
+John, I was as in a dream. The face of that man behind the prison bars
+accompanied me everywhere. That for which he suffered and died--had it
+not come? What are we soldiers? Are we nothing but the body-guard of
+the Prince? Against whom are we fighting?
+
+"Soldiering does not allow of much thinking. In the spring of 1849 we
+took the field. The first order I gave was directed against the
+revolutionary volunteers; the first man I killed looked wonderfully
+like him who had been behind the bars. I tried to forget all this, and
+succeeded. Then I met you and Bertha.
+
+"What has happened since, you know; what went on within me I will not
+bring to light.
+
+"For a long time I have lived quietly, and have worked industriously. I
+desired, above all things, to be a good soldier; to be well grounded in
+my profession.
+
+"I had asked for leave of absence to fight the Circassians; I wanted to
+see real war. Leave was not granted me, but I was appointed as teacher
+in the school for non-commissioned officers. I studied many things
+there, and worked earnestly with my friend, Professor Rolunt.
+
+"In 1859 I felt our alienation most bitterly. We were not allowed to
+join in the Schiller festival. What would our civilization be without
+our poets? Whole dynasties of princes can be wiped away, and no one
+misses them; but just think of Schiller's name and works being
+obliterated! And why should we soldiers not join in the festivities?
+Has he not elevated our Fatherland and all of us? But he who would have
+dared to give utterance to such thoughts at that time would have been
+cashiered.
+
+"In the year 1866, I had the good fortune to fight against a foreign
+foe in Schleswig-Holstein, and while at the front was promoted to a
+captaincy. I had a major who was, now that I consider it, merely
+stupid, and who was, therefore, of most revolting military orthodoxy.
+Had he not been of noble birth, he would scarcely have been made a
+woodcutter. As it was, he barely managed to get himself advanced in
+grade. As long as I was a lieutenant, it was easier to bear; but when I
+was made a company commander, I was inwardly rebellious and had to
+remain silent. Yes, you political gentlemen complain of tyranny, but we
+suffer far more from it than you do. Discipline is necessary, but to
+bear with such blockheads who disgrace you, and can do nothing but
+curse and swear--and this fellow did not even understand his duties--is
+harder than you think.
+
+"The year 1866 came. No one, not even you, could see what was going on
+within me. My misery began. What are we? Were we to have a different
+commander every day? We were--now I can utter the word--prĉtorians,
+nothing else; and Prussia is quite right in altering our military
+system. We must know who our chief is. Up to now, we merely fought as
+soldiers, and dared not ask what the end would be. Everything was
+discipline; we partook of the Lord's Supper on account of discipline,
+and as an example for the troops.
+
+"When Annette's husband fell, I thought him lucky; I had a wife and
+child, and yet wished for death. That fratricidal war was fortunately
+soon over. I can see now that it was necessary for our preparation. My
+feelings always revolted at the recollection of it, but now events are
+at hand which will remove those memories. I shuddered when I learned
+that monuments were being raised to those who had fallen in 1866. Now I
+can see that they have died twice over for their Fatherland; they had
+already sacrificed their hearts while living. Our profession is now at
+last in entire sympathy with the nation's wishes, and it is revolting
+that those who call themselves 'liberals' refuse to acknowledge the
+'casus belli.'"
+
+"Is the Prince aware of the patriotic ideas which you have kept to
+yourself for so long a time?" I asked as the Colonel paused.
+
+"No! at least I do not think so! He merely knows that I sometimes write
+for our Military Journal, and that I am a good soldier. I never dreamt
+that I would be appointed Minister of War. And on that night I knew
+that we were simply to act as a reserve, and to be a sort of target for
+the enemy's bullets. You must surely have been of the same opinion."
+
+I could not boast of having been so wise.
+
+But the time had not come to think of the past. The Colonel gave me a
+copy of his will, which I was to deposit with the recorder. He did this
+calmly, without showing the slightest emotion. A few hours later we
+went to bed.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III.
+
+
+The _reveille_ was sounded. The soldiers marched off, and nearly the
+whole town, young and old, followed them on their way. When I saw these
+merry men, and thought in how short a time so many of them would lie
+down in death, I became oppressed with the thought that I had raised my
+voice for war. But this feeling soon passed away. We are acting in
+self-defence, and this will bring about a happy ending, for we shall no
+longer have to live in dread of the insolence and presumption of our
+neighbors.
+
+The soldiers sang as they marched along, and up by the newspaper-tree
+sat Carl's mother, looking at them passing by. Marie stood at her side,
+but the old woman motioned her away, and when I asked her to return
+home with us, she said:
+
+"I have seen the thousands and thousands of mothers, who bore them all
+in pain, and have cared for and raised them, floating in the air over
+their heads. O my Carl! Have you heard nothing of him yet?"
+
+We found it difficult to get her back to the village. Marie walked
+along at her side, and said:
+
+"Do you know what I should like to be?"
+
+"What?"
+
+"Do you hear the hawk that is circling in the air over the hill-top?
+Alas, you cannot hear him, but you can see him. Like him, I should wish
+to fly, and I would fly to Charles and back again, and tell you
+everything."
+
+The village and the country round about had been in an uproar; but now
+that the troops had left, everything was wonderfully quiet. Rothfuss
+was right; for if we had not seen the occasional remains of a
+camp-fire, we would not have known that the soldiers had been there.
+The old meadow farmer, who had been pensioned off by his son, and whom
+the departure of the troops had aroused, sat at his door, and seemed to
+enjoy watching the little pigs that were disporting themselves in the
+gutter.
+
+A little coach stood before him, in which lay a child that he had to
+feed with milk; for his son wanted to get all he could from his father.
+He thought of nothing but the increase of his property, and acted
+meanly towards his father. He made him presents of the cheapest kind of
+tobacco, so that he should not buy an expensive sort; but the old man
+saw through the trick, and gave the tobacco money away, so that his son
+should not inherit it.
+
+I gladly avoided all intercourse with these people.
+
+As I approached the house, the old man beckoned to me to come to him,
+and, like a child, told me of his latest pleasure.
+
+"I kept them locked up in my room as long as the soldiers were here.
+Soldiers have a great liking for such tender morsels. I used to be so
+myself."
+
+I knew, of course, that he was talking about his pigs, and he added as
+a sort of consolation:
+
+"Yes, yes, Mr. Ex-Burgomaster"--he gave me my title--"yes, yes, you are
+also retired at last, and squat by the stove. Yes, yes, we are old
+fellows and must stick at home, while the young ones are out yonder,
+fighting the enemy."
+
+The old man kept on steadily smoking his pipe, and talked of war times,
+and particularly of the Russian campaign, of which he was a survivor.
+But on this day I could not listen to him, and while walking home I
+began thinking, am I really fit for nothing but to observe from afar
+the great deeds that are now being wrought?
+
+Just as I was turning away from the old man, his son, the meadow
+farmer, came along with a large load of hay, and said in a mocking
+manner, "The French let us gather our hay; our houses will burn so much
+the better when they come to set them on fire." Then he added with
+malicious pleasure, "Your house is insured, but there is no insurance
+on your woods." Here he laughed aloud. When troubles are on us, a man's
+true nature shows itself.
+
+After telling me his fears, he repeated them more fully to Rothfuss.
+The latter shifted his pipe from one side of his mouth to the other,
+and asked, "What would you give not to suffer any damage?"
+
+"How? what do you mean?
+
+"They won't hurt my house; my father has the cross of St. Helena. And I
+have no cash. I can swear that I haven't a farthing in the house."
+
+He spoke the truth, for he had buried his money.
+
+"You need no money; it's something else. Do you know the story of the
+dragon of Rockesberg?"
+
+"What do you want? What do you mean?"
+
+"Why, to quiet the dragon, they had to sacrifice a maiden."
+
+"Those are old tales. Don't try to make a fool of me. If you want a
+fool, whittle one for yourself."
+
+"Stay! I know how you can buy yourself free. You needn't deliver your
+daughter Marie to the dragon. Will you promise to give her to Carl in
+case everything should turn out well?"
+
+"Ho! he'll never come back."
+
+"But in case he should?"
+
+"Well--do you think that will be of any use?"
+
+"Certainly. Such a promise will save you."
+
+"You ought to be ashamed of yourself for being so superstitious. You
+are a fool," said the meadow farmer, and went off.
+
+The exciting events of the last few days had so entirely exhausted me
+that I could not keep my eyes open in the day-time, if I sat down; and
+I was so tired. I still refused to believe that I was growing old. But
+I was strongly reminded of it, for I feared to die. Formerly, since I
+stood alone, I thought death an easy matter; now I wanted to live long
+enough to be laid in the soil of a united Fatherland.
+
+I was much refreshed by the arrival of Julius's wife. When I awoke from
+my afternoon nap and saw her standing before me, it seemed as if it
+were my wife in her youth. She had a most charming presence, and the
+resignation with which she bore her separation from husband and brother
+gave great impressiveness to her manner. Every movement of hers had a
+quiet grace. She lived in entire harmony with my daughter-in-law Conny;
+and these two children, who had now become mine, petted and caressed me
+with such kindness and consideration, and listened so attentively to
+all I said, that I could speak to them of things which I usually kept
+to myself. Martha was an adept in making remarkably beautiful bouquets
+out of grasses and wild flowers, and when I entered the room in the
+morning, I always found a fresh nosegay on the table. She was such a
+pleasant table companion that the dishes tasted twice as good, and I
+soon regained my strength.
+
+Marie often came to visit me. Martha felt very kindly towards the girl;
+besides, there was a bond of union between them, for each had her
+greatest treasure in the field.
+
+Marie had hitherto confided in no one in the village; for it would be
+contrary to the peasant's standard of honor to tell any one how she
+loved, and what her father made her suffer. Her grandfather
+strengthened her in her love, and when I said that the old fellow did
+it merely to hurt his son's feelings, Martha declared I was wronging
+him.
+
+Martha, like my wife, embellished what she looked upon. The light of
+her eyes made all things radiant with light, and as a happy young wife
+she was particularly inclined to favor and give consolation in an
+unhappy love affair. Forgetting all her own troubles, she gave me a
+lively account of the patience and energy with which Marie worked,
+while her father would go about the house, scolding and cursing,
+because he now was forced to do things which his servants had formerly
+attended to. Yesterday, while she was engaged in stacking some green
+clover, the father called out in the direction of the shed behind the
+cattle-rack. "To whom are you talking there?"
+
+"To him."
+
+"To whom?"
+
+Marie shoved the clover aside, and said, "Father, look at me! Can you
+not see that it is written here that Carl loves me? There is not a spot
+in my face that he has not kissed. See here, father, look at this
+half-ducat. We chopped one in two; Charles has the other half. There!"
+
+Then she piled the clover up again so that her father should not see
+her. He kept on cursing and swearing. She was glad, however, that she
+had spoken out at last. Still, Marie was greatly embarrassed. The
+little circle in which she moved was her world, and she could not bear
+being talked about by the world, for preferring the son of the poorest
+cottager to the son of the rich miller.
+
+On the other hand, she took great pleasure in hearing Carl discussed.
+He had always said, "I don't like it that Marie is so rich. I don't
+need much. If I have enough to eat and drink and my clothes, I am
+satisfied; and if I have any children, they shall be like me in this
+respect. I do not care to be like the great farmers, and have money in
+the funds. I do not find that they are happier, more jovial, and
+healthier than their servants."
+
+The schoolmaster also spoke of Carl: "He was my best pupil, and learnt
+the most; and when, as a soldier, he received his first furlough, he
+came to visit me first of all. He waited before the door until the
+school was dismissed, when he accompanied me home and thanked me. Yes,
+he will succeed in life."
+
+In short, Carl has the qualities which we wish the people to possess:
+he is bright, clever, and active; is not dissatisfied with his lot, and
+is modest and frugal.
+
+Martha did not merely place the flowers from the meadow before me, she
+also brought blossoms from the kind hearts of our villagers; for, as
+beautiful flowers grow among nettles, so can genuine feeling be found
+coupled with rudeness. We had to return to our quiet life, for, in
+spite of our heavy thoughts which were far away, the present demanded
+our attention.
+
+In irrigating our meadows, we were frequently forced to protect
+ourselves against the tricks of the meadow farmer. The traps are set in
+the evening, and at night or early in the morning they are drawn up;
+for the meadows need cool water, that which the sun has warmed being
+injurious.
+
+As the meadow farmer did not sleep well, he used to go out to the ditch
+and turn our water into his meadows.
+
+Rothfuss found this out, and I caught the meadow farmer stealing the
+water. He feared the French, and yet he tried to rob his neighbors.
+
+Martha, when she heard of this, thought that his love for his meadows
+might excuse this wickedness; but my daughter-in-law reproved her with
+a severity which I had never observed before. She looked upon such
+trespassing as being a most serious matter; for the growth of all that
+belongs to us out of doors depends on public confidence.
+
+Alas! how we cared for such little matters, while such great affairs
+were being settled yonder. The French might come upon us at any moment.
+But it is always thus. You stoop to pick a strawberry, and do not
+notice the mountain range. Why, as I was walking through the woods I
+was delighted at the prospect of a good crop of huckleberries. This is
+of importance to the poor people; for the productions which those who
+are better off do not care to cultivate, furnish food for the poor.
+
+On the evening of the 1st of August, I was again on top of the
+Hochspitz Mountain, where Wolfgang had been with me the last time. The
+whole valley of the Rhine was bathed in the glow of the setting sun,
+which filled the air like a golden stream, and beyond lay the blue
+Vosges Mountains.
+
+What is going on there? Will the French soon be here, killing and
+burning as they go?
+
+To protect the pine-tree seeds against the birds, Wolfgang had placed
+brushwood over the spot on which he had sowed them. This had already
+become dry, and the leaves, therefore, covered the ground from which
+the young plants were starting.
+
+On my way home I could hear the murmur of the brook below; and
+everything was so still, that I could even hear the noise made by the
+fountain in front of my house. Sometimes the shrill sound of the
+saw-mill would be carried up to me by the breeze. The grain-fields were
+in bloom; a nourishing haze lay upon them; the forest-trees were
+silently growing; the sun shone so clear by day; the moon was so bright
+by night. We seemed to be separated from that world in which a dreadful
+slaughter was just beginning.
+
+The next morning I looked from out my quiet home, into the far
+distance. It had rained during the night. Everything was cooled off,
+the sun shone brightly, and the air from the fields was most
+refreshing. We had brought in our hay the day before, and the
+thunder-storm during the night had nourished the meadows. It seemed as
+if the myriads of refreshed plants joyfully gave token of new vigor. I
+said to myself: Thus may it be with our country and our people;
+perhaps, while you slept, a dreadful storm--and, let us hope, a
+beneficent one--may have passed over us.
+
+Just then Joseph brought the news: "Fighting has begun. We have been
+beaten at Saarbrücken."
+
+"None of our people are there: only Prussians are there," cried
+Rothfuss.
+
+Joseph saw how angry these words made me, and, to turn away my wrath,
+he begun to tell about Funk, who was down in the tavern boasting of his
+knowledge of French, and saying that he would get along with the
+Frenchmen. He also had several little books for sale, from which the
+ordinary French phrases could be learnt.
+
+Funk went about in jack-boots, carrying on a heavy business in grain,
+butter, and bacon with the army. Schweitzer-Schmalz had advanced him
+money for the purpose. He boasted of his generosity in putting the poor
+fellow on his feet, but at the same time had wisely bargained for the
+lion's share of the profits.
+
+An hour afterwards, the wife of the councillor sent word that the news
+of our defeat was false.
+
+That afternoon a message came from Hartriegel, informing us that, from
+the top of a hill in his neighborhood, a great movement of the opposing
+armies could be seen. I hurried up there with Joseph, Martha, and
+Conny. The engineer, who had been engaged at a neighboring stone-quarry
+while the troops had been stationed about us, reappeared and
+accompanied us.
+
+We stood on the top of the tower of the ruined castle and gazed over
+into Alsace, where we could see the movements of the battle.
+
+It was going on near Weissenburg, the region which was so familiar to
+me. Looking on thus from a distance, with fear and trembling as we saw
+the sudden flashes, the clouds of smoke, the burning villages, and
+hearing, occasionally, the sound of the guns which the echo from the
+hills brought us--all this oppressed me so much that Martha persuaded
+me to take some wine. It went hard with me to do so, for I first had to
+drown the thought of the many men yonder who might be restored to life
+if we could but wet their lips.
+
+Martha prayed; I could only think of the new epoch that was just
+beginning. Happiness and victory must be the share of those who desire
+their own good and that of others. One great step was already gained,
+for the war had been carried into the enemy's country.
+
+We did not return before nightfall. Joseph drove to town to bring the
+latest news. The morrow came, so calm and clear. What has been the
+result?
+
+At noon a shot was fired down at the saw-mill; this was the signal that
+Joseph was to give in case we had triumphed. He came and brought the
+news of the glorious victory at Wörth.
+
+"We have beaten the French on their own ground," he cried; "it _was_
+their own ground, but it must be ours again. Our boys were there," he
+added, after a pause. "Father! sisters! let us be prepared for
+everything."
+
+Our resolve was a timely one.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+Martha, who had hitherto shown such self-possession, was now seized
+with the greatest anxiety. She changed color constantly. She tried in
+vain to control her feelings, but at last her anxiety as well as mine
+became so great that we drove to the city. The crops were being already
+gathered from such fields as lay facing the south; nearly all the
+reapers were women.
+
+While driving up the hill towards the court-house, I saw Edward Levi,
+the iron merchant, turn about suddenly as he caught sight of us and go
+towards his house. That was not the way he usually received us; so at
+once I feared that there was some bad news awaiting us, and that he did
+not wish to be the first one to tell it to us.
+
+We halted before the court-house, but no one came to the windows; no
+one came to meet us. We went upstairs into the hall. The councillor's
+wife stood by the round table in the centre. She kept her hand on the
+table for a moment; then advancing towards Martha, and taking her hand,
+she said, "I awaited you here; I did not wish to cause you any emotion
+on the stairs, much less in the street. Your brother--dear Martha--your
+brother--died--an heroic death."
+
+She said this with a firm voice; but when she had finished, she sobbed
+aloud and embraced Martha. The latter sank down beside her. We raised
+her; her faintness was of short duration, and her mother whispered,
+"Don't be alarmed! the shock will not harm her."
+
+"My brother!" cried Martha, "I shall never see you more; never call you
+brother again. Pardon me, mother, I distress you instead of helping
+you. Where is father?"
+
+"He is gone to the battle-field with Baron Arven. He has telegraphed
+that he is bringing the body with him. Ludwig, Wolfgang, and that
+sturdy Ikwarte are of the greatest assistance to him."
+
+"Where is my sister?"
+
+"She is at work in the town-hall. That is the best, the only thing to
+do--to care for others while you are bowed down with grief. As soon as
+you are restored, we will go to work together. Only do not idly mourn
+now! I have had your brother's room put in order; we will take charge
+of some wounded man and nurse him."
+
+Martha looked wonderingly at her mother. How was such self-control
+possible! That is the blessing which long and careful culture brings,
+while it, at the same time, strengthens the moral sense. Her mother was
+dressed with care; she looked as she did in more peaceful days, and
+displayed no emotion, deeply as her heart was torn by the loss of her
+dearly beloved son. She told me that a messenger had come after
+bandages and to get help for the battle-field, and that her husband had
+sent word by him that the young lieutenant had been the first officer
+that had fallen. He had not been rash, but had moved forward at the
+head of his men with steadfast courage, had broken the ranks of the
+enemy, and, while crying, "The day is ours! the day is ours!" he had
+fallen with a bullet in his heart.
+
+Martha was now restored, and a half hour after our arrival we were on
+our way to the town-hall. Her sister, who was engaged in cutting out
+garments, came towards us, gave Martha her hand, and repressed the
+rising tears. She spoke softly to Martha: she evidently begged her not
+to give vent to her grief before those who were present. Martha
+accompanied her quietly to the table, and helped to spread out the
+linen.
+
+The daughter of Councillor Reckingen, who was just budding into
+womanhood, and who had hitherto been a stubborn, proud girl, lording it
+over every one, sat among the workers and was in entire harmony with
+them, while her father had cast aside his grief and joined his comrades
+in the field. She was placed specially in Christiane's charge.
+
+The children, who were making lint in the basement, were singing the
+song of "The Good Comrade"--in the hall upstairs everything was still.
+Orders were given quietly, and the women and maidens passed silently to
+and fro. It seemed as if some one was lying dead in the adjoining room;
+but, above all this affliction and sorrow, there was a spirit which had
+never before shown itself among those present. All class distinctions
+had ceased, for all were united in their sympathy for their fellow-men.
+
+Why does this spirit of friendship, this unanimity, appear only in
+times of trouble and sorrow; why not in every-day life?
+
+I felt sure that this union of hearts would remain with us and beautify
+our lives, and this thought was strengthened by the remark of the lady
+at whose side I sat, who said, "You see,--this activity is the
+salvation of many, as you can perceive in your grand-daughter
+Christiane. She is untiring, and the dissatisfied air her face used to
+wear is gone. We are now all united. It will not last; but hereafter
+the thought that there once was a time when the children of the poorer
+and of the upper classes did not ask 'Who are you, after all?' will
+greatly benefit us."
+
+I stayed in the city. The next evening, just as it was growing dark,
+the councillor arrived with his son's body. The whole town, young and
+old, was collected at the railway station. The children carried wreaths
+and flowers, the bells were ringing, and thus was the body taken from
+the station to the churchyard. After a hymn was sung, the clergyman
+delivered his address. What could he say? He explained in few words
+that this was not an ordinary funeral, but that we were now parts of
+one great whole, even in death.
+
+The father, mother, and sisters cast the first clods of earth on the
+young hero's coffin; the grave was then filled in and covered with
+flowers.
+
+We had buried the first one who had died for the union and independence
+of our Fatherland. I was staying with the family which had thus lost
+its only son. They sat at home in silence; indeed, what could be said?
+
+The parson had added a text from the Bible, and had made some earnest
+remarks thereon; yet I thought, and am sure that these stricken ones
+thought as I did, that all political feeling is foreign to that holy
+book. Patient endurance here, and the hope of better things beyond,
+suit a nation that is kept in subjection, but not one that is gladly
+battling and sacrificing itself for its existence. What an entirely
+different comprehension the Greeks had of exertion carried to its
+utmost limit. I remembered how, while in prison, the speech of
+Pericles, delivered at the funeral rites in Athens, had illumined and
+elevated my soul; and I could almost see the words, for they seemed to
+have been hewn out of stone, like a finely chiselled piece of
+sculpture. I found the book in the house, and read the address to the
+parents and children. I had to stop frequently, for sometimes the
+father and sometimes the mother would exclaim: "That is intended for
+us, for to-day."
+
+"No enemy has ever seen our entire forces," says Pericles, and so say
+we.
+
+"Bold, daring, and calm consideration of what we undertake, are united
+in us. He among us who does not concern himself about matters of state,
+is not regarded as a peaceable, but as a useless, man." Pericles shows
+that he possesses the true religion when he cries: "You must constantly
+keep before your eyes the powers of the state, and must love them. Seek
+for happiness in liberty, and for liberty in your own courage."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER V.
+
+
+"A Prussian doesn't let go his grip from anything he holds," said
+Ikwarte to the councillor, when the latter called to him not to let a
+badly wounded man, who was being carefully carried by, drop. This was,
+in a certain sense, a motto for us all.
+
+Prussia has the Frenchman in her grip, and will not let him go; and our
+troops have gone bravely on. The blood of the South and North German
+has been shed together. Grief for the individual was assuaged by the
+thought of the result which would be achieved.
+
+The union of the German people is now indissoluble.
+
+The councillor returned to the army.
+
+I was greatly grieved that I could not also lend a hand, and that I was
+forced to return home, there to watch and wait. But the councillor
+assured me, and I dare say he was right, that I would be unable to
+stand the sights of the battle-field. On the first day, he himself,
+even before he knew of his son's fate, had become so crushed and dazed
+that he could hardly keep his feet. Now he no longer thought of the
+misery itself, but solely of the means of remedying it.
+
+Rontheim related, to our momentary amusement, how the vicar had lost
+the trunk containing his robes of office, and how he therefore had to
+perform his duties without his distinctive dress: a circumstance which
+worked no harm, as he was of great service at any rate. Martha took a
+quantity of goods along, which she wanted either to finish up at home,
+or to use as a means of instructing the children of our village. We
+drove home. It seemed like a dream to me that the saw-mill was running,
+that wagons loaded with wood met us, and that people were at work in
+the fields. Everything goes its gait, and yonder rages the battle.
+
+At the newspaper-tree we met Carl's mother and Marie, and she
+called out to me, "Do you see the flock of hungry crows! They are
+flying beyond the Rhine, to where the boys who used to sing are lying
+dead--and each of them had a mother."
+
+"Your Carl has written that he is safe and sound."
+
+"Yes, yes, until to-morrow. Come! We'll go home."
+
+The two boundary posts were united by means of a black, red, and gold
+flag, which had been wound around them. Joseph, whom we met there, had
+done it. He was greatly shocked at the sight of Martha in mourning,
+although he had already heard that her brother had fallen; but all life
+was now so uncertain, that he feared she might also be mourning for
+Julius. She gave him a letter which her father had brought from Julius.
+It was full of sadness, but at the same time he wrote with pride of his
+dead brother-in-law, and expressed himself as being convinced that he
+would return from the war uninjured.
+
+The days passed by quietly. The school-master reported that the
+children had become so inattentive that he did not know what to do, for
+they would not study their lessons, and talked of nothing but the war.
+He determined to let the children read the newspapers aloud, and copy
+the reports from the seat of war.
+
+The game-keeper who reported to Joseph told us that fewer crimes were
+being committed than usual, although the taverns were constantly full.
+There was a good deal of trespassing on the woods; but that was none of
+his business.
+
+Short and precise letters came from Carl, and he never forgot to
+mention that he had enough to eat and drink, for he knew that such news
+would gladden his mother's heart.
+
+Martha reported that Marie and Carl's mother had stopped going to the
+newspaper-tree. Marie had learned, to her astonishment, that you could
+buy your own newspapers, and so she procured one daily. Living in
+constant dread of her father, she subscribed for it in the name of the
+schoolmaster, and receiving it every evening, she undertook the
+troublesome task of reading it aloud to the old woman at night. The
+worst part of it was that the latter insisted on having the lists of
+the dead and wounded read to her. She did not know what she should do
+in case the awful news were to come.
+
+I live among peasants, and see a great deal of rudeness, as well as
+good feeling; but the greatest affection I ever saw lay in the conduct
+of Marie towards Carl's mother.
+
+The wagons of our district were ordered to Alsace, and my wagon and
+team of bays had to go along. I wanted to employ one of the workmen
+engaged in regulating the course of the river to drive them, but
+Rothfuss insisted on taking charge of the team himself, so I had to let
+him go. He was in great spirits, and declared that he would return with
+the wagon wreathed in flowers, and that Martella and Ernst would sit in
+it.
+
+Our house became still more quiet now, and when our horses were gone,
+we felt as if we were cut off from the world.
+
+The nights were so calm and peaceful, the moon shone so clear; no leaf
+stirred, and even the brook ran dreamily along. And yet, at this time,
+there were thousands attempting to kill each other.
+
+Martha was often busy looking at the pages of an album through a
+magnifying glass. This book contained a collection of mosses and ferns,
+which Julius had arranged for her. Underneath each specimen was noted
+the place from which it came and when it had been gathered; and there
+were always added the words "for Martha."
+
+We were in almost daily receipt of postal cards from Julius, and with
+the same minuteness which he had shown in the album, he gave us the
+day, hour, and place of writing. Sometimes a sealed letter from him
+would also reach us. Martha let me read them, and only once did she
+blushingly cover a postscript with her hand. Conny called my attention
+to Martha; what a touching and hallowed vision she seemed to be, and
+how humbly and modestly she bore her life's great secret!
+
+While I was examining the mosses, Martha told me, with radiant face and
+sparkling eyes, how she had become acquainted with Julius. She had
+danced with him at a country ball, but they had seen no more of each
+other.
+
+On the next morning, as she and her sister were walking in the
+"Rockenthal" and were passing through the shrubbery, they suddenly came
+to a large pine-tree under which a hunter was sleeping. His dog sat at
+his side, and they motioned to him to remain quiet, while they both
+stood there examining the man's youthful, browned features and white
+brow. Martha summoned up her courage, seized his hat and took out the
+feathers, replacing them with a bunch of freshly gathered flowers.
+After this bold deed, the sisters fled to the shrubbery; but the dog
+barked, and the hunter awoke. He stared about him, seized his gun and
+hat, apparently puzzled to find the alteration that had been made, and
+uttered an energetic oath. He just caught sight of the two sisters in
+their light-blue summer dresses, as they disappeared in the shrubbery.
+He called after them, and they ran, until Martha stumbled over the root
+of a tree and fell. "Your voice is too good to swear with," said the
+sister who had remained standing, and then the young hunter pulled off
+his hat, and looked confused. Recovering himself immediately, he said,
+"It was not you, but your sister, who played the robber. She has the
+feathers yet. I--I thank you for the exchange." Then, as Martha handed
+him the feathers, and as he held his hat out towards her, he succeeded
+in touching her hand with his lips. He escorted the two girls through
+the woods, and starting with the joke of having caught them
+trespassing, they ended by having a merry talk. He soon begged Martha
+to sing, for he said that he could see that she, like him, was in the
+humor of singing. So these two began to sing their favorite songs,
+which, strangely enough, were the same; and when they reached the road,
+both of the sisters stretched out their hands to Julius. He held
+Martha's hand in his the longest, and from that moment their fate was
+fixed, and became more blissful every day.
+
+He arranged the album while they were engaged. It was filled with the
+fondest memories, and even I learned much from it that was new to me.
+Each tree showed me new forms of existence, and in a little while I was
+able to forget, while contemplating these minute products of nature,
+the great commotion that was raging so near us. A bird is perched on
+the telegraph wire, while beneath it the most stirring news is passing
+silently and invisibly. I often regarded the wires that were stretched
+in front of my woods. Who knows the news that is flashing through them?
+We were soon to hear it.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+
+"It thunders, booms, tumbles, and crashes; the mountains are falling,
+the world is coming to an end!"--thus did Carl's mother cry out in the
+village street. She refused to be comforted, and when she saw Martha in
+mourning, she began to shriek out: "Black! black! We shall all be
+charred to death!"
+
+We succeeded at last in calming her, and then led her home, while round
+about us a noise like thunder seemed to come from the hills; although
+not a cloud was visible in the sky.
+
+We knew that Strasburg was being bombarded. The fact was, that the
+sound of the cannonade struck against the rock behind the spinner's
+cottage, and rolled thence along the little valleys between the hills.
+
+This lone woman, who could scarcely hear a man's voice, could
+distinctly perceive the roar of the artillery which shook her cottage.
+
+"My boy is there, my good, my brave son," she cried, when she was told
+that Strasburg was being bombarded. Then she broke out into a sort of
+chant: "In Strasburg is the minster; I was in service for five years in
+the Blauwolken Street; in Strasburg, in Strasburg, in Strasburg,"--it
+sounded like a doleful song. We wanted to induce her to come to us;
+even Marie wanted to take charge of her; but she caught hold of her
+table, crying, "No, no! I shall not go from here until I am carried
+out."
+
+That evening Joseph came for me, saying, that from the top of the
+stone-wall, the shells could be seen flying through the air. We
+accompanied him to the spot, and could see the shells rising, then
+falling and disappearing in little clouds of smoke. The stone-cutter,
+who had seen service as a soldier, pointed out to us the shells that
+exploded harmlessly in the air, and those which spread destruction as
+they burst.
+
+How is it with the people over there on whom this rain of fire is
+falling? What are they doing at home? What do they say, and think, and
+what consolation and support do they bring each other? I imagined
+myself among them, living with them. And my niece was there, too. She
+had thought to find protection there, and now she was in the greatest
+danger. And how must my sister, yonder in the forest of Hagenau, be
+wringing her hands at these sounds and sights! And we are sending death
+and destruction among those to whom we want to cry, "Come to us, stay
+with us." The language the cannon speak is a dreadful one.
+
+We had to return home at last. I was so confused and shocked, that
+Joseph had to lead me. I could hear the guns as I lay in bed; but after
+a while sleep comes to you in spite of noise and sorrow.
+
+Marie told me the next morning that the spinner had counted the shots
+by the hour during the night. When she had reached one hundred, beyond
+which she could not count, she buried her head in the pillow, crying,
+"I can count no further; I cannot; it is enough!" and had then fallen
+asleep. Marie asked our aid, for the spinner had said that, when
+daylight came, she would stand it no longer; she would go to her son.
+
+However, when the next day came she had forgotten her intention. She
+sat in her room, spinning, and whenever she heard the sound of a gun,
+would merely open her mouth, but say nothing. Not a word passed her
+lips for days.
+
+Joseph wanted to visit the besiegers, but I asked him to remain with
+us, as I wanted to have one of my men about the house.
+
+Every evening the young folks from the village would climb to
+the top of the hill behind the little stone wall, and, with the
+light-heartedness of youth, would enjoy themselves in spite of the
+destruction that was going on before their very eyes.
+
+My sister and her daughter surprised us. The former had visited the
+camp; had luckily found Julius, and through him had obtained permission
+for her daughter to leave the fortress. She had left all her property
+at the mercy of the shells and of the plundering soldiers; for the
+opinion of the citizens was, that the German soldiers would sack the
+city. As Germans, they had been regarded with aversion by their
+neighbors and acquaintances. She left us soon again, so as to be with
+her husband; but her daughter, who was greatly overcome, remained with
+us.
+
+Martha and Conny nursed the young wife carefully; and Martha spoke
+French to her, so as to please her.
+
+A large detachment of captured and wounded French and Algerians came
+through our valley. The people from all the villages flocked to the
+high-road to see them pass. I feared that the people would show their
+irritation, and jeer these unfortunates: but, as if by a tacit
+agreement, every one kept aloof, and only words of sympathy were heard.
+It was only when the fantastic, and sometimes terrible-looking Africans
+appeared, that the dismay of the people showed itself, as they called
+out, "There they are, the men that were going to burn our towns and
+forests, the cannibals!"
+
+Rothfuss, with my team of bays, was also in the procession. He halted a
+moment at the saw-mill near the bridge, and gave a merry account of the
+kind of load he was carrying. It consisted of wounded Turcos, and he
+laid great stress on the fact that the French would have nothing in
+common with these wicked apes. He had to keep on his way.
+
+Great excitement was caused in the village when it was reported that
+Carl had returned. We all accompanied his mother and Marie down the
+valley, where he had halted with a squad of prisoners. Marie embraced
+him before us all, and the prisoners smiled, and imitated the sound of
+their smacking lips.
+
+Carl had much to tell me, and could not find words to say all he wanted
+to, particularly in praise of the Pomeranian lancers. He said they were
+the right sort of fellows--as quiet and strong as the pine-trees; and
+it was strange to see, when they first saw the Rhine, about which so
+much had been sung and said, how, in their enthusiasm, they wanted to
+ride directly into the stream.
+
+His mother and sweetheart accompanied him for some distance on the
+road, and when they turned to come back the old woman said, "Now I am
+satisfied; now no one shall hear me complain; I am sure that nothing
+will happen to him in this war."
+
+We harvested our crops; we placed the green bough on the top of the new
+mill down in the valley; we began to cut wood in the forest; yet still
+the thunder of the bombardment of Strasburg continued.
+
+The old meadow farmer lay at home very ill, and often said, "I shall be
+buried like a soldier; they will fire over my grave."
+
+We buried the old fellow on the morning of September 2d. He had given
+orders that his St. Helena medal should be buried with him; but his son
+did not see fit to let this be done. He looked upon this so-called mark
+of distinction as a means of preservation, in case the French should
+come after all.
+
+While we were standing at the open grave, Joseph came riding up the
+hill, his horse very much blown, and cried, "Napoleon is a prisoner!"
+We all hurried to the road where Joseph, still on horseback, read the
+extra aloud. It was the account of the capture of Napoleon at Sedan.
+
+What strange coincidences occur in life! We had just buried the last
+man in our village who wore on his breast the badge of the infamy of
+our alliance with Napoleon; and now we had his successor and heir a
+prisoner in our hands.
+
+As if by a preconcerted signal, the young people of the village struck
+up, "Die Wacht am Rhein."
+
+Without awaiting the parson's permission--very likely he wouldn't have
+given it--the church-bells were rung, and the German flag was thrown to
+the breeze from the top of the church spire. We returned home as if in
+a dream.
+
+When my niece, the Alsacienne, heard the news, she shook her head, and
+refused to be convinced of its truth.
+
+She had been always accustomed to hear the lying despatches of her
+countrymen.
+
+After the Sedan campaign, we all thought that the war was ended; but
+the French people, in their overweening confidence, still insisted on
+retaining the first place among nations, and resented the idea of their
+giving up the German provinces, of which in former days they had robbed
+us.
+
+The war went on without ceasing.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+We cannot be astonished anew every day at the phenomena of existence:
+how the sun rises, how the plants grow and bloom. We must accustom
+ourselves to the homely changes that are being wrought; to life and
+death among us, to love and hate, to union and discord.
+
+We ended by becoming accustomed to the fact that the war was raging,
+and as surely as the sun rose we expected news of another victory; for
+that we should ever be beaten seemed, to judge from what had happened,
+impossible.
+
+The daily question was, "Has Strasburg surrendered yet?"
+
+On the morning of the 29th of September, I attended the weekly market
+to sell my grain. It was the crop of 1870.
+
+Everything went on as usual; there was the same chaffering, bargaining,
+and cheating, and occasionally the war was discussed.
+
+Suddenly I heard a noise of shouting and rejoicing, and saw flags hung
+out of the windows. "Strasburg has fallen," was the cry.
+
+People called to each other, "Strasburg has fallen at last," as if some
+one who had been long lost had returned at last.
+
+Joseph brought the Alsacienne to town. We made up a store of food and
+clothing for her, and accompanied by Christiane, who had been
+despatched to the afflicted city by the Aid Society, she returned to
+Alsace. Every one went over to Strasburg, partly from curiosity, and
+partly out of pity. I refused to go.
+
+Then came letters from Alsace for Martha and me.
+
+I did not know the handwriting of the one for me. It turned out to be
+from Baron Arven. He wrote that he had had frequent conferences with
+those high in office on the importance of quieting the minds of the
+Alsatians, and of coming to an understanding with them. Unfortunately
+they had been forced to take sharp measures against those who were
+untractable and traitorous, and now they desired to take such measures
+as would stop any further sacrifices. There were other nurses required
+besides those who attended the wounded, and he believed I would suit
+his purpose.
+
+The following sentence in his letter pierced my heart like a dagger:
+"Your family ties make it your duty to aid the lost son to return to
+his father's house."
+
+How? Has Ernst been found, and is the preceding portion of the letter
+simply written to prepare me for the shock?
+
+I read on, and found I was mistaken. A troubled mind interprets
+everything in its interest. Arven simply meant that I should aid in the
+work of attaching Alsace to Germany; for he informed me that men of all
+classes, who were known to have friends and relatives in Alsace, had
+been requested to visit those sections of the country with which they
+were acquainted, there to work in the interest of union. Those who had
+been in opposition to the government were especially wanted, for the
+reason that their conduct would be regarded as being founded on a pure
+love for the Fatherland.
+
+He asked me to visit the villages in the forest of Hagenau, with which
+I was acquainted through my relations, and see what I could do towards
+furthering the good work.
+
+I had to laugh when he added: "Your presence and your white hair will
+do much, I think, to create confidence in you."
+
+The Baron was in the confidence of the government. It seemed,
+therefore, to be decided that we should take back the provinces of
+which we had been robbed. Yes, I am ready to do what I can. It is true,
+I doubted my capacity; but a love of the cause and encouraging
+hopefulness strengthened me. Arven's letter gave me courage. He had
+never praised me to my face, but he displayed the best feeling in his
+letter.
+
+"I am going to Alsace," said I to Martha.
+
+"Oh, that is splendid, and you can take me along."
+
+She showed me a letter from Julius, in which he asked her to visit him
+in Strasburg for a short time, until he should march off again.
+
+He wrote: "We will meet among saddening ruins, but we shall remain
+erect, and while we help rebuild the great fabric of the state, shall
+also strengthen our own life-fabric."
+
+We journeyed to Strasburg. Julius met us in Kehl. What a meeting
+between the young couple!
+
+"I have also seen Martella," Julius said. "I wanted her to enter a
+hospital as nurse, but she has retained her old dislikes, and refuses
+to have anything to do with the sick. She was engaged with a number of
+other women in distributing supplies, but I don't know whether she is
+near here now. I have been told that she has gone to Lorraine with
+another detachment of the supply commission. She parted from Lerz, the
+baker, after a few days. The Prince's letter of pardon has passed her
+everywhere, and she is now with Ikwarte and Wolfgang, who will protect
+her."
+
+I shall not speak of the effect the appearance of the bombarded city
+produced on me. I had been in Strasburg frequently, and knew many there
+who could not forget the ties which bound them to Germany. Forty years
+ago I was here with Buchmaier, and at that time this great broad fellow
+planted himself before the Cathedral, and called out, "I say, tumble
+down, or turn German."
+
+Now it stood there, a German monument. It had been, unfortunately,
+struck by our shot, but had been only slightly injured; and from far
+and near one could behold this edifice, every stone and ornament of
+which is German.
+
+Martha could look on nothing but the face of her Julius, and on one
+other thing--the iron cross on his breast. She asked why he had not
+written about having received it; and Julius confessed that he had not
+done so because a promise that was not yet binding, but which required
+him to arrive at some conclusion, was connected with it.
+
+He related that the commanding general, while fastening the cross on
+his breast, had said, "You intend remaining in the service?" to which
+he had not answered, but believed that he had nodded "yes," although he
+was not sure.
+
+And now he wanted to learn from Martha's lips whether he had nodded or
+shaken his head.
+
+Martha looked at me and said, "What do you say, grandfather?"
+
+I said, of course, that this could be decided on when the war was over,
+and that meanwhile Julius could consider himself a professional
+soldier. I thought him too tenderhearted for a soldier, for he had said
+to me, "Grandfather! the worst feature about war, is not the fighting,
+but the foraging. It is heart-rending to force people to deliver up
+everything, yet it must be done."
+
+The thought that Julius would remain a soldier was painful to me, for I
+had cherished the hope that, at some time or other, he would take
+charge of his patrimonial estate. I could not agree with Ludwig's
+American ideas, that all property should be personal. But what matters
+all that at present?
+
+I hunted up Baron Arven. Although he had written such hearty letters to
+me, I found that he had again become formal and brusque. I had to learn
+that in war times small matters can receive but little attention.
+
+The Baron directed a servant to accompany me to the provisional
+governor of the province. Although I had been sent for, I found myself
+treated as if I were a suitor. I had to accustom myself to the
+North-German manner, which regards every sacrifice you may bring as a
+mere matter of duty.
+
+The governor remembered that Arven had spoken of me. He begged me to
+take a look, for the present, at the part of the country with which I
+was acquainted, and then to report to him.
+
+This interview sobered me. Was this the frame of mind in which a part
+of our country was to be regained? I decided to visit my sister, and
+then to return home. That evening Arven changed my resolution.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+Arven lived in the hospital, and on my arrival there I was welcomed by
+a tall, fine-looking woman in a white cap and white apron. It was
+Annette, and I was not a little astonished to meet her there; but even
+she had no time to spare, for she said she had to return to her
+patients, and that Arven was waiting for me in his room.
+
+This was really the case. Arven gave me a hearty welcome, and said that
+he had given orders that he was not to be disturbed excepting in case
+something of great importance needed his attention, and that, for this
+evening, he would be a thorough egotist.
+
+When I told him how repellent the angularity and coldness of the
+Prussians had appeared to me, he said that this was just what he wanted
+to talk to me about.
+
+He had been exceedingly provoked at their cold-blooded manner. He had
+already determined to leave them; but after a while he had made up his
+mind that this sharpness, bitterness, and decision were the forces that
+made them the men they were. Obedience is with them a habit that can be
+depended on. We South Germans are too soft and easygoing, and we ought
+to breathe some of the salt-sea air that blows across that northern
+country. This want of attention towards others, this disregard of
+people's feelings, lay in the fact that they had no consideration for
+themselves. The French, who, whatever they do, want to be observed and
+applauded, will be beaten by these men, whose whole power rests in
+their self-respect. We used to think the Prussians were braggarts; but
+now we found no trace of boastfulness, and in spite of their constant
+victories, they took every precaution as they advanced, and were
+prepared for defeat. Yes, orders describing the manner of retreat were
+issued before every battle.
+
+He could not cease praising them, and only stopped when he added that
+he thought their self-esteem was a result of Protestantism. The Baron
+stopped when he had said this, and, after we had eaten and drunk to our
+hearts' content, he said that, although he was a Catholic, he would
+never confess to a priest again, but that he would confess to me; and
+in case he should not return from the war, he would have the
+satisfaction of feeling that his inner life had been laid before
+another, for an hour at least.
+
+He confessed to me that his desire had been to die in this campaign,
+and it was for this reason that he had exposed himself so recklessly
+when collecting the wounded. It seemed strange to him that people
+should praise his courage, while he was engaged in seeking death. He
+thought it would be the best thing for himself and his children, if the
+great sorrows that had come upon them, and which might come again,
+could be buried with him.
+
+He then groaned aloud, saying, "I do not want to die before their
+eyes."
+
+I saw before me a life that had been most cruelly broken. The Baron had
+once been in the Austrian army. He had never expected to find himself
+at the head of his family, for he belonged to the younger branch.
+
+In Bohemia he made the acquaintance of a girl belonging to a noble
+family, and was subdued by her.
+
+Feodora was tall and majestic, of a warm, sensual nature, but
+cold-hearted. Persuaded by his sister, he became engaged to her; but
+felt that he would have to stand alone in life, with her as his spouse.
+
+On the day after his engagement, he suddenly awoke to a horror of what
+he had done. He was visiting the large estate of her father. He walked
+through the park, wrestling with the resolve to drown himself in the
+pond; but he did not do so, because he considered it his duty to keep
+his plighted word; and besides, the hope arose in his breast that, at
+some future time, a closer sympathy would be brought about. Her beauty
+fettered him; in short, the marriage was celebrated, and he lived for
+thirty-one years married, but lonely. One by one, his hopes had all
+been shattered. He had persuaded himself that congeniality was not
+necessary to happiness.
+
+But after awhile he discovered what it was to be united to some one,
+and at the same time to be alone. The sudden death of the last of the
+main line of his family placed him at the head of the house. He
+resigned his position in the army, and devoted himself to agriculture.
+He had no control over his children--scarcely any influence in fact,
+but as his sons grew up, they espoused the cause of Germany, and would
+have nothing to do with the conflict which their mother and her ghostly
+advisers tried to stir up.
+
+In the campaign of 1866, the Baron suffered unspeakably. He was
+homeless in his own house. But when the present war began, and he
+discovered plots that he would never have suspected, the conflict broke
+out openly. The two sons joined the German army, and did not, or would
+not, know of what was going on at home. I dare not speak of the
+bitterness, hate, and despair that filled the soul of this naturally
+good-hearted man, and appeared in the course of his story. "I had to
+confess to you some time," said he finally, "and I chose the best time.
+
+"I believe that your wife intuitively knew everything that I have told
+you."
+
+The deep misery of his life seemed again renewed when he cried, "I do
+not wish to die before their eyes."
+
+He mentioned Rautenkron, and said that their cases were similar. Their
+devotion in the present great movement was not a joyful sacrifice, but
+indifference and contempt for life; they wanted to die.
+
+I was deeply pained, and also gratified, when he took my hand at last,
+saying that my wife and I had kept him up in the faith that happiness
+was yet to be found on earth. "And now I must make a further
+confession. It was a great sacrifice on my part, considering the
+comfort I enjoyed in your house, and the deep sympathy your wife showed
+me, to deny myself frequent, yea, daily visits, whenever I felt like a
+stranger in my house; and as one banished from home, I would ride
+across the hills, and down into the valley towards you and your wife;
+but when I had reached the saw-mill, I would turn back. It was better
+thus. I felt that your wife knew everything. Though I was a man who had
+sons in the army, I was again tossed hither and thither by youthful
+feelings; but I overcame them. I think I ought to tell you this too; it
+relieves me, and cannot oppress you. Of all men who were affected by
+her sterling qualities, there is no one who worshipped her more
+profoundly than I did," said the Baron finally, again taking my hand.
+
+We sat there in silence for some time, and I was made happy by the
+thought that her spirit was hovering over us, bringing us peace. The
+Baron then arose and said, "Now I have unburdened myself, and am free.
+I thank you for your share in this relief. And now, no more of this.
+Now duty calls."
+
+He again told me how much good I could accomplish, by going from
+village to village, and from house to house, in the region in which I
+had long been known, there to teach the Alsatians what they ought to
+learn.
+
+"You may depend on one thing," said he: "you will have bitter
+experiences. You will be looked upon as a spy. But do you remember what
+your wife once called you?"
+
+I did not know what he meant.
+
+"She called you the spy of what was good, because you always discover
+the good qualities in every one. Well, be one again."
+
+I made up my mind to cope willingly with everything, and went to my
+sister's the next day.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+We of the mountains had heard the cannonading; but how differently had
+it affected those of the neighborhood, whose homes and whose all were
+at stake. We could see the destruction that had been wrought on the
+houses, but not that which had wasted the nerves of the people.
+Wherever I went, I found every one feeling restless and homeless, like
+the swallows that flew about, settling here and there; but only for a
+moment, for their nests had been destroyed, along with the houses and
+towers and fortifications.
+
+Every one I met had a puzzled look: the alarm and fear caused by the
+incredible disasters that had overwhelmed them, had dazed them, and
+they seemed hurt by friendly greetings--yes, even by offers of
+assistance.
+
+My brother-in-law, the forester, a man who ordinarily bore himself
+well, seemed entirely broken down. He stared at me in silence as I
+entered his house, and scarcely answered my greeting with a slight nod.
+
+My sister told me that, since the siege of Strasburg, he had suffered
+from asthma, and that he constantly repeated, "General Werder's shots
+have taken my breath away."
+
+On looking at the pictures hanging on the wall, I could see plainly
+what these people would have to thrust aside. The pictures on the
+walls, as well as those that dwelt in their memory, were to be changed.
+In our every-day life, we soon forget what the ornaments on the wall
+are like. But if they are not in accord with the times, then we find
+out what was once ours, but has now ceased to belong to us. On my
+hinting that Germany would adopt the regained provinces with increased
+affection, my brother-in-law sprang up, rolling his eyes and striking
+the table with his fist, and swore that he would emigrate. My sister
+then said that an oath at such a time was worthless; but he answered in
+bitter scorn--he could speak nothing but French--"And if no one will
+accompany me--I cannot force the trees in the forest to go along--my
+dog, at least, will be my companion. What do you say, Fidele--you'll go
+with me? You won't take bread from a German; you will rather starve
+with me?" The dog barked and licked his master's hand.
+
+I could see what a difficult task I had before me, but I did not give
+it up. In the village, in the houses, and before the court-house,
+wherever the people were gathered together, I spoke words of peace and
+encouragement to them. They would listen to me as if they were forced
+to do so; and once I heard a man behind me say, "The whole thing is a
+lie, white hairs and all; he is some young fellow in disguise." I
+seldom received a straightforward answer; the nearest approach to a
+reply was, "What are we to do?" "What are we to learn." The feeling at
+the bottom of all this was,--to-morrow the French will be back, and
+drive the Germans away. It is impossible to conquer the French.
+
+I then visited my brother-in-law, the parson, who lived a few miles
+further on. He spoke of nothing but the excellent behavior of the
+soldiers that had been quartered on them. They went to church on
+Sundays and joined in the singing; and officers of high rank had
+been there, too. He seemed nervous, and did not dare to express his
+joy--either because he feared the maid-servant who was going in and
+out, or else because he disliked to lay bare his thoughts. It was only
+while walking in the woods that he unbosomed himself. I do not like to
+repeat what he related, as I preferred not to believe his story. He
+told me that the French government had received the assurance from the
+priesthood, that the South Germans would not take the field against
+France. I do not believe this, but it is the current opinion, and so I
+feel forced to repeat it.
+
+He also said that the beggars from the Catholic villages of the
+vicinity had, for some time past, ceased asking for alms. They had
+walked around boldly in his village, selecting the houses they intended
+to occupy as soon as the Protestants had been exterminated.
+
+Thus wickedly had religion been mixed up with this war.
+
+"The thought of Germany," said the parson, "always seemed to me like a
+silent, yea, a criminal dream. Now I see it realized in broad daylight.
+We are like the prodigal son of Scripture, but the truant in Alsace is
+this time not in fault, and it is that which makes his return to his
+home so painful. I have often thought that the father of the prodigal
+must have offended against his son, although the Scriptures do not say
+so, otherwise he would not have been thus afflicted."
+
+He was merely drawing a parallel, yet he made my heart beat with the
+thought of Ernst.
+
+The father of the prodigal son is also at fault. What had I been guilty
+of?
+
+When we returned from our walk, we were told that a French soldier, who
+had served his time, had called to see me; he had not given his name,
+and would return.
+
+Who can he be? I must wait to find out. But I met a man in the village
+whom I had forgotten.
+
+The advocate Offenheimer, Annette's brother, met me, and his first
+words were, "You are a great consolation to me. Come with me and give
+my son an escort."
+
+I now perceived that his only son had fallen, and that the father
+desired him to be buried in the Jewish cemetery here.
+
+As he divined my thoughts, he said, "It is true, I could not allow them
+to bury my son out there with the others; but it is, perhaps, well if
+there is some sign here of our having fairly and joyfully taken our
+part in the fight. Perhaps it will have a mollifying effect upon our
+new countrymen of the Jewish faith, who were particularly
+contumacious."
+
+I was astounded to find the man so placid. But, as if guessing my
+thoughts, he said he had no more strength for complaints and tears, and
+that a fact must at last be accepted.
+
+I thought of the handsome, spirited lad, that had one time come to me
+with Wolfgang. But I greatly desired to find a favorable opportunity
+for addressing the Jewish inhabitants of the village. They had an
+especial fear of the Germans, and were proud of French equality.
+
+The advocate's son was buried with all the ceremonies of his church.
+Two slightly wounded South German officers, who were lying in the
+village, acted as the escort. They recognized in me the Colonel's
+father-in-law, and had much to tell me in his praise.
+
+"He shows that we are not inferior to the Prussians." Such appeared to
+be the highest compliment they could bestow upon him.
+
+Upon our return from the cemetery, to which the Jews here in Alsace
+give the peculiar name of the "good place,"[6] the advocate leaned upon
+my arm, and, as I sat next to him in the little room, after quietly
+meditating for a long while, he exclaimed, "In my youth I had willingly
+died for the true Fatherland; now, my son has been permitted to die for
+it."
+
+For years had I been in constant intercourse with this man; now, in his
+grief and in the hour of civil commotion, I first learned to know him;
+and to learn to know an upright man is to learn to love him.
+
+I have, like suffering Odysseus, participated in the experiences of
+many men; Rautenkron, the Colonel, and Arven have revealed to me their
+life-secrets. Now I was to hear still another's: the history of a
+step-child in his step-fatherland, who still longed for affection, for
+the closest friendship, and who, though repulsed and oppressed by the
+laws and his fellow-men, had not yet lost his love for them.
+
+As Offenheimer recounted the grievances he had suffered in the schools,
+and the incivilities and insults of later years, it seemed to me that I
+should ask his forgiveness for all this suffering and uncharitableness,
+of which, because of what we had done to him, and of what our ancestors
+had done to his, we were to-day guilty. Those who style themselves
+believers in the religion of love, would be much astonished at the
+strength of this man's affections, who, though repulsed and scorned;
+still preserved them pure. We live a whole human life and know nothing
+of the inward emotions of many of our contemporaries. Offenheimer spoke
+with great severity concerning the attempt to obtain recognition by
+means of extravagant display, that caused many Jews to appear
+unpatriotic and presumptuous. He explained this, indeed, as arising
+from the necessity, imposed by the prejudice against his race, of
+proving its claim to respectability, and was frank enough to refer to
+the early conduct of his sister as an example.
+
+Offenheimer then told me how happy it had made him to find his son
+growing up in comparative ignorance of such persecutions--he had thus
+developed naturally. He smiled sadly, as he added that he, though he
+had grown physically larger and more active, had acquired a lightness
+of heart which the man who is obliged to win his freedom before
+enjoying it, never acquires.
+
+"I do not mourn for my son," were his words: "he had reached the most
+beautiful period of life, and it is all the same, whether a man lives
+seventeen years or seventy. No man liveth to himself, and no one dieth
+to himself, says the apostle; and that is true. I understand it to be
+true in another sense as well. Each of us dies only to his connections
+and his posterity."
+
+It was a novelty to me to hear Holy Writ referred to as simply the
+teachings of wisdom. I have since then often found educated Israelites
+are not so much Jews, as simply not Christians.
+
+Offenheimer thanked me with great tenderness for the wonders that we
+had accomplished with Annette. She had been proud and selfish; now she
+had become humble, and lived for others.
+
+As I sat with him, the Rabbi of the place came and expressed his thanks
+for the generous subscription that had been made in memory of the
+fallen.
+
+One word, which the priest then uttered, went straight to my heart. He
+said the bereaved father would find consolation; for the Talmud
+declared that the patriarch Jacob could not suppress his sufferings and
+his tears for his lost son Joseph, because he felt within himself that
+his son still lived. Grief for one who is dead vanishes when the corpse
+becomes clay; for a living lost one, the grief endures.
+
+Oh! my lost son Ernst!
+
+Upon my return home, I found, awaiting me in the village, a man in a
+blue blouse, with a short pipe in his mouth, and wearing his cap awry.
+He approached me with a military salute, and said, "Yes, it is you."
+
+"Who am I?"
+
+"His father."
+
+"Whose father?"
+
+"Our sergeant's, Ernst Tännling."
+
+"That is not my name."
+
+"Of course! But he has confided to me--he took me, indeed, for a
+German--that his name was Waldfried. Do you remember that I met you in
+Paris during the World's Exposition. Your son deserted in 1866, and has
+a bride. Have I the correct signs now?"
+
+Alas! he had them, and again I heard that Ernst had entered the service
+in Algiers, and now, probably, was in the onward movement against
+Germany.
+
+The veteran allowed me no time for reflection. He confided to me, with
+great urgency and secrecy, that he could be of great service. He knew
+that I had great influence, and wanted me to conduct him to some
+officer of high rank; he could be of great service, but must receive
+liberal pay.
+
+I had learned much in life, but for the first time there stood before
+me a man who offered me his services as a spy. He had seized my hand,
+and it seemed as if his touch had soiled it.
+
+I sought further intelligence from him concerning Ernst, but he knew
+nothing more. I took him with me and handed him over to an officer that
+lay here. I considered it to be my duty not to discard the dirty, but
+perhaps useful, tool.
+
+With thoughts of Ernst in my breast, with the consciousness that my
+only son was in arms against the Fatherland, I was not in the mood to
+unburden my heart to others; and besides, it was evidently too early.
+Now, since force yet speaks, the good-will of the oppressed cannot be
+won.
+
+I turned back to my sister's, and was much delighted to meet
+Hartriegel, the so-called forest professor, who had been sent by the
+administration to inspect the forests.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER X.
+
+
+With Hartriegel and my brother-in-law, who had again in a measure
+regained his composure, I roamed through the great forest district; and
+this refreshed my soul, though the terrible thoughts about Ernst
+accompanied me by day and by night like a restless ghost.
+
+It was the night of the twenty-sixth of October. Hartriegel remained in
+the town. I had stayed with my sister; a storm was raging that seemed
+to portend the destruction of the world. Dogs howled, the cattle in the
+stalls bellowed unceasingly; there seemed a fearful wailing in the
+rattling of the thunder, and the turmoil and uproar of the elements. We
+heard sounds like the splitting of trees, continually nearer and
+nearer. We all sat together in the room, keeping watch, and my
+brother-in-law exclaimed, "It is just so! The trees even will clear out
+forthwith. They will not be German."
+
+As he said this, a tree behind the house cracked and fell over on the
+roof: the slates rattled, the timbers bent, and the storm now raged
+through the house, which we could not forsake; for out of doors the
+tempest raged so wildly, that it seemed as if everything that stood
+upright would be stricken to the ground. We waited until daylight, and
+at early morning a messenger arrived who came to tell me that Julius
+must depart, and to ask whether I would not bring Martha home with me.
+The messenger also showed us an "extra," that announced the capture of
+Metz, and the capitulation of 173,000 men.
+
+When my brother-in-law heard this, he exclaimed, "We are betrayed!"
+tore down the epaulettes, and the portrait of Bazaine, under whom he
+had served, from the wall, threw them on the floor, and trampled them
+under his feet.
+
+The messenger told us the roads were impassable; every where there lay
+trunks of trees, and near the house a slain stag. He, a very credulous
+man, had spent the night at the Oak of Saint Arbogast, and with pious
+fervor praised the saint who had protected him.
+
+After he had partaken of refreshments, he escorted my brother-in-law,
+who soon came back with the dead stag.
+
+We were separated from the world, and my sister rejoiced that she still
+had something for us to eat.
+
+At noon there came a neighboring forester with his men, and everybody
+was called upon, and worked through the entire night to make the roads
+again passable. Soldiers were also ordered from Hagenau to assist, and
+soon I heard the singing of German songs in the woods.
+
+The next morning Joseph arrived with his companion. He had been ordered
+by the chief forester to buy wood here, and had now decided, since it
+was so conveniently arranged, to purchase the greater portion of the
+windfall. What terrified us, awakened in him a speculation.
+
+"In the forest of Hagenau," said he, "there's also oak wood for
+Ludwig's mill."
+
+It was, and remained so; everything served as a stepping-stone to
+Joseph.
+
+He gave us further particulars of the capture of Metz, and of the march
+towards Paris. At the name of Paris, my brother-in-law's face became
+flushed and excited. "That you will never get, never!" he said; "the
+world will go to pieces, first! But Metz, indeed! And 173,000 men!
+believe in nothing after this!"
+
+I told Joseph of Ernst; I must impart it to some one. But Joseph
+urgently implored me to eradicate every thought of the lost one from my
+breast.
+
+I went to Strasburg, but the governor there had nothing to tell me. I
+was so weak that I longed for home again; there I hoped to regain my
+strength. I journeyed homewards with Martha.
+
+At the last railway station I met a large force of Tyrolese woodsmen
+that, upon Joseph's order, had been sent to work for him in Alsace, and
+as I neared home, I saw, here and there, clearings in the woods. The
+tempest had also raged here, and the newspapers brought the
+intelligence that over the whole continent great devastation had been
+occasioned by it.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+
+We had much to do to set up trees that had been prostrated by the wind;
+for dead trees, because of their harboring all sorts of noxious
+insects, imperil the existence of a whole forest.
+
+There came good letters from Julius, Richard, and the vicar, and we saw
+war life from three quite different aspects. Bertha sent us letters
+from the Colonel. He wrote but briefly. He must have been suffering
+great hardships, especially in the protracted rains; but he wrote,
+"when one feels inspired, he can endure much."
+
+They tell me of the noble courage of the olden time. When man fights
+with man, he receives invigorating impulse from the personal struggle.
+But to stand under a shower of fire, then advance on the enemy and be
+struck by far-carrying bullets, without firing a shot until one is at
+the right distance--all that is much more.
+
+Away off, the cannon thundered; we at home heard nothing but the
+measured beat of the thrasher, and that lasted a long while, for we
+lacked men at home.
+
+When it rained and snowed, and we sat sheltered in the room, we
+naturally fell to thinking of those who, for nights and weeks, fought
+on the now thoroughly drenched soil, and for their brief rest had no
+couch but the wet or icy earth.
+
+Ludwig wrote from Hamburg that he was about going to America. He was to
+make the journey with the secret approval and authority of an officer
+of high rank, in order to prevent the transmission of arms and
+ammunition to our foes.
+
+How much war demands of human nature!
+
+Snow had fallen; it snowed again and again, and we knew that what here
+was snow, up there was cold rain.
+
+I sat in the large arm-chair, and read the gazette. Here stands in few
+words, in peaceful paragraphs, what up there is blood and mangling of
+human bodies. It is indeed grand and sublime how the French, after the
+annihilation of their forces, again quickly gather together, and
+venture everything. A nation cannot surrender, and a nation that is so
+consciously proud and all-powerful cannot easily acknowledge, "I am
+conquered, and am wrong."
+
+They would not give us security for our boundary, and so the fighting
+and the devastation must still go on.
+
+While I thus sat quietly thinking, a telegram from the cabinet of the
+Prince was brought to me; I must forthwith hasten to the capital, and
+upon my arrival at the palace should cause myself to be immediately
+announced, be it night or day.
+
+What could be the matter? why was I so urgently summoned? Was it on
+Ernst's account? or Richard's, or the Colonel's? It seemed to me a
+great injustice that not a word of explanation accompanied the message,
+yet I equipped myself immediately for my departure. The stonecutter
+conducted me to the railway station. Joseph was not there; he had gone
+on to Lorraine. I was not familiar with his business enterprises.
+
+That--it was indeed, strange--kept my thoughts busy during the journey,
+and yet was I much oppressed by suspense as to the reason of my being
+called away. But happily the human mind can engage itself with new
+problems, and thus, for a while at least, forget the care and vexation
+that lie near at hand.
+
+I reached the capital, and found it as I had expected. What was snow
+with us in the mountains, was here a penetrating rain.
+
+On my way to the palace, I passed a brilliantly lighted theatre, and
+heard from within the sounds of music. Ah, that men should sing and
+juggle at such a time! But is not life a mighty aggregation of many
+incongruous individual activities?
+
+I reached the castle; the great entrance hall was lighted up and
+thoroughly warmed; I was obliged to wait a long time. When, at last, I
+saw the Prince, I found him unusually distressed or disturbed. He began
+by observing how different times were when we last had met; he said how
+deeply it pained him that so much blood must be shed--so much noble
+blood. He said this with deep emotion, and finally added, he had faith
+in me as a man of stout heart; I had so nobly borne so much suffering,
+that he had courage to tell me that the Colonel had been wounded by a
+shot through the breast. He was still living, but quite unconscious,
+when the bearer of the news left, and perhaps we had already a dead one
+to mourn.
+
+I could not utter a word; what was there to say?
+
+The Prince continued to speak of his grief at the shedding of so much
+blood, and expressed his dissatisfaction that his countrymen should
+have placed themselves in alliance with foreigners.
+
+I had no time nor mind for such discussions. I asked if the news had
+been sent to my daughter. He appeared disturbed by my question, and
+somewhat unwillingly answered, "I considered that a father's right and
+duty."
+
+He added, that this evening a sanitary commission would depart, with
+whom I and the Colonel's wife could go to the front.
+
+I know not what suggested the thought, but suddenly it occurred to me:
+The Prince would never make a minister of you; you were only a clever
+story-teller, who drove away the recollections of his own sufferings by
+the recital of your life-history. And of that was I thinking all the
+while I was talking to the Prince of other things.
+
+The demeanor of the Prince towards me seemed cold and distant. He
+called after me without extending his hand, "Adieu, Herr Waldfried!"
+
+Formerly, I had been called "dear Waldfried;" yes, at times, "dear
+friend."
+
+I mention this here, although it first struck me like a waking dream,
+during the journey. I was glad to be independent, and to be relieved
+from rendering homage to princes, and troubling myself as to whether I
+was addressed in one way or another. Although in my inmost heart I
+believe in a constitutional monarchy, I tell you, keep yourself free,
+and be dependent on no stranger's favor, or else you will be the most
+degraded of slaves.
+
+But now I must tell of my sad journey; and I think of the saying of the
+Colonel's: Human nature in its elevated moods can endure much.
+
+I came to Bertha's house. My heart beat wildly at the thought of the
+news I should bring to her. But as I ascended the steps, Professor
+Rolunt, the Colonel's friend, approached me, and said, "After the first
+dreadful shock, you were your daughter's first thought. She has asked
+for you."
+
+"And so she knows of it?"
+
+"Yes! I have told her, and we are off in an hour."
+
+"We!"
+
+"Yes! I go with her; and keep up Bertha's spirits. Should the worst
+have happened, we must bear it all."
+
+I went to Bertha. Speechless, she threw herself upon my neck, clasped
+me to her bosom, and wept and sobbed; nor could I utter one word.
+
+"Father!" she said, at last, "you will remain here with the
+children--or will you take them home with you?"
+
+"No, I will go with you. Don't refuse me. Don't let us waste useless
+words. I will go with you."
+
+We departed in the evening. We rested in beds, upon which soon should
+lie the sorely wounded. But, indeed, we, too, bore painful wounds in
+our hearts.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+It was well that Rolunt accompanied us; for I had not the strength to
+support Bertha in this wearisome journey, and to distract and lead her
+away from her quiet, noiseless brooding, and her counting the minutes
+as they slowly passed.
+
+The Professor had continually something to tell us, either of the
+points that we hurriedly passed, or of the sanitary aids who were with
+us. He told us of this and that one who had been a spoiled child--the
+pet of some fond mother--and now was suffering great hardships. This
+was the second supply train that he had accompanied; he had been the
+chief of the first one, and had much that was moving to tell us of the
+self-sacrificing conduct of the non-combatants. The employés of the
+post-office and the railroads were specially endeared to him, and he
+related wonderful instances of their activity and endurance.
+
+Bertha scarcely uttered a word; for the most part she only quietly held
+my hand. At times, she said, "Ah! the locomotive might be urged to move
+faster; it seems to me that it goes much too slowly."
+
+The Professor assured her that we should esteem ourselves lucky to
+reach our destination. Who knows how soon we should hear, "Halt, we go
+no further."
+
+Once Bertha arose; her face had in it something mysterious and strange,
+and she cried out, "Father, hold me!"
+
+"What is the matter? What is it?"
+
+"I think I must escape from myself. I will not live if he is dead. Oh!
+pardon me," she again exclaimed, sinking back into her seat, "I cannot
+endure the torment of my thoughts. How is it possible--how can it agree
+with any order in human affairs, that a piece of lead can destroy a
+full, rich, noble, human life!"
+
+She gazed at me with a peculiarly alarming expression; it was as if
+pale, pulsating strands were tightly drawn under the surface of her
+skin. Then she seized my hand and said, "Pardon me for inflicting all
+this upon you. I dare not now waste my strength in suffering; it is
+sinful, it is selfish, and it is terrible to wish for death. All my
+strength belongs to him. I will no longer complain, and will no longer
+give up to despair. Oh! if I could only sleep! One can give to another
+the sleep of death, but--I will be very quiet; indeed, I will not think
+any more."
+
+She leaned back and closed her eyes.
+
+While Bertha appeared to sleep, I told Rolunt of the last interview
+with the Prince. He explained matters to me. He said the Prince had
+believed that I knew all, and merely feigned ignorance for his sake. It
+was no secret that the Prince was beside himself with rage, because the
+general commanding had telegraphed the news not only to him, but also
+to the Prussian embassy. The latter made no secret of it, and the
+Prince saw in this an attempt to obtain popularity and favor at his
+expense. He hated the ambassador, as a legalized superintendent over
+him, who left him daily conscious that he no longer possessed his
+former sovereignty.
+
+It was fortunate that the Professor had prepared us; for--I cannot give
+the name of our halting place--we suddenly came to a stop. We had to
+wait an entire day, and it was only a day's journey to where the
+Colonel lay.
+
+Rolunt tried negotiations here and there; he had become hoarse from
+much talking. At last he came to us with a cheerful countenance. A
+shrewd, energetic man, he had succeeded in obtaining a wagon, and we
+travelled through the country. During the entire night we drove over
+torn-up roads. In the distance we saw burning villages. How many
+hundreds of peaceful homes were there destroyed. We turned our eyes
+from the sight. We went through villages riddled with shot and shell,
+and through others, in which here and there a light shone, and where we
+halted to feed the horses, we were observed with ugly, threatening
+glances. But the country was safe; for it was everywhere occupied by
+detachments of our troops.
+
+We reached the village where the Colonel was reported to be lying. We
+inquired here and there, but found him not: he must be in the next
+village. Thither we now journeyed.
+
+We met an artillery corps, and had to move into a field and await its
+passing. This took a terribly long while. They mocked us and cried at
+us in sport as they passed, and we were almost beside ourselves with
+impatience. And still we sat there protected from the drizzling rain,
+while our soldiers were steaming like horses.
+
+Rolunt got out. He asked the officers of the column after the Colonel.
+They knew nothing of him; they had only just arrived from a long march.
+
+At last we were permitted to proceed.
+
+At the entrance of the next village, Bertha recognized a soldier of her
+husband's regiment.
+
+"Is your Colonel living?" she asked.
+
+"Yes, yesterday he was still alive."
+
+"And to-day?"
+
+"Don't know. Haven't heard anything about him."
+
+I felt confident that he was yet living. I could not think that the
+strong, powerful man could be dead, and my hopefulness helped to
+support Bertha. We reached the house from which the white flag with the
+red cross was floating. I commanded my daughter to remain seated in the
+wagon, and to inquire of no one until I returned. She gave me her
+promise, but she could not keep her word, and it was indeed requiring
+too much of her. She saw her husband's servant, and called to him, and
+the lad said, "The Colonel is living, but--"
+
+"But what?"
+
+"He is very low."
+
+We entered the house, and the first one we met was Annette.
+
+"Be composed, Bertha! he lives. I came here immediately on receiving
+the intelligence of his being wounded, that I might do all that was
+possible for him," she said. She embraced her friend, and added, that
+we could not see him: he could not bear the shock.
+
+The Professor begged that he, at least, might be admitted. Annette
+called the doctor, and he gave permission to the Professor to see the
+wounded man.
+
+Annette remained with us, and said, "The bullet has not yet been
+found." The shot had entered the breast just above the heart, only
+escaping it by a hair's-breadth.
+
+The Colonel led his regiment independently and separated from the
+Prussians, and it was a piece of jealousy, and the ambition to
+distinguish himself, that caused him to press forward so recklessly and
+thrust himself in danger's way. He had to march over a plain, to take a
+battery planted on a height, and it was there that he was struck.
+
+When he had fallen, and saw death before him, he exclaimed, "The Romans
+were right; it is glorious to die for one's country. I want no other
+grave; let me be buried with my soldiers." Then for a long while he was
+unconscious.
+
+After a little while Rolunt came to us, and said that the Colonel was
+unable to speak, but by his glances had shown that he recognized him.
+
+Bertha begged for the dress of a nurse, so that she could at least
+venture into the sick-room. She promised not to go near her sick
+husband. But the doctor emphatically forbade it. There was no certainty
+that the wounded man would not recognize her, if only by her step or
+carriage. He almost feared that the sick man might suspect something
+from the presence of the Professor; for he opened and shut his eyes so
+quickly. And so we had to wait and listen, and were condemned to
+inactivity.
+
+We met still another friend: Baron Arven. He had forgotten his own
+griefs, was restlessly active and appeared wondrously rejuvenated. In
+an hour he had to go to another hospital, and transferred to us his
+quarters, in which we could rest.
+
+Bertha said she could not sleep; but consented to lie down and rest
+herself, in order to gather strength for what might be in store for
+her. She lay down and was soon fast asleep. She often moved
+convulsively, as if troubled with fearful dreams, but still continued
+to slumber. I at last also fell asleep. Towards morning, I was awakened
+by a loud voice:
+
+"I must see him; I have found him."
+
+Is not that the voice of Rothfuss? Yes, it was.
+
+Bertha also awoke, and asked, "Where are we? Has the train stopped?" I
+explained to her where we were. With difficulty, she collected herself.
+She went directly with us to the house where the Colonel lay, and
+remained with Annette. She heard that the Colonel had also slept, and
+Annette, who had sat with him, remarked, he had lightly whispered,
+"Bertha;" he must suspect that she is here.
+
+Rothfuss took me aside and said, "We have him and her also."
+
+"Yes, the Colonel and Bertha."
+
+"No, no! Ernst and Martella. 'The Lord God is the best child's nurse
+for wild lads,' my mother has often said."
+
+I felt as if reason had forsaken me.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+Only gradually did I clearly comprehend all that had happened to me.
+
+I can no longer count the shots, nor specify whence or by whom they
+were discharged against me, and how it was that I remained unharmed.
+But I have passed through it all, and must also permit you to
+experience it.
+
+Rothfuss related to me, very composedly, that he had done Carl
+injustice; one might be imprisoned, although innocent, and it happened
+to him with horse and wagon. He and the bays had been captured by the
+wild Turcos, and he had almost fancied himself in hell while with those
+savages, who did not even know how to talk intelligibly.
+
+"Sir! they would have shot me for a spy. They placed me against the
+wall. And there I stand and they aim at me. I take a last look at the
+sky and the trees, something dims my sight, and I think to myself, if
+it were only over! Then some one calls out, 'Halt!' And I think I
+recognize the voice. He talks gibberish, of which I do not comprehend a
+word, but they don't shoot. He orders me to be tied tighter. And there
+I lie in a miserable stall and can't stir. And then comes some one
+sneaking along, and whispers, 'Keep yourself quiet, Rothfuss.' And who
+do you think it is? Our Ernst. And then we cried together, like little
+children, and Ernst said, 'Keep yourself quiet! What I have been
+through, couldn't be told in a thousand years. Now come with me!' And
+for a long while there we were, creeping along the ground like frogs,
+until we reached the horses, which were fastened outside. To unloose
+them, spring upon them, and gallop away, took but a moment. The French
+fired at us, but they didn't hit us, and away we went until we reached
+our lines, and there Ernst said to me, 'You once passed for my brother
+Ludwig; now do as much for me! Give me your clothes!'"
+
+Rothfuss had to give him his blue blouse. Then Ernst transferred his
+horse to him, and said, "Leave me now! we will soon meet again."
+
+Rothfuss was about relating how he had found Martella, when she
+entered. She had become very thin, but otherwise unchanged; was gayly
+attired, and cried out as she perceived me: "Oh! father, happily met
+again! To-day is Ernst's wedding-day, and my Sunday, my greatest
+holiday, my ascension-day."
+
+She offered no excuse for having run away; she made no mention of her
+recent experiences, and as I could not avoid telling her what pain and
+anxiety she had occasioned me, she exclaimed, "I know it better than
+you can tell me; but indulge me for to-day: to-morrow, when I have
+Ernst by the hand, we will set everything straight. He rescued Carl,
+who would have bled to death, if he had not found him.
+
+"Ernst carried him; yes, he is strong; he brought him all the way here.
+His face, his hands, his clothes, were all full of blood. But that
+doesn't hurt; it can all be washed off. Everything can be washed away
+if one is sound within; and now everything, everything will be washed
+away.
+
+"Now I heard that Ernst had come to the regiment in which Carl was. He
+introduced himself as a German with the name of Frohn." Martella added,
+"That is the name of a comrade, who on the voyage threw himself in
+despair into the sea."
+
+Ernst had declared that he would not fight against his countrymen, but
+with them against the French. What proofs of loyalty he was submitted
+to have never been made known to me. He was uniformed and placed at a
+post of danger, where a strict watch could be kept upon him. He
+conducted himself bravely, and when Carl was struck, he rescued him at
+the risk of his own life. But he was never recognized, and none but
+Carl, Martella, and Rothfuss knew who he was.
+
+They had, during the night, heard of my arrival, and Ernst had stood
+guard before the house for hours. Martella had shown him the letter of
+pardon; but he exclaimed that he wished no pardon, and would not
+examine the letter.
+
+Martella begged him to show himself to me. But he said, "I know of how
+many nights of rest I have robbed my father; I will not now disturb his
+slumbers, and will for the first time appear before him, and clasp his
+knees, when by I have done something to show him what I am at heart.
+When I come out of the battle, I will go to my father: then I can look
+him in the face."
+
+"Right, right," said Martella; "if you go into the fight with such
+thoughts, you will surely come out of it safe and sound, and your
+mother in heaven will stretch her hands in blessings over you."
+
+"My mother in heaven? Is she dead?"
+
+"Didn't you know it? Alas! already over three years; she died upon your
+birth-day."
+
+"On my birth-day!" He said this, and was then for a long time silent.
+Then again he said, "I think I dare not kiss you again to-day."
+
+"Your mother loved you to her latest breath, and she kissed me just
+before she died."
+
+"He sighed heavily and then kissed me," said Martella, "Only once
+again; for the last time. No, not for the last time! he must live!"
+
+Just as Ernst had again gone away, there came the order to march
+immediately without baggage. The people never knew beforehand when
+there was to be a battle; but such a command naturally gave rise to
+anticipations of a fight.
+
+As Martella turned away, while Ernst prepared for his departure, she
+heard the voice of Rothfuss, who told the baker Lerz that his bays were
+ruined, but that he had received two fine Burgundians in exchange.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+It was now highly important to find Ernst. We left the house before
+day-break; Bertha was still sleeping.
+
+I permitted Martella and Rothfuss to conduct me to the hospital in
+which the Colonel was lying. I was scarcely conscious where I was, or
+whither I was going; I felt as if there was a heavy burden upon my
+shoulders, and could not help looking to the right and left, as if
+something was threatening me. But I could endure it and could proceed
+without assistance.
+
+Rolunt seemed to have expected me. He said the Colonel was in about the
+same condition, neither better nor worse. I bade him send one of the
+female attendants to Bertha; I could not tell him who it was I sought.
+
+When we left the house, my grandson, the vicar, approached me.
+"Grandfather, I know all," said he, "but at such a time one can bear
+manifold troubles. I also endure them; I have just come from my sad
+duties at a deathbed."
+
+I told him that we were seeking Ernst, and we thought he might be with
+those with whom, just before the march, he had held a brief divine
+service. We went with him. The day began to dawn.
+
+The graceful figure of Martella seemed to hover in the gray twilight,
+and as she turned and looked upon me, it seemed to me that the
+extraordinary depth of the sockets of her eyes was greater than ever.
+There was something sadly brilliant in her glance, and it seemed
+directed to a distance.
+
+Before the village, on a plain in front of a small hill, the regiments
+were formed in deep squares, presenting masses that looked like church
+walls.
+
+We searched around. Martella went to the left, Rothfuss to the right.
+They came back; they had not found Ernst, and yet he must be there.
+Martella stood quietly near me; only once did she look up at me, and
+her eye was piercingly brilliant. She folded her hands together
+convulsively, apparently, also, to conceal her trepidation.
+
+A chorale was performed by the band, in which all the troops present
+joined, while the heavens reddened as the vicar, with steady steps,
+descended the hill, and wended his way towards us. Every one held his
+breath; perhaps Ernst is down there among them.
+
+The vicar spoke with a clear voice. He had pleased by his written
+words, but when he spoke, it was still better and more inspiring.
+
+"See here!" he exclaimed. "I have come here without any Bible. Holy is
+the Book of Revelation, thrice holy. With it the world has learned to
+comprehend itself and God, and will gather instruction from it to all
+eternity.
+
+"I carry it in my heart, and from my heart I call out to you in the
+words of the Apostle Paul (Romans xiv. 7): 'For none of us liveth to
+himself, and no man dieth to himself.' That should be in your soul, in
+your memory, should your soul be in a struggle, and, if it must be so,
+in death. Thou art not for thyself in this world, and goest not for
+thyself from this world. Thou art called, thou art mustered for the
+great universal battle for the holy kingdom of the spirit, of honor, of
+freedom, of unity.
+
+"Just imagine, ye who have achieved the victory and must again win it,
+how it would be if all these things were reversed.
+
+"The spirit of darkness hovers in the air like millions of black
+ravens, hiding the sun and blighting everything that hath life. Through
+the streets of thy native villages rage the wild hordes of Asia, and
+murder, robbery, outrage, and fire prevail everywhere.
+
+"Thou who mournest thy brother, or thy fallen comrade, thou that liest
+wounded, forget thy pain. Open thine eyes! Through thee, through thy
+comrades, the light of the world is rescued: knowledge, justice,
+decency, honor, integrity. I say it to you and you may say it to each
+other; for thus has God willed it.
+
+"And thou who still holdest the weapon in thy firm grasp, be of
+cheerful heart! The saints hover over the banners that you shall
+victoriously bring home; and when the bloody, cruel, terrible work is
+done, then you will permit no other pride to possess you, than that you
+were summoned to labor for the kingdom of freedom and unity, for the
+kingdom of the spirit, in which there is no enemy to be conquered, but
+in which each shall be a moving temple of the Holy Spirit. Keep
+yourselves firm: for none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to
+himself. Amen!"
+
+A quiet prayer was offered up; then the regiments moved into column,
+and the whole army set itself in motion.
+
+The vicar came to me, and for a long while held me by the hand. We
+uttered no word. Then he followed the army, and I went with Rothfuss
+and Martella back to the hospital.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+We met Annette, whose presence had greatly improved Bertha's spirits.
+
+Annette took us into an out-of-the-way room, and there said, "I have
+for a long time called you father from mere sentiment. You allowed me,
+but now I dare to do so because it is my right."
+
+She gave me a letter from Richard, from head quarters, and the letter
+was addressed, "My beloved bride."
+
+Annette kissed my trembling hands, and she kissed me again and again,
+when I told her that my wife in her dying hour had called out, "Richard
+will marry her after all."
+
+Annette added that they did not intend to get married until peace was
+concluded.
+
+"Of course," said Bertha, as if addressing me, "you will understand
+that we can give no expression to our joy just now."
+
+Annette, indeed, did not permit us to linger long over this joyful
+message. She said that her patients now claimed all her time, and only
+while we were descending the steps, she once stopped and quietly
+related to us how her old custom of pouring out her feelings with every
+new experience had suddenly opened the hearts that had so long been as
+if sealed towards each other. She had said to Richard, who recently
+passed through here, "So long as men are well, they are all alike. When
+they are wounded or sick, each one displays the traits that are
+peculiar to him." Then Richard replied, "You speak from my mother's
+soul;" and on that day they were betrothed.
+
+"Now I no more need," said Annette, as we went on, "to chloroform my
+soul with religion. I have learned to apply the real chloroform, and in
+helping others we help ourselves also."
+
+Annette invited us to go with her to the patients; she might thereby
+make the tedious hours of watching more easy for Bertha. She first
+conducted us to a handsome young man with a full, blond beard, whose
+thigh had been fractured. Her mere appearance seemed to revive the sick
+man.
+
+It was a pathetic look with which he gazed upon her, and stretched his
+thin hand towards her.
+
+Annette introduced him to us as an artist of great repute, and,
+assuming a merry tone of voice, she said, "He has painted me in other
+colors. He does not like the dull and sombre black; indeed, the
+silver-gray dress with the white apron is much more cheerful. And why
+should we not be cheerful?"
+
+The face of the young man brightened, and Annette bade Bertha to read
+something to him. In going the rounds, she made us acquainted with a
+wounded German officer, who never ceased heaping extravagant praises
+upon his nurse. Annette bade me to come quickly to a man from my
+village, for whom I could perhaps do something, and, with a trembling
+voice, mentioned Carl's name to me.
+
+We approached his bed. He gazed upon me with staring eyes, and cried,
+in heart-rending tones, "Mother, mother!" I spoke to him; I asked him
+if he knew me. But he continually exclaimed, "Mother, mother, mother!"
+
+The surgeon came and bade us leave the patient. Then he said to
+Annette, "Have a screen placed here. This young man may die at any
+moment, and the others should neither see nor know of it."
+
+Just as the screen was put in its place, the door opened, and a voice
+was heard, "My child! my child! Carl! my child! Carl!"
+
+"Mother, mother!" cried the wounded man, and he raised himself up, and
+mother and son were folded in each other's arms. Then Carl cried out,
+"Marie! you too! you too, there! Come!"
+
+He then fell back.
+
+The surgeon then approached and said, "He is extremely weak, and in a
+critical condition!" Restoratives were applied and he opened his eyes.
+
+After a while he said, "How did you know that I--"
+
+"Be quiet! don't speak so much! Don't exert yourself too much. Your
+eyes have already told me everything. And now, yes, it was the vicar,
+Waldfried's grandson, who wrote me where you were."
+
+"I am hungry. Give me something to eat!"
+
+"I have brought you one of our hens; I brought it all the way from
+home," said the old woman.
+
+"I must eat, I must eat!" exclaimed Carl. His strength, wasted and
+exhausted through loss of blood, appeared to return, and he seemed
+rescued by the magic of love.
+
+His mother ought to have left him, but she would not obey the surgeon.
+She obeyed me, however. When she saw Bertha, she cried out, "My son,
+my Carl, my child lives! Bertha! I tell you, your husband who lies
+there--Bertha, your husband is saved too: he will be saved."
+
+"Bertha!" We heard a call from the adjoining room; it was the voice of
+the colonel.
+
+Bertha almost swooned; I caught her in my arms. She collected herself
+and hurried towards the door; it was closed. Annette called to us from
+within, that we should wait quietly, for it was a critical moment.
+
+What anxious moments were those, while we stood at the door listening
+to the movements and groans within.
+
+After a while, the surgeon hastily opened the door, and said, "Now go
+away softly! There has been a hemorrhage, and the ball has come with
+it. There is now a chance of his recovery, but I must insist on perfect
+quiet!"
+
+Bertha sank to the floor, while she placed her finger on her lips, and
+motioned me to be silent. They say that we were only waiting a quarter
+of an hour. But oh! how long it seemed! Then the surgeon opened the
+door again, and, seeing Bertha on the floor, said, "You may go in now
+and shake hands with the Colonel, but do not say anything to him, as he
+is not allowed to speak for the present."
+
+Bertha went in. She reached her hand to her husband. He moved his eyes
+in recognition; then the surgeon motioned us to depart.
+
+We went away. From afar, we could hear the rattle of musketry and the
+roar of artillery, and the reports constantly became louder and more
+frequent.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XVI.
+
+
+Evening was approaching, when the surgeon sent us word that his patient
+had been sleeping. He had awakened and asked for Bertha and me.
+
+We went to him. He could only recognize us by glances, and a wonderful
+smile overspread his features. He turned his eyes to the surgeon, who
+understood him, and said, "Yes, your wife may sit here for a quarter of
+an hour. But you must both be perfectly quiet."
+
+And so we sat there speechless, and heard the din of battle gradually
+cease; only occasional shots were now fired.
+
+I was called to the front of the house. Martella and Rothfuss stood
+before me. Martella, breathless, told me that Ernst's company had again
+been in the fight, many were missing, and, among them, Ernst; he ought
+to be hunted up.
+
+Rothfuss desired that I should stay behind; but Martella exclaimed,
+seizing my arm, "What do you mean? Father goes with us!"
+
+She had made a wreath to take to Ernst, and she held it in her
+trembling hands. She carried Ernst's prize-cup and a bottle of wine in
+a basket on her arm.
+
+We went through the village towards the hill. Four men approached with
+a litter.
+
+"Ernst! Ernst!" cried Martella.
+
+The two men stopped, and one asked, "Who's there? Who calls?" It was
+Ikwarte's voice.
+
+"Set it down!" commanded the other. "Isn't that Martella?" It was
+Wolfgang who spoke.
+
+We stepped nearer. They carried a man who had been shot in the leg. The
+man raised his head, and said, "That is his father." It was the son of
+the owner of the saw-mill down in the valley. "He commissioned me to
+carry his love to you. He made himself known to me."
+
+"Where is he? Is he dead?"
+
+"He must be lying up there. Oh! he has done great things."
+
+"What has he done? Where is he?" anxiously inquired Martella. "Speak!
+be quick! listen, father!"
+
+The wounded man raised himself with difficulty and spoke:
+
+"We stood within range of the enemy's batteries. Shot after shot tore
+through our ranks. Many were falling. Everybody sheltered himself.
+Ernst stood upright, and said in a clear voice, 'Stand firm! Face the
+bullets! That's the way to be brave.' Finally, we advanced, when a
+lieutenant was shot in the forehead; our sergeant stepped into his
+place, and he also fell. Then Ernst took command, and marched along by
+the drummer. Bang! then the drummer was shot. Ernst unloosened the drum
+from his body, and drummed for us. He beat a powerful flourish, and
+cried out, 'Give it to them!' Then there came a shell, and I lay on the
+ground and saw nothing more. When I came to myself, I still heard
+drumming. But all at once there was a report, a cry--and the drumming
+ceased."
+
+Martella tore up the wreath; but she quickly seized the grasses and
+flowers and held them with a convulsive grasp.
+
+"Away! away! we must find him!" she exclaimed. "We must find him! He is
+living!"
+
+Ikwarte and Wolfgang hastened with the wounded man into a neighboring
+house. Not far off, a wagon stopped. They returned with it, and
+Wolfgang and Martella sat in it with me. So we drove on through the
+entire night. Ikwarte knew where the miller's son was sheltered. We
+were silent; only Martella murmured to herself, "Keep up, Ernst; keep
+up! We are coming! Oh! mother in heaven, look down upon him!"
+
+We were obliged to get out--the road crossed the fields. I went a
+little distance, but could go no farther. Both of the faithful servants
+begged that Wolfgang would stay with me. We sat down by the roadside,
+and noticed a moving object quite near us. It was a wounded horse, that
+raised its head, and then, with a rattle in its throat, fell back dead.
+
+We heard Martella, across the field, calling, "Ernst! Ernst! my Ernst!
+where are you! Ernst! we are here, your father and I!" Then we heard
+nothing more.
+
+A chill seized me. The ground was damp, and Wolfgang insisted that I
+should sit upon the dead horse, whose body was still warm. We quietly
+waited. In the heavens the clouds were scudding by, and here and there
+the stars sparkled. In the village a clock commenced striking. Wolfgang
+counted aloud: it struck eleven.
+
+Now some one approached; my name was called. It was Ikwarte.
+
+"We have found him," he joyfully exclaimed. "Come quickly!"
+
+"Is he living?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Accompanied by Ikwarte and Wolfgang, I went along. Oh! I cannot tell
+the horrors I then saw and heard.
+
+"There, by the torch, there he is!"
+
+My knees shook under me. Then a man came again towards us, and cried
+out, "Grandfather, come! There is yet time!"
+
+It was my grandson, the vicar. We reached the place. There lay Martella
+on the ground bending over a figure. Rothfuss stood by her with the
+torch, and Martella cried, "Ernst, wake up! Your father is here!"
+
+I kneeled down by him. I saw his face. His eyes were closed, but his
+breast rose and fell quickly.
+
+"Ernst! my beloved child! my long-lost child! Ernst! your father calls
+you! Your mother calls you from eternity! Ernst, you shall live! you
+have repented; you have atoned! Ernst, Ernst! my son, my son!"
+
+He opened his eyes and moved his hand towards me. I seized it; it was
+stiff.
+
+"Father, forgive!" he moaned. "Martella, pardon! Oh! mother--father!"
+
+He breathed his last breath. I just saw Martella throw herself upon
+him, with an agonizing cry; then I saw and heard nothing more.
+
+
+
+
+
+                              BOOK SIXTH.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER I.
+
+
+"Stand firm! Face the bullets!" With these words, Ernst had encouraged
+his men to the last. My own experience illustrated them.
+
+For a considerable time, I did not know what had happened, either to me
+or to those about me. I only knew that I lay behind a white curtain
+with blue flowers, and could not keep my eyes open for any length of
+time. The flowers assumed all sorts of odd shapes, and the fantastic
+figures seemed to be ever changing and rushing towards me.
+
+I think I was not really sick, only inexpressibly weak; and the fatigue
+and exhaustion prevented me from directing my thoughts at will. I was
+childishly grateful for everything. I looked at the wood in the door
+and rejoiced that it was firm; I heard the fire in the stove and was
+delighted that it warmed me; I was grateful to the bed that supported
+me, so that I did not need to do it myself.
+
+I remember that Bertha and Annette would occasionally visit me; but my
+grandson Wolfgang stayed with me nearly all the time. Through the
+hardships of war and constant exposure, Wolfgang had almost ripened
+into manhood. He had become stronger and stouter than of old, and his
+voice was now more manly.
+
+"I am so glad, grandfather, to hear you call me by my own name again;
+you always used to call me Ernst," said Wolfgang one day, and from that
+hour I felt that the heavy clouds were slowly clearing away; and when
+they had disappeared, I saw everything around me distinctly, and by
+degrees I remembered what had happened.
+
+"Is Ernst--buried?"
+
+"Yes, grandfather."
+
+I now asked Wolfgang to inform me what had occurred while I was
+unconscious, and what had become of Martella.
+
+"Grandfather," said Wolfgang, "I must tell you the truth. Martella is
+no longer separated from Ernst. She has reached the goal."
+
+I felt as if the clouds were again gathering before my eyes, but,
+through the mists, I met Gustava's lustrous eyes, saying, "She was true
+till death."
+
+Wolfgang took my hand in his, and the youth's firm grasp gave me
+renewed strength. I begged him to tell me all, and he began:
+
+"We brought you down to Aunt Annette, who, foreboding evil, had met us
+half-way. It then suddenly occurred to us that in our dreadful
+excitement and anxiety about you, no one had taken care of Martella,
+and that she had not followed us. Rothfuss said he was completely worn
+out, and must stay with his master. Ikwarte has nerves and muscles of
+steel. I felt as if my eyes burnt in their sockets; never before
+had I been so tired; but I returned with him, nevertheless, to the
+battle-field, half dead with sleep and fatigue." Wolfgang shivered,
+stopped awhile, and then continued: "We knew the place where Ernst lay,
+and soon found him. The moon lit up his face wonderfully. Beside him
+lay Martella, motionless; she clung to him in a close embrace, cheek to
+cheek, hand in hand. Is she dead, too? It were best! I bent down to
+her; she breathed heavily. I called her name. How she stared at me
+wildly and vacantly! Then she motioned us to be quiet, and whispered,
+'He will soon be warm again; soon, very soon.' I tried to persuade her
+to follow us; she answered, 'O Wolfgang! you are so good; bring some
+wild honey. Oh, wait, Ernst! your nephew is coming with wild honey, and
+here I have your cup, your hunting cup.' I tried to persuade her, and
+she answered, 'Oh, you have mother's voice. Mother, tell him, oh, tell
+him to rise again.' She threw herself beside the corpse, and when I
+cried, 'Martella, get up; come with us,' she answered, 'You see he
+cannot move now, but I will follow you; you have my mother's voice.'
+She did not then seem to remember the dead. She went with me and let me
+lead her by the hand; but suddenly she tore away and returned, crying,
+'They leave him lying alone on the cold ground, in the dark night.'
+
+"She broke down. We tried to administer some restorative, but her mouth
+was firmly closed, and her breast was heaving violently. At last
+Ikwarte succeeded in administering the draught. We brought her to a
+ruined house in the vicinity. The doors had all been taken off--I had
+helped at the work myself; they had done service as litters.
+
+"We placed Martella on a seat by the hearth, and I succeeded in
+gathering some wood and starting a fire. 'Oh, how good! Oh, how warm!'
+said she to the flickering flames. Her teeth chattered. We hoped that,
+after she was well warmed, she would be able to go farther with us. She
+sat there quietly, her elbows resting on her knees, her face covered
+with both her hands.
+
+"'Wolfgang, keep me with you,' she said suddenly. 'Be good to me; you
+are his brother's child; keep me with you--do not leave me. Tell me how
+many years it is since he died? O Ernst, you are so happy that I cannot
+weep. Why are you glad? Oh, if I could but weep! You have been away so
+long, and why do you not return? What shall I do in this world without
+you! Mother, Ernst is with you; you do not need him; send him to me--he
+is mine. I have nothing more in this world. My dog is dead, too. My
+little red stockings--oh, I was so happy. Martella is lost. Hunt for
+her in the woods where the wild honey grows. Do you hear the cuckoo?
+Cuckoo!'
+
+"She stared vacantly into the flames; then she cried: 'My eyes burn
+like fire! I cannot weep. O Ernst! Ernst!'
+
+"She tore the satchel from her girdle, tore the letter of pardon into
+fragments, and cried: 'Everything shall burn just as my eyes do. Come
+here, your Highness, and see how your handwriting burns.'
+
+"Dawn was breaking. Through the open door, we saw some men approaching
+with a litter.
+
+"'Here is Herr Rautenkron,' said Ikwarte. Martella rushed out and saw
+the men carrying Ernst's body. She rushed towards them, sank beside the
+litter and cried: 'My Ernst! You are not dead!'
+
+"A fearful shriek, which rang out far over the barren fields, was
+forced from her tortured breast. She clasped her hand to her heart
+while a flood of tears streamed over her cheeks. Suddenly she broke
+down and sank on the body of Ernst. A physician, who had come with the
+men, laid his hand on her heart. It was still: he listened for her
+breathing; it had ceased.
+
+"'My child! my child!' cried Rautenkron; she heard nothing more."
+
+So ended Wolfgang's story. His firm hand clasped mine, and I felt as if
+that alone held me there among the living.
+
+"And what became of Rautenkron?" I was able to ask after a long
+interval.
+
+"He had suddenly become an old man, with hollow cheeks and lustreless
+eyes. He sat on the ground, stared at the corpse, and did not speak a
+word. It rained in torrents. Every one endeavored to induce Rautenkron
+to seek the shelter of the hut, but he did not answer. At last he
+arose, pulled the hood of his cloak over his head, lit a cigar, and
+said to me, 'Stay here; I shall come back presently.' After a while, he
+returned with axe and spade. Alone, he dug the grave in which Ernst and
+Martella were laid."
+
+Wolfgang paused, and I remembered the sacred verses from the lament of
+David for Jonathan:
+
+                 "In death they were not divided."
+
+"Where is Rautenkron?" I asked at last.
+
+"When the grave was filled up, he disappeared. Later, we learned his
+fate. You remember that our men had taken the city near by and occupied
+it; but the French had so strengthened the castle which commanded it,
+that it seemed impossible to drive them out. Rautenkron volunteered to
+discover the mines which doubtless were under it. No one knows how he
+gained an entrance, but on the following day the powder-magazines in
+the cellars of the castle exploded and destroyed part of the castle,
+which was then stormed. Great numbers of the enemy were killed. Careful
+search was made for Rautenkron, but no trace of him was discovered, and
+as, up to this time, nothing has been heard of him, it seems sure that
+he was buried beneath the ruins."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+
+
+Bertha informed me that the Colonel was out of danger, and was staying
+in the city during his convalescence. The physician thought he would be
+able to lead his regiment within a few weeks. The old spinner had
+returned homewards with Carl. He had been taken to the hospital of our
+capital.
+
+"And Anton, of the saw-mill--is he dead?"
+
+"Father, I am telling you the whole truth; but I beg of you, do not
+seek to learn all these things to-day. Take care of yourself, for our
+sakes."
+
+I was soon again able to be up, and Bertha could not say enough in
+praise of the kindness and sympathy of the French people, in whose
+house I lay.
+
+The housewife now wanted to speak to me, too.
+
+She came, and was quite delighted to receive my heartfelt thanks.
+
+A few days later, I was permitted to visit the Colonel, and the first
+words he uttered were, "Bertha, now I firmly believe in my recovery.
+You wear your hair in curls again."
+
+He informed me that he had considered it an ill omen, when Bertha had
+worn her hair plain. Now that he was out of danger, the curls and
+happiness were back again.
+
+Then he recounted everything, from the first moment of his being
+wounded, when he seemed to realize what death is. It seemed like a
+stroke of lightning; then all was night and utter darkness. His
+adjutant stepped to his couch, grasped his hand, kissed it, and wept
+over it. He felt the kisses and the tears, but was unable to give a
+sign of consciousness, either by a pressure of the hand or by a word;
+within him, all was life, like a subterranean stream.
+
+I did not long have the pleasure of listening to the reminiscences of
+the convalescent Colonel. I longed to return home. When the next train
+started for Germany, it was in charge of Professor Rolunt, who had
+nursed the Colonel like a brother; they yielded to my entreaties, and,
+in a well-heated car, I journeyed homewards.
+
+Wolfgang accompanied me to the State capital, and then, in company with
+Christiane, returned with a load of medicines and delicacies to the
+theatre of war.
+
+I felt as if I could not get thoroughly well again except at home, and
+so it proved. When I inhaled the air of our forest-covered mountains,
+it gave me new life.
+
+The Privy Councillor's wife insisted on my resting at her house for a
+few days, and by the careful nursing of our physician as well as his
+confident manner, which of itself was a remedy, I soon gained fresh
+vigor. It did me good to hear Lady Von Rontheim entwine the memories of
+our fallen sons. She informed me, briefly and clearly, of what had
+happened during my illness; for now, when I could again read and
+understand the papers, I noticed many lapses in my knowledge of events.
+
+While I was living in the little town, Ludwig came. I did not
+comprehend how I could have omitted to inquire about him; and now he
+brought with him a refreshing breeze from another hemisphere. As he had
+previously informed me by letter, he had journeyed to England and then
+to America, to prevent shipments of arms for the French. He had not had
+much success, although he offered, through the newspapers, a large
+reward for any information regarding such shipments.
+
+I felt pained when he said, "We Germans have no friends abroad, because
+we have not hitherto presented to the world an imposing front. During
+the last half-century, the German nation was like a man who has the
+consciousness of honest intentions, and who counts on the recognition
+of them by others. But neither an individual nor a people obtains
+recognition gratuitously. They must wrest it from the world; and the
+best and the easiest way is not to wait for it, but to put your
+shoulder to the wheel. Now the nations speak in another key; but they
+would all have rejoiced if the brilliant Frenchman had overpowered us."
+
+This pained me, and I did not wish to believe it. Ludwig proved to me
+that, in England and America, some of the more far-sighted favored our
+cause, and that the governments could have easily prevented the
+shipment of arms and much useless carnage, had they seriously desired
+it. He considered it infinitely better that we did not need to ask, as
+we had hitherto done, "What do other nations think of us? How are they
+inclined towards us?" but that in future others would have to ask,
+"What do the Germans think of us? How are they inclined?" Ludwig, while
+abroad, had, with delight, perceived the general curiosity and
+amazement, in regard to the newly discovered wonder-land--Germany. He
+declared that we had no idea of the effect our wonderful achievements
+had had upon the people of all lands. He had everywhere announced the
+German Emperor, before he even was proclaimed at home.
+
+We at home scarcely know how much we have gained in the esteem of
+others, and how gigantically our future looms up before the eyes of
+astonished mankind. They see a thousand different effects flow from
+this new birth; and I believe they are in the right.
+
+Conny came to town, and, with her and Ludwig, I returned home.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III.
+
+
+When I rode along the forest road, I saw Gaudens at his work. He wore a
+soldier-cap, and whistled "Die Wacht am Rhein," while clearing up the
+ditch beside the footpath.
+
+The valley stream was frozen tight, the trees were heavily laden with
+snow. Ludwig reported that he had purchased machines in America and
+England for our mill. With the aid of these, the winter would, in
+future, not prevent operations. Finished work could be set up, except
+when the orders were to ship the articles in separate parts. It seemed
+as if he contemplated remaining with us, as he had settled up much of
+his business in America. Besides, on his way home, he had taken some
+large contracts from building associations. When I expressed surprise
+at the varied fields of his activity, he said, "Father, I have
+remembered this from what I have learned of music; you may play a
+different air with each hand, and still both must be in harmony. My
+right hand plays the melody 'personal advantage,' my left, the melody
+'public weal;' sometimes they change about, too. I have built
+water-works, that were for the good of many; but they were good for me,
+too, and I do not think that without this I would have built them so
+cheerfully. Just now a great mania for building prevails among the
+people, and we shall be able to give employment to many good laborers
+who have been driven out of France."
+
+We came to the saw-mill near the bridge. Here, on the same day that the
+news arrived of Anton's death, a workman had lost three of his ringers
+by the circular saw. Ludwig went to the man and engaged him as sorter
+of the different kinds of timber.
+
+The saw-mill was stopped, and all the shutters were closed. Here we met
+Joseph, who informed us that since the death of his son, the owner of
+the mill had lost all energy and pleasure in his business. He had
+removed to a daughter of his in the opposite valley, and wanted to sell
+the property. "You must buy this, and work for us," cried Ludwig.
+
+Joseph answered sadly that he could not; he said he was in danger of
+losing everything. He had invested almost his entire property in wood
+in the Hagenau forest, and if Bourbaki and his army should force their
+way through, all would be lost over there as well as here.
+
+These were certainly very gloomy prospects, and we could not get any
+comfort at home; we daily expected the advance of Bourbaki's army, and
+it was said that preparations were being made to lay the whole country
+waste.
+
+My sister wrote that in Alsace it was the general belief that there
+would now be a change. Bourbaki would strike down Germany. Her husband
+had hung up the pictures and epaulettes again; but with this proviso,
+that if the French would not deliver them this time, he would have
+nothing further to do with them, and would become a forester in
+Germany.
+
+Bertha had returned to the capital, and wrote that the Colonel, with
+whom Rothfuss had remained, was again at the head of his regiment in
+the division that opposed Bourbaki's advance towards the Rhine.
+
+At home, I found another cause for deep emotion; it was a letter for me
+from Ernst. It had been forwarded from the field by the army post. The
+paper showed the traces of many tears. I was so much overcome, every
+time I read the letter, that my children took it away from me; but I
+asked them to return it, and here it is:
+
+
+"DEAR FATHER AND MOTHER:--See me prostrate at your feet; what I desired
+to do a thousand times, and again and again postponed, I must now
+finish.
+
+"I know that, both for you and for me, my deeds have filled many days
+and nights--nay, whole years--with sadness. I cannot express in words
+what I have thought and felt while on the march in the hot sun, or at
+night when I looked up to the stars that shone also on my paternal
+home. And, oh! how, when on the march and parched with thirst, I longed
+for a drop of water from our fountain. I write with burning tears, but
+they cannot blot out the past, nor recall a single wasted hour. Lost!
+lost! I repent, I suffer deeply. You often told me, mother, 'You must
+curb your spirit.' I could not succeed in my peaceful home, although I
+had so many to help me you, father, Martella, my brothers and sisters.
+From afar, the sound of ardent prayer swells into an eager wail for
+redemption. I have wasted all. Am I a sacrifice to my country's misery?
+And now comes the most dreadful consequence of my misdeeds. We have
+received orders to take ship to fight against Germany. No, not against
+Germany. The old misery is here again with redoubled force. An officer
+has confided to me, that several of the lesser German states had called
+upon France to release them from the tyranny of Prussia.
+
+"I had loaded my gun and pointed it at my head, but, thinking of you, I
+fired into the air.
+
+"Is it my guilt, or am I but a drop in the stream that overflows its
+bed?
+
+"O my parents! He who leaves his country is suspended in mid-air, and
+has no ground to stand upon. It is well that the end is near; but I
+wish you to know that my soul is with you at home. At this moment, I
+feel your hands on my head, blessing me.
+
+"May Martella remain forever true! I can say nothing to her. Oh,
+Richard was in the right. How dared I, who was nothing for myself, bind
+another life to mine?
+
+"I thank you a thousand times for all the kindness, all the love you
+bestowed upon me who am unworthy of it, and upon Martella who deserves
+it.
+
+"I beg forgiveness of my brothers and sisters for the wrongs I have
+done them.
+
+"Do not mourn for me; I shall find the way to atonement. Console and
+comfort yourselves with the thought of one who will remember you till
+death.
+
+                                                    "ERNST."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+"Father, I did not hitherto wish to speak of it, but now I must tell
+you," said Ludwig, one day.
+
+"For God's sake, what can have happened?"
+
+"Nothing bad, quite the contrary; I am resolved to remain here. I did
+not wish to tell you until peace was restored, but I think that this is
+the time when the news will do you most good."
+
+I deemed it my duty to advise him to delay before making up his mind,
+but he replied, "I have considered everything. Whatever a man may
+achieve in this world, be it ever so great or important, if he has not
+done his whole duty to his parents, all else is vain. I remain with
+you, and to public duties I will devote as much of my life as can be
+spared from you."
+
+Thus spoke my son, whose roving life in America we thought had made him
+harsh and cold.
+
+I inquired whether he had already consulted his wife. He replied that
+there was no doubt of her consent, because she would simply and gladly
+consent as soon as he should tell her that it was for the best.
+
+Conny at once consented. She mentioned that her father had always
+prophesied that she would some time return to Europe. She now felt
+particularly happy, because, if it should turn out that a German
+confederation with an emperor at its head would be established, the
+ideal of her father's life, and for the sake of which he went into
+exile, would be realized.
+
+While our eyes were wandering from the warlike past to a peaceful
+future, we were thrilled over and over again by the thought that our
+army stood like a gigantic wall in the path of the advancing Bourbaki.
+
+Ludwig told me that, in connection with some friends, he intended to
+start a new building association for the public benefit. He had found
+the starting point with some former friends from the gymnasium. Their
+object was to locate some grand industrial establishments in the
+country, in order to avert the threatened overcrowding of the large
+cities, by giving profitable employment to the dwellers in the rural
+districts. He intended to transfer his mill to the company, and also to
+enlarge it.
+
+Martha, who had remained with her mother in the city, sent us a letter
+from Julius. He wrote about the great sortie from Paris, and what heavy
+sacrifices it had cost us. He was very happy to have been able to give
+proofs of his valor, and he had received the Iron Cross of the first
+class on the field of battle.
+
+Madam Von Rontheim begged me to hold myself in readiness to return to
+the city within a few days.
+
+It was towards evening when the sounds of great rejoicing were heard in
+the village. All flocked together, and we heard loud cries, "Rothfuss
+is here again!" Rothfuss came with two horses harnessed to his vehicle,
+and two following in the rear.
+
+"I bring four captured Frenchmen," he cried: "I have bought them
+honestly. Of course I paid only for their hides. They are not much more
+than skin and bone anyway, but in a week I shall feed four new horses
+into their skins. When they taste the fodder from our mountain forests,
+they will think, 'What a fine country Germany is; there they feed
+horses on sweet herbs.'"
+
+Rothfuss also brought the great news that our German troops had pushed
+Bourbaki and his men to the wall; just as might have been done in a
+tavern fight.
+
+We did not quite understand what he really meant. Then Joseph brought
+the newspaper. Alsace was free; and his joy over the victory was
+enhanced by the certainty that his timber in the Hagenau forest was now
+all safe.
+
+We read about the three days' battle before Belfort; and as long as
+valor and endurance are remembered, history will have a glorious page
+to unfold there.
+
+My daughter Johanna came down to enjoy a few days' rest with us. In
+spite of the great hardships she had undergone, she had become
+stronger, and looked more cheerful. She wanted to deliver her good news
+in person. Her daughter had become engaged to a man who had lost his
+right arm. Christiane had nursed him faithfully, and fallen in love
+with him, and Johanna is right in saying, "She will always love him the
+more because of her having to take care of him; she is just the wife
+for an invalid."
+
+On the very next day, we had a triumphal entry in our village. Carl was
+well again, but carried his left arm in a sling. Rothfuss harnessed his
+four "Bourbakis" (they were lean as yet, but lively) and drove Carl and
+his mother, four-in-hand. Down at the saw-mill, Marie mounted beside
+Carl and rode along into the village.
+
+Rothfuss stopped before the house of the meadow-farmer. Nobody was to
+be seen there, but all cried, "Hurrah for the meadow-farmer!"
+
+"You must say the old farmer," commanded Rothfuss, "because Carl is now
+the young meadow farmer. Come out, old fellow; Napoleon had to
+abdicate, too. Give up your flail to Carl, the conqueror."
+
+At last the door opened. The old meadow farmer came out and welcomed
+Carl. It seemed as if the cheering would never end. Carl becomes the
+meadow farmer! After this everything is possible.
+
+"Have you any news of my faithful nurse, the Captain's wife?" asked
+Carl, when he entered our room; and the old woman, who had not heard a
+word, also asked, "How is the worthy lady?"
+
+Just then, as it happened, a letter arrived from her.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER V.
+
+
+Annette wrote:
+
+"What happiness it is to write to you! This is the first time that I
+address you as your real and true daughter. Do you remember how ill you
+took it when I once called you Patriarch? You were right, because
+bandying sharp speeches was a great fault of mine. Too much of the
+intellectual was my misfortune and that of all of us. Now I am nothing
+but a quiet ant, crawling up a tree and bearing my tiny mite; to be one
+ant amongst a thousand is now my only ambition. I do not wish to be
+anything for myself. I must give you an extract from Richard's letter.
+What is dearest and most beautiful in it, I cannot, of course, repeat
+to you. He writes:
+
+
+"'Hitherto, our happiness consisted in the general belief that every
+one was a nobody, unless he was something quite apart, because the
+people as a whole were held in but little esteem. Germany was like the
+educated Jew, who is always intent on hearing from others, "How do they
+regard me?" "What do they think of me?" You yourself,'--but here he
+begins praising me--enough of that.
+
+"'It gave me great pleasure to have Johanna with us in the hospital for
+a few days, which enabled us, by working together, to gain a better
+appreciation of each other. She has gathered experience and insight
+from other sources than myself, and she insists that nature is better
+than what we call principle. We can afford to let the latter pass, here
+and there. She acknowledges that unbelievers, as she calls us, are
+capable of virtuous actions. This war has taught all of us not to ask
+for dogmas, but for deeds.
+
+"'I am scarcely able to-day, to write a letter in my own name. It was
+general mail-day, and I sat for hours at the bedside of the sick,
+writing word for word as they dictated. I am glad to have learnt enough
+French to be able to write for the officer whom you may remember. How
+manifold are the relations of life with which I have become
+familiarized! There is much wonderful beauty hidden in the world, and
+every people and every station in life has its share.
+
+"'I had to add postscripts to two letters announcing the death of those
+in whose name they were written. One was the son of honored parents,
+and the other was himself the head of a family, and leaves four
+children.
+
+"'_Midnight_.--I could not write further. Now all is hushed; and I do
+not wish to sleep before fulfilling my duty towards you. I find it
+hateful, when in full health, to say, "I cannot," and, therefore,
+continue writing. I feel as if mother were sitting beside me and
+saying, "Tell my husband everything. The best remedy against fear is to
+know the whole truth." But I must inform you about Martella.
+
+"'_The next day_.--Last night, while I was writing the last sentence,
+Wolfgang came. He informed me that he had told you all. I may then
+speak of ourselves again.'
+
+"Richard has written me: 'Remember that you once told me you would go
+through the wide world with me. That may now come to pass. Through
+varied labors which have given entire satisfaction, I have received an
+offer of employment in the foreign service, and it may happen that we
+shall have to begin our married life in the new world. I leave my quiet
+study, or rather I shall not return to it. I may be able to influence
+the living present, and you, my good and lovely wife, shall win
+admiration and respect in the highest circles. I am proud to place you
+in life's highest stations, and for this reason I joyfully surrender my
+solitary, peaceful studies and long-cherished plans of scientific
+investigation.'
+
+"How I replied to Richard you will see by these lines, which I copy for
+you without conventional modesty; they are from a second letter, in
+answer to mine:
+
+
+"'A thousand times, I kiss your hands and press you to my heart. You
+are my good genius. Pardon every unpleasant thought which, in the
+erring past, I may have harbored against you. Even then, despite
+myself, my mother knew you better than I did; her blessing rests upon
+your head. You have liberated me and brought me back to myself; I
+receive all willingly from your hands.
+
+"'How clever and how pointed are your accounts of the nothings of
+diplomatic life which you noticed in Paris at the house of your
+sister-in-law, the wife of our ambassador.
+
+"'Pardon me that I was just a little jealous of the title of nobility,
+and that I thought you might regret having to change it for a plain
+civilian name. I thank you for scolding me so merrily about it; but I
+reproach myself very seriously that I could entertain such a thought
+for a single instant.
+
+"'How much you are in the right! I dare not abandon my innermost
+convictions. Your Christian admonition has gone right to my heart: yes,
+I would have been doing violence to my soul.
+
+"'Now all is bright and free within and around me. It is settled. I
+shall keep on the straight line marked out for me; I am born and bred a
+man of letters. _You_ see clearly what I could not confess to you or
+myself. For your sake the glitter of life allured, and attracted me. I
+fondly imagined your queenly form moving among those the world call
+noblest; but you, my lovely wife, are greater, purer, and freer than I
+am. You do not wish to shine; you will live for me, and I am to live
+for my ideal. It is decided; I am fortified against all temptation. I
+shall remain true to my calling, to you, and to myself.'
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+"I have told you all. I hope the time is not far off when this horrible
+war, this killing and dying, will be but as a shadowy dream in our
+memories. There must be peace at last, and peace will bring home to you
+
+                                   "Your happy daughter,
+
+                                               "ANNETTE."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+The very same day, a messenger arrived from the Counciller's wife, to
+call me, and I drove to the city with Joseph and Ludwig. From afar, we
+heard the booming of cannon, and at the new saw-mill the lumber
+merchant Schwarzenberg, an ever-faithful patriot, told me: "We have an
+Emperor; he has been proclaimed at Versailles." This was as it should
+be. Our great achievements in war were consecrated by the establishment
+of the German Empire.
+
+Ludwig was dissatisfied because the celebration was held on a Prussian
+anniversary. He had to acknowledge, however, that the history of
+Prussia now glided into that of Germany, and that it was not improper
+thus to exalt a family festival.
+
+O fortunate posterity! you can never know or appreciate our feelings
+during those days. We had long cherished these aspirations for our
+country, for a United Germany; the less we could hope for their
+realization, the deeper they lay in our hearts. Patriotism was like
+religious martrydom. Our country did not return our love. On the
+contrary, it was requited by hate and persecution from those high in
+station, and by neglect and ridicule from the lowly. And, in spite of
+all, for more than fifty years we stood firm and true, without hope of
+reward.
+
+In the city, the bells were ringing and all the houses were decorated
+with flags. The Councillor's wife received us on the stairs and said,
+"Welcome, great-grandfather! Martha has given birth to a son."
+
+How can I express the emotions that filled my heart! My country
+united under a powerful, victorious chief, and on the same day a
+great-grandchild born to me. How can I deserve such unspeakable bliss!
+
+I was allowed to speak to Martha for a minute, and to take my
+great-grandson in my arms. He opened his eyes, and Martha cried, "He
+has his grandmother's eyes. When at Strasburg, Julius asked that his
+name should be Erwin."
+
+The Councillor's wife ordered her to be quiet, adding: "You can now be
+perfectly happy; the conflict is over, and your husband returns full of
+honors. You are blessed indeed, and we are blessed through you. Sleep
+now; when you really want to sleep, you can do so."
+
+I had to leave the room; and, after a while, the new grandmother came
+to tell me that Martha was sleeping quietly.
+
+I remained in the city. The grandfather came for a day, and told me
+that he agreed with Julius, who, as he had so greatly distinguished
+himself, wished to remain in the military service.
+
+My eyes have looked upon the third generation; I was also to see the
+dream of my youth realized in the establishment of the German Empire,
+and my family had fairly done their share towards it. But our joys are
+never unalloyed. No tree in the forest has an uninterrupted growth. A
+raven comes, rests on its top, and bends and blights the tender
+sapling.
+
+Yes, a raven of misfortune came. A letter from Annette reported, in a
+few hasty words, that Richard had disappeared, and that he had probably
+fallen into the hands of the _franc tireurs_. There was still some hope
+of his life. She had started out with Wolfgang to hunt him up.
+Wolfgang, being an American citizen, could get through the lines. She
+asked us to move heaven and earth to save Richard. In a postscript, she
+reminded me of the wounded French officer whom she was nursing when I
+searched for the Colonel. How wonderful! every good deed meets its
+reward. The officer had given her a pass, from which she promised
+herself the best results.
+
+Ludwig was not for a moment alarmed by the danger into which his only
+son had ventured. He had full confidence in Wolfgang's discretion, and
+his words were full of assurance that he would not be found wanting.
+
+I believe that this confidence was genuine, but I also believe that he
+tried, for my sake, to mitigate the shock which the news about Richard
+had given me.
+
+It puzzled me how Richard, who did not belong to the combatants, could
+be captured by the enemy; but Ludwig stopped all brooding over it by
+saying: "Father, will you accompany me to the capital? I wish to see
+our ambassador; he must give me all possible assistance."
+
+In the capital, all the bells were ringing, and at the railroad station
+"extras" were announced with the Emperor's proclamation. In the midst
+of a group of people in the street stood a man reading the words of the
+Emperor. I knew him; it was Loedinger. His voice trembled; and when he
+had finished, and the joyful crowd marched through the streets, he saw
+me and embraced me heartily.
+
+"What have we lived to see?" he cried. "Now we can die in peace. But
+what is the matter with you? Why do you not cheer with us?"
+
+I told him, in a few words, of the capture of my son, and the worst
+fears which it justified.
+
+Ludwig went at once to his ambassador, and I to the palace to see the
+Prince, who would doubtless use his influence for the rescue of my son.
+In the palace, there was great commotion. They said that no message
+could be taken to the Prince now, as he was presiding at a session of
+the Privy Council. I had to wait a long while. In the streets, the
+rejoicing went on; it could be faintly heard from afar. The whole city
+was illuminated.
+
+At last I was told that the Prince could not see me today; I must leave
+my petition with the chief of the Cabinet. He was a relative of my
+son-in-law, and was favorably inclined towards me. He said that from
+there no effective steps could be taken; that it was the business of
+the Imperial government, and that I should address myself to the
+Prussian ambassador, to whom he gave me a few lines. I felt like a
+beggar who is sent from house to house.
+
+At the Prussian Embassy, I was informed that the American Minister was
+attending a conference, and that there was a stranger with him.
+
+I was called in, and found Ludwig with the two ambassadors. All
+necessary steps had already been agreed upon, and dispatches were at
+once forwarded to Versailles.
+
+We drove to the station in the American Minister's coach, and Ludwig
+started for France, at once.
+
+I went to Bertha, and, in spite of the new trouble that poured in upon
+me, I felt somewhat relieved when with my daughter and her children.
+Victor looked splendidly in his cadet uniform. Bertha met me with
+outstretched arms, saying, "Father, we shall soon have peace, and he is
+now almost a general."
+
+It was not the least part of my sorrow that I had to inform Bertha of
+our deep anxiety for Richard. In the gladness of her heart, she
+ascribed it all to the exaggerated fears of Annette. The human heart is
+selfish; in moments of great happiness it wants to hear nothing of the
+sorrows of others, and refuses to believe them.
+
+I was compelled to mar the joy of the proud, loving wife; and when
+Bertha too was filled with alarm, she pitied Annette even more than her
+brother. She thought it particularly hard that Annette, who was so good
+and self-sacrificing, should again and again be overwhelmed with
+sorrow. She believed that Richard had loved Annette before the death of
+her husband, and that his repentance and severity towards himself
+caused him to be so bitter to her. He struggled with his love for the
+woman on whom his eyes had rested with admiration at a time when such
+admiration was sinful.
+
+On the other hand her natural good humor and buoyancy of spirits made
+her confident that Richard would surely soon be saved. Richard always
+was a lucky fellow. She remembered, from childhood, that once while I
+was coming down the river on a raft with my raftsmen, Richard stood on
+shore, and, crying "Father!" rushed out into the stream till the water
+came up to his chin. Balbina ran to the rescue, and, when he was safely
+ashore he laughed heartily. He had not been conscious of danger or
+fear.
+
+While Bertha recalled all this, I became more tranquil, and when she
+expressed her confident hope that we would not live to see another war,
+I heartily agreed with her.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+It was well that I had come up to the capital, for Parliament had been
+convoked, in order to consider the new constitution, or rather, the
+question of giving in our adhesion to the North German Confederation.
+
+I scarcely heard the speeches, and did not have the strength to take
+the floor myself.
+
+When a vote was at last reached, it went hard with me to vote "aye." In
+spite of my joy that there was now a United Germany, I had labored too
+long for the establishment of German landed rights, to content myself
+without their being embodied in laws.
+
+I was deeply moved by a remark of my old and faithful colleague,
+Loedinger: "I fear that in the new German constitution, it will only be
+too evident that the movement which brought it about, was not initiated
+by the people."
+
+We heard from Annette and Wolfgang, who wrote that they had at last
+obtained a clue to aid them in the search for Richard. He had, for a
+long time, been dragged about the country, and had then been sent to
+the Isles d'Hyéres.
+
+Now, for the first time, I learned the details of his capture. Richard
+had crossed our lines into the enemy's country, being tempted to do so
+by a desire to investigate certain points of local history. He was
+arrested by the _franc tireurs_, who took him for a spy and wanted to
+shoot him. It was only through the interference of a man who was able
+to read Richard's journal that he was saved from instant death.
+
+This was all they had been able to discover, up to the arrival of
+Ludwig, who sent Wolfgang home, and continued the search with Annette.
+
+They were often led astray, and shown prisoners whom they did not know.
+They would have liked to console and encourage them by the news of the
+progress of our victorious armies and the certainty of a speedy peace,
+but they dared not risk it.
+
+Ludwig added to his letter minute directions concerning the mill.
+
+We were now perfectly safe in pushing the enterprise forward, as
+Bourbaki's forces had been driven into Switzerland and disarmed.
+
+I could not content myself at the capital, and journeyed homewards. On
+the way, I met Baron Arven, who had returned from the field seriously
+ill, and who hoped to regain his health at home. I accompanied him, and
+found some pleasure in bearing him company in his deserted mansion--his
+wife was in Rome, both his sons still in the field. "I shall die at
+home after all," was his invariable answer whenever we attempted to
+console him. Our excellent physician prepared me for the worst. I was
+with Arven in his last hour, and was present when his remains were
+deposited in the family vault.
+
+Joseph came to take me home.
+
+In war times, one's feelings at last become familiarized with death
+scenes.
+
+I soon again was called upon to take a part in public life.
+
+The election campaign opened. Remminger, who had returned from the
+field to get cured of severe rheumatism, brought me the paper which
+represented our party. In it, he was recommended as delegate to the
+Reichstag from our district, as a man of merit, and of experience in
+military matters. I did not begrudge him the honor, nor the office. It
+gave his life a greater value, though I did not know that he ever took
+any part in political matters, or even showed any desire in that
+direction.
+
+I thought it remarkable that in the article, particular stress was laid
+on the fact, that he was a friend and former comrade of my son-in-law,
+who had so greatly distinguished himself in the three days' battle
+against Bourbaki.
+
+What motive could there have been for referring to that fact? However,
+if it could be of any use to the man, I was content.
+
+He asked me whether I had had any hand in the publication of the
+article. He had never thought of taking part in politics, but if the
+place were offered him, he would not shirk the duty. I heard that the
+article was supposed to have emanated either from Joseph or myself.
+
+We inquired at the office, and were informed that the nomination had
+been sent in with the stamp of our nearest post-office, and with a
+rather indistinct signature, which might well be Joseph's.
+
+Joseph asserted that Funk was the author. I did not believe it, because
+the entire article did not contain a single superlative. He never
+could, even while writing, restrain his peculiar talent for screaming.
+
+Great thoughts stirred the hearts of men, but littleness, cunning, and
+mischief-making had not ceased either. But what matters it? A tree
+grows all the same, whether ants and beetles crawl upon it or not.
+
+A second article shortly afterward appeared in the country papers, in
+which it was said that military despotism had unmasked its batteries.
+But the people were awake; the people, who did not pray to the god
+whose name is Success; but were true to their own eternal aims and
+ideas. The clamor of victory must not drown the cries for liberty. We
+still had approved champions in our midst; our district still owned an
+independent man of large landed property; he should be deputy; they
+should be made to see at Berlin what plain, strong men tilled our land.
+
+Joseph asserted that the papers of the popular party wanted to draw me
+to their side. There were inquiries in the journals from different
+quarters as to who was meant by "the firm man of solid worth," until he
+was named at last. It was Schweitzer-Schmalz. As usual, it was claimed
+that South Germany was the only real Germany, just as peasants were
+said to be the only genuine people. To-day, the peasants; to-morrow,
+perhaps the so-called laborer. The red waistcoat of Schweitzer-Schmalz
+was to do service as the popular flag.
+
+Joseph was filled with anger and disgust, and I urged him to accept the
+nomination himself. He had much influence, and there were few other men
+in the district so well thought of as he.
+
+I can say much in Joseph's favor; he wishes to see the state honestly
+served; but he also likes to attend to his business. Just then, Joseph
+had indeed a heavy load to carry. He had brought a large squad of
+foresters from the Tyrol, and had to provide several new teams.
+
+We heard that Schweitzer-Schmalz had, at first, declined the proffered
+offer; but when he found the election was not to cost him any money,
+only some little condescension towards the poorer people, a few casks
+of beer, and, more than all else, strong language against military
+dictation, he declared his readiness. He was plain spoken, and yet
+cunning enough to declare, at the valley tavern, that, if he should be
+defeated it would be more of an honor than a disgrace to him. People
+would then always say, "Here is the man who ought to have been our
+deputy at the Reichstag. He is a man of the right sort."
+
+The movement continued. It was a sorrowful spectacle for me, to see how
+the domestic enemies of the Empire inscribed our Frankfort Constitution
+on their flag, and cried that it must be accepted without debate. What
+should be done in case it was not accepted, they would not say; they
+knew as well as we did, that the adoption of the constitution of 1848
+was an impossibility. But they wanted to start an opposition, and to
+surround it with a halo of glory.
+
+On the last day of February, we received the news that the
+preliminaries of peace were agreed upon, and our German Emperor
+announced, "We have arrived at the end of the glorious but bloody war
+which was so wantonly and wickedly forced upon us."
+
+We who lived on the borders were delighted beyond measure to know that
+Alsace-Lorraine had been brought home to us again; and when I was
+speaking with my folks about it, Rothfuss remarked:
+
+"Now I know how it worked. Those who live along the Rhine, from Basle
+downward, felt the way you do, when you lie abed in winter time and
+have too narrow a blanket. Whenever you move, you are uncovered and get
+cold. Now we have a good double bed; now we can stretch ourselves, and,
+over there, stand the Vosges mountains; that is a good solid wall; no
+draft gets through that."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+The ides of March had returned as they had twenty-three years before,
+but how different now! We stood on a basis of real power, which had
+been wrested in battle from our restless neighbor.
+
+The armistice with the enemy without was concluded, but at the polls we
+had to struggle against adversaries within.
+
+The best men of our district came and explained to me how false a game
+was being played. "They are electioneering for Schweitzer-Schmalz, who
+would not be so bad a man, but, at the last moment, they mean to drop
+him and transfer the votes to Funk, who has acquired a considerable
+fortune by the war."
+
+The men urged me, and Schwarzenberg, the lumber merchant, was not the
+least among them, to allow myself to be put up as a candidate, both as
+a matter of right and duty. He claimed that I, who had assisted at the
+vexatious and fruitless labors at Frankfort, should have the
+nomination. Only in that way, could the defeat of the Funk party be
+assured.
+
+I told them what trouble I had, and that I was too old, and unequal to
+the duties the office would impose upon me.
+
+Then the burgomaster of Kaltenbach, a quiet, worthy man, reminded me
+that I had often said one should drown domestic griefs in active labors
+for the Fatherland. He bade me consider what would become of us
+Germans, if we should fail to secure true unity.
+
+Those who had fallen in France, would, in that case, be disgraced and
+dishonored by the result.
+
+I could not yield, in spite of all that was said; and Joseph asked me,
+"If Richard is saved, will you consent?"
+
+"I do not make vows!"
+
+"I did not mean it in that way; but would your mind be sufficiently at
+ease?"
+
+I asked for time to consider the matter.
+
+There was to be a meeting of electors on the next evening. I was alone,
+buried in thought; but soon a true and encouraging companion arrived.
+It was a letter, the handwriting of which I did not recognize; but when
+I had broken the seal and read the signature, I seemed to hear the
+voice of sincerity itself--it was a letter from Doctor Wilhelmi, of
+Berlin.
+
+Ludwig had already informed me that Wilhelmi had returned years ago,
+and I had heard of his labors with genuine delight. I had often wished
+to send him a word of cheer, but had not found the opportunity. Now he
+wrote:
+
+
+"All hail! thus do I salute you in your forest home. And now let me
+tell you all about ourselves. My wife and other ladies are at work day
+and night at the railroad depots, providing the troops, and
+particularly the sick and wounded ones, with refreshments. One day, a
+large body of prisoners arrived in charge of one of your country
+people. My wife observed this as soon as he opened his mouth, and asked
+him about you. The man had been servant to a sullen and ill-natured
+forester in your neighborhood, and you may imagine how glad we were to
+hear of you. For years I have often read your name, and often intended
+to write to you; now, a messenger had come to us from you.
+
+"We provided him with quarters. He is really becoming spoiled by our
+friends, for the Berlin folks find the Suabian dialect 'charming,
+delightful,' and your countryman is a rogue.
+
+"He outherods Herod; speaks the dialect more emphatically than ever
+Suabian did before, and, when his bravery is praised (he has received
+many orders) is condescending enough to confess, 'We did not do
+everything; the Prussians too behaved quite decently.'
+
+"'Quite decently,' is the highest compliment your countrymen ever
+bestow on any one. When the man gets home he will tell you that the
+Berlinese are all angels. I sincerely trust that you, too, will soon
+make their acquaintance.
+
+"How are your children? above all, the daughter who was with you in
+Strasburg years ago.
+
+"I hear that Ludwig is with you. Tell him to remain; we need men like
+him.
+
+"What has become of the handsome boy, Arndt's favorite, who was with us
+in Frankfort? And what of the young student who came to visit us there?
+
+"Write to me, or, what would be better still, come here soon. We need
+old masons to build up the new state."
+
+His wife had added a postscript saying: "When you come to Berlin, you
+must stay with us."
+
+
+Joseph thought the best way to keep Ludwig at home would be to elect
+him a member of the Reichstag. He had made inquiries of an attorney in
+the little neighboring town, and had been told that Ludwig had not
+resided long enough in Germany to be eligible; but that as these were
+extraordinary times, the Reichstag would probably admit him.
+
+The matter was brought before the election committee, but was not
+carried, as we should not be so sure of our voters if we had to go
+before the county a second time. The country people could with
+difficulty be induced to lose a work-day; the high pitch of patriotic
+sentiment that now obtained might not last long.
+
+I accepted the nomination.
+
+I have nothing to report in regard to the election campaign, except
+this; it was the first time we had been obliged to fight the new
+clerical party.
+
+I do not like to speak of clerical machinations. France was conquered,
+and France was the last stay of the Papal power. Our victories had
+enabled the King of Italy to enter Rome. There was now an attempt to
+set on foot a carefully disguised opposition in our own country. A
+prebendary belonging to the diocese, travelled through our district,
+and held secret conferences with the pastors, to induce them to
+influence votes for a champion who had made himself notorious, by the
+strong language he had used.
+
+Joseph finds out everything, and thus he soon learned that the lower
+clergy leaned towards the patriotic side, but that they would not risk
+open opposition. And, apropos of that, an amusing story was in
+circulation.
+
+The prebendary asked the sleek and wily pastor of Rottenhoch, "And how
+do matters stand in your village? What are you able and willing to do?"
+
+"Whatever the Right Reverend Bishop commands, shall be done."
+
+The Right Reverend turned and twisted as best he might: but the priest
+could not be made to understand that his superiors desired to avoid
+giving explicit orders; and the others, who saw that the attempts to
+secure his compliance always elicited the same reply, bit their tongues
+to keep from laughing outright.
+
+It was the first Sunday after Easter, on a bright spring day, when my
+friends came to take me to the meeting of the voters.
+
+Rothfuss went with Carl, the young meadow-farmer, and said, "Yes, Carl,
+you are lucky; you begin in your young days. This is the first chance I
+have ever had to tell our man what he should say to the Emperor for me.
+But it is a good thing after all; and mind what I tell you--before the
+election we will only take one drink; not a drop more."
+
+At the same time, he swore at the workmen at the mill, who had allowed
+themselves to be influenced by Funk. He declared that they were even
+capable of voting against me. Carl said that, as far as his two
+brothers were concerned, it was true. They had been expelled from
+Alsace, had received employment in Ludwig's mill, and now publicly said
+that they would give their votes to Funk.
+
+At the meeting, it happened just as Joseph had predicted.
+Schweitzer-Schmalz stepped forward and declared that a man like himself
+could not leave his large estate and go to Berlin; they should,
+therefore, give the votes intended for him, to that intrepid man of the
+people--Funk.
+
+But now something happened that took us all by surprise. Funk mounted
+the rostrum. He laid it down that a constitution without fundamental
+rights was a farce, and it cut me to the quick when he dared to add,
+"We uphold the old German flag--the sacred flag of freedom--immaculate,
+and shall not desert our colors."
+
+In conclusion, he said. "I implore you not to call on me now. The time
+will come when they must call us to save our liberties; that time has
+not yet arrived.
+
+"For the present, we will leave the pseudo-Prussian to the undisturbed
+enjoyment of the national beggars' broth filled with imperial
+dumplings, which is being served up in the famous spiked helmet.
+
+"I thank you," he cried, when the yelling which followed this speech
+had somewhat abated, "for the votes with which you honor me. I esteem
+them highly, but we must wait. So let us bide our time."
+
+Joseph prevented me from answering. He mounted the stand, and said that
+Herr Funk deserved all possible praise for his shrewdness. He knew that
+he could not be successful, and had therefore declined, in order to try
+his chances at some future time. "Herr Funk waits; we, too, can wait."
+
+I was elected by a large majority; and the walk homeward, surrounded by
+my electors, was one of the happiest hours of my life. It was even more
+joyful than when, twenty-three years earlier, I was elected a delegate
+to Frankfort. I forgot my anxiety about Richard.
+
+When I took leave of Rothfuss at the railway station, he held me by the
+hand, a long while, and said: "Oh master, if it was only not so far to
+Berlin, you should have taken me along, anyhow. Keep yourself well,
+right well; and don't drink any water; Willem says there is good wine
+to be had at Berlin, too."
+
+A tear glistened in his eye, and the leave-taking from this faithful
+companion moved me deeply. He had never before been so anxious and
+concerned about me.
+
+Many friends told me, "This new labor will wear you out."
+
+Be it so, I am here to be of use.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+THE old Burschenschafter[7]! Yes, treasured in secret and worn like an
+amulet of magic power, for the sake of which we suffered, are the
+colors of the new confederation. At first, the thought pained me; but
+perhaps it is all for the best. The Empire which is now being
+established, is not quite the one of which we sang and dreamed, or for
+the love of which we were thrown into dungeons. But it is full of a new
+and vigorous life, and instead of the golden glitter of poesy, we have
+the simple white of prose.
+
+I am not of a combative disposition, and have always longed for a
+condition of affairs to which I could heartily assent. And now my
+greatest happiness is to know that I am no longer condemned to what I
+had feared would prove a life-long opposition to the powers that be.
+
+The newly elected members had their rendezvous at the railroad
+junction. A majority were faithful to the Empire. The few who belonged
+to the progressives, or to the ultramontanes, were loud in their
+protestation of love for our newly-cemented union.
+
+My friend Loedinger, that true old soul, was also elected. He studied
+with me at Jena, was with me in prison, and, for many years, sat near
+me in the Parliament. "We two have by this time become quite used to
+each other," were his words, as he took the seat next to me. And, as if
+by previous agreement, we were always together during the whole
+journey.
+
+The days were fresh and spring-like, and, although our hearts were
+filled with solemn thoughts, nothing but jokes were heard. Next to
+Baribal, the gayest was Professor Rolunt, who, before he entered the
+military service, had studied in Berlin, and had here received the
+so-called finishing touch. On the way, there was much cheerful
+discussion of the peculiarities that distinguish various sections of
+our country and the fanaticism with which every district believes that
+its customs and modes of expression alone represent the real German
+mind.
+
+Offenheimer, the lawyer, who had also been elected a member of the
+Reichstag, spoke quite forcibly on this subject, by demonstrating that
+we South Germans believed ours to be the veritable language of the
+soul. When there is a prejudice to combat, Offenheimer always is
+particularly eloquent. He knows Berlin, and lives here with relatives
+of his.
+
+Cato Debold, the inveterate South German, thought it hard that the
+rough North German manner should now gain the supremacy. When he saw
+the first windmills, he scoffed at North German windbags; and when the
+Professor added that in North Germany there were no running springs,
+but only pumps, he was quite happy, and vaunted the number of springs
+we possessed at home.
+
+Rolunt allowed him to finish his harangue, and then replied that the
+North Germans, finding themselves without fast flowing streams, had
+made an invisible power, the winds, work for them; and that pump water
+was as refreshing as that from fountains.
+
+But, against that, Debold showed that the portion of Germany, that lay
+on the other side of the Thuringian Mountains had, through being
+divided into small farms, become quite different, and far advanced in
+comparison with the North. And in municipal liberty, we also stand far
+ahead of North Germany; and shall we now submit to have that encroached
+upon?
+
+"That will regulate itself. The others will become more agreeable, and
+we will get sharper," said the Professor.
+
+At many stations we heard the people say: "Here are the South German
+Representatives."
+
+Our reception was not so stormy and excited as the one accorded us
+twenty-three years before when we went to Frankfort. The public mood
+was now calm and earnest.
+
+On the road, one of the members said, "If your Richard had returned, he
+would doubtless have been elected." Ah! when one has a sorrow, he
+expects others to have some consideration, and not touch upon it, even
+though it be in the way of kindness.
+
+At Gotha, where many new delegates joined us, we all received bouquets,
+and the principal of the gymnasium cleverly said that we should adorn
+ourselves with wedding favors, as we were going to the wedding of North
+and South Germany.
+
+At Eisenach, my granddaughter Christiane and her affianced awaited me.
+He was still walking on crutches, but hoped to lay them aside in a few
+months, and to depend upon his wife's arm for support. Christiane had
+become quite youthful in appearance. She fairly beamed with happiness,
+as she looked now at me, and now at her betrothed.
+
+The others continued on their journey, but Loedinger and I remained
+behind to visit a hallowed shrine. I spent the evening with Christiane
+and her betrothed. I promised to attend the wedding on my return from
+the Reichstag.
+
+At early dawn, Loedinger and I ascended the Wartburg. We knew that each
+other's thoughts wandered back to the companions who, more than half a
+century ago, had come here, filled with the enthusiasm of youth. An
+invisible band of warriors marched at our side.
+
+Silently, we walked through the halls of the castle. When we looked out
+over the country, far and wide, Loedinger grasped my hand and said: "It
+is hard, after all, that our flag, with its sacred colors, does not
+float here in the morning breeze. They should have left us that. There
+is great danger in the fact that it is now the banner of the
+opposition, and is raised by the hands of those who are against us and
+the unity we have labored so hard to win."
+
+While trying to console him, I consoled myself, and the ardor of youth
+seemed to return to us.
+
+Descending the mountain, we sang our old student songs, and felt young
+again.
+
+Yes, this mountain is the altar of all that is great and pure and
+beautiful in our united Fatherland.
+
+When we passed Weimar, where the creators of the unity of German
+thought had dwelt and labored, Loedinger said, "We might well cry out:
+'Hearken, ye heroes of the mind, your words have become deeds.'"
+
+Doctor Wilhelmi and his wife received me at the railroad depot.
+
+Friend Wilhelmi, once a handsome, slender man, has grown stout, but the
+sound of his hearty, musical voice, the warm and kindly glance, the
+grasp of his hand, are all unchanged.
+
+Loedinger was lodged with a friend of his, who lived in the
+neighborhood, and I soon felt at home with my old friends. The best
+people of the city, yes of the whole country, made their house a
+rendezvous. I have here made the acquaintance of a great number of men
+of distinguished merit. We are well supplied in that respect.
+
+I also made the nearer acquaintance of some of those sharp Prussians. I
+felt at first as if they were setting my teeth on edge. But, after
+awhile, I recognized their good traits.
+
+Doctor Wilhelmi still has an album of the members of the Frankfort
+Reichstag. We renewed our memories of olden days while looking at the
+pictures, and supplemented each other's information with what we knew
+of this or that old friend.
+
+In every word that Wilhelmi speaks, I recognize his lofty ideality; but
+life in America has made him more practical than he once was.
+
+The hospitality of the Greeks is vaunted. We possess it in a new shape;
+for a whole city considers itself our host.
+
+I had to tell my friend Wilhelmi of my troubles; of my grief for Ernst,
+of my deep anxiety about Richard, and the thought struck me: "Must the
+old friend, whom we meet after long absence, have his heart saddened by
+the recital of our woes."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER X.
+
+
+I make no mention of the proceedings of the Reichstag; you can read all
+about them in the newspapers.
+
+I did not once take the floor.
+
+In committee, I protested energetically, when we understood that some
+of the states were to be rewarded for their share in our triumph, by
+having certain portions of Alsace assigned to them. This plan was
+barely alluded to in the public meetings, and I am inclined to think
+that the rumor was merely a piece of diplomatic finesse.
+
+I cannot avoid repeating the words addressed to me by the Emperor, when
+I was presented at the palace. "I have a son and you have a grandson in
+the field, and they have, both of them, proved their courage."
+
+His voice betokened sincerity; his countenance was kind and gentle.
+
+I was surprised; even if the Emperor had informed himself beforehand,
+it was so kind of him to speak thus of Julius.
+
+In replying I told him that, during the absence of my grandson in the
+field, a son had been born to him.
+
+The Emperor congratulated me. He took me by the hand! For a second, I
+held the palm of my beloved Emperor in warm, living embrace. He must
+have felt my glance following him when he walked away. For the great
+and glorious monarch turned again and nodded to me.
+
+
+
+                (THE NIGHT BEFORE THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY.)
+
+The festivities have been gloriously ushered in. The bells were
+ringing, and the streets were alive with a gay and bustling throng.
+
+I roamed about alone, admiring all that was beautiful and enjoyable in
+the streets that had been transformed by the beautiful festal
+decorations. A bit of Olympian life had descended upon our homes.
+
+We sometimes persuade ourselves that we have often thought of, or
+wished for, something that suddenly comes to pass: the rapidity with
+which our ideas succeed each other is apt to deceive us. But I am sure
+that while looking at the Academy of Arts, decorated as it was with the
+portraits of heroes, I involuntarily thought, "If I only had one of my
+own family with me now; I am so lonely in this surging crowd."
+
+All at once, I heard a clear, ringing voice exclaim, "Good evening,
+grandfather."
+
+My grandson Julius stands before me, sunburnt, and with several orders
+glistening on his breast. He belongs to the combined South German Corps
+that is detailed here to take part in the triumphal entry. His quarters
+are in a neighboring village, and he must return early.
+
+Julius asked me whom his son resembled, and when I told him that little
+Erwin had the eyes of his grandmother, his face was radiant with joy.
+
+Taking his arm in mine, I went as far as the city gate with him. I had
+to tell him all about Richard, but my pride in this noble, happy
+grandson, in a great measure thrust aside my grief for my son.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+                             (_June 18th._)
+
+
+And now I write of the great day, the greatest known to me and to all
+men living.
+
+It was the morning of the triumphal entry. I went out early and
+wandered through the joyous streets. I saw, beneath the chain of gay
+triumphal arches, the long row of conquered cannon, and, behind them,
+the seats for the wounded, the convalescents and their nurses. Music
+resounded from all the side streets. It was the great jubilant
+heart-throb of a whole people.
+
+For a long time, I sat on a chair, which had been placed there for some
+invalid. My heart was so full when I thought that I had lived to see
+this day; and, amidst this high swelling tide of joy, I could not help
+looking into my own heart, and asking myself how I had met the duties
+that life imposed upon me.
+
+Were I to die now--this very day--I have served the truth to the best
+of my ability; I have intentionally offended no one, and have loved
+mankind and my country with all my soul. I was often weak, but my
+weakness has harmed no one but myself.
+
+As this was passing through my mind, I had to stop suddenly. My friend
+Wilhelmi said to me in the heartiest manner, and without sarcasm, "You
+have within you an overflowing fountain of sentimentality." It is true;
+it has brought me much sorrow, but it has afforded my soul many pure
+and tranquil experiences, and I said to myself, "This is not the time
+for tender sensibility. To be strong is now the word. Look at the
+Emperor! What must this man who, to-day, bears the impress and the
+majesty of great historical memories, feel in his innermost soul; and
+yet he stands erect and firm." And as I thought this, I, too, walked
+along more firmly than before.
+
+I went to the stand which had been erected for the deputies. It was, as
+yet, almost empty; gradually, it filled up. My early walk, my deep
+emotions, and, more than all, the heat and strained expectation had
+thoroughly fatigued me.
+
+Then came my friend Wilhelmi. He motioned to me from afar and waved his
+hat. "Waldfried, I bring you glorious news!" he cried. "Just read this;
+you had gone out so early; we hunted everywhere, but could not find
+you. A telegram for you has arrived; your children are coming."
+
+"My children!"
+
+"Yes. Richard and Ludwig and their wives, and your grandson Wolfgang."
+
+I read the telegram; there it was--they were all coming. Richard was
+saved. At Bertha's house, he was married to Annette.
+
+Wilhelmi saw me turning pale, and called to a stately Rhenish deputy
+behind us, one who had brought some good wine of his own raising:
+"Westerwalder, give us a glass of your best Rüdesheimer."
+
+O how the drink refreshed me! Then Wilhelmi continued: "I have more to
+tell you, for now you are strong enough to bear the joyful news. Your
+children are already here. The telegram had been delayed, and they
+arrived half an hour in advance of it. They could not push through to
+this place, and so they went to the house of one of Annette's
+relations, with whom Offenheimer lives. That is what I am to tell you.
+After the procession we will meet them there."
+
+Wilhelmi had to tell me, first of all, how my children looked. He said
+that Richard still bore traces of his recent sufferings, but that his
+eyes would brighten and his whole face light up, whenever he looked at
+his wife. Wilhelmi regretted that he did not have a son to bring him
+such a daughter-in-law.
+
+He evidently wanted to cheer me up, for he bade me review in memory the
+triumphal march of my joys,--my children, my grandchildren, my sons and
+daughters-in-law, and my great-grandson.
+
+During the last words of Wilhelmi, we heard from afar, a noise as of
+the roaring sea--a wave of history came rolling onward.
+
+Cannon thundered, bells rang, and on came the great procession; and
+when the French flags were carried by and fluttered in the gentle
+breeze, I felt that I had seen the world wing itself for a new flight.
+
+From among the South German troops, a young officer nodded to me. It
+was Julius. My grandson was among the marching conquerors.
+
+The Emperor comes, and with him, all the heroes. The Emperor steps to
+the statue of his father, and the old man so greatly exalted by
+fortune, now becomes an humble son, and lays the captured flags at the
+feet of his father.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+Led by Wilhelmi, I went to the house of our friends. Ikwarte stood in
+the door; he saluted me silently. I asked him whether my family were
+above.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+As we go up the stairs, we hear, behind us, hasty footsteps and a
+clattering sabre. It is Julius, his helmet adorned with a wreath of oak
+leaves.
+
+"Grandfather, have you seen them?"
+
+"Whom?"
+
+"Martha and Erwin."
+
+"Are they here, too?"
+
+"Julius" is called from above, and, the next moment, he is in Martha's
+arms. Then he embraces his father.
+
+"Come in; he sleeps," said Martha. "Come in all, fathers three."
+
+We walked through a glass-covered entry, then across a wide floor to
+the quietly-situated back-building, where the noise of the street could
+not penetrate.
+
+In the silent room, Julius knelt beside the cradle. Gently he raised
+the curtain; the boy awoke, and, for the first time, the eyes of father
+and son met.
+
+"Erwin, my son!" cried Julius, and kissed the child, who stared at him,
+and tried to clutch his eyes with his hands.
+
+Martha, too, knelt beside the cradle. She laid her hand on the
+husband's forehead, and said, "And at this head hostile bullets were
+aimed!"
+
+"Oh don't let us give way to our feelings," said Julius, rising.
+
+Martha took the wreath from her husband's helmet, and wanted to
+place it on my head. I seized it and laid it on the cradle of my
+great-grandson. After that, we left the young couple, and hunted up the
+other returned wanderers.
+
+Our hosts resigned their house to us, and saved us from all restraint
+by kindly keeping themselves in the background.
+
+Richard and Annette, Ludwig, Conny, and Wolfgang, by turns clasped me
+in their arms. O how many good, true hearts beat against mine to-day!
+How many lives I could call my own!
+
+Richard was still somewhat pale. Annette was radiant with glorious
+beauty, and her modest, gentle demeanor was the more attractive because
+she had the appearance of one born to command.
+
+When the first emotions awakened by the overwhelming fulness of my joy
+had subsided, I had a wonderful vision. I saw great tables loaded with
+meat and drink and fragrant flowers, and from the streets resounded
+cheering and song. One of those wonderful visions, or phantasms, as
+you may call it, that supplement our life and withdraw us from the
+actual world, seized me. The beaming faces, the brilliant lights
+reflected again and again in the mirrors and the wine-glasses, the
+sumptuous table, and the lovely flowers,--methought I had seen them
+all before.--I felt as if in the midst of one of those wonderful,
+color-steeped groups of Paul Veronese, and, like soft music, or an
+apparition gently gliding through the air, memories of Gustava filled
+my soul.
+
+"You seem so happy," said Annette; and I could only tell her this: "The
+dreams of former days, and the loftiest impressions that our souls have
+taken up from art, are now our actual life; our highest ideal has been
+attained."
+
+Joseph informed me that the army corps consisting of the troops from
+our State, would make its entry into our capital under the Crown
+Prince, who had commanded it during the war, and that the Colonel, who
+was now a General, would take part in the ceremony. Bertha expected
+that we would all be with her on that day of honor.
+
+Richard told us of his experiences while with the French, and we could
+not help asking ourselves: "Shall we ever be at peace with these
+neighbors of ours?"
+
+"I have learned to know the French," said Richard, "and suffered much
+at their hands. The people amused themselves by insulting me while I
+was being led through the streets; I had to march in chains for a whole
+day; and still, through all the ravings of this sanguine people, I
+could see its mighty soul."
+
+At these words, Offenheimer rushed up to Richard, and, embracing him,
+said, "A wounded enemy is an enemy no longer, and thus we have ceased
+to be enemies of suffering France."
+
+He begged Richard to tell him more, and so he continued: "In spite of
+their impassioned feelings, and of the fact, utterly incomprehensible
+to them, that we were impolite enough not to let them whip us, there is
+a real elevation of soul in them, although it is obscured by their
+theatrical phrases. But their belief in themselves is something grand.
+They cling to it, even now, when they are sorely beaten. I am confident
+that the French will, in time, become honestly tolerant, and not in the
+sham sense that makes its professors say: 'You, poor fellow, have a
+false belief, but I do not attack it.' The French have a beautiful
+faith in themselves, but they must acquire faith in others, and not
+consider themselves the whole of humanity."
+
+Nations have much the same ideas as individuals. After a silent combat,
+they can scarcely believe that it arose from a trifling cause, and now
+the French will not remember what a trivial pretext they had for this
+war.
+
+The Chinese self-sufficiency of the French, who believed themselves to
+be the sole representatives of civilization, is now broken down. Their
+morbid desire for revenge can only be temporary. The people, deeply
+wounded in its vanity, and swindled out of its love of truth by
+sycophantic word-mongers, will come to reason.
+
+Wilhelmi based great hopes on the projected university of Strasburg. It
+was to form an intellectual bond of union. With great warmth of
+feeling, he demonstrated that it was typical of the real character of
+our people, that, first of all, an institution of learning was
+established in the newly recovered province.
+
+Then Ludwig rose, and with an enthusiasm in which all the fervor of his
+youth broke forth, again said: "And something more is in store for us,
+and, for that reason, I wish to remain an American citizen. You,
+Wilhelmi, and I have learned to know America. We love our old home, but
+we also love the New World, which is the land to initiate great
+thoughts, the land in which humanity, through untrammelled liberty,
+cannot but reach great results. It is pitiful and, at the same time,
+sad, that the American who has made money, and wishes to do something
+for the public good, knows of nothing better than to build a church.
+
+"My idea--and I have distinguished friends who agree with me--is
+to establish, as our celebration of the centennial of American
+independence, a German University in America; an International
+High-School. I need not point out to you, how great a significance such
+an institution would possess for the New World, as well as for the Old.
+After our German students have studied for a year at the American
+Athens, how much wider their range of vision will be, and how much
+greater their knowledge of the world! In this way, a cable of quite a
+different kind would be laid; an intellectual electric current, binding
+the Old World to the New."
+
+Richard took Ludwig's hand, and congratulated him on having conceived
+this grand idea.
+
+"Thus should it be," he cried; "let Germany be fully and entirely its
+own, and then send the messengers of its intellectual life to all the
+world. The ancients carried their gods of marble and bronze, wherever
+they went; we carry divine thoughts over the whole inhabited globe."
+
+Offenheimer whispered something to Richard, who pressed his hand
+gratefully.
+
+I sat there quietly and felt unutterably happy, because my children
+possessed new ideals so different from our own. Their clear, organizing
+minds stretched into the far distance, and their schemes embraced the
+welfare of all mankind.
+
+When in Strasburg, I felt deeply pained that such men as Ludwig and
+Wilhelmi should be driven into exile. Not always does our life give an
+answer to such questions. I received one now.
+
+We were interrupted by Ikwarte, who begged to be excused. He had
+noticed his brother among the marching soldiers. He was sergeant and
+had received the Iron Cross; he had recognized him, and called out to
+him from the procession. Ikwarte now asked permission to go and seek
+his brother.
+
+Ludwig granted it of course. We were all pleased with Ikwarte's firm
+sense of duty, to which even his brotherly love had to yield.
+
+As Ikwarte was leaving the room, Julius entered with his wife. She
+carried my great-grandson on her arm.
+
+For a while, every one turned to them. Then Ludwig began:
+
+"It is well that you have come, Julius! We are here among friends; are
+you ready to answer a question regarding your future?"
+
+In a quiet tone, Julius answered, he would first have to know what it
+was all about.
+
+Smiling, Ludwig said: "Allow me to tell you that I am a Colonel."
+
+Julius bowed, and Ludwig continued: "How grand it was that the American
+officers, at the end of their war, returned to civil life, while here
+in Germany a standing army draws our best energies away from productive
+labor."
+
+Quietly but not without confidence, Julius replied: "It seems to me
+that Uncle Ludwig is still thinking of the revolutionary times, of the
+long forgotten stone age of German history. There is no separation now
+between soldier and citizen, and it is very questionable whether any
+one has the right to call us soldiers unproductive laborers. Our work
+creates a race of men who give firmness and character to our political
+life. What the schools are unable to finish, we perfect. To cultivate
+the great forest of men, is a higher aim than to reclaim a forest of
+trees."
+
+"Oh," interrupted Wolfgang, and Julius turned to him and said: "Dear
+Wolfgang, I do not think meanly of that either; it is also a part of
+the work that society has before it. But each one must choose his post
+and guard it faithfully."
+
+Ludwig insisted to the contrary, and squarely put it to Julius that he
+should leave the army, and take charge of his grandfather's estate. He
+could, if his country called him, always return to his duty. He hinted,
+and not very delicately, that one should not allow one's self to be
+seduced by the outward glitter of the soldier's life.
+
+Without any irritation, but in determined language, Julius declared
+that he fully recognized how great a spectacle it was to see a
+victorious army return home in triumph, and lay down its arms; that it
+would have been desirable that the conclusion of peace should produce
+the disarmament of Europe. Such a disarmament, however, is only
+possible in America, where there is but one powerful nation. In
+conclusion, he eulogized the high mission of the soldier's life as a
+school for men.
+
+Ludwig rose and said: "Here is my hand; I am converted. Father, I have
+now decided. I shall accept the estate."
+
+I do not know how it came to pass, but Martha had laid my
+great-grandson in my arms, and when the boy raised his eyes to mine, I
+felt as if I was looking forward into the future.
+
+You, my child, rested beside a mother's heart during the battles; you
+slept during the triumphant march, and now, around you, great words and
+thoughts wander forth into the world. When, at some future time, you
+shall learn how your father fought and suffered for home and country,
+may it sound to you like a fable from the old, dark days, that, long
+ago, we had to fight the monsters who despised the people. Stand firm
+and pure in the new life of nations, amongst whom the battle will only
+be for the possession of the noblest treasures of the intellectual
+world.
+
+
+                                               AT HOME, _July_ 22.
+
+I did not find my comrade Rothfuss. He died full of happiness and
+peace. On the last morning, he said to Johanna: "The German Empire is
+not the right thing after all. One must die in it, just as before. Our
+Emperor should order a different state of things, but never mind. 'He
+who is wet to the skin, need not dread the rain.' If I could only lie
+down in my grave for my master, as I once had myself locked up for
+Ludwig."
+
+My grandson the vicar, who is chaplain at the neighboring fortress, was
+with him in his last hours.
+
+Ludwig has taken the family estate for his son Wolfgang; not, as is
+customary, at the family valuation, but at its full market value.
+
+I shall resign my post.
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+So far, the memoirs up to the evening before the anniversary of
+Gustava's death. They were written in the afternoon, with a firm hand.
+After that, he walked out into the forest. Carl, who was in the fields,
+saw him drinking from the Gustava fountain, and rejoiced to see the
+master walking so sturdily.
+
+He was found in the woods he had planted, beneath a white pine tree,
+stretched out in death. His face was toward the earth, and rested on
+the wild thyme.
+
+The second tablet of the grave-stone bears the following inscription:
+
+                              HERE RESTS,
+                   IN THE SOIL OF OUR UNITED COUNTRY,
+                          HEINRICH WALDFRIED,
+                        BORN MAY THE 10TH, 1800;
+                        DIED JULY THE 22D, 1871.
+
+
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 1: Throughout, the translator will, according to the German
+custom, use the word "bride" to designate a woman who is only
+betrothed.]
+
+[Footnote 2: This name means: Lizzy, the huntress.]
+
+[Footnote 3: Director or governor of the district or department.]
+
+[Footnote 4: Feast commemorative of the dedication of a church.]
+
+[Footnote 5: I am waiting (dialect).]
+
+[Footnote 6: _Guten Ort._]
+
+[Footnote 7: A member of the Burschenschaft, the name of an association
+of the students of Germany, formed in 1815, and having for its object
+the political regeneration of their Fatherland.]
+
+
+
+                                THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Waldfried, by Berthold Auerbach
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+<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN">
+<html>
+<head>
+<title>Waldfried: A Novel</title>
+<meta name="Author" content="Berthold Auerbach">
+<meta name="Publisher" content="Henry Holt and Company">
+<meta name="Date" content="1874">
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1">
+<style type="text/css">
+body  {margin-left:10%; font-weight:bold; font-size:14pt; line-height:125%;
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+
+p.normal  {text-indent:.25in; text-align: justify;}
+p.center   {text-align:center; margin-top:9pt;}
+
+
+p.section        {letter-spacing:1em; text-align:center; margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:24pt;}
+p.right          {text-align:right; margin-right:10%;}
+
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+               color:black;}
+
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+
+
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+p.hang2        {margin-left:3em; text-indent:-3em; margin-bottom:24pt; font-size:90%; margin-top:24pt}
+
+.poem {
+  margin-top: 24pt;
+  margin-left: 20%;
+  margin-right: 10%;
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+<body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Waldfried, by Berthold Auerbach
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Waldfried
+       A Novel
+
+Author: Berthold Auerbach
+
+Translator: Simon Adler Stern
+
+Release Date: May 20, 2010 [EBook #32446]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WALDFRIED ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<p class="continue">Transcriber's Notes:</p>
+<p class="hang1">1. Page scan source:<br>
+http://www.archive.org/details/waldfriednovel00auerrich</p>
+
+
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>BY THE SAME AUTHOR.</h2>
+
+<h3><i>Authorized Editions.</i></h3>
+
+<p class="hang1">WALDFRIED. A Novel. Translated by <span class="sc">Simon Adler Stern</span>, 12mo,
+cloth,
+$2.00.</p>
+
+<p class="hang1">THE VILLA ON THE RHINE. A Romance. Translated by <span class="sc">James Davis</span>.
+With a
+portrait of the author. 16mo. Leisure Hour Series. 2 vols., $1.25 per
+vol.; Pocket Edition, four parts, paper, uniform with the Tauchnitz
+books, 40 cents per part, or $1.50 complete.</p>
+
+<p class="hang1">BLACK FOREST VILLAGE STORIES. Translated by <span class="sc">Charles Goepp</span>.
+Illustrated
+with fac-similies of the original German wood-cuts. 16mo, Leisure Hour
+Series, $1.25.</p>
+
+<p class="hang1">THE LITTLE BAREFOOT. A Tale. Translated by <span class="sc">Eliza Buckminster</span>
+LEE.
+Illustrated, 16mo, Leisure Hour Series, $1.25.</p>
+
+<p class="hang1">JOSEPH IN THE SNOW. A Tale. Illustrated, 16mo. Leisure Hour
+Series,
+$1.25.</p>
+
+<p style="margin-left:50%"><i>HENRY HOLT &amp; CO.</i>,</p>
+<p style="margin-left:55%">25 Bond Street, New York.</p>
+
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h2>W A L D F R I E D</h2>
+<br>
+<h2><i>A  N O V E L</i></h2>
+<br>
+<h4>BY</h4>
+
+<h2>BERTHOLD AUERBACH</h2>
+
+<br>
+
+<h3><i>T R A N S L A T E D</i></h3>
+
+<h4>BY</h4>
+
+<h2>SIMON ADLER STERN</h2>
+
+<br>
+<br>
+<h3><i>AUTHOR'S EDITION</i></h3>
+
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h3>NEW YORK</h3>
+<h2>HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY</h2>
+<h3>1874</h3>
+
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<p class="center">Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by<br>
+HENRY HOLT,<br>
+In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.</p>
+
+
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<p class="center">Maclauchlan,<br>
+Stereotyper and Printer, 56, 58 and 60 Park Street, New York.</p>
+
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<h1>WALDFRIED.</h1>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+<hr class="W10">
+<h2>BOOK FIRST.</h2>
+<hr class="W10">
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">In a letter bringing me his greetings for the New Year, 1870,
+my eldest
+son thus wrote to me from America:</p>
+<p class="space"></p>
+<p class="normal">&quot;We have been sorely tried of late. Wolfgang, our only
+remaining child,
+lay for weeks at death's door. I avoided mentioning this to you before;
+but now he is out of danger.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'Take me to your father in the forest,' were the first
+distinct words
+he uttered after his illness. He is a lusty youth, and inherits his
+mother's hardy Westphalian constitution.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;In his feverish wanderings, he often spoke of you, and also
+of a great
+fire, in strange phrases, none of which he can now recall.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He has awakened my own heartfelt desire to return, and now we
+shall
+come. We have fully determined to leave in the spring. I lose no time
+in writing to you of this, because I feel that the daily thought of our
+meeting again will be fraught with pleasure for both of us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, if mother were still alive! Oh, that I had returned in
+time to
+have seen her!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Telegraph to me as soon as you receive tidings of brother
+Ernst. I am
+anxious once again to behold Germany, which is at last becoming a real
+nation. We who are out here in America are beginning to feel proud of
+our Fatherland.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We are surely coming! Pray send word to my brothers and
+sisters.</p>
+
+<p class="right">&quot;<span class="sc">Your Son Ludwig</span>.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The postscript was as follows:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;<span class="sc">Dear Father</span>,--I shall soon be able to utter those dear words
+to you in
+person.</p>
+
+<p class="right">&quot;<span class="sc">Your Daughter Constance</span>.&quot;</p>
+<p class="space"></p>
+<p class="normal">&quot;<span class="sc">Dear Grandfather</span>,--I can now write again, and my first words
+are to
+you. We shall soon join you at 'grandfather's home.'</p>
+
+<p class="right">&quot;<span class="sc">Your Grandson Wolfgang</span>.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="space">* * * * *</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had not seen Ludwig since the summer of 1849, and now I was
+to see
+him, his wife, and his son. I instructed Martella to send the news to
+my children and sons-in-law; and to my sister who lives in the Hagenau
+forest I wrote in person.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joyous answers were returned from every quarter. But the
+happiest of
+all was Rothfuss, our head servant. And well he might be, for no one
+had loved and suffered so much for Ludwig's sake as he had done.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss is my oldest companion. We have known each other so
+long that,
+last spring, we might have celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of our
+first meeting. When that occurred, we were both of the same age--he a
+soldier in the fortress in which I was confined as a political
+prisoner. For one hour every day I was permitted to leave my cell for a
+short walk on the parapet. On those occasions a soldier with loaded
+musket walked behind me; and it often happened that this duty was
+assigned to Rothfuss. His orders were not to speak to me; but he did
+so, nevertheless. He was constantly muttering to himself in an
+indistinct manner. This habit of talking to himself has clung to him
+through life, and I doubt if any human being has a greater fund of
+curses than he.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One day, while he was thus walking behind me, I heard him say
+quite
+distinctly: &quot;Now I know who you are! Oh!&quot;--and then came fearful
+oaths--&quot;O! to imprison such a man! You are the son of the forest-keeper
+of our district! Why, we are from the very same part of the country! I
+have often worked with your father. He was a hard man, but a just one;
+a German of the old sort.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am not allowed to accept money from you, but if you were to
+happen
+to lose some, there would be no harm in my finding it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Of course you smoke? I shall buy a pipe, tobacco, and a
+tinder-box for
+you, and what you give me over the amount will not be too much for me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">From that day, Rothfuss did me many a service. He knew how to
+circumvent the jailer,--a point on which we easily silenced our
+scruples. Five years later I regained my freedom, and when I settled on
+this estate, Rothfuss, as if anticipating my wishes, was at my side.
+Since that time he has been with us constantly, and has proved a
+faithful servant to me, as well as the favorite of my children.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had inherited the estate and the grand house upon it from my
+father-in-law. As I was a forester's son, I found but few difficulties
+in attending to the timber land, but the two saw-mills and the farm
+that belonged to the estate gave me much trouble. For this reason, so
+faithful and expert an assistant as Rothfuss was doubly welcome to me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He is a wheelwright by trade, and can attend to anything that
+requires
+to be done about the house. Near the shed, he built a little smithy,
+and my boys were his faithful apprentices. They never asked for toys,
+for they were always helping him in making some article of use. But my
+son Richard had no liking for manual labor. He was a dreamy youth, and
+at an early age manifested a great love of study.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Of my daughters, Bertha was Rothfuss' favorite. Johanna
+avoided him.
+She had a horror of his oaths, which, after all, were not so seriously
+meant.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While quite young she evinced much religious enthusiasm, and
+Rothfuss
+used to call her &quot;The little nun,&quot; at which she was always very angry,
+for she was quite proud of her Protestantism. While preparing for
+confirmation she even went so far as to make repeated attempts to
+convert both myself and my wife.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While Richard was yet a mere student at the Gymnasium of our
+capital,
+Rothfuss dubbed him &quot;The Professor;&quot; but when Ludwig came home from the
+Polytechnic School to spend his holidays with us, he and Rothfuss were
+inseparable companions. He taught Rothfuss all of the students' songs,
+and insisted that this servant of ours was the greatest philosopher of
+our century.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig had settled in the chief town as a master builder. He
+was also
+known as &quot;The King of the Turners.&quot; He was President of his section,
+and his great agility and strength gained him many a prize. He was of a
+proud disposition, and followed his convictions, regardless of
+consequences. Older persons remarked that in appearance and bearing he
+was the very picture of what I had been in my youth.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I am glad that all of my children are of a large build. Ludwig
+resembles me most of all. Fortunately his nose is not so large as mine,
+but more like the finely chiselled nose of his mother. His eloquence,
+however, is not inherited. His oratorical efforts were powerful and
+convincing, and his voice was so agreeable that it was a pleasure to
+listen to it. He had very decided musical talent, but not enough to
+justify him in adopting music as his profession. In spite of the advice
+of his music teachers, he determined on a more practical calling. His
+refined and easy manner soon won all hearts; and he was beloved by
+those who were high in station as well as by the lowly laborers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the year 1849, Ludwig was laying out a portion of the great
+road
+which was being built along the low land beyond the mountain. He was
+the idol of his workmen, and always said, &quot;For me they will climb about
+the rocks that are to be blasted, like so many lizards, just because I
+can myself show them how it is done.&quot; The road was divided into many
+so-called tasks, each of which was assigned to a separate group of
+workmen who had agreed to finish it by a certain day. As one of these
+gangs was unfortunate enough to chance upon springs at every few steps,
+the soft soil gave it much trouble, and greatly prolonged its labors.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The other engineers avoided the soft places when making their
+surveys.
+But Ludwig, with his high boots, stepped right into the midst of the
+laborers, and helped those who were working with their shovels and
+spades.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had also arranged the fire service of the whole valley, and
+had so
+distinguished himself at the fire in the little town that he received a
+medal in recognition of his having saved a life. The more excited
+members of our political party were of the opinion that he ought to
+refuse it, alleging that it was wrong for him to receive so princely a
+decoration; but he replied: &quot;For the present the Prince is the
+representative of the popular voice.&quot; He accepted the badge, but
+fastened it to the fireman's banner.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">I had been elected a member of the Frankfort Parliament.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">September's days of terror were doubly terrible to me. I had
+been told
+that my son Ludwig was leading a body of Turners who had joined the
+malcontents, and that they had determined to reverse the decision of
+the majority of the popular delegates, and to break up the Parliament.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At the imminent peril of my life, I climbed from barricade to
+barricade, hoping to be able to induce the Turners to retreat, and
+perhaps to find my son.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One of the leaders, who accompanied me as a herald, called out
+at the
+top of his voice, &quot;Safe-conduct for the father of Ludwig Waldfried!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My son's fair fame was my best protection; but T could not
+find Ludwig.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I have suffered much, but those hours when, with my wife and
+my next
+son Ernst, then six years old, I heard the rattling of muskets without
+the door, were the most wretched that I can now recollect.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the following spring, when the Parliament was dissolved,
+the
+revolution had already begun with our neighbors in the next state.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For a long time the fortunes of battle seemed doubtful. I
+never
+believed that the uprising would succeed; but yet I could not recall my
+son. At that time we no longer heard the rattling of musketry, and I
+can hardly bear to think of how we sat at home in sad but fearful
+suspense. One thing, however, I would not efface from my memory. My
+wife said, &quot;We cannot ask for miracles. When the hailstorm descends
+upon the whole land, our well-tilled fields must suffer with the rest.&quot;
+Oh, that I could recall more of the sayings of that wise and pure
+hearted being!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The uprising had been quelled; but of Ludwig we had no
+tidings. We knew
+not whether he was lost, had been taken prisoner, or had escaped into
+Switzerland.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One day a messenger came to me with a letter from my wife's
+nephew, who
+was the director of the prison in the low country. He wrote to me to
+come to him at once, to bring Rothfuss also, and not to omit bringing
+passports for both of us. He could tell me no more by letter, and
+cautioned me to burn his epistle as soon as I had read it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is about our Ludwig: he lives!&quot; said my wife. The event
+proved that
+she was right. She induced me to take my daughter Bertha with me. She
+was then but sixteen years old--a determined, courageous girl, and as
+discreet withal as her mother. For to a woman paths often become smooth
+which to men present insurmountable obstacles. Bertha was glad to go;
+and when in the cool of the morning she stood at the door ready to
+depart, with her mother's warm hood on her head, and her face all aglow
+with health and youth, she said to me roguishly: &quot;Father, why do you
+look at me so strangely?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Because you look just as your mother did when she was a
+bride.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her bright merry laughter at these words served in a measure
+to raise
+our depressed spirits.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Terror and excitement reigned on every hand. When we reached
+the first
+village of the next state, we found that the side nearest the river
+bank had been destroyed by artillery. I learned that Ludwig had been in
+command there, and had shown great bravery.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the way, Bertha's constant cheerfulness lightened our
+sorrow. To
+know a child thoroughly, you must travel with one alone. When Bertha
+saw that I sat brooding in silence, she knew how to cheer me up with
+her childish stories, and by engaging me in memories of an innocent
+past, to dispel my sad thoughts. At that early day she gave an earnest
+of what she was so well able to accomplish later in life.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In spite of our having the proper passports, we were
+everywhere
+regarded with suspicion, until I at last fortunately met the son of the
+commandant of our fortress. While he was yet a lad, and I a prisoner at
+the fortress, I had been his teacher, and he had remained faithful and
+attached to me. I met him at an outlying village where he was stationed
+with a portion of his regiment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He recognized me at once, and exclaimed, &quot;I am doubly glad to
+see you
+again. So you were not with the volunteers? I heard your name mentioned
+as one of the leaders.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was about to reply, &quot;That was my son;&quot; but Bertha quickly
+anticipated
+me, and said, &quot;That was not my father.&quot;</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">After that the young officer bestowed but little attention
+upon me; his
+glances were now all for Bertha, to whom he addressed most of his
+remarks.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Who can foretell what germs may awaken into life in the midst
+of the
+storm? My young pupil, who had but the day before been appointed first
+lieutenant, gravely delivered himself of the opinion that there was no
+real military glory in conquering volunteers. When speaking of me to
+Bertha, he was profuse in his assurances of gratitude and esteem.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bertha, generally so talkative, was now silent. The young
+officer
+procured a safe-conduct for us, and we continued on our journey.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I have never yet seen the ocean, but the country, as it then
+appeared
+to me, awakened impressions similar to those which must be aroused when
+the tide has ebbed and the objects which before that dwelt in the
+depths of the sea are left lying upon the strand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At last we reached my nephew's. He conducted me to his
+official
+residence, where I followed him through numerous apartments, until I at
+last reached his room, where we were closeted under lock and key.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He then told me that, while walking through the town the day
+but one
+before, he had met a young peasant with a rake on his shoulder, who,
+while passing, had hurriedly said to him, &quot;Follow me, cousin; I have
+something to tell you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The director followed, but not without first making sure of
+his
+revolver.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When they had got into the thicket, the peasant suddenly
+turned about
+and said to him, while he removed his hat, &quot;Don't you know me? I am
+Ludwig Waldfried.&quot; The director's heart was filled with terror. Ludwig
+continued, &quot;You, and you alone, can save me. Put me in prison until I
+have a chance to run away. Our cause is lost; but for my parents' sake
+as well as my own, I must escape.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The cousin was not unwilling to assist Ludwig, but was at a
+loss how to
+go about it. Ludwig, however, had studied strategy. He had carefully
+considered every step in advance, and now caused the director to enter
+him on the list of prisoners under the name of Rothfuss.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A state of siege, dissolving as it does all forms of civil
+procedure,
+made it possible to carry out so irregular a proceeding; aside from
+which there was the inspiring effect of being engaged in a task that
+required shrewd and delicate man&#339;uvring. It was this, too, that
+helped to relieve my meeting with Ludwig of much of its sadness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Still it could not but pain me to find that in order to save
+one person
+it was necessary to victimize others. Ludwig guessed my thoughts, and
+said to me, &quot;I am sorry, father, that I am obliged to drag you into
+this trouble. I know that such affairs are not to your taste; but there
+is no help for it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss looked upon the whole affair as a merry farce. He did
+not see
+the least harm in outwitting and deceiving the officers and the state.
+And in those days there were many thousands who felt just as he did. It
+is a fit subject for congratulation, and perhaps an evidence of the
+indestructible virtue of the German people, that in spite of
+Metternich's soul-corrupting teachings there is yet so much
+righteousness left in our land.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Ludwig had donned the Rothfuss' clothes, one could hardly
+recognize him. The transformation afforded Rothfuss great delight.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;They can do no more than lock me up by myself, and I have
+always said
+that 'he who is wet to the skin need not dread the rain.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This was a favorite saying of his. He had but one regret, and
+that was
+that he would not be allowed to smoke in the prison; but, for Ludwig's
+sake, he would gladly make that sacrifice.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We departed, taking Ludwig with us. My heart trembled with
+fear. The
+knowledge that I was committing a breach of the law, even though it was
+only caused by necessity and for the sake of rescuing my son, filled me
+with alarm. I felt as if every one knew what I was doing; but it seemed
+as if the people we met along the road did not care to interfere.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Here again Bertha proved a great treasure to us. She had a
+wonderfully
+cheerful flow of spirits; and perhaps, after all, women are greater
+adepts in the arts of self-control and deception than we are.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When we arrived near the borders of the Palatinate, Ludwig met
+a
+companion who had been hiding there. He was a man of about my age. It
+now became my turn to take part in the dangerous game. I was obliged to
+remain behind and allow the fugitive to take my place at Bertha's side.
+Bertha was equal to the situation, and at once addressed the stranger
+as &quot;father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I followed on foot, imagining that every step would be my
+last.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I passed the border without mishap, and in the first village
+found the
+rescued ones awaiting me. As our old comrade had already become drunk
+on French wine, we left him behind at the village and took up our
+journey to my sister, the wife of the forester at Hagenau.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The most difficult task of all was to endure the vainglorious
+boasting
+of the Frenchmen. My brother-in-law treated us as if he were a gracious
+nobleman, who had taken us under his protection. His neighbors soon
+joined the party, and proud words were heard on every hand: the French
+were the great nation--theirs was the republic--their country the
+refuge of the oppressed and persecuted. And we--what were we? Rent
+asunder and bound down, while our Rhine provinces were happy in the
+faith that they would soon become a portion of proud and beautiful
+France. Another brother-in-law, the pastor of Hünfeld, who had studied
+at Erlangen, gave us some little consolation, for he said that in
+science the Germans were the greatest of nations.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Father,&quot; said Ludwig, &quot;I cannot endure this; I shall not
+remain here
+another day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I felt as he did, and we took our departure for Strasburg. At
+the
+Gutenberg Platz we were obliged to halt our horses, for the guard were
+just marching by. All seemed as happy if a piece of good fortune had
+just befallen them. All was as merry as a wedding-feast, while with our
+neighbors beyond the line there was funereal sadness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Strasburg was crowded with fugitives, by some of whom Ludwig
+was at
+once recognized. We went with a party of them to the Grape Vine Tavern,
+and whom should we meet at the door but the very comrade we had left
+behind.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had a curious contrivance about his throat. It was a simple
+rope
+with a knot tied in it; and he called out to Ludwig that he too was
+entitled to wear this grand cordon. He conducted us into the room
+where, at a table apart from the rest, were seated young men and old,
+all of whom had ropes around their necks.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah! here comes the father of 'the King of the Turners'!&quot; were
+the
+words with which a large and powerfully built man welcomed me. I
+recognized him as the man who had been my guide during the September
+riots. &quot;Hurrah, comrades! Here comes another companion. This way,
+Ludwig; this is the seat of honor. All who are seated here are under
+sentence of death, and as a badge we wear this rope about our necks.&quot;
+And they sang:</p>
+
+<p class="text20">Should princes ask: &quot;Where's Absalom?&quot;<br>
+And seek to learn his plight--<br>
+Just tell them he is hanging high;<br>
+The poor, unlucky wight.<br>
+And though he's dead, he hangeth not<br>
+From tree, nor yet from beam.<br>
+He dreamt that he could Germans free<br>
+And 'twas a fatal dream.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Their ribald jokes disgusted me, and I was therefore glad to
+chance
+upon one who had been a fellow-member of the Frankfort Parliament, and
+who shared my feelings at such distorted views of an unsuccessful
+attempt at revolution.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I have known many pure-hearted, unselfish men, but never have
+I met
+with one whose love of freedom was greater than that of our friend
+Wilhelmi. Over and above that, he had a genuine love for his
+fellow-men. There are, unfortunately, many lovers of freedom who are
+not lovers of mankind, a contradiction which I have never been able to
+understand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Friend Wilhelmi gave me an insight as to the character of the
+old
+refugee, who was by nature of a peaceable disposition, but, giving way
+to the frenzy which in those days seemed to fill the very air, had lost
+all self-control. He was unable to endure the sufferings of exile. A
+deep longing for home preyed upon his spirits. To drown his grief, he
+indulged in wine, and the result of his copious draughts was that he
+became bold and noisy. This seemed to be his daily experience. In his
+sober moments he sat brooding in silence, and was often seen to weep.
+Wilhelmi had of course painted his picture in mild colors.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I must add that the refugee at last died in a mad-house in
+America. It
+is sad to think of the many noble beings who were ruined and sacrificed
+during those terrible days.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was something inspiring in the words and thoughts of
+Doctor
+Wilhelmi. When I heard his voice I felt as if in a temple. And at this
+very moment memory revives the impression then made upon me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Meanness and detraction were without any effect upon him; for
+he could
+look over and beyond them. He had determined to emigrate to America
+with his wife, who was his equal in courage and confidence. Bertha, who
+found but little to her fancy in the rude and dreary life that here
+environed us, and who was especially indignant that the soldiers who
+had simply done their duty were referred to so contemptuously, spent
+most of her time in Madame Wilhelmi's room. She was constantly urging
+our speedy return. And Wilhelmi could endure neither the mockery of one
+class of Frenchmen nor the pity of the others. Ludwig determined to
+join his friend. Wilhelmi had a serious task with his comrades, for
+nearly all of them were firmly convinced that the troubles in Germany
+would be renewed with the morrow, and that it was their duty to remain
+on the borders so that they might be at hand when needed. Wilhelmi, on
+the other hand, warned them against such self-deception, which, if
+persisted in, would only lead to the destruction of the mere handful
+that was left of them. He often declared to me that he at last
+acknowledged that our German nation is not fitted for revolution. It
+has too many genial traits, and is devoid of the passion of hate. He
+felt assured that, when the crisis arrived, the German monarchs would
+of themselves see that, both for their own sakes and that of their
+people, it would be necessary to introduce an entire change in our
+political system. But when and how this was to be done (whether in our
+lifetime or afterwards), who could foretell?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We should not forget,&quot; said Wilhelmi, &quot;the significance of
+the fact
+that the German people, so long bound down by a system of police
+espionage, has at last become aroused; nor will its oppressors forget
+it. Now they are furious against the evil-doers; but a second
+generation will not find so much to blame in their deeds, and, as you
+well know, my dear friend, for you are a forester, there is an old
+proverb which tells us that 'vermin cannot destroy a healthy tree.' The
+May beetles would rather prey on the oak than on any other tree, but
+although they destroy every leaf, and cause the tree to look like a dry
+broom, it renews its leaves with the following year.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In olden times when men swore eternal friendship, a man would
+sometimes
+say, &quot;This is my friend, and without knowing what he intends to say, I
+will swear that it is the truth, for he cannot tell a lie.&quot; In my own
+heart I had just such faith in Wilhelmi.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I found it as sad to part from him as from Ludwig, and this
+circumstance overshadowed the grief I felt when saying &quot;farewell&quot; to my
+son.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What does fate intend by driving such men away from home, and
+far
+beyond the seas?&quot; These were the parting words of my friend Wilhelmi.
+They moved me deeply; but I could not answer his question.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I felt as if beholding a hail-storm beating down a field of
+ripened
+grain. How many a full ear must have fallen to the ground?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I also met a young schoolmaster by the name of Funk. Although
+there had
+been no real reason for his leaving home, he had fled with the rest. I
+easily persuaded him to return with me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was full of gratitude and submissiveness. In spite of this,
+however,
+my daughter even then, with true foresight, concluded that he was
+deceitful. I was for a long while unwilling to believe this, but was at
+last forced to do so.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk had done nothing more than attend to some of the writing
+in the
+ducal palace which the revolutionists had taken possession of. But it
+was with great self-complacency that he spoke of his having dwelt in
+the very palace which, during his student years, he had never passed
+without a feeling of awe.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I often thought of my son, but quite as frequently of that
+good old
+fellow, Rothfuss. Ludwig is free, but how does Rothfuss endure his
+captivity? And as it was just harvest time, it was doubly inconvenient
+to be without him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were bringing home our early barley. I had walked on ahead
+and the
+loaded wagon was to follow. I opened the barn door, the wagon
+approached, and on it was seated Rothfuss, who call out at the top of
+his voice, &quot;Here I am on a wagon full of beer. So far it is only in the
+shape of barley. Hurrah for freedom!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As Rothfuss had been imprisoned by mistake, he was soon set at
+liberty,
+and it was both affecting and diverting to listen to his accounts of
+his experience as a prisoner.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He told us how good it is to be in jail and yet innocent.
+While he was
+there, he was reminded of all the sins he had ever committed, and he at
+last began to believe that he deserved to be locked up.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;By rights,&quot; said he, &quot;every one ought to spend a couple of
+years in
+jail, just because of what he has done. When we meet a man who has just
+got out of prison we ought to say to ourselves: 'Be kind to him for it
+is mere luck that you have not been there yourself.'&quot; Thus spoke
+Rothfuss. He had thought he would find it pleasant to be sitting in his
+cell while the other folks were hard at work with the harvest, but it
+had proved terribly monotonous. The meals were not to his taste, nor
+could he enjoy his sleep. He could not endure such idleness, and after
+the second day, he begged the inspector to set him at chopping wood; a
+request which was not granted.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And was not Rothfuss the happiest fellow in the world, when he
+heard
+the news of Ludwig's return?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He complained that it was rather hard to know of a thing so
+long
+beforehand. Impatience at the delay would make one angry at every day
+that intervened.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I consoled him with the idea that the chief part of
+enjoyment lies
+in anticipation, his face lighted up with smiles, and he said, &quot;He is
+right.&quot; When he praises me, he always turns away from me as if talking
+to some one in the distance, and as if determined to tell the whole
+world how wise I am. &quot;He is perfectly right. It is just so. It is a
+pleasant thirst when you know that there are just so many steps to the
+next inn, and that the cooling drink which is to wash your insides and
+make you jolly, lies in the cellar there, waiting for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss had already started for the village, when he came
+running up
+the steps and called out: &quot;I have found another nest; the locksmith's
+Lisbeth and our three Americans will be happiest of all when they hear
+the news. It is well to drink, but if one can first pour out a joyous
+cup for another, it is still better. I shall be back soon,&quot; he called
+out as he hurried up the road.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The widow of Blum the locksmith lived in the back street. Her
+husband
+had settled in the village, intending to follow his trade, and also to
+till a small piece of land. Partly by his own fault, and partly through
+misfortune, he had not succeeded.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He then desired to emigrate to America. His wife, however, had
+been
+unwilling to do so until she could feel assured of their being able to
+get along in the new world.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At home she had her own little house and her three children.
+For some
+time the locksmith worked at the factory in the neighboring town,
+returning to his home only on Sundays. His idea of emigrating had,
+however, not been given up, and at last he departed for America with
+the hope of mending his fortunes, and then sending for his wife and
+children.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When he arrived there, the war between the North and the South
+was at
+its height. He heard my son's name mentioned as that of one of the
+leaders, and at once enlisted under him. Ludwig was delighted to have
+one at his side who was both a countryman of his and a good
+artilleryman.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was not until after the locksmith had enlisted that he
+spoke of his
+having left a family at home. At the battle of Bull Run he lost his
+life, and his wife and children, who are still living down in the
+village, are in regular receipt of the pension which Ludwig secured for
+them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When the widow heard the news, she came to me at once, and
+told me with
+tears in her eyes, that she could hardly await Ludwig's return. She
+speedily acquainted the whole village with the event that was to prove
+a festival to my household, and when I went out of doors every one whom
+I met wished me joy; especially happy was one of the villagers who had
+been among Ludwig's volunteers in 1848, and was quite proud of his
+having been able to lie himself out of that scrape.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Before I proceed further, I must tell you of Martella.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It were of course better if I could let her speak for herself;
+for her
+voice, though firm, has an indescribably mellow and touching tone, and
+seems to hold the listener as if spell-bound. She had thick,
+unmanageable brown hair, and brown eyes in which there was hardly any
+white to be seen. She was not slender, but rather short, although there
+were moments when she would suddenly seem as if quite tall. Her manner
+was not gentle, but rather domineering, as if she would say, &quot;Get out
+of the way there! I am coming!&quot; In disposition she was wayward and
+passionate, vain and conceited. It was only in our house that she
+became pliant and yielding, and acquired mild and modest ways. I do not
+mean <i>modest</i> in the current acceptation of the word; she had genuine
+respect for those who were higher and better than she. My wife effected
+a miraculous change in her without ever attempting to instruct, but
+simply by commanding her. She was the betrothed of my son Ernst, who,
+as I have already mentioned, was with us at Frankfort in the year 1848.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It is difficult, and to us of an older generation perhaps
+impossible,
+to discover what impression the events of 1848 must have made on a
+child's mind.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For my part, I have learned through this son, that failure on
+the part
+of the parents induces in their offspring a feeling which can best be
+described as pity mingled with a want of respect. Like William Tell, we
+had long carried the arrow of revolution in our bosoms, but when <i>we</i>
+sent it forth it missed the mark.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the autumn of 1848 my wife came to visit me at Frankfort
+and brought
+Ernst with her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Old Arndt was particularly fond of the lad, and often took him
+on his
+knee and called him his &quot;little pine-tree.&quot; When the Regent, on the day
+after his triumphal entry, appeared in public, he met Ernst and kissed
+him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">During the summer Ernst attended a preparatory school in the
+neighboring town. But he seemed to have no real love for study, while
+the teachers were over-indulgent with the handsome lad, who was always
+ready with his bold glances and saucy remarks.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I asked him what he intended to become, he would always
+answer me,
+&quot;Chief forester of the state.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">To my great horror, I learned that he often repeated the party
+cries
+with which members of the different factions taunted each other. I sent
+him home after September, for I saw that his intercourse with those who
+were high in station was making him haughty and disrespectful.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I am unable to judge as to the proper period at which a
+youthful mind
+should be induced to interest itself in political questions. I am sure,
+however, that if such participation in the affairs of the country be
+chiefly in the way of opposition, it must prove injurious, for its
+immediate effect is to destroy every feeling of veneration.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Years passed on, Ernst was educated at the house of my wife's
+nephew,
+who was a professor at the Gymnasium at the capital. He also spent much
+of his time with his sister Bertha, who had married Captain Von
+Carsten.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I must here remark that my son-in-law, in spite of the
+obstinate
+opposition of his haughty family, and the strongly marked disapproval
+of all of his superiors, up to the Prince himself, had married
+the daughter of a member of the opposition, and had become the
+brother-in-law of a refugee who was under sentence of death. He is a
+man of sterling character.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When it was time for Ernst to leave for the university, or, as
+he had
+always desired, to attend the forester's school, he declared quite
+positively that it was his wish to enter the army. He remained there
+but one year. &quot;The army of the lesser states,&quot; he said, &quot;is either mere
+child's play, or else all the horrors of civil war lurk behind it.&quot; He
+visited the university only to remain there two terms, after which he
+entered himself with Hartriegel, the district forester.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst's unsteadiness gave us much concern, and I was
+especially shocked
+by the sarcastic, mocking manner, in which he spoke of those objects
+which we of the older generation held in reverence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was disputatious, and maintained that it was one's duty to
+doubt
+everything. Indeed he did not even spare his parents in that regard,
+and was bold enough to tell me and my wife which of our qualities he
+most admired.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He once uttered these wicked words: &quot;The present generation
+does not
+look upon the fifth commandment as really a command: but I have a
+reason for honoring my parents; and I am especially grateful to you,
+father, for the good constitution I have inherited from you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My hand itched when I heard Ernst's words; but a glance from
+my wife
+pacified me, and I shall forever be grateful to her that I succeeded in
+controlling myself. Had I given way to my just anger, I would have had
+myself to blame for Ernst's desperate course and his lost life. That
+would have been adding guilt to misfortune, and would have been
+insupportable.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had yet much to learn. As a father I was sadly deficient in
+many
+respects. But, with every desire to improve herself, my wife was
+already a perfect being, and could therefore be more to the children
+than I was. I was disposed to neglect my family on account of what was
+due my office. She was vigilant and severe, and supplied what was
+lacking on my part. But although she was sterner than I was, the
+children were more attached to her than to me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Although Ernst's views of life gave me deep concern, he was
+often kind
+and affectionate; for his good-nature was, at times, stronger than his
+so-called principles.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I sought consolation in the thought that children will always
+see the
+world in a different light from that in which it appears to their
+parents. Even that which is ideal is subject to constant change, and we
+should therefore be careful not to imagine that the form which is
+pleasing to us, and to which we have accustomed ourselves, will endure
+forever. And, moreover, was it not our wish to educate our children as
+free moral agents, and was it not our duty to accord full liberty even
+to those who differed with us?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I have often seen it verified that a perfect development
+cannot take
+place with those who, either through birth or adverse circumstances,
+are deficient in any important moral faculty. With all of Ernst's love
+of freedom, he was entirely wanting in respect or regard for the
+feelings of others. Piety, in its widest sense, he was utterly devoid
+of. From his stand-point, his actions were perfectly just; as to their
+effects upon others, he was indifferent.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the Wiesenplatz in Frankfort, during the autumn of 1848, I
+had gone
+through a heart-rending experience. And now, after many years, I
+returned to the same spot only to be reminded of my former grief by
+painful and conflicting emotions. I had gone to Frankfort to attend the
+Schützenfest. The city was alive with joy; a spirit of unity had for
+the first time become manifest. I was standing close by the temple for
+the distribution of the prizes. Although surrounded by a gay and
+laughing crowd, I was quite absorbed in my own reflections, when
+suddenly a voice thus addressed me:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, father! Are you here, too?&quot; I looked around to see who it
+was, and
+beheld my son Ernst. He carried his rifle on his shoulder, and the
+rewards for his well-aimed shots were fastened under the green ribbon
+of his hat. Before I could get a chance to congratulate him, he had
+said to me, &quot;Father, you should not have come; I am sorry that I meet
+you here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why so?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why! Because this is for us young lads. We are here for the
+purpose of
+gaining prize-goblets by our lucky shots; and the great speeches that
+are being held in yonder hall are nothing more than a mere flash in the
+pan. They are trying to persuade each other that they are all heroes
+and willing to bear arms for their Fatherland, and their talk is, after
+all, a mere sham. The good marksmen have not come here for the sake of
+their Fatherland and such stuff: all they desire is simply to gain the
+prize--that, and nothing more.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you not know that I, too, made a speech in there
+yesterday?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No. I was informed that some one named Waldfried had been
+speaking;
+but I could not imagine it was you. One should have nothing to do with
+such inflammable thoughts when fire-arms are at hand. If we were to
+govern ourselves by your speeches, our brotherly-feeling would very
+soon be at an end, and there would be naught but violence and murder
+among us riflemen.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I tried to explain to him that our hope lay in our able-bodied
+youth,
+and that we would not rest content until we had a real, united
+Fatherland. To which he answered:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, yes. The students, those of brother Richard's sort, live
+on
+yesterday: the politicians live on to-morrow: we live in the present.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His features trembled, and it was with an effort that he
+added,
+&quot;Forgive me, father; perhaps I, too, will have as much confidence in
+mankind as you have, when I am as old as you are.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What could I answer to this? While all about me was loud with
+joy, my
+soul was filled with sorrow. My youngest son denied the gods to whom I
+offered up my prayers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And yet, when I saw him among a group of riflemen, my fatherly
+pride
+was aroused. His proud, lithe form towered above the rest. New-comers
+saluted him, and the eyes of all seemed to rest upon Ernst with serene
+satisfaction.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">One day Ernst visited us and went about for a long while in
+silence,--now going out to Rothfuss in the stable, and then again
+joining us in the room; but here again he uttered no word. Although I
+could see that he was agitated, I did not ask him the reason. I had
+been obliged to accustom myself to allow him to speak when it suited
+him, and to avoid any advances on my part until it pleased him to seek
+them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were just about to rise from the dinner-table when he said
+to us in
+a hurried manner, &quot;Before you hear it from others, I must announce it
+to you myself:--I am engaged to be married.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We looked at each other in silence. Not a sound was heard,
+save the
+ticking of the two Black Forest clocks in our room. At last my wife
+asked: &quot;And with whom?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could tell by the tone of her voice how many heavy thoughts
+had
+preceded these words.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;With a healthy girl. I--I know all about selection in
+breeding,&quot;
+answered Ernst, while he lit his cigar.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I reprimanded him severely for his tone. Without changing a
+feature, he
+allowed me to finish my remarks. After that he arose, threw his rifle
+over his shoulder, put on his green hat, and left the house. I wanted
+to call him back, but my wife prevented me. I reproached myself for the
+violent manner in which I had spoken to him. Now he will rush into
+misfortune--who knows what he may do next? With mild words, I might
+have been able to direct him on the right path; but now he may,
+perhaps, not return, and will even persuade himself to hate me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife consoled me with the words: &quot;He will return before
+nightfall.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And it was so. In the evening he returned, and addressing me
+with a
+voice full of emotion, said: &quot;Father, forgive me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss was in the room at the time, and I beckoned to him to
+leave;
+but Ernst requested that he should remain, and continued:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have done wrong. I am heartily sorry for it. I have also
+done wrong
+to Martella. I should not have acted as I have done, but ought to
+have brought her to you first of all. She deserves quite different
+treatment--better indeed than I do. I beg of you, give back the words
+that I uttered! Forgive me! and, above all things, do not make Martella
+suffer for what I have said.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He uttered these words with a trembling voice. Rothfuss had
+left the
+room. I held out my hand to Ernst, and he continued firmly:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You have so often told me, and as I am always forgetting it,
+you will
+have to tell it to me many a time again, that there is something in me
+which causes me at times to express myself quite differently from the
+way in which I intended to. I also know, dear father, that such a word
+lingers in your memory like a smouldering spark, especially when the
+word is uttered by your own child; and that in your grief you picture
+to yourself the utter ruin of a character that can indulge in such
+expressions. I understand you, do I not? Trust in me: I am not so bad,
+after all.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I do not believe in the possessed; and yet there must be
+something of
+that kind. Enough on that point, however. Though I seemed cheerful, I
+had a heavy heart; but now I am one of the happiest beings alive; and
+if I were obliged to be a wood-cutter for the rest of my days, I could
+still content myself. O mother, I would not have believed that I could
+have found such a creature in a world in which all others are mere
+pretence and <i>rouge</i>, lies and deceit.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She is in perfect health, and as pure and as fresh as a
+dewdrop.
+Although she has learned nothing, she knows everything. She cannot
+couch it in words, but her eyes speak it. Her heart is so thoroughly
+good,--so strong,--so pure,--indeed, I cannot find the right word for
+it. She has no parents, no brothers or sisters. She is a child of the
+woods, and as pure and as holy as the primeval forest itself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;O, forgive me all! I cannot describe my emotions. Now I
+understand and
+believe everything. They tell us that in the olden time, a Prince once
+lost his way while hunting in the forest, and that he found a maiden
+whom he placed upon his horse and led to his castle and then made her
+his queen. Those stories are all true. I cannot make a queen of
+Martella, but through her I am ennobled; and it grieves me that it will
+not do to have our wedding at once. But I will wait. I can wait. Or, if
+you like it better, we will wander forth to America, and, far from the
+world, shall live there as our first parents did in Paradise. Believe
+me, there is indeed a paradise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;O mother! You are certainly all that a human being can be,
+but still
+you have one fault;--yes, yes; you have wept--and the first commandment
+should be, 'Man, thou shalt not weep.' And, just think of it, mother,
+Martella has never yet wept! She is as healthy as a doe, and I swear it
+to you, she shall never know what it is to weep. O mother! O father! in
+the depths of the forest I have found this pure, innocent child, so
+wise and clever, so strong and brave. This flower has blossomed in the
+hidden depths of the forest; no human eye had ever seen her before. I
+am not worthy of her, but I will try to become so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His voice became thick. He beat his breast with both hands,
+and drew a
+long deep breath. I have never yet seen a being so refulgent with
+happiness. Thus, in the olden time, must they have looked who thought
+they were beholding a miracle; and even now, when I write of these
+things, feeble as my words seem, I tremble with emotion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And could this be my child, my son, my madcap, who now felt so
+humble
+and contrite. I had lost all memory of his former rudeness and sarcasm.
+It was some time before we could answer his words.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The sun was going down in the west, its last broad rays fell
+into the
+room, shedding a glow of light over all, and as we sat we heard the
+evening chimes.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">&quot;I believe in your love,&quot; said my wife at last.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;O mother!&quot; cried Ernst, throwing himself at her feet; and
+then kissing
+her hands, he wept and sobbed while he rested his head on her knee.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I lifted him up and said, &quot;We are independent enough not to
+ask where
+our daughter-in-law comes from, so that she be but good and will make
+our child happy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst grasped both of my hands and said, &quot;I knew it. I do not
+deserve
+your love, but now I shall try to be worthy of it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But where have you been since dinner-time?&quot; said my wife,
+trying to
+change the conversation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst replied that he had left the road and had wandered far
+into the
+forest, where he had lain down and fallen asleep; and that within him
+two sorts of spirits had been battling. The spiteful spirit had urged
+him not to take back the rude words, and desired him, without heeding
+father or mother, to wander forth into the wide world with his
+Martella; she would follow him wherever he led.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The humble spirit had, however, warned him to return and undo
+the harm
+he had done. The conflict had been a long one. At last he rose to his
+feet and ran home as if sent by a messenger of happiness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife listened attentively, and regarded him with that
+glance of hers
+which seemed to penetrate the deepest recesses of the soul. No other
+being can listen so attentively as she could, and no glance is as
+soothing as hers was. She would not attempt to assist you when at a
+loss for words, or by her manner imply that she knew what you meant.
+She patiently permitted you to explain yourself, to stop or to
+continue; and when she was listening, you could not but feel wiser than
+you really were. Her glance illumined your very soul.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Ernst had finished she said to him: &quot;You are on the right
+path at
+last. I know that you think you have already reached the goal, and that
+all is done. But, believe me, and do not forget what I now tell
+you,--the spiteful spirit will return again; now he only feigns death.
+But rest content, for from this day you will be his master. I see this
+as clearly as I see your very eyes. The best possession in the world is
+now yours--pure, righteous love. Yes, you may well laugh, for now it is
+your goodness that laughs.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss came to tell me that the Alsatian cattle-dealer who
+wanted to
+purchase our fat oxen, wished to see me. I was about to send word to
+him to wait or to come some other time, but I understood my wife's
+glance, which told me that I had better leave her alone with Ernst.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I left the room, and, while going, I heard her say, &quot;Ernst,
+you must
+now eat and drink something; such emotions as you have felt awaken
+hunger and thirst.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I returned, Ernst sat at the table eating his supper. He
+called
+out to me, &quot;Father, mother has arranged everything nicely, and if you
+are satisfied, why--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Eat now, and let me speak,&quot; said my wife. And then she
+continued:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;From all that Ernst has told me--and we depend upon his
+truthfulness--I am convinced that Martella is a real treasure-trove. No
+one but such a girl could banish this spirit of unrest. We are, thank
+God, so circumstanced that besides a good family name we can also
+bestow worldly goods upon our children. Ernst and his bride<a name="div2Ref_note01" href="#div2_note01"><sup>1</sup></a> are both
+young and can work for themselves. He loves in her the child of nature;
+but he understands that there is much of good which she can and must
+yet take up into this pure nature of hers. He used to say that he could
+never be happy except with a woman who sang beautifully, but now he no
+longer finds singing a necessity. But he cannot do without spiritual
+sympathy and harmony in his higher life. She need not learn French; I
+have forgotten what I once knew of it. But Ernst is accustomed to a
+refined home; and when he goes home to his wife in his forest house, he
+should be able to find refreshment and rest in noble and elevating
+thoughts.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;If a forester is denied the proper delights of home and
+married life,
+there is nothing left him but the pleasures of the tavern; and they
+will certainly ruin him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Martella must not be confused or taught in school-girl
+fashion. That
+which is noble and refined in life cannot be imparted by precept or
+command. It must become a necessity to her, just as it has become to
+our own son, and not until then can they both be happy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Neither will the world be satisfied with mere nature and
+forest
+manners. Does it not seem the very thing that she of her own accord has
+said to Ernst, 'Let me spend a year as a servant to your sister, the
+captain's wife, or what would be still better, with your mother, and
+then come for me? If you do not object, I think we had better do this.
+Early to-morrow morning I shall drive over into the valley with Ernst,
+and in the evening I shall return with Martella, who will remain with
+us until all is arranged and she has become used to our ways and
+customs, so that Ernst may live happily with her, not only in his
+youth, but until his eighty-third year--for my father lived to that
+age.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I do not know which to admire most in my wife--her shrewdness
+or her
+kindness. She always had the right word at the right time.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I, of course, approved of her plan, and on the morrow she
+started off
+with Ernst in the wagon. Rothfuss drove the two bays.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Towards evening, I walked down the road to meet them on their
+return.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The sun was going down behind the Vosges Mountains. The rosy
+sunset
+shed its glow over the rocks and the waters of the brook.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Englishman stood at the bank angling. He never saluted
+those whom
+he met, but lived entirely for himself. Every year, as soon as the
+snows began to melt, he came to our valley, and remained until the
+winter returned. He dwelt with Lerz the baker, and was always fishing
+up and down the valley. He gathered up his complicated fishing-tackle
+and departed, followed by a day laborer carrying a fish basket.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">I waited down by the village saw-mill, where they already knew
+that
+Ernst's bride was coming to live with us. With all his gentleness and
+candor, Ernst had announced this in order that we should be bound by
+it. I met Rautenkron the forester, who was known in the whole
+neighborhood as &quot;The wild huntsman.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was the best of shots, and could endure no living object.
+The people
+thought he merely avoided men, but I knew that he hated them. He always
+considered it a piece of good fortune when he heard bad news of any
+one. He lived in solitude, for whenever he had been seduced into
+helping some one he had always repented of it afterward. A ball had
+once passed through his hat, and, during the examination, the
+magistrate had said to the officer, &quot;If he should ever be killed by a
+shot, you had better examine the whole village, for we shall all have
+had a share in it.&quot; He lived strictly within the law, however. He did
+not want to be beloved: it was his boast that every one could say, &quot;He
+is severe, but just.&quot; He had no consideration either for rich or poor.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was in the vigor of life, with a gray beard, aquiline nose,
+and
+wondrously clear liquid blue eyes, of a piercing brilliancy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He came up to me with a friendly air, that was quite unusual
+on his
+part, and told me that Ernst had been with him that day.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst had said nothing to me of this. Rautenkron declared that
+he did
+not concern himself about other people, but that he was really sorry
+that Ernst was about to throw himself away. Here was another young man
+who was fit for heroic deeds, but was ruined in this good-for-nothing
+age, and was about to sacrifice his life to a coquettish forest girl.
+It was unpardonable that we should countenance him in this, and consent
+to take a creature from out of the thicket into a house which had
+always borne so honorable a name.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Mark my words! She will be just like a young fox that is
+caught before
+he has finished his growth,--he will never be perfectly tamed, but will
+run away to his home when you least expect it, and be right in doing
+so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It is always galling to hear pure affection thus abused and
+misconstrued.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I endeavored to change the subject, but Rautenkron affected
+not to hear
+me, and indulged in the most violent language against the stranger.
+Indeed, he prophesied that our thoughtless conduct would drag us into
+misfortune, and called the miller to bear witness to what he thus told
+me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I abruptly refused to continue the subject, and now Rautenkron
+called
+out to me, his eyes beaming with joy, &quot;Enough. Let us speak of
+something else. I have to-day done one of the prettiest deeds of my
+life. Shall I tell you what? All right! You know Wollkopf the wood
+dealer. He has such a mild, insinuating way about him, but always eyed
+me as the usurer does a suspicious-looking pledge. He did not trust me.
+'But,' thought I to myself, 'just wait! I will bide my time; he will
+come yet.' And he has come at last, within shooting distance too. At
+the last sale of wood in my district, he had bought a large lot of
+logs, and then came up to me and said that he wanted to speak plain
+German with me. Now listen to what the honored town-councillor--you
+know that is his position--the acknowledged man of honor, calls plain
+speaking! He offered me a bribe if I would keep such and such logs out
+of his lot. Of course I agreed. Smoking our cigars, we went on walking
+through the woods. I quickly cut down an oak sapling, pulled the
+branches from it, and with the green wood beat the lean man of honor to
+my heart's content. He cried out with all his might, but no one heard
+him save the cuckoo, and I enjoyed beating him until he was black and
+blue; just as the cuckoo enjoys swallowing the caterpillar which
+poisons the fingers of your soft-skinned gentry. I tell you there is no
+greater pleasure than administering personal chastisement to a sharper.
+Men say that the kiss of the beloved one is good; perhaps it is, but
+this is better.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And when I was satisfied, and he too, I suppose, had enough,
+I let him
+run, and said to him, 'Now, my sweet gentleman, you may sue me if you
+choose; but, if you do, it will be my turn to tell my story.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While Rautenkron told his story, his features acquired an
+uncanny
+expression of glee. I must admit that I did not begrudge the sharper
+the beating he had received; and besides that, the recital had engaged
+my attention, and thus had relieved me from the sad thoughts which had
+before that filled my mind.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was already dusk when the wagon arrived. It halted. My wife
+said to
+the girl who was sitting at her side, &quot;This is father. Speak to him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I hope you are well, father!&quot; exclaimed the girl.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I heard Rautenkron beside me muttering angrily. His words,
+however,
+were unintelligible. Without saying more he hurried off into the
+forest.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What ails the misanthrope now?&quot; said my wife. &quot;But why need
+that
+trouble us? My child, you had better get out here and follow with
+father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I helped the child to alight. She seemed loth to obey.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">I was obliged to halt. I felt as if trying to drag a heavily
+laden
+wagon up the hill.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But let me proceed. I have many a steep path yet to climb.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I stood with the girl on the highway. I extended my hand and
+uttered a
+few words of welcome, but they did not come from the heart. Our wayward
+son had imposed a great burden on us. The young maiden appeared to pay
+no attention to what I was saying, but looked about in every direction.
+As it was dusk, I could not see her distinctly. I could perceive,
+however, that she was a powerful creature. She did not regulate her
+step by mine, but I was forced to keep step with her unless I wished to
+be left behind.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What dog is this running after us?&quot; said I.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is my dog. Isn't it so, Pincher? Aren't you my dog?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The dog answered with a bark, and kept running back and forth,
+now up
+the road and now down. When she whistled to him, in huntsman's style,
+he obeyed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Master,&quot; asked she, without resting a moment while speaking,
+&quot;and does
+all as far as the eye can reach belong to you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why do you inquire?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why? because I want to know. It must be jolly here in the
+daytime.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Indeed it is.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Is that the graveyard where I see the crosses and the white
+stones?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Can it be seen from your house?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It can.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Too bad! that will never do. I can't bear to look out of the
+window. I
+can't stay there, I won't stay; you must take away that graveyard; how
+can one laugh or sing with that constantly before one's eyes? Or how
+could I eat or drink? I once found a dead man in the forest. He had
+been lying there ever so long, and was quite eaten away. I can't bear
+to have Death always staring me in the face. I won't stay here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was obliged to stop. I felt so oppressed that I could not
+move from
+the spot.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The oxen that I had sold the day before were just being led
+down the
+hill. When Martella saw them she cried out, &quot;Oh what splendid beasts!
+are they yours?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;They are no longer mine. I sold them yesterday, and they are
+to be led
+to France.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A pleasant meal to you, France!&quot; said Martella, laughing
+boisterously.
+I could not help noticing her hearty laughter, for I felt quite shocked
+by it. What can this child be, thought I? What will become of our
+tranquil household?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We arrived at the house. The room seemed lighted up more
+brilliantly
+than usual. We ascended the steps, Martella preceding me. My wife was
+waiting for us on the threshold, and taking both of Martella's hands in
+hers, said, &quot;Now, child, thou art at last at home.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am at home everywhere. And so is my dog. Isn't it so,
+Pincher?&quot; said
+Martella in a bold tone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We entered the room. There were three lights on the table. My
+wife's
+eloquent glance told me to have patience, and when I saw her lay her
+hand on her heart I felt that she was confident that she could direct
+everything for the best.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I now, for the first time, had a good look at Martella. In
+carriage and
+feature she seemed as wild and defiant as a gypsy. Her face was full of
+an expression of boldness. But she was indeed beautiful and fascinating
+when she spoke, and even more so when she laughed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why do you have three lamps on the table?&quot; said she.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is the custom,&quot; answered my wife, &quot;when a bride comes to
+the
+house.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;How lovely!&quot; exclaimed Martella. &quot;The one light stands for us
+who are
+as one. The other two lights represent the parents.&quot; And she laughed
+most heartily. Her next question was, &quot;Why do you have two clocks in
+your room?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You ask a great many questions,&quot; I could not avoid answering.
+But my
+wife said, &quot;That is right. Always ask questions, and you will soon
+learn all that you need know.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella may have imagined that she had been too precipitate,
+for she
+soon said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;To-morrow is yet another day. I am so tired. I would like to
+go to
+sleep now. But I must have my dog with me, or else I cannot rest.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Indeed, her gentle good-night and her curtsey seemed strangely
+at
+variance with her usually bold and defiant manner.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When she had left us, my wife said to me, &quot;Do not take this
+affair to
+heart. It is indeed no trifle. But remember that Ernst might have made
+a much more serious mistake. He loves the wild creature, and our duty
+is to help him as best we can. Let Rothfuss and me take charge of the
+girl. For the present, you had better treat her with an air of reserve.
+We two will attend to all. You may be glad that we have so faithful a
+servant as Rothfuss. They are friends already, and he says, 'By the
+time the potatoes are brought home, she will lay aside her red
+stockings.' I was wishing for that on our way here. But she refused so
+positively, that I desisted from my endeavors to persuade her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After a little while, she continued:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A voice in the forest helped me to bring all things about as
+they
+should be. I heard the cuckoo's cry, and was reminded by that, that he
+would leave his young in a strange nest, and that other birds would
+patiently and affectionately nurture the strange birdling. We are
+something like these cuckoo parents. What they do without thought, we
+do consciously.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When at early dawn on the following day, I looked out of my
+window, I
+saw Martella and her dog at the fountain in front of the house. Seen by
+day, and in her light attire, she seemed wondrously beautiful and
+fascinating.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She washed her face and plaited her thick brown hair. Her
+every
+movement seemed free and noble, and almost graceful enough to please an
+artist's eye.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She sang in a low voice, and would from time to time exclaim,
+&quot;Cuckoo!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss, who saw that she was washing herself, called out to
+her that
+she must not do that again. &quot;The cows drink there, and if you wash
+yourself in that basin, they will never go there again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have already noticed,&quot; she replied, &quot;that the cattle have
+the first
+place in this house.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When she saw me, she called out in a clear, ringing voice:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Good-morning, master. Ernst was certainly right when he told
+me that
+it is lovely here. One can see so far in every direction. I shall yet
+climb every one of those hills. How good the water is! Do you, too,
+hear the cuckoo? He is already awake, and has bid me good-morning. Old
+Jaegerlies<a name="div2Ref_note02" href="#div2_note02"><sup>2</sup></a> has often told me that I was the cuckoo's child. And do
+you know that the cow got a calf during the night? A spotted cow-calf?
+We have already given the cow something warm to drink. The calf drank
+milk when it was hardly two minutes old. Rothfuss said it would be a
+pity to kill the calf. I am going to drive out into the fields with
+Rothfuss to get some clover. Yes, a cow has a good time of it in your
+house. But look! the cuckoo is flying over your house! That is an
+omen!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She went to the stable, and I followed her a short time
+afterwards. She
+looked on dreamily while the cow was licking the new-born calf, and
+said at last,</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is what you folks call kissing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss asked her:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Are you fond of cows?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I don't know; I never had one.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He showed her our best cow and said,</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Three years ago, when she was a calf, she got the first prize
+at the
+agricultural exhibition. She puts food to the best use. Everything that
+she eats turns either to meat or to milk.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss told Martella to put on a little jacket. They soon
+drove out
+to the fields, and when she held up the scythe, she exclaimed,
+&quot;Cuckoo!&quot; It seemed to me as if I were dreaming, and yet I remembered
+quite distinctly that my wife had spoken to me on the previous night of
+the cuckoo's young ones.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What a strange coincidence it seemed!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella returned from the fields in good spirits, and during
+the
+morning lunch was quite cheerful. She was constantly talking of the
+daughter-in-law, and the cow-calf that had come into the family during
+the night before.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I then said to her, &quot;I will give you the cow-calf. It is
+yours.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She made no answer, but looked at me with an air of surprise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss told me that when in the stable, she had said to the
+calf:
+&quot;You belong to me. But of course, you know nothing of it. You really
+belong to your mother. But your mother belongs to the master, the
+master belongs to Ernst, and Ernst belongs to me; and that is how it
+is.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When evening came, Rothfuss expressed his opinion in the
+following
+words:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;If her inside is like her outside, she need not be made any
+better
+than she already is.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Our oldest maid-servant, Balbina, seemed quite kindly disposed
+to the
+new arrival, and Martella said that Balbina had told her something with
+the air of imparting a secret of which she was the only possessor. And
+what was it? &quot;Why, nothing more than that it is sinful to lie and
+steal.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I have given the story of this first day in its smallest
+details. It is
+only for the first green leaves of spring that we have an attentive
+eye. They go on, silently increasing, until they become so numerous
+that they excite no comment.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Martella did not become attached to any one in the house
+except
+Rothfuss, whom she was constantly plying with questions about Ernst's
+childhood. When in pleasant evenings during the week, and on Sunday
+afternoons in clear weather, the youths and maidens would march through
+the village, with their merry songs, she would sit with Rothfuss on the
+bench by the stable, or, unattended by any companion save her dog,
+would be up in the woods that lay back of our house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When she had any special request, she would communicate it
+through
+Rothfuss.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Among other things, she wanted to go out into the forest with
+the
+wood-cutters. From her thirteenth year she had wielded the axe, and
+could use it as cleverly as the men. We did not grant this wish of
+hers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her craving for knowledge was insatiable, and I marvelled at
+the
+patience and equanimity with which my wife told her everything she
+wanted to know.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Things to which we had become accustomed were to her occasions
+of the
+liveliest surprise. This did not seem to change, for she never could
+get used to what with us had, through daily habit, become a matter of
+course. To her all seemed a marvel.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her glance was full of courage. Her voice seemed so full of
+sincerity,
+that her strangest utterances required no added assurance of their
+truthfulness. Her laughter was so hearty that it seemed contagious.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss was quite proud that he could control Martella, just
+as he did
+the two bays that he had raised from the time they were foals, and
+delighted to speak of the fact, that our youngest--as he called
+Ernst--was the best of marksmen. He had secured the best prize. For
+there could be no other girl so wise and merry as Martella. And she was
+so full of merry capers that the very cows looked around and lowed, as
+if to say, &quot;We, too, would be glad to laugh with you, if we only could.
+But, alas! we cannot. We have not the bellows to do it with.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She had named her calf &quot;Muscat.&quot; She would nurse it as if it
+were a
+younger sister. She maintained that it was a perfect marvel of health
+and wisdom, and that the old cow was jealous, and tried to butt her
+because she had noticed that the calf had greater love for Martella
+than for its own mother.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was one point on which she and Rothfuss always
+quarrelled. She
+had an inexplicable aversion to America, of which Rothfuss always spoke
+as if it were Paradise itself. The manner in which Lisbeth, the
+locksmith's widow, had been provided for, was his chief argument in its
+favor. &quot;None but a free state would provide so well for the families of
+the men killed in battle. How different our Germans are about that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Towards my wife and myself, Martella was respectful, but
+diffident.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst came to us but twice during the summer, remaining but a
+few hours
+each time.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He wanted Martella to walk or drive around the neighborhood
+with him,
+but she refused, saying &quot;that she would not leave home. She had been
+away long enough.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst was evidently provoked that Martella refused to go with
+him, but
+kept his anger to himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In that summer, 1865, we had charming harvest weather, and I
+shall
+never forget Martella's saying, &quot;I shall help gather the harvest. I was
+a gleaner once, and know that this is good weather for the farmers. To
+cut the ears in the morning and carry home the rich sheaves in the
+evening, without having had a storm during the day, is good for the
+farmer, but not so pleasant for the poor gleaner. Storms during the
+harvest time scatter the grain for the poor; for the farmers give
+nothing away of their own accord.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss looked towards me, and nodded approval of her words.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Towards the end of summer, Richard paid us a visit.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard had written to us some time before, and had referred
+to Ernst's
+conduct in indignant terms. He felt shocked that one who had not yet
+secured a livelihood for himself, had already linked the fate of
+another with his own, and had inflicted her presence upon the
+household. But from the first moment that he saw Martella, he admired
+her more than any of us had done.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When he offered her his first brotherly greeting, she gazed at
+him with
+her brilliant eyes, and said,</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I can see ten years ahead.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Have you the gift of prophecy?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh pshaw! I don't mean that. What I mean is that in ten years
+from now
+Ernst will look as you now do. But I hope that when that time comes, he
+will not have to use spectacles.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard laughed, and so did Martella quite heartily.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There is nothing better than when two people laugh together at
+their
+first meeting.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Later in the season, my daughter Johanna, who is the wife of a
+pastor
+in the Oberland who had once been Ludwig's teacher, came with her
+grown-up daughter to pay us a visit. Johanna's object in coming was to
+receive the benefit of the milk cure.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At their very first meeting, she unintentionally affronted
+Martella.
+Johanna always wore black silk netted gloves, and when, with too
+evident an air of assumed kindness, she offered her hand to Martella,
+the latter said to her:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There is no need for a fly-net on your hand. I do not sting.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After this trifling circumstance, there was many a
+heart-burning
+between Martella and Johanna. They were always at cross purposes.
+Rothfuss was provoked, as he was unable to satisfy Martella that the
+pastor's wife had not intended to affront her. Martella refused to be
+convinced, and persisted in calling Johanna a &quot;fly-net.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When she had once conceived an aversion for any one, she was
+immovable.
+And when Johanna came to the cow stables, which she did twice every day
+at milking-time, she would always in an ironical tone say, &quot;Good-day,
+madam sister-in-law.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Johanna found in this a cause for continued ill-feeling, to
+which, in
+her discontented and susceptible condition, she readily gave way.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Johanna imagined that she had found the way to Martella's
+heart, by
+assuring her how much she pitied her. But that only served to make
+matters worse; for Martella resented any manifestation of pity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As our household was conducted on a generous scale, there was
+much
+that, in Johanna's eyes, contrasted unpleasantly with her own home. She
+frequently alluded to the small pay her husband was earning, and often
+gave us cause to remember that he would have been advanced much more
+rapidly, if he had not been the son-in-law of a member of the party in
+opposition to the government. She, in fact, made no concealment of her
+belief that I was the cause of her husband's and her daughter's infirm
+health. If it were not that I was in such great disfavor with the
+government, they would long ago have been stationed in a more genial
+climate, and would thus have recovered their health.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She maintained that our mode of living was not pious enough,
+and
+thought it most atrocious that we indulged Martella in her heathenish
+ways.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She did not care to go to the village pastor, with whom we had
+but
+little intercourse, for she was angry at him. His position brought him
+little work but generous pay, and she therefore coveted it for her own
+husband. But then, the wife of our pastor happened to be the daughter
+of a member of the consistory, which, of course, explains the whole
+matter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One peculiarity of Martella's afforded Johanna many an
+opportunity to
+read us homilies on our neglect of the child. No matter whether you did
+her a service or gave her a present, Martella never uttered a word of
+thanks.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I am unable to explain the trait. It may have been the result
+of the
+simple life of nature in which she had been reared.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My son Richard, who passed a portion of the autumn holidays
+with us,
+was of that opinion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard had a way of laying aside his spectacles after he had
+been with
+us for a day or two, and getting along without them until the day of
+his departure. He thus, with every succeeding year, did much to
+strengthen his overtasked eyes. I think he used to put his spectacles
+in the keeping of Rothfuss, who would return them to him on the day he
+left home.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On this occasion, however, he retained his spectacles, and
+spent less
+of his time with Rothfuss than with Martella, who seemed to have become
+fonder of him than of any of us. In the evenings and on Sundays, she
+would take long walks with him in the woods, and would talk
+unceasingly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One evening Richard said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I received the great academical prize to-day. Martella said
+to me: 'I
+can hardly believe that you are a professor; you are so--so wise, and
+have so much common-sense, and can talk like--like a wood-keeper's
+servant.' Can you imagine greater praise than that?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And let me tell you, moreover, that Martella is full of
+wisdom. She
+knows every creature, the beasts of the field and the birds of the air.
+And besides that, she can read the human heart thoroughly. I could not
+repeat some of her opinions to you without committing a breach of
+confidence. But I can tell you that she has split many a log, and knows
+how to swing her axe to the right spot.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, Ernst is a lucky fellow; I am only fearful that he may
+not
+understand her simple nature. She is too wayward. I trust that he may
+learn to see in her a real incarnation of undefiled holiness and
+majesty. It is true that in her case they manifest themselves in the
+form of a girl not given to blissful tears, but the very embodiment of
+joy itself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;While walking along the road, she was chewing twigs of pine,
+and
+handed a few to me, with the words: 'Taste them; there is nothing half
+so good as these.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;When I told her that, as she could get better and more
+regular fare,
+she had better give up this habit of chewing pine needles, especially
+as it excited her nerves, she answered: 'I think you are right. They
+always excite me terribly.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We were about to cross a meadow. I was afraid of the wet
+places.
+'Follow me,' said she, 'and be careful to look out for the molehills,
+for there is always dry soil underneath them.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While Richard was thus discoursing with unwonted enthusiasm,
+Johanna
+had risen from the table and had beckoned to her daughter to follow
+her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard and my wife had noticed this as well as I had done.
+They did
+not allude to it, however, but continued their conversation, agreeing
+that it was best for the present to let Martella have her own way. They
+thought that she would in due time undoubtedly awaken to a longing for
+life's nobler forms, and the deeper meaning that lay beneath them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife had no set plan on which to educate Martella.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She is to live with us, and that of itself will educate her.
+She sees
+every one of us attending to his appointed labor. That will, of itself,
+soon teach her where her duty lies, and will help to make her orderly
+and methodical. She sees that our lives are sincere, and that, too,
+must do her good.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife was careful to caution Richard against teaching her
+any
+generalities, as they could be of no use to her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella was not gentle in her disposition. She was severe
+towards
+herself as well as towards others. She had no compassion for the
+sufferings of others. Her idea was that every one should help himself
+as best he could.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She had never cared or toiled for another being. Like the stag
+in the
+forest, she lived for herself alone. My wife nodded silent approval
+when Richard observed, &quot;In a state of nature, all is egotism;
+gentleness, industry, and the disposition to assist others are results
+of culture.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the very day on which Richard had to leave us, the Major
+arrived at
+our house. He was on a tour of inspection, and had been examining the
+horses which the law required the farmers to hold ready for government
+uses.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Our village was not included in his district, and he had gone
+out of
+his way to pay us this visit. He was in full uniform. His athletic,
+hardy figure presented quite a stately appearance, and his honest,
+cheerful manner was quite refreshing.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was glad to be able to inform us that the ill-will of his
+superior
+officers, in which even the minister of war had participated, had not
+injured him with the Prince. Although there had been three competitors
+for the position, the Prince had selected him, and had personally
+informed him of his promotion with the words, &quot;I have great respect for
+your father-in-law, and believe that he is a true friend of the state.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Major was not wanting in respect and affection for me, and
+his
+behavior to my wife was marked by a knightly grace, and filial
+veneration. When Richard told him how Martella had in himself seen her
+own betrothed with ten years added to his real age, he replied: &quot;I have
+never said so, but it has often occurred to me that, when she is older,
+Bertha will be the very picture of her mother as we now see her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard was an excellent go-between for Martella and the
+Major, who had
+brought a necklace of red beads which Bertha had sent to the new
+sister-in-law.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Although Martella's face became flushed with emotion, she did
+not
+utter one word of thanks. She pressed the beads to her lips, and then
+stepped to the mirror and fastened the necklace on. Then she turned
+towards us, while she counted us off on her fingers and said, &quot;I am a
+sister-in-law. Now I know everything, and have everything. I have a
+pastor, a professor, a major, a forester, a great farmer, and--what
+else is there? Ah, yes, now I know--a builder.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, we have one; but he is in America.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I will have nothing to do with America,&quot; said Martella.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Major ventured the remark that Ernst had acted unwisely in
+leaving
+the service; he seemed made for a soldier, and the best thing he could
+do would be to return to the army. But in that case he would have, for
+a while at least, to postpone all thoughts of marrying.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He need not hurry on my account,&quot; interrupted Martella; &quot;I am
+sure I
+shall put nothing in his way. I, too, shall need some time to make
+myself fit. I shall have to put many a thing in here,&quot; pointing to her
+forehead, &quot;before I shall deserve to be a member of this family. Now I
+have the necklace that my sister-in-law sent me, around my neck, and do
+not mind being tied, and--Good-night!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She reached out her hand to my wife, and then to each one of
+us. After
+which she again grasped my wife's hand, and then retired.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard explained Martella's peculiar characteristics to the
+Major.
+Both in thought and in action she was a strange compound of gentleness
+and rudeness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Major asked whether we knew anything about her parents.
+Richard
+replied that she had imparted facts to him that bore on the subject,
+but that they were as yet disconnected and unsatisfactory, and that he
+had given her his word of honor that he would reveal naught, until she
+herself thought that the proper time had come.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We kept up our cheerful conversation for some time longer.
+Suddenly it
+occurred to the Major to observe that the dispute between Prussia and
+Austria was taking a dangerous shape, and that, according to his views,
+Prussia was in the right. The military system of the confederation
+could not last long in its present condition.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Thus we were brought face to face with serious questions.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Of what import was the transformation of a child of the
+forest, when
+such weighty matters were on the carpet.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But while the clouds pass by over our heads, and the seasons
+depart,
+the little plant quietly and steadily keeps on growing.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">In the winter of 1865 I left home to attend a session of the
+Parliament.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My neighbor Funk, who was also a delegate, accompanied me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It grieves me to be obliged to describe this man or even to
+mention
+him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He caused me much sorrow. He humiliated me more than any other
+man has
+ever done, for he proved to me that I have neither worldly wisdom nor
+knowledge of men. How could I have so egregiously deceived myself in
+him? I am too hasty in determining as to the character of a man, and
+when I afterwards find that his actions are not in keeping with my
+conception of what they should be, the inconsistency torments me as if
+it were an unsolved enigma. In one word, I have suffered much because
+of a lack of reserve. Unfortunately I must give all or nothing. Even
+now I cannot help thinking that he must be better, after all, than he
+seems. I find, on comparing myself with him, that he has many an
+advantage over me. He is twenty years younger than I am, and yet he
+seems as if he had matured long ago. I shall never be that way, no
+matter how long I live. I am always growing.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had failed in the examination for a degree, and,
+disappointed and
+vexed, had entered the teachers' seminary. He afterward actually became
+a schoolmaster, but never forgot that he had once aspired to enter a
+higher sphere of life.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When the revolution broke out he had hoped to find his
+reckoning in it.
+He speedily found himself in a high position, and had no trouble in
+accustoming himself to the princely palace in which the provisional
+government had located itself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I have already mentioned that I had brought Funk home from
+Strasburg
+with me. I felt so firmly convinced of his innocence that I used all my
+influence in his behalf, and even deposited a considerable sum as his
+bondsman, in order that he might be tried without having to surrender
+his liberty. He was pronounced innocent.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He made me shudder one day when he told me that the judges had
+evidently imbibed my belief in his innocence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk was a handsome man, and still retains his good looks.
+Annette, the
+friend of my daughter Bertha, called him a perfect type of lackey
+beauty. She was sure, she said, that he was born to wear a livery.
+There was something so abject and cringing about him. She was not a
+little proud of her discernment, when, some time after, I confirmed her
+judgment by the announcement that Funk was actually a son of the Duke's
+valet.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk did not resume his former position as a teacher. He
+became an
+emigration agent. For during the first years of the reaction there was
+a great increase in the number of emigrants from this country to
+America.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Besides this, he had also become an agent for Insurances of
+all sorts
+Fire, Life, Hail, and Cattle. His window-shutters were so covered with
+signs that they presented quite a gay appearance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was chosen as one of the town-council, but the government
+did not
+confirm him in office, which action of theirs gained him much credit
+with the people. Two years after that, when he was elected burgomaster,
+he knew how to bring it about that a deputation should wait upon the
+Prince in person to urge his confirmation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk induced his wife always to wear the old-time costumes of
+the
+country people.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That, you must know,&quot; he said to me one day, &quot;awakens the
+confidence
+of the country people.&quot; When I reproved him for this trick, he laughed
+and showed his pretty teeth. There was, to me at least, always
+something insincere and repulsive in his laugh, and in the fact
+that he never wearied of repeating certain high-sounding phrases. But
+what was there to draw me towards this man? I will honestly admit
+that I have a certain admiration for combativeness, courage, and
+shrewdness--qualities in which I am deficient.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My unsuspecting confidence in others is a mistake. But I have
+been thus
+for seventy years, and when I reckon up results, I find that I am none
+the worse for it. Although over-confidence in others has brought me
+many a sorrow, it has also given me many a joy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I have suffered much through others, and through Funk
+especially; but I
+still believe that there are no thoroughly bad men, but that there are
+thoroughly egotistical ones, and that the pushing of egotism beyond its
+due bounds is the source of all evil.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">If I had not helped him with all my influence, Funk would not
+have been
+chosen a delegate to the Parliament. When he visited me, on the day
+following the election, he addressed me in a tone of unwonted and
+unlooked-for familiarity, much to the disgust of my wife.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After he had left she said to me, &quot;I cannot understand you. I
+did not
+interfere when I saw that you were trying to gain votes for Funk; that,
+I presume, is a part of politics, and perhaps the party needs voters,
+and just such bold and irreverent people. They can say things that a
+man of honor would not permit himself to utter. But I cannot conceive
+how you can allow yourself to be on so familiar a footing with that
+man.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I assured her that the first advances had been made by him,
+and that
+although they were undesired by me I did not choose to appear proud.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She said no more. But there was yet another reproof in store
+for me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I entered the stable Rothfuss said to me, &quot;Why did you
+let that
+grinning fellow get so near to you? Is he still calling out, 'God be
+with thee, Waldfried! You will come to see me soon, will you not?' Such
+talk from that quarter is no compliment.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I did not suffer him to go on with his remarks. My weak fear
+of hurting
+the feelings of others had already worked its own punishment on myself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I left home for the session of 1865, Funk was waiting for
+me down
+by the saw-mill. I found him with a young man, the son of a
+schoolmaster who lived in the neighborhood. He took leave of his
+companion, and turning to me exclaimed with a triumphant air, &quot;I have
+already saved one poor creature to-day. The simple-minded fellow wanted
+to become a teacher. A mere teacher in a public school! A position
+which is ideally elevated, but financially quite low. I convinced him
+that he would be happier breaking stone on the road. We ought to make
+it impossible for the Government to get teachers for its public
+schools.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I answered that he was wantonly trifling with the
+education of our
+people, he replied, &quot;From your point of view, perhaps you are quite
+right.&quot; It was in this way that I first got the idea that Funk thought
+he was controlling me. His subordination was a mere sham, and we were
+really at heart opposed to each other.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He voted as I did in the Parliament, but not for the same
+reasons.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">If Funk had been insincere towards me, it was now my turn--and
+that was
+the worst of it--to be insincere towards him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was determined to break off my relations with him, and only
+awaited a
+favorable opportunity for so doing. And yet while awaiting that
+opportunity I kept up my usual relations with him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It is x indeed sad, that intercourse with those who are
+insincere
+begets insincerity in ourselves.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We reached the railway station, where we found numerous
+delegates, and
+indeed two of our own party, who were cordially disliked by Funk. One
+of them was a manufacturer who lived near the borders of Switzerland.
+He was a strict devotee, but was really sincere in his religious
+professions, which he illustrated by his pure and unselfish conduct. We
+were on the friendliest footing, although he could not avoid from time
+to time expressing a regret that I did not occupy the same religious
+stand-point that he did.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The other delegate was a proud and haughty country
+magistrate--a man of
+large possessions, who imagined it was his especial prerogative to lead
+in matters affecting the welfare of the state. He had been opposed to
+Funk during the election, and had ill-naturedly said, &quot;Beggars should
+have nothing to say.&quot; Funk had not forgotten this, but nevertheless
+forced him, as it were, into a display of civility.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The two companions were quite reserved in their manner towards
+Funk,
+and before we had accomplished our journey I could not help observing
+that there was a pressure which would induce a clashing and a
+subsequent separation of these discordant elements.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">During the winter session of the Parliament I did not reside
+with my
+daughter Bertha.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At a future day it will be difficult to realize what a
+separation there
+then was between the different classes of our people.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was a feeling of restraint and ill-will between those
+who wore
+the dress of the citizen and that of the soldier. The Prince was, above
+all things, a soldier, and when in public always appeared in uniform.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We delegates, who could not approve of all that the Government
+required
+of us, were regarded as the sworn enemies of the state, both by court
+circles and by the army, to whom we were nevertheless obliged to grant
+supplies.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">An officer who would suffer himself to be seen walking in the
+street
+with a citizen who was suspected of harboring liberal opinions, or with
+one of the delegates of our party, might rely upon being reported at
+head-quarters.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Although he did not say anything about it, my son-in-law was
+much
+grieved by this condition of affairs. Whenever I visited him he treated
+me with respect and affection, as if he thus meant to thank me for the
+reserve I had maintained when we met in public, and desired to
+apologize for the rigid discipline he was obliged to observe.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We had a long session, full of fury and bitterness on the part
+of the
+ministers and officers of the Government, and of the depressing
+consciousness of wasted effort on ours. The morning began with public
+debate; after that came committee-meetings, and in the evenings our
+party caucuses, which sometimes lasted quite late. And all of these
+sacrifices of strength were made with the discouraging prospect that
+the fate of our Fatherland still hung in doubt, that our labors would
+prove fruitless, and that our vain protest against the demands of our
+rulers would be all that we could contribute to history.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The air seemed thick as if with a coming storm. We felt that
+our party
+was on the eve of breaking up into opposing fragments. There was no
+longer the same confidence among its members, and here and there one
+could hear it said: &quot;Yes, indeed, you are honest enough, and have no
+ambitious or selfish views to subserve.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk was one of the most zealous of all in the attempt to
+break up the
+party.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For a while he had undoubtedly aspired to the leadership. But
+when it
+was confided to a gifted man who had availed himself of the declaration
+of amnesty and had returned to his Fatherland some years before, Funk
+acted as if he had never thought of the position.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Who can recall all of the changes in the weather that help to
+ripen the
+crop!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A spirit of fellowship is praised both in war and in voyages
+of
+adventure. The life of a delegate, it seems to me, combines the
+peculiar features of both of those conditions. It is no trifling matter
+to leave a pleasant home and to bid adieu to wife and children, and to
+stand shoulder to shoulder, laboring faithfully day and night for the
+common weal.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I have had the good fortune to gain the friendship of man. It
+differs
+somewhat from the love of woman, but is none the less blessed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was not only a delegate from our district but also a member
+of the
+German Parliament. I was in accord with the best men of my country, and
+we were true to one another at our posts. May those who in a happier
+period replace us act as faithfully and unselfishly as we did!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">During the winter session my wife's letters were a source of
+great
+enjoyment to me. She kept me fully informed of all that happened at
+home, and especially in regard to Martella.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the morning that I left home she came to my wife and said,
+&quot;Mother--I may call you so, may I not?--and I shall try to be worthy of
+it; and when master returns, I shall call him father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She pointed to her feet. My wife did not know what she meant
+by that,
+until she at last said, &quot;Rothfuss said that if I were to lay aside my
+red stockings, I would be making a good beginning.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And after this she began again: &quot;I shall learn all that you
+tell me,
+but not from the schoolmaster's assistant. When he was alone with me
+the other day, he stroked my cheeks and I slapped him for his
+impertinence. I shall gladly learn all that you wish me to learn.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She remained with my wife, and appeared quite pliant and
+docile. My
+wife had her sleep in her own bedchamber, and on the first night she
+exclaimed, with a voice full of emotion, &quot;I have a mother at last? O
+Ernst, you ought to know where I am! How happy you have been to have
+had a mother all your life!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I took these letters to my daughter Bertha, who thoroughly
+appreciated
+and loved Martella. She said that her own experience had been somewhat
+similar; for her marriage had introduced her to an aristocratic and
+military circle, in which she was at first considered as an interloper,
+and where it took some time before she could acquire the position due
+her. For even to this day the aristocracy retain the advantage that
+those who are well born can enter good society, even though they be
+utterly devoid of culture.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette, who had also married an officer, had become quite
+attached to
+her, and the result of their combined efforts was that they at last
+achieved quite a distinguished position. Annette, who was a Jewess by
+birth, and very wealthy, had at first attempted to conquer her way into
+society by dress and show. Yielding, however, to the counsels of
+Bertha, she took the better course; and by adopting a simple and
+dignified manner, free from any craving for admiration, the recognition
+she merited was accorded her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This friend of Bertha was, I confess, not at all to my liking.
+She had
+received a good education, and even had a cultivated judgment; but she
+was fain to mistake these gifts for genius, and imagined herself a
+thoroughly superior woman--a piece of self-deception in which
+flatterers encouraged her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her husband regarded her as a woman of superior gifts, and
+succeeded in
+this way in consoling himself for the inconvenient fact of her being of
+Jewish descent. His faith in her genius seemed to increase rather than
+diminish, and it was his constant delight to sound its praises to
+others.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette treated me with exceptional admiration, but she always
+seemed
+desirous of making a parade of her appreciation of me, or in other
+words, having it minister to her own glory. Mere possession or
+undemonstrative emotion afforded her no pleasure. Her talents and her
+reflections afforded her great enjoyment, and it was her constant
+desire that others should have the benefit of it. She was always
+inviting you to dine with her; and if you accepted her invitations, she
+was never satisfied until you had praised the dishes which she could so
+skilfully prepare. She sang with a powerful voice and drew very
+cleverly, but wanted the world to know it, and to pay her homage
+accordingly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She always addressed me as &quot;patriarch,&quot; until I at last
+forbade her
+doing so. I was, however, obliged to submit to some of the other
+elegant phrases in which she was wont to indulge. She had no children,
+and often spent the whole day in the private gallery of the House of
+Parliament, where she would not cease nodding to me until I at last
+returned her salute.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One evening there was a party at Bertha's. The wife of the
+Intendant-in-chief was among the guests. She was a beautiful creature,
+slender and undulating in form, of majestic carriage, and yet withal
+simple and unaffected. She had a charming voice, and sang many pretty
+songs for us. She was so obliging too, that, yielding to the repeated
+requests of her delighted auditors, she sang song after song.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had known her as a young girl. She was the daughter of the
+chief
+forester, and seemed to retain the woodland freshness of her childhood
+days. But she had always been ambitious, and had thirsted for the
+pleasures of city life, with which she had become acquainted while
+going to the school which was patronized by the reigning Princess.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At one of the public examinations she had sung so delightfully
+that the
+Princess had praised her performance; and I believe that her desire for
+a brilliant life dated from that incident.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She was fond of dress and show, and had married the Intendant,
+who was
+a dried-up, conceited fellow.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her marriage had not been a happy one; and now she sang
+love-songs full
+of glowing passion, of sobs and tears.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was thinking of this, and asking myself how it could be
+possible,
+when Annette sat down by my side and softly whispered to me:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do explain, if you can, how this woman, after singing such
+songs, can
+leave the company and ride home with her disagreeable husband? I could
+not sing a note if I had such a husband.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette cannot conceive of her ever having been in love. All
+her
+singing of the pleasures and the pains of love is nothing more than
+poetical or musical affectation. &quot;But how did she thus learn to
+simulate emotion. If she really felt all this she would either die or
+become crazed on her way home.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">From that moment I began to like Annette. She had gone much
+further
+than I had dared even in my thoughts, and proved, at the same time,
+that her heart was true, and that she could not separate her feeling
+for art from the rest of her life.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bertha showed my wife's letters to her friend, who conceived
+the most
+enthusiastic affection for Martella. She often inquired whether there
+was anything she could do for the charcoal-burner's daughter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was danger of offending her by refusing her gifts. Even
+a virtue
+may at times assume a repulsive form. Annette's complaint--I cannot
+express it otherwise--was a passion for helping others.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife wrote that Martella was like a fresh bubbling spring,
+which
+only needed to be kept within bounds to become a refreshing brook; but
+that this must be carefully done, for inconsiderate attempts to deepen
+the channel or divert its course might ruin the spring itself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife also informed us that Ernst had been home to pay a
+short visit.
+He seemed quite pensive, and expressed his dissatisfaction with the
+fact that Martella was looking so pale. He approved of the education
+which she was receiving, but thought that her freshness and strength
+should not be sacrificed. He said he had formed a plan to live with
+Rautenkron, with whom he intended to practice, and also said that when
+once in the quiet forest he would study industriously.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife strenuously objected to this course. She maintained
+that where
+there was a will, one could attend to his duty in any position; and
+moreover, that at the present time it was not well for Ernst and
+Martella to see each other so often.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella was of the same opinion; and my wife could hardly
+find words
+to express her delight that Martella was constantly acquiring
+gentleness and consideration for others. Although at first she had been
+loud and noisy, there was now something graceful and soothing in her
+manner. She would arise early in the morning and dress herself in
+silence, while my wife would feign sleep in order that Martella might
+become confirmed in her gentle manners.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One evening, when Martella had been the subject of protracted
+conversation, I returned to my room, and for the first time noticed a
+colored lithographic print that had been hanging there. It was the
+picture of a danseuse who had been quite famous some years before. It
+represented her in a difficult pose, and with long, flowing hair. The
+print startled me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was wonderfully like Martella; or was it simply
+self-deception
+caused by her having been in our thoughts during the whole evening?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I felt so agitated that I lit the lamp again and took another
+look at
+the picture. The likeness seemed to have vanished.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Towards the end of November, my wife wrote to me that Ernst
+had been at
+home again, and that, several hours after his arrival, he had, in the
+most casual manner, mentioned that he had successfully passed his
+examination as forester. When my wife and Martella signified their
+pleasure at this piece of news, he declared that he had only passed his
+examination in order to prove to us and the rest of his acquaintance,
+that he, too, had learned something, but that he was not made to be put
+just where the state desired to place him, and that, in the spring, he
+and Martella would emigrate to America, as he had already come to an
+understanding with Funk in regard to the passage.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When he asked Martella why she had nothing to say on the
+subject, she
+replied:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You know that I would go to the end of the world with you.
+But we are
+not alone. If we go, your parents and your brothers and sisters must
+give us their blessing at parting.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh! that they will.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I think so too. But just consider, Ernst! We are both of us
+quite
+young, and I have just begun to live. Do not look so fierce; when you
+do that, you do not look half so handsome as you really are. And
+besides, there is something yet on my mind which I must tell you, and
+in which I am fully resolved.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I cannot imagine what you mean; it seems, at times, that I
+really do
+not know you as I once did.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You do know me, and it grieves me to be obliged to tell you
+so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What is it? What can it be? You have become quite serious all
+at
+once.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am glad that you can say so much in my praise, for I have
+need of
+it; and I feel quite sure that you will approve of what I am going to
+say.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Just see, Ernst! I won't speak of anything else--but with
+mother's aid
+I have begun so much that is good, that I cannot bear to think of
+hurrying away while the work is half finished. You have passed your
+examination; let me pass mine too. First let mother tell me that my
+apprenticeship is at an end, and then I will wander with you; and we
+shall be two jolly gadabouts, and have lots of money for travelling
+expenses. Isn't it so? You will let me stay here ever so long; won't
+you?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, that is right. You are laughing again, and I see that you
+approve
+of what I have said. If you had not done so you should have had no
+peace, for my mind is made up.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The canopied bed next to your mother's is now mine; and
+indeed it is a
+heavenly canopy that one must be slow to leave. And, as I told you
+before, I have just begun to live.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst looked towards my wife. It seemed as if doubt and pride
+were
+struggling within him. When Martella had left the room and my wife
+urged him to remain with us and to afford us the joy of having such a
+daughter-in-law in our home, he was vanquished, and exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, I am indeed proud of her! I must admit I never expected
+so much
+of her. If she only does not grow over my head.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife wrote me that she only remembered a portion of what
+had
+happened. The wisdom and feeling evinced by the child had surprised
+her; and the subdued, heartfelt voice in which she had spoken had been
+as delightful as the loveliest music. She had been obliged to ask
+herself if this really was the wild creature who had entered the house
+but three-quarters of a year ago. The change that she had devoutly
+wished for had been brought about with surprising rapidity. Martella
+had awakened to a sense of the duties life imposes on all of us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nothing can be more gratifying than to find that a just course
+of
+action has produced its logical results.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Thus all was well. Ernst went out hunting with Rautenkron, and
+once
+even prevailed on him to visit our house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rautenkron had but little to say to Martella. He would knit
+his heavy
+eyebrows, and cast searching side-glances on the child. This was his
+custom with all strangers. When taking leave of my wife, he inquired
+whether we knew anything of Martella's parentage. All that we knew was
+that she had been found in the forest when four years old. Jaegerlies
+had cared for her until Ernst brought her to our house. Martella had
+told more than that to Richard, but he had firmly refused to tell us
+what it was. When Rautenkron had left, Martella said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He looks like a hedgehog, and I really believe that he could
+eat
+mice.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the last letter that I received before returning to my
+home, my wife
+wrote me that Martella had displayed a very singular trait.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss had become sick, and Martella, who was as much
+attached to him
+as if she were his own child, could neither visit nor nurse him. She
+had an unconquerable aversion to sick people. She would stand by the
+door and talk to Rothfuss, but she would not enter his room. She was
+quite angry at herself because of this, but could not act differently.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I cannot help it--I cannot help it,&quot; she said. &quot;I cannot go
+near a
+sick person.&quot; He begged her to procure some wine for him; some of the
+red wine down in the glass house. He knew that would make him well
+again. Rothfuss found as much pleasure in deceiving the doctor as he
+usually did in outwitting the officers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella cheerfully entered into his plan; she got the wine
+for him,
+and from that day he gradually improved in health.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was quite refreshing to me to have my thoughts recalled to
+our life
+at home. While the most difficult political questions and a struggle
+against a system of police espionage were engaging us, a concordat with
+the Pope had been submitted for our approval. It was the result of deep
+and long-protracted intrigues, and was full of carefully veiled and
+delicately woven fetters. I had been appointed as one of the committee
+to whom the matter was referred, and after a heated debate, we
+succeeded in securing its abrogation. The minister who had made the
+treaty was disgraced. His accomplices allowed him to fall while they
+saved themselves. Funk, in his own name and that of two associates,
+gave his reasons for declining to vote on the question. They demanded
+perfect freedom for every religions sect, and the abandonment on the
+part of the state of its right to interfere with matters of faith.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It had been proposed that my son Richard, who was Professor of
+History
+at the University, should be appointed as Minister of Education.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had published a powerful work on this topic. My son-in-law
+informed
+me that he had heard Richard's name mentioned in Court circles. In a
+few days, however, the rumor proved to be an ill-founded one. A
+declamatory counsellor received the appointment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Although encouraged by my success, it was with a sense of
+overpowering
+fatigue that I returned home at Christmastime. I felt as though I had
+not been able to enjoy a night's sleep while at the capital: it was
+only at home that I could breathe freely again and enjoy real repose.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">At home I found everything in excellent order. Rothfuss was
+still
+complaining, and was not allowed to leave his bed; but he was mending,
+and had naught to complain of but <i>ennui</i> and thirst.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I cannot remember a merrier Christmas than that of 1865. We
+could
+quietly think of our children we knew how they lived. Every Christmas
+we would receive a long letter from Ludwig; and Johanna wrote us that
+affairs were improving with her husband.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the day before Christmas, Ernst arrived. He carried a
+roebuck on his
+shoulder, and stood in front of the house shouting joyously. He waited
+there until Martella went out to meet him. He reached out his arms to
+embrace her, but she said, &quot;Come into the house. When you get in there,
+I will give you an honest kiss.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I congratulated Ernst on his success in his examination,
+he
+replied, &quot;No thanks, father; I was lucky; that is all. I really know
+very little about the subjects they examined me upon. I know more about
+other things. But I passed nevertheless.&quot; It was delightful to listen
+to Richard's sensible remarks; Ernst's conversation, however, was so
+persuasive and so varied as to prove even more interesting than that of
+Richard. He expressed himself quite happily in regard to the manner in
+which one should, by stealth as it were, learn the laws of the forest
+by careful observation, and referred to a point which is even yet in
+dispute among foresters--whether a fertile soil or a large return in
+lumber is most to be desired. I began to feel assured that my son, who
+had so often gone astray, would yet be able to erect a life-fabric that
+would afford happiness both to himself and to others.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Towards evening, when we were about to light the lamps, the
+Professor
+arrived, to Martella's great delight.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I knew you would be glad to see me,&quot; said Richard, &quot;and I
+must confess
+I like to come to my parents; but I have come more for the sake of
+seeing you than any one else.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard congratulated Ernst, and promised to prepare a grand
+poem for
+the wedding day.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The lights shone brightly, and joy beamed from every eye.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Professor had brought some books for Martella, but had not
+been
+fortunate in his selections. There were children's books among them,
+and these Martella quietly laid aside.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bertha had sent her a dress, Annette had contributed some
+furs, and
+Johanna had sent her an elegantly bound Bible.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I see already,&quot; said Martella, &quot;that naught but good things
+are
+showered down on me. Let them come. God grant that the day may arrive
+when I, too, can bestow gifts. But now let us be happy,&quot; she said,
+turning to Ernst. &quot;When we are alone together in the wild-woods, let us
+remember how lovely it is here. Look at the Christmas-tree. It was out
+in the cold and was freezing; but now they have brought it into the
+warm room, and decked it with lights and all sorts of pretty gifts. And
+thus was I, too, out of doors and forgotten; but now I am better off;
+the tree is dead, but I--&quot; Richard grasped my hand in silence, and
+softly whispered:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Don't interrupt her. Always let her finish what she has begun
+this
+way. When the bird singing on the tree observes that the wanderer is
+looking up to it with grateful eyes, it flies away.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella tried on her furs, stroked them with her hand, and
+then lit
+the lights on a little Christmas-tree on which were hanging some large
+stockings--the first she had ever knit.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Come along,&quot; she said to Ernst, &quot;let us go to Rothfuss; and,
+Richard,
+you had better come with us, too, and help us sing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Carrying the burning tree in her hand, and accompanied by
+Ernst and
+Richard, she went, singing on her way, to the room in which Rothfuss
+lay.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are the first person,&quot; she said to Rothfuss, &quot;to whom I
+can give
+something. I only knit them; the wool was given me by my mother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh!&quot; exclaimed Rothfuss, &quot;no wizard can do what is
+impossible. Our
+Lord makes the wool grow on the sheep; but shearing the sheep, spinning
+the wool, and knitting the stockings we have to do for ourselves.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the next day, while we were seated at table, Rothfuss
+entered,
+crying, &quot;A proverb, and a true one; she has put me on my feet again. I
+have got well.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I cannot recall a merrier Christmas than the one we then
+enjoyed. There
+were no more like it, for in the following year the crown had departed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife's father had, after withdrawing from his position as a
+teacher,
+employed himself in translating Göethe's Iphigenia into Greek. He had
+left his task incomplete. As a Christmas present for mother, Richard
+had brought lovely pictures to illustrate the poem, and in the antique
+room of our house, in which we had casts of the best Greek and Roman
+statues, Richard would read aloud to my wife.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella always had an aversion to this large room, and when
+she was
+called in there would look around for a while, as if lost, and then
+with scarcely audible steps leave the apartment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife loved all her children, but she was happiest of all
+with
+Richard. He seemed to have succeeded to her father's unfinished labors,
+and when he was in her presence she always seemed as if in a higher
+sphere. Richard had a thoroughly noble disposition and dignified
+bearing.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Mother repeatedly read Ludwig's letter, and said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The Free-thinkers could not bring about what we are now
+experiencing:
+that on a certain evening and at an appointed hour all mankind are
+united in the same feeling. Do you believe, Richard, that you
+philosophers could bring about such a result?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard thought not; but added that the forms assumed by
+higher
+intellectual truth were constantly changing, and that just as they had
+given the church in heathen ages a different character, so they might
+at some future time effect changes in later forms of religious belief.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella entered the room at that moment, and my wife's
+significant
+glance reminded Richard that he had better not prolong the discussion.
+We were a happy circle, and Richard was especially so because he had
+made common cause with me in the last exciting question. The future of
+our Fatherland, however, did not afford him a pleasant outlook. He
+believed that the great powers were playing a false game and were only
+feigning to quarrel in order that they might the more successfully
+divide up the lesser states among themselves. He felt sure that their
+plan was to divide up all the rest of Germany between Prussia and
+Austria. I, too, had sad thoughts in this connection, but could not
+picture the future to myself. This alone was certain: our present
+condition could not last. In the meanwhile we awaited Napoleon's New
+Year's speech. His words would inform the world what was to become of
+it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In our happy family circle we forgot for a little while the
+feeling of
+deep humiliation that hung over all, and the doubts that always caused
+us to ask ourselves, &quot;To whom will we belong?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It is indeed sad when one is forced to say to himself,
+&quot;To-morrow you
+and your country may be handed over to some King.&quot;</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Whenever I returned from Parliament, it seemed as if I had
+left a
+strange world. Although my labors there were in behalf of those dearest
+to me, I was too far removed from them to have them constantly in my
+mind. And for many a morning after my return the force of habit made me
+wonder why the usual amount of printed matter that had been handed me
+while at the capital was not forthcoming.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I found the affairs of the village in good order.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That was the only time that I can write about--the time when
+my wife
+was still ...</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I have been gazing out over the mountain and into the dark
+wood, that
+I, or rather she, planted, and then I lifted my eyes up to heaven. The
+stars are shining, and it is said that light from stars that have
+already perished is still travelling towards us. May the light that was
+once mine thus flow unto you when I am no longer here. But to proceed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For three-and-twenty years I filled the office of burgomaster,
+and was
+of great use to our parish. Above all things, I built up its credit. To
+accomplish this I was obliged to be severe and persistent in
+prosecuting the suit. But now things have so far improved that the
+people at Basle regret that no one in our village desires to borrow
+money from them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The two chief benefits that I have procured for our village
+are good
+credit and pure water.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Just as credit is the true measure of economical condition, so
+is water
+the measure of physical well-being.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I converted the heath into a woodland. It was twenty-three
+years ago,
+and I was the youngest member of the town council; but, aided by my
+cousin Linker, I induced the people of our parish to plant trees in the
+old meadow, and to this day every one of our people derives a moderate
+profit from the little piece of woodland that we now have there. Its
+value increases from year to year.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My cousin Linker had been a book-keeper in the glass-house
+down in the
+valley. He married a daughter of the richest farmer in the village, and
+became quite a farmer himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I learnt a great deal from him. In business matters he was
+greatly my
+superior, for he was shrewder, or in other words, more distrustful,
+than I.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Until about five years ago, we were partners in an extensive
+lumber
+business. We built the first large saw-mill in the valley. It had three
+saws, and all the new appliances, and a part of our business was to saw
+up logs and beams. I also built a saw-mill, which is conducted on the
+co-operative system, for the benefit of the villagers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When the Parliament had determined upon having a fortress
+erected
+in our neighborhood, our business friends offered us their
+congratulations. They well knew that this would require so much lumber
+as to give rise to a profitable business. And this, I must confess, is
+a point which I would like to forget. But who, after all, leads a life
+which is entirely pure, and without being in the slightest spoiled with
+intercourse with the world.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Cousin Linker conducted a large business in his name and mine.
+I did
+not take any active part in the negotiations, although I was
+responsible for what was done. He would often say, &quot;You are absurdly
+virtuous. One like you will never get on in the world.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph, my cousin's only son, and of the same age as our
+Ludwig, had
+married my daughter Martina, who died shortly after the birth of their
+first child. Her son Julius was a forester's apprentice. Joseph married
+again, but he is still faithful to me and mine, while we are quite
+attached to his second wife and her three daughters.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph is now burgomaster, and I hope he will one day occupy
+my
+position as a member of the Parliament. He works zealously for the
+public good, and has one great advantage that did not exist in my time.
+For nowadays there are numerous good burgomasters in the neighborhood,
+and it is therefore easier to carry out desirable measures.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Last winter, Joseph induced the people of Brauneck, the next
+village,
+to combine with ours in laying out a road through the common woods, and
+the wood taken out was worth more than twice the cost of the labor.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph inherited my cousin's shrewd business notions. He
+caused
+hundreds of little branches to be gathered up and prepared for
+Christmas-trees, and at the proper time would send them to the railway,
+and have them sent down the country. I did my share in building the
+road, for it passes right by my land, and is of great use to me. I do
+not think of cutting down any of the lumber. The red pine may stand for
+another twenty years. I could almost wish that this wood might remain
+forever, for it is <i>hers</i>!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the following spring, a gust of wind tore away some of the
+finest
+branches, and the first planks made of them were used to construct a
+coffin.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But I will not anticipate. It was in the third year after our
+marriage
+that I returned home one evening with a large load of red-pine
+saplings. I was sitting on the balcony with my wife, later in the
+evening, and was telling her that I intended to set the five-year-old
+shoots down by the stone wall, and that I had therefore chosen hardy
+plants, in which the root was in proper proportion to the crown, but
+that it was always difficult to find conscientious workmen, who would
+look out for one's interest while attending to the matter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife listened patiently while I explained the manner in
+which the
+shoots should be planted.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Let me attend to this work,&quot; said she. &quot;It is well that
+forest-trees
+do not require the same care as animals, or fruit-trees. Rude nature
+protects itself. But it will afford me pleasure to tend the shoots with
+great care.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But it is fatiguing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I know that, but I can do something for the forest that
+brings us so
+many blessings.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I gladly consented. And thus we have a fine grove down by the
+stone
+wall.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While the children were growing up, my wife knew how to invest
+the
+planting of trees with a festive character. Richard and Johanna soon
+grew tired of it. But Bertha, Ludwig, Martella, and at a later day
+Ernst, were full of zeal, and had an especial affection for the trees
+which they had planted with their own hands.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife was perfectly familiar with every nook in the woods,
+and when
+the new road was laid out she pointed out to Joseph a clear and fresh
+spring which had remained undisturbed, while we in the village were
+often poorly supplied with good drinking water. She persuaded him to
+alter its course so that it would flow towards the village; and now,
+thanks to her, we have a splendid spring which even in the heat of
+summer furnishes us with an abundance of cool and pure water.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">To this day we call it the Gustava spring.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Every year, at my wife's birthday, it is decorated by the
+youth of the
+village.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She seemed to live with the woods that she had planted.
+Without a trace
+of sentimentality, I mean exaggerated susceptibility, she rejoiced in
+the sunshine and the rain, the mists and the snow, because they helped
+the plants, and this state of mind contributed to the quiet grace and
+dignity which so well became her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On Christmas afternoon we could, in our sleighs, ride as far
+as the
+wood and the village beyond it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella told us that she, too, had planted thousands of white
+and red
+pines, but that there was not a tree that she could call her own.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She called out unto the snow-covered plantation: &quot;Say:
+Mother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Mother,&quot; answered the distant echo.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And now say: Waldfried.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Waldfried&quot; was the answer. We returned home, happy and
+light-hearted.
+Ernst remained with us until New Year's Day, and seemed to have
+regained his wonted cheerfulness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was with pleasure not unmixed with jealousy, that Ernst saw
+how
+Martella hung on Richard's lips while listening to his calm and clear
+remarks on the topics that arose from day to day. His explanations were
+such that the simplest intellect could comprehend them. I cannot help
+thinking that Ernst's glances at Martella often were intended to convey
+some such words as these: &quot;Oh, I know all that, too, but I am not
+always talking about it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I did not know that you could talk so well,&quot; said Martella on
+one
+occasion. At times we had quite heated discussions.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With my sons it cost me quite an effort to defend my faith in
+the
+people.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst and Richard, who rarely agreed on any question, united
+in their
+low opinion of the people.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst despised the farmers, and said he would not confide the
+charge of
+the woods to them, as they would inconsiderately destroy the whole
+forest if they had the chance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard adduced this as a proof that it would always be
+necessary to
+teach the people what, for their own good, should be done as well as
+left undone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He dwelt particularly on that severe sentence, <i>terrent nisi
+metuant</i>.
+The mass of the people is terrible unless held in subjection by fear.
+History, which was his special science, furnished him with potent
+proofs, that the people should always be ruled with a firm hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph listened silently to the discussions carried on by the
+brothers.
+He was always glad to hear what those who were educated had to say. He
+never took part when generalities were discussed. It was not until they
+began to conjecture as to what Napoleon, the ruler of the world, might
+say in his next New Year's address, that his anger found vent in sharp
+words.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Later generations will hardly be able to understand this.
+These men
+were seated together in a well-ordered house in the depths of the
+forest; and even there the spirit of doubt and questioning, that could
+not be banished, was constantly at their side, and pouring wormwood
+into their wine.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was no unalloyed happiness left us--no freedom from
+care. Will
+not the Emperor of the French hurl his bottles at us in the morning!
+What will he not attempt for the sake of securing his dynasty and
+gratifying the theatrical cravings of his people! The whole world was
+in terror. Everything was in a state of morbid excitement, and, as
+Ernst said, &quot;watching like a dog for the morsel that the great Parisian
+theatrical manager might throw to it;&quot; and here Richard interrupted
+him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard had a great love for established forms. He always
+expressed
+himself with moderation. Ernst, however, would allow his feelings to
+run away with him, and would often find that he had gone too far.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard, who had had his younger brother at his side during
+the years
+spent at the Gymnasium, still regarded himself as a sort of teacher and
+guide to Ernst, and could hardly realize how that youth could have been
+so self-reliant as to get himself a bride under such peculiar
+circumstances.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard confessed that he desired to achieve a career. &quot;My
+time will
+come. Perhaps I may have to wait until I have gray hairs, or none at
+all; but I shall, at all events, not allow love to interfere with my
+plans. I shall not marry, unless under circumstances that will help to
+secure the end I have in view.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had accustomed myself to leave both sons undisturbed in
+their views
+of life. They both agreed in regarding me as an idealist, although
+their reasons for reaching this conclusion were dissimilar.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I love to recall the passage in Plutarch's Lycurgus. The old
+men are
+singing, &quot;We were once powerful youths;&quot; the men sing, &quot;But we are now
+strong;&quot; and the youths sing, &quot;But we will be still stronger than you
+are!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The world progresses, and every new generation must develop
+the old
+ideas and introduce new ones. It will go hard with us old folks to
+admit that these are better than ours; but they are so, nevertheless.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Richard was alone with me, he expressed his great delight
+in
+regard to his youngest brother; and as the journals of that day
+contained a call for participants in the German Expedition to the North
+Pole, Richard would gladly have seen Ernst take a part in the
+enterprise. He maintained that Ernst was endowed with qualities that
+would gain him distinction as a student of nature, and that a voyage of
+discovery would make a hero of him. For he had invincible courage,
+fertility of invention, fine perception, and much general knowledge,
+combined with the ability to see things as they are.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst was full of youthful buoyancy, just as he had been in
+the
+earliest years of his student life. He was the life of the house,
+constantly singing and yodling; and his special enthusiastic friend,
+Rothfuss, one day said to me while in the stable, &quot;I knew it. I knew
+all about it. Our Ernst cannot come to harm. Why, just listen to his
+singing. A tree where a bird builds its nest is in no danger from
+vermin.&quot;</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">At a meeting of the burgomasters of the neighborhood, held on
+New
+Year's day, it was determined to call a general meeting of electors, to
+assemble in the chief town of the district, and to receive a report in
+regard to the last session of the Parliament.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On New Year's Day Ernst left us, as the Prince and his
+ministers
+intended to hunt during the next few days in the district which was in
+charge of his chief.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When he was about to leave, Martella said to him, &quot;You have
+good reason
+to feel happy. The walls have heard you with joy, and every being in
+there thinks well of you and me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And you?&quot; asked he.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I need not be thinking of you. For you are my other self.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was a clear, mild, winter day when, accompanied by Joseph
+and
+Richard, I drove to the neighboring town in which the meeting was to be
+held. It was Richard's intention to return to the University at the
+close of the meeting.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss had fully recovered. Displaying his new stockings,
+and wearing
+his forester's coat, he sat up on the driver's box, while he managed
+the bays. Although he entertained a deep contempt for mankind in
+general, and for that portion of it that lived in our neighborhood in
+particular, he was always willing to take part in anything that was
+done in my honor.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He often remarked that the people did not deserve that one
+should walk
+three steps for their sake. He would never forget the way in which they
+had treated the chieftains of 1848; or that a man like Ludwig, to whom
+he always accorded most generous praise, was obliged to leave his home,
+while no one had a thought for him, or for the one who had suffered
+himself to be imprisoned for his sake.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The road led through the valley, and was cheerful with the
+sound of the
+sleigh-bells. Rothfuss cracked his whip, and soon distanced all the
+other drivers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Here and there, sleighs might be seen coming down the
+hillside. At the
+village taverns, teams were resting, and from every window, as well as
+from passers on the highway, came respectful greetings, and at times
+even enthusiastic cheers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In token of his thanks, Rothfuss cracked his whip still more
+loudly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He would look around from time to time, as if noting how much
+pleasure
+these tokens of respect afforded me. But once he said to Richard, &quot;It
+is all very well, Mr. Professor; but if the weather were to change, all
+these cheers would freeze in the mouths that are now uttering them. We
+have known something of that kind already.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I must admit, however, that these attentions did my heart
+good. There
+is nothing in the associations of home that is more grateful than to be
+able to say to one's self, &quot;I live in the midst of my voters. I do my
+duty without fear or favor, and without my asking for office, my
+fellow-citizens select me as their representative in the councils of
+the nation.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Like the breath of the woods such homage has a fragrance
+peculiarly
+its own. I cannot believe in the sincerity of one who, from so-called
+modesty, or affected indifference to the opinions of his
+fellow-citizens, would refuse office when thus offered to him. I
+frankly admit that it is not so unpleasant to me to find that others
+think at least as well, or even better of me, than I do.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This of course brings to mind Rautenkron the forester, who
+would
+stoutly combat my opinion in this matter, for he thinks that a love of
+such honors is the worst sort of dependence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I arrived at the meeting, I made my report in a quiet
+matter-of-fact manner. It is time for our people to learn that the
+affairs of the state should have a higher use than merely to serve as
+the occasion for fine speeches. Funk was sitting on the front bench,
+with a follower of his on either side of him. One of them was known as
+Schweitzer-Schmalz. He was a fat, puffed up farmer, who, to use his own
+words, took great delight in &quot;trumping&quot; the students and public
+officials.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But a few words as to Schmalz. A man of his dimensions
+requires more
+space than I have just given him. He was one of those men who, when
+prosperous, continually eat and drink of the best. A red vest decked
+with silver buttons covered his fat paunch, and was generally
+unbuttoned.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His name was Schmalz, but he had been dubbed
+Schweitzer-Schmalz,
+because of his having once said, &quot;I do not see why we should not be as
+good as our neighbors the Swiss.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He hated the Prussians; first and foremost, for the reason
+that one
+ought to hate them. This is the first article of faith in the catechism
+of the popular journals. And although questions as to the religious
+catechism might be tolerated, this article must be received without a
+murmur. Besides, they were impertinent enough to speak high German; and
+he knew, moreover, that abuse of the Prussians was relished in certain
+high quarters.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He attempted by his boasting to provoke every one, and was
+himself at
+last provoked to find that the whole world laughed at him. He had a
+habit of rattling the silver coins in his pocket while uttering his
+unwelcome remarks.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk aided and encouraged him in his swaggering ways. Funk's
+other
+follower was a lawyer of extremely radical views. Funk always acted as
+if he were their servant, although, as he himself said, he was the
+bear-leader.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In his confidential moments, he would often say: &quot;The people
+is really
+a stupid bear; fasten a ring in its nose, and you can lead it about as
+you would a sheep, and the best nose-ring for your purpose is the
+church.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The question of extending a branch of the valley road into the
+neighboring state, gave rise to a lively debate. I declared that no
+private association would undertake the enterprise, unless interest on
+the investment were guaranteed, and that I would oppose it, because its
+promised advantages were not sufficient to justify us in voting the
+money of the state for the purpose, instead of spending our own.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The effect of this was a very perceptible diminution of the
+favor with
+which I had been regarded. And when, afterward, a vote of thanks to me
+was proposed, it was coldly received.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was just about to descend from the tribune, when I heard
+Funk say to
+Schmalz, who was sitting by his side, &quot;Speak out! It is your own
+affair.&quot; Schmalz now asked me why I had voted for the abolition of the
+freedom of the woods, or, in other words, the privilege of gathering up
+the moss, and the small sticks of wood with which to cover the floor of
+the stables. To him personally it was a matter of little concern, but
+humbler and poorer people could not so well afford to do without it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This gave rise to much loud talk. All seemed to be speaking at
+once,
+and saying, &quot;Such things should not be tolerated.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I at last obtained an opportunity to make myself heard, I
+told
+them that the community had an interest in the preservation of the
+forests, and suggested that it was necessary to seek other means of
+gaining the object to be attained, in order that the forests need not
+suffer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And when I went on to tell them that we would be unable to
+take proper
+care of our forests until we had a general law on the subject applying
+to the whole empire, and that the lines separating our different states
+ran through the midst of our woods, I heard some one call out, &quot;Of
+course! He owns forests on both sides of the line.&quot; And Schmalz laughed
+out at the top of his voice, holding his fat paunch the while. &quot;What a
+fuss the man is making about a few little sticks!&quot; he said.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I descended from the tribune, feeling that I had not convinced
+my
+constituents.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At the banquet all was life again. Herr Von Rontheim was among
+the
+guests. He had courage enough to confess to being one of the
+opposition, of which he had become a member against his will. He was an
+impoverished member of the old nobility. In figure and in education he
+seemed intended for a courtier. But now he was filling an office that
+entailed much labor upon him. He attended to his duties punctually and
+carefully, but in a perfunctory manner. He had given in his adhesion to
+the late liberal ministry. In view of his position at Court, this was
+an ill-considered step; for, when the ministers were removed, he was at
+once ordered to the capital, and assigned to official duties that he
+found it hard to do justice to, for his education had better fitted him
+for the life of a courtier than for that of a painstaking government
+deputy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rontheim sat beside me, and assured me that the fall of the
+one man who
+had been appointed minister to the federation would soon draw that of
+the rest after him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He spoke as if he knew all about the matter, and merely wanted
+to find
+out how much I knew on the subject. The artifice was too apparent,
+however; he knew just as little as I did. In the course of
+conversation, he asserted that the existence of the lesser German
+States does not find its justification in greater privileges than are
+accorded by the general government, but because they can thus secure a
+more perfect administration of the minor details of government--a view
+on which I had touched in my report.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was not a little astonished when he told me, in the
+strictest
+confidence, that I had been mentioned at Court with special approval.
+He assured me that he knew this, for he had lots of relatives there. He
+had indeed once been called upon to furnish information in regard to
+myself and my family; and he felt assured that his report had reached
+the ears of the Prince. He felt convinced that, with the next decided
+turn in affairs, it would not be my son Richard, but myself, to whom an
+exalted position would be offered. He said that he intended to report
+my behavior of that very day, in a quarter where the courage which can
+face popular disfavor would be appreciated. He treated me more
+cordially than ever, and plainly signified that he felt assured of my
+good-will.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had never given him an occasion to joke with me, and when I
+replied
+that what he had told me was so great a surprise that I did not know
+how to answer him, he said that he fully appreciated my feelings. He
+furnished me with another bit of information, which was a much greater
+surprise. He told me that my son Ernst had, but a short time before
+that, applied at the office of the kreis-director<a name="div2Ref_note03" href="#div2_note03"><sup>3</sup></a> for permission to
+emigrate to America, and had requested them to furnish him with the
+requisite documents, at the earliest possible moment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst still owed two years of military service, and his
+release could
+only be effected as an act of grace on the part of the government.
+This, the director added, presented no difficulty, if I chose to exert
+my influence. The whole affair seemed a riddle to me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst had, in all likelihood, committed this hasty action
+during a
+sudden fit of impatience, and I determined to reprove him at the first
+opportunity. It seemed very strange that he should be so careful to
+prevent me from knowing of an undertaking which he would be unable to
+accomplish without my assistance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I must have looked very serious, for several old friends of
+mine
+approached me and assured me that in spite of the popular opposition
+they still were true and faithful to me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I feel tempted to give the names of a large number of wealthy
+farmers and magistrates, who are of much more consequence than
+Schweitzer-Schmalz, and who represent the very backbone of our country
+life. But when I have said that they are conscientious in public
+affairs and just and honorable in private ones, I have told all that is
+necessary.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Among the guests there was the so-called &quot;peace captain,&quot; a
+tall and
+well-dressed wealthy young dealer in timber. While still an officer, he
+had fallen in love with a daughter of the richest saw-mill owner in the
+valley. The father refused his consent to the marriage unless the
+lieutenant would give him a written promise to resign from the army as
+soon as a war should break out. The lieutenant did not care to do this
+and preferred resigning at once, which he did with the rank of captain.
+He had become quite conversant with his business, although there was
+something in his manner that made it seem as if he had just laid off
+his uniform.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He still retained one trait of his military life, and that was
+an utter
+indifference to politics. It was merely to honor me that he attended
+the banquet; and besides, was I not the father-in-law of an officer in
+active service? The captain, whose name was Rimminger, seated himself
+at my side.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">The banquet seemed to be drawing to a close, and conversation
+had
+become loud and general, when we were suddenly called to order and told
+that Funk was about to address us. I ought to mention, in passing, that
+Funk belonged to the next district, and was therefore not one of our
+voters. He ascended the platform. He generally seemed loth to ascend
+the tribune; but when there, his fluent discourse and ready wit enabled
+him to control the most obstinate audience.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He began, as usual, by saying that it hardly became him to
+speak on
+this occasion. He was not a voter, and if he were to express the praise
+and the thanks due me, to whom he owed his present position, it might
+appear as if he were endeavoring to make his private feelings the
+sentiment of the audience.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He repeatedly referred to me as the &quot;estimable noble
+patriarch,&quot; and
+inveighed in fierce terms against those who would, by a vote of want of
+confidence, express their disapproval of the actions of their
+representative, who had followed his honest convictions instead of the
+opinions of this or that constituent.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He then indulged in an explanation of his reasons for having
+voted with
+the opposition. He possessed the art of repeating the speeches of
+others as if they were his own. He repeatedly used the expression &quot;a
+free church in a free state,&quot; and several times used the word
+&quot;republic,&quot; when he would immediately correct himself in an ironical
+manner, and to the great delight of many of his auditors.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk's words filled me with indignation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I beheld him standing up before this audience and
+expressing such
+sentiments, I felt as if it were a punishment that I had richly
+deserved; for in his case I had assisted a man in whom I had not full
+confidence, to a position of honor and importance. I was so occupied
+with thoughts of the speaker that I hardly noticed what he was saying,
+until I was aroused by hearing him defend me against the charge of
+being a Prussian.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And even if he were a Prussian, we should not forget that the
+Prussians are Germans as well as the rest of us. We are far ahead of
+them, and for that very reason it is our duty to help them.&quot; And then
+he began to praise me again, and told them what a noble action it was
+that a man who had a pastor for one son-in-law, and one of the first
+nobles in the land for another, whose son was to-day a professor, and
+might to-morrow be a minister, to receive into his house a girl who had
+come to him naked and destitute.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Uproarious laughter followed these words, and Funk exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;O you rogues! you know well enough that when I said 'naked
+and
+destitute,' I only meant <i>poor and without family connections</i>.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He described me and my wife as the noblest of beings, and
+repeatedly
+referred to Martella.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I asked myself what could have been his reason for introducing
+Martella's name before this audience; and then it occurred to me that
+he had cherished hopes that my son Ernst would have married his
+daughter, who was at that time receiving her education at a school in
+Strasburg.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He closed by proposing cheers in my honor. They were
+immediately
+followed by cries of &quot;Hurrah for citizen Funk!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk was impudent enough to walk up to me afterwards and offer
+me his
+hand, while he assured me that he had put a quietus on the opposition
+of the stupid bushmen, a term which he was fond of using when referring
+to the farmers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I declined to shake hands, and ascended the tribune without
+looking at
+him. &quot;We have had enough speeches,&quot; cried several of the audience,
+while others began to stamp their feet and thus prevent me from
+speaking. Silence was at last restored, and I began. I am naturally of
+a timid disposition, but when in danger, I am insensible to fear, and
+quietly and firmly do that which is needed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I told them that Herr Funk had spoken as if he were a friend
+of mine,
+but that I here publicly declared that he was not my friend, and that I
+was no friend of his; and that if he and his consorts really believed
+the opinions that they professed, I had nothing in common with them.
+For reasons best known to himself, Herr Funk had dragged my family
+affairs before the assembly. I was happy to say that I had done nothing
+which I need conceal. And further, as Herr Funk had found it proper to
+defend me against the charge of being a friend of Prussia, I wished it
+known that I was a friend of Prussia, on whose future course I based
+all my hopes for the welfare of Germany.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I should not give up my office until the term for which I was
+elected
+expired: when that time came they might reelect me, or replace me by
+another, as they thought best.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Virtuous indignation aided me in my effort, and when I
+finished my
+remarks, Richard told me that he had never heard me speak so well. I am
+by nature soft-hearted, perhaps indeed too much so; but I can deal
+unmerciful blows when they are needed. There is an old saying that a
+rider should alight and kill the mole-cricket that he sees while on his
+way, for it destroys the roots of the grass. It was a similar feeling
+that made me refer to Funk in the way I had done.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">To the best of my knowledge, I had never before that had an
+enemy; now
+I knew that I had one. And an enemy may be likened to a swamp with its
+miasmatic vapors and noisome vermin. It had been reserved for my later
+years to teach me what it is to have enemies and how to meet their
+works.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The worst of all is, that a fear of committing injustice makes
+us
+insincere. And when at last this fear gives way to one's horror of
+wickedness, they say, &quot;He was not truthful; he was hypocritical, and
+simulated friendship for one whom he despised.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Be that as it may, I was, at all events, glad that I would not
+again
+have to take Funk by the hand. It has been my great fault and
+misfortune that I could never learn to believe in the utility of
+falsehood. Perhaps it was nothing more than a love of comfort that
+actuated me; for it is very troublesome to be always on one's guard.
+Where I might have done myself good through shrewdness and foresight, I
+had simply made myself an object of pity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It seemed that the affair was not to pass over without a
+fracas. The
+anger which I had controlled found vent through another channel, none
+other than Rothfuss.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I saw him standing in the midst of a crowd, and heard Schmalz
+cry out,
+&quot;Let me talk; I would not soil my hands to beat the servant of that
+man!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What?&quot; cried Rothfuss; &quot;I want nothing to do with the 'fat
+Switzer,'
+for wherever his shadow falls you can find a grease-spot.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Uproarious laughter followed this sally. Funk forced himself
+into the
+midst of the crowd, and placing himself before Schmalz called out, &quot;You
+had better hold your tongue, Rothfuss, or you will have to deal with
+me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;With you?&quot; said Rothfuss, &quot;with you? I have but one word to
+tell you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Out with it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes,&quot; said Rothfuss, &quot;I will tell you something that no human
+being
+has ever yet said to you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Out with it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What I mean to tell you has never before been said to you--<i>You
+are an
+honest man.</i>&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Contemptuous laughter and wild shouts followed this sally,
+and, when it
+looked as if blows were about to fall, and the kreis-director
+approached and ordered them to desist, Rothfuss called out, &quot;Herr
+Director, would you call that an insult? I said Herr Funk was an honest
+man. Is that an insult?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The officer succeeded in restoring order and we departed,
+taking
+Rothfuss with us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had paid the full penalty of my acquaintance with Funk, but
+felt so
+much freer and purer than when I entered the banqueting room, that I
+did not regret what had occurred.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard wanted to meet his train, and Joseph left for a point
+down the
+Rhine in order to close a contract for railroad ties. I went to the
+station with them, and when the train had left, I accepted the
+invitation of Rontheim, who had walked down to the railroad with us,
+and went home with him.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">There are houses in which you never hear a loud word, not
+because of
+any previous agreement on the part of its inmates, but as a natural
+result of their character. He who enters there is at once affected,
+both in mood and in the tones of his voice, by his surroundings. Such
+is the peaceful household in which kind and gentle aspirations fill all
+hearts and where every one works faithfully in his own allotted sphere.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I felt as if entering a new and strange phase of life when
+Rontheim
+ushered me into the richly carpeted and tastefully furnished
+drawing-room. I was cordially received by his wife, a graceful and
+charming woman, and his two beautiful and distinguished-looking
+daughters.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Although in exile, as it were, the mother and the daughters
+had
+succeeded in creating a pure and lovely home, and had held aloof from
+the petty jealousies and small doings of the little town in which they
+were residing. Although they saw but little company, they exchanged
+visits with some of the so-called gentry. They had paid several visits
+to our village, and a friendly intimacy with my wife had been the
+result. She did not allow this, however, to induce her to visit the
+town more frequently than had been her wont. She carefully avoided
+excursions of any kind, from a fear that they might interrupt the quiet
+tenor of her life or render society a necessity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rontheim's wife and daughters had been used to the life of a
+court, and
+even now acted as if with the morrow they might be recalled to court.
+When they accompanied the director, on his frequent official journeys,
+they would discover every spot in which there were natural beauties.
+Scenes that we had become indifferent to, through habit, or in which we
+saw nothing but the uses to which they might be put, had in their eyes
+quite a different meaning. They would spend whole days in the valleys
+where no one resorted but the harvesters, or on the mountains where
+they would meet no one but the foresters. They sketched and gathered
+flowers and mosses, and their tables and consoles were decorated with
+lovely wreaths of dried leaves and wild flowers. They would often
+assist the poor children who were gathering wild berries, and show them
+how to weave pretty baskets out of pine twigs. They were in frequent
+intercourse with our schoolmaster's wife, who was quite a botanist.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The second daughter, who was interested in drawing, asked me
+about the
+new paintings in the Parliament House; and the elder daughter jokingly
+declared that it was a pity that one could never find out what had been
+played at the theatre until the day after the performance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was forcibly impressed by the evident effort with which Herr
+Von
+Rontheim endeavored to suppress any sign of a consciousness of superior
+birth. He showed me a recently restored picture of one of his
+ancestors, who had been a comrade of Ulrich Von Hutten, and had
+distinguished himself during the Reformation. He intimated that
+although the noble families had built up the state, he cheerfully
+admitted that its preservation had fallen into other hands.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His kind manner did not quite serve to veil a certain air of
+condescension.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">During the course of our rather desultory conversation, Madame
+Rontheim
+had rung for the servant, and had given her orders to him in a whisper,
+of which I heard the last words, &quot;Please tell Herr Ernst to come in.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The words startled me. Could she have meant my son?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A few moments afterward, a bright-cheeked and erect-looking
+ensign
+entered the room, and saluted us in military fashion. I had forgotten
+that Rontheim's only son was also named Ernst, and I now recalled the
+fact of his being in my son-in-law's regiment. The ensign referred to
+the fact, and also told me that all of his comrades had regretted my
+son's leaving the army. His constant flow of spirits and fertility of
+invention, had won him the admiration of all of his companions.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Madame Rontheim spoke of my daughter Bertha in the kindest
+terms, and
+praised the tact she had displayed in introducing a new element into
+their circle.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The eldest daughter ventured to speak in disparagement of
+Bertha's
+friend, Annette, but the mother adroitly changed the subject, and began
+talking about Martella.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As I felt that, in all probability, there had been all sorts
+of false
+tales in regard to Martella, I told them her story. When I ended,
+Madame Rontheim said to me, &quot;In taking such a child of nature into a
+well-ordered and cultured home, you have pursued the very best plan. I
+feel assured that the result of your wife's quiet and sensible course
+will both surprise and delight you. Pray tell your wife that I have for
+some time intended to visit her, but have concluded to wait until it
+may be convenient to her and her charge to receive me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While seated with this charming circle at their tea-table--an
+institution which this family had introduced in our forest
+neighborhood--I had quite forgotten that Rothfuss was outside taking
+charge of the sleigh. But now I heard the loud crack of his whip, and
+bade my hosts a hasty farewell.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I got into the sleigh, Rothfuss said, &quot;Madame, the
+baroness, has
+sent out a hot jug as a foot-warmer for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On our way down the hill, Rothfuss walked at the side of the
+sleigh,
+and said to me, &quot;She sent me some tea: it is by no means a cooling
+drink, but does not taste so bad after all; it warmed me thoroughly.
+Before I drank it, I felt as wet as a drenched goat. Ah, yes! One of
+your people of rank is worth more than seventy-seven of your stupid
+voters. In all of the crowd that we met to-day there were not a dozen
+people with whom I would care to drink a glass of wine.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss judged of all persons by their fitness as boon
+companions. He
+would drink gladly with this one, but would not care to drink with the
+next; and he would often say that there were some whose very company
+sours the wine they pay for.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I felt sure that he had heard some one abusing me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I left home in the morning, I felt as if supported by the
+consciousness of the respect and confidence of my fellow-citizens, but
+now--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Suddenly the remarks of the kreis-director recurred to me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Had the confidence of one party been withdrawn from me,
+because it was
+suspected that the others were trying to lure me to their side? I have
+neither the desire nor the proper qualifications for a more exalted
+position in the service of the State.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And what could Ernst's notion of emigrating have meant? &quot;Who
+knows,&quot;
+thought I to myself, &quot;what I may yet have to witness on the part of
+this son who is always flying the track?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The night was bitter cold; the snow which had melted during
+the day had
+frozen hard, and our sleigh creaked and rattled as we hurried along the
+road.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">I have always discouraged a belief in omens, and yet when I
+saw the
+strange cloud-forms that floated before the face of the moon that
+night, shadowy forebodings filled my soul. The ringing of the
+sleigh-bells was full of a strange melody, and, down in the valley, I
+could hear the raging of the torrent which seemed as if angered at the
+thought that the frost king would soon again bind it with his fetters.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The sleigh halted at the saw-mill. When I looked up towards
+the house I
+saw that there was a light in the room.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What are you doing?&quot; I asked Rothfuss.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am taking the bells off, so that the mistress may not hear
+us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Although we had supposed that no one had noticed our coining,
+we heard
+soft steps advancing to meet us when we reached the house. Martella
+opened the door for us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I entered the room. It was nicely warmed and lighted. The meal
+which
+had been prepared for me was still on the table.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss drew off his boots and went off to his room on
+tiptoe.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you not want to go to bed, Martella? Have you been sitting
+up all
+this time?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Indeed I have; and oh, do take it from me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What ails you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, what a night I have passed! I do not know how it all came
+about;
+but mother had gone to bed, and I sat here quite alone in this great,
+big house. I looked at the meal that was waiting for our master; at the
+bread that had once been grain, the meat that had once been alive, and
+the wine that had once been grapes in the vineyard.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It seemed to me as if the fields and the beasts all came up
+to me and
+asked, 'Where are you? What has become of you?' And then I could not
+help thinking to myself, 'You have so many people here--a father, a
+mother, one brother who is so learned, and another who is in another
+world, a sister who is a major's wife, and one who is a pastor's, and
+besides this, my own Ernst; and all these say: &quot;We are yours and you
+are ours.&quot;' When I thought of that, I felt so happy and yet so sad. And
+then the two clocks kept up their incessant ticking. It seemed as if
+they were talking to me all the time. The fast one said to me, 'How did
+you get here, you simple, forlorn child, whom they found behind the
+hedge? Run away as fast as you can! Run away! you cannot stay here; you
+must go off. All these people about you have made a prisoner of you;
+they feel kindly towards you, but you cannot stay. Run, run away! Run,
+child, run!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But the other clock, with its quiet and steady tick, would
+always say,
+'Be thankful, be thankful, be thankful! You are snugly housed with
+kindly hearts; do what you can to earn their kindness by your
+goodness.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;They kept it up all the time. All at once I heard the cry of
+an owl. I
+had often heard them in the forest, and I am not afraid of any of the
+birds or beasts. Then the owl went away and all was still. I don't know
+how it happened, but all at once I thought of summer and cried out
+'Cuckoo!' quite loud. I was frightened at the sound of my own voice,
+for fear that I might wake up the mistress; and when I thought of that
+I felt as if I could die for grief. And then again I felt so happy to
+think that the heart that was sleeping there was one that had taken me
+up as its own. When the large clock would say 'Quite right, quite
+right,' the busy little one would interrupt with 'Stupid stuff, stupid
+stuff; run away, run away!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;When the hour struck midnight, I opened the window and looked
+out
+towards the graveyard. I am no longer afraid of it; the dead lie there;
+they are now resting and were once just as happy and just as sad as I
+now am.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I do not know how all these things should have come into my
+mind. I
+felt cheered up at last, and closed the window. Everything seemed so
+lovely in the room, and I felt as if I were at home. At home in
+eternity, and could now die. I did not fear death. I had fared so well
+in the world--better than millions--and master,&quot; said she, kneeling
+down before me and clasping my knee, &quot;I will surely do all in my power
+to deserve this happiness. If I only knew of something good and hard
+that I might do. Tell me if there is such a thing; I will do it
+gladly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It seemed that night as if an inexhaustible spring had begun
+to bubble
+up in the heart of the child.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She sat down quite near me and told me, with a pleased smile,
+that
+mother had bidden her to go to bed; but that she had stealthily gotten
+up, had sent Balbina, the servant, to bed, and had herself watched for
+me; and that she now felt as if she did not care to sleep again.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am living in eternity, and in eternity there is no sleep,&quot;
+she
+repeated several times.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The child was so excited that I thought it best to engage her
+mind in
+some other direction. I asked her about Ernst's plan of emigration. She
+told me that he had had that in view some time ago, but had now given
+up the idea.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We remained together for some time longer, and when I told her
+that she
+should always call me father now, she cried out with a happy voice:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That fills my cup of joy! Now I shall go to bed. He whom you
+have once
+addressed as 'father' can never find it in his heart to send you out
+into the world. I shall stay here until they carry me over to the
+graveyard yonder; but may it be a long while before that happens!
+Father, good night!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">How strange things seem linked together! On the very day that
+Funk had
+so unfeelingly dragged the child's name before the public, her heart
+had awakened to a grateful sense of the world's kindness.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Nothing so nerves a man for the battle with the outer world as
+the
+consciousness of his having a pleasant home, not merely a large and
+finely arranged household, but a home in which there reigns an
+atmosphere of hope and affection, and where, in days of sorrow, that
+which is best in us is met by the sympathy of those who surround us.
+Through Gustava, all this fell to my lot. Although the battle with the
+world would, at times, almost render me distracted, she would again
+restore my wonted spirits; and it is to her faithful and affectionate
+care that I ascribe the fact that the long struggle did not exhaust me.
+She judged of men and actions with never-failing equanimity, and her
+very glances seemed to beautify what they rested upon. Where I could
+see naught but spite or malice, she only beheld the natural selfishness
+of beings in whom education and morals had not yet gained complete
+ascendancy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She judged everything by her own lofty standard, but strange
+to say,
+instead of belittling men, this seemed to make them appear better. When
+she found that she could not avoid assenting to evil report in regard
+to any one, she did so with an humble air that plainly signified how
+grieved she was that men could be thus.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Speaking of Funk, she would say, &quot;I have no desire to hurt any
+one's
+feelings. In nature there is nothing that can properly be called
+aristocratic. In botany the nettle is related to hemp and to hops; and
+if Funk seems to have somewhat of the nettle in his composition, one
+should be careful to handle him tenderly, and thus avoid pricking one's
+fingers.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was during that very winter, in 1866, that the purity and
+dignity
+that were inborn with her seemed more than ever infused with new and
+added grace. She always lived as if in a higher presence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It soon proved that my anticipations of evil were overwrought.
+My
+compatriots were, for the greater part, in accord with me. On every
+hand I received assurances of that fact; and, above all, Joseph omitted
+no opportunity of repeating to me the respectful terms in which he had
+heard my name mentioned among the people. I really think that he was
+instrumental in causing others to bring these good reports to my
+notice. Martella had become the blessing, the life and the light, I may
+say, of our house. Her readiness to oblige, her adaptability and her
+desire for self-improvement, had so increased that we felt called upon
+to restrain rather than to urge their exercise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife had learned of Funk's attempt to injure us by dragging
+the
+child's name into publicity. Perhaps the news had been carried even
+further; for a letter reached us from my daughter, the pastor's wife,
+in which she informed us that the illness of her husband made such
+demands upon her time that she required an assistant about the house,
+and desired us to send Martella to her. She added that her husband
+joined her in this wish, because it seemed improper that Martella
+should remain in our house any longer. My wife was not unwilling to
+send Martella to her for a while; but I insisted that she should stay
+with us in spite of all idle talk.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">About that time we received letters from the major and from
+Richard,
+both of whom wrote without the other's knowledge, and to the effect
+that Prussia's proposal to the German Diet might lead to a conflict,
+the consequences of which it was impossible to foretell. Thus public
+and private affairs kept us in unusual excitement, when an unexpected
+event claimed our attention.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A rumor had long been current in our family that we had
+relatives of
+high rank living in Vienna. Up to the year 1805, our village and the
+whole district had belonged to Austria. All of the more ambitious and
+talented among our people had been drawn to Vienna, either by their own
+desire to advance themselves, or by the inducements the government held
+out to them; for it was the constant aim of Austria to gain the
+attachment of the landed interests.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At the beginning of the last century, an uncle of my father
+had moved
+to the Imperial city, where he attained a high position. He had
+embraced the Catholic religion, and had been ennobled. Ernst, who
+always called that branch of the family &quot;the root brood,&quot; had long
+cherished the plan of hunting up our relatives, in the hope of thus
+finding a better opening for himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Towards spring we received a visit from our neighbor, Baron
+Arven. He
+was accompanied by a young bridal couple. He introduced the husband,
+who was an officer at the garrison of Mayence, as a relative of mine.
+The wife belonged to the family of the Baroness Arven, and was from
+Bohemia. They seemed sociable and charming people, and both sides were
+inclined to make friends with each other, but without success. Our
+thoughts and feelings were pitched in different keys.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The young couple left us in order to repair to the capital. On
+their
+departure, I gave them a letter to Bertha, and the Major. They wrote to
+me in the kindest manner, and remarked that they would be pleased if
+Ernst could assume the charge of the forests on their estate in
+Moravia.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XX.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Spring had come, and the air was filled with the resinous odor
+of the
+pines. I was sitting by the open window, and reading in a newspaper
+that Bismarck had asked the Diet for a constituent national assembly,
+to be voted for directly by the people. Could it be possible? I took up
+the country journals: they reviled this proposal, and could not conceal
+their fear that the most powerful weapon of the revolutionary party had
+been destroyed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While I was sitting there, buried in thought, I heard a rider
+rapidly
+approaching. It was Ernst. He hurriedly greeted us, and showed us an
+order recalling him to his regiment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella cried out aloud. Ernst pacified her. He told us that
+he was no
+longer a subject of this country. He had given notice of his intention
+to emigrate, and that would protect him. It was spring-time, and the
+best season of the year to go forth into the wide world. I could only
+tell him that I doubted whether he would be allowed to leave the
+confederation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Confederation!&quot; he exclaimed; &quot;what a glorious name!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He gave me a look that I shall, alas! never forget. He seemed
+to be
+collecting his senses, and as if struggling with his thoughts, and then
+said: &quot;As far as I am concerned, my life is of no consequence to me.
+But, father, there will be war, in which what the books call Germans
+will be fighting against Germans. Have you raised me for this? Is this
+all that you are in the world for--that your son should perish, or even
+conquer, in a war between brethren? Either issue is equally
+disgraceful. I do not know what I would not rather do than take part in
+that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I endeavored to pacify Ernst, and told him that these were
+diplomatic
+quarrels, that would not lead so far after all. I could not conceive of
+the possibility of war. However, I consented to Ernst's request to
+accompany him to the borough town, in order to confer with the
+kreis-director in regard to the steps that were necessary. I sincerely
+hoped to obtain further particulars there, and felt that all would
+again be peacefully arranged.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife had sent for Joseph and had asked him to accompany us,
+for she
+saw how fearfully excited Ernst was, and desired us to have a mediator
+with us. She judged wisely.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I shall return to-morrow,&quot; said Ernst to Martella, when all
+was ready
+for our departure.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And if you do not return to-morrow,&quot; she answered, &quot;and even
+if you
+must go to war at once, nothing will happen to you. You are the
+cleverest of all; and if you care to become a major, do so; and I shall
+learn how to be a major's wife--for I can learn anything.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She was wondrously cheerful; she seemed to have vanquished her
+fears,
+and thus, both for herself and Ernst, lightened the pain of parting.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph informed me that Funk was everywhere joyously
+proclaiming that
+now at last the crash must come, and that proud Prussia with its
+Junkers would be cut to pieces, or, to use his own words, demolished.
+Ernst beat the bays so unmercifully and drove so furiously, that I
+ordered him to halt, and insisted on Joseph's taking the reins. Ernst,
+in a sullen mood, seated himself beside me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the valley we a saw lumber wagon halting on the road, and
+from afar
+recognized the horses as Joseph's.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Carl, a servant of Joseph's, and son to the spinner who lived
+up on the
+rock, was surrounded by a group of raftsmen, woodsmen, and teamsters,
+who were all gesticulating in the wildest manner.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We halted as soon as we reached the team. Carl, a handsome,
+light-haired fellow, with a cheerful face and good-natured eyes, came
+up to us and told us that this would be his last load; he had been
+summoned as a conscript, and would have to leave that very evening and
+walk all night, in order to reach the barracks in time.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The old meadow farmer, who had joined the crowd exclaimed,
+&quot;Yes,
+Napoleon is master. When he fiddles, Prussia and Austria must dance as
+he chooses, and the small folk will soon follow suit. Yes, there is a
+Napoleon in the world again. I knew the old one.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We did not think it necessary to answer the man. While Joseph
+was
+giving his servant money to use by the way, others approached and
+declared that they, too, had been conscripted, and requested us to tell
+them why there was war.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You simple rogues,&quot; cried out Ernst, &quot;that is none of your
+business!
+If you didn't wish it, there could be no war. You are fools, fearful
+fools, if you obey the conscription!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I snatched the whip from Joseph's hand, and beat the horses
+furiously
+while I called out to the crowd:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He was only joking!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph assumed the task of bringing Ernst to reason. He
+declared that
+if I had not been present, he would have written the answer that Ernst
+deserved in his face.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do so, you trusty Teuton!&quot; replied Ernst.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Speedily controlling himself, Joseph added, &quot;Forgive me; but
+you are
+most exasperating. How can you bear to drag yourself and your father to
+the very brink of ruin with such idle speeches? You are unworthy of
+such a father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Or of such a Fatherland,&quot; answered Ernst.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I felt so oppressed that I could hardly breathe.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We rode on for a little while, and at last Ernst inquired, in
+a
+submissive tone, &quot;Will you permit me to smoke a cigar?&quot; I nodded
+approval, and from that time until we reached the town, not a word was
+uttered.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the road that led up to the kreis-director's house, we saw
+the young
+iron merchant, Edward Levi, an honorable and well-educated young man.
+He was standing at the door of his warehouse, and saluted us in
+military fashion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst beckoned to him to approach.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Have you not already received your discharge?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have; and you, I suppose, will now soon be an officer?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;So I have heard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We reached the director's house. The director could of course
+only
+confirm the fact that Ernst's notice of his intention to emigrate was
+as yet without legal effect. He furnished us with a certified copy of
+it, and added that he might be able to procure Ernst's discharge; but
+that, at all events, Ernst would be obliged for the present to join the
+troops.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rontheim believed that war was imminent, and I could not help
+noticing
+an expression of deep emotion in the features of the man whose face was
+always veiled in diplomatic serenity. In those days I heard the sad
+question which so often afterward would seem to rend our hearts:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What will become of Germany--what will become of the
+world--if Austria
+be successful?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could easily see that it was as painful to him as it was to
+me to
+have a son go forth to war.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On our way down the steps we met the director's daughter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She extended her hand to Ernst, while she said, &quot;I
+congratulate you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;For what, may I inquire?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your betrothal.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, yes; I thank you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I presume your intended is full of sad thoughts now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She does not do much thinking on the subject.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Is your nephew obliged to join the army?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My nephew! Who can you mean?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Julius Linker,&quot; blushingly answered the young girl.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No; he is not yet liable to military duty.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Will you be good enough to give my kindest greetings to my
+brother?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;With pleasure.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On our way Ernst seemed quite amused, and indulged in jokes at
+the
+thought of Julius' being such a child of fortune. His life was
+evidently moving in a smooth current, for the half-fledged youth had
+already been lucky enough to win the love of so charming a girl.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I felt quite reassured to find that Ernst's thoughts had taken
+another
+direction. He emphatically declared himself ready to join his regiment,
+and asked me to let him have some money. He thought there was no need
+of my accompanying him to the capital, but I felt loth to leave him,
+and, although I should not have done so, I promised to endeavor to
+procure his discharge.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We again met Joseph, who expressed his regret that the
+conscription of
+his valuable servant Carl would oblige him to return to his home, for
+he had intended to accompany us to the capital.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was necessary for him, however, to go to the fortress, for
+he had
+accepted a contract to furnish fence rails.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph is a very active patriot, but he is quite as active as
+a
+business man. He has the art of combining both functions, and Richard
+once said of him with justice: &quot;With Joseph, everything is a stepping
+stone, and all events contribute to the success of his business plans.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were seated in the garden of the Wild Man Tavern, when we
+heard a
+great uproar in front of the house of Krummkopf, the lumber merchant.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A company of conscripts had marched up before the house, in
+which there
+resided a young man who had purchased his discharge from military
+service, and they cursed and swore that they who were poor were obliged
+to go to war, while the rich ones could remain at home.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph, who recognized many of his workmen among the young
+folks,
+succeeded in pacifying them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We accompanied Ernst to the railway. At the depot I found
+Captain
+Rimminger, the lumber merchant, who was just superintending the loading
+of some planks. When I told him that he ought to feel glad that he was
+no longer a soldier, he silently nodded assent. He did not utter a
+word, for he was always exceedingly careful to avoid committing
+himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At the depot we saw conscripts who were shouting and cheering,
+mothers
+who were weeping, and fathers who bit their lips to control their
+emotion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At every station where Ernst left the train, I feared that he
+would not
+come back; but he did return and sat by my side quietly, speaking only
+in reply to my questions. For a while he would sit absorbed in thought,
+and then he would stand up and lean against the side of the railway
+coach, in which position he would remain immovable. I felt much grieved
+that the heart of this child had become a mystery to me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We arrived at the capital. I had lost sight of Ernst in the
+crowd, but
+afterwards found him talking with the ensign, the director's son. Ernst
+desired to go to the barracks at once. I accompanied him to the gate,
+which he entered without once turning to look back.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XXI.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">I remained standing near the gate and saw constant arrivals of
+more
+young men. Men and women desired to accompany them inside the barracks,
+but were always ordered back by the guard.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Carl, the son of the spinner who lived on the rock, was also
+among the
+arrivals. Without any solicitation on my part, he promised to keep an
+eye on Ernst.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It had become night; the gas-lamps were lit, and yet I stood
+there so
+buried in thought, that the lamp-lighter was obliged to tell me to move
+on.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There I was, in the capital in which there lived so many of my
+friends,
+and my own child; indeed, two of my children.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Where should I go first? Our club-house was in the vicinity,
+and I went
+there. They praised me for having come so soon, for while I had been at
+the borough town they had telegraphed for me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They were in hourly expectation of a government order,
+convoking the
+Parliament. What we were expected to discuss no one knew; but every one
+felt that it was necessary for us to assemble. I could not bring myself
+to believe that war was really possible, and there were many who shared
+my opinion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk was there also. He offered me his hand in a careless
+manner, and,
+feeling that in such times enmity should be at an end, I shook hands
+with him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk rejoiced that the grand crash was at last to come.
+Prussia would
+have to be beaten to pieces, and a federation founded; for the present,
+with a monarchical head.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The minister, who was well known as an arch-enemy of Prussia,
+had sent
+word to the committee of our party that he would come to us that same
+evening, and bring the order convoking us with him. He did not come in
+person, but contented himself with sending the written order. Of what
+use could we be when the harm had already been done. What were we?
+Nothing but a flock without any will of our own.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I went to Bertha's house. I found her alone; her husband was
+at his
+post, busy day and night. It had suddenly been discovered that the
+troops were not fully prepared.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had not been there long, before her friend Annette entered,
+from
+whom as usual I was obliged to endure much praise. Annette found it
+quite--she was about to say &quot;patriarchal,&quot; but checked herself in
+time--that I had come to assist Bertha.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Only think of it,&quot; she continued, putting all her remarks in
+the form
+of questions, as was her wont: &quot;Would you have thought that Bertha
+would be much less resigned than I? I have always wished that I might
+be so gentle and self-controlled as Bertha; and now I am the quieter of
+the two. Have I not as much love for my husband as any woman can have
+for hers? Have I not given up everything for his sake? Now I say to
+myself, 'Did you not know what you were doing when you married a
+soldier? Is the uniform merely for the parade and the court ball?
+Therefore, rest content. In this world everything must be paid for. It
+is necessary to accept the consequences of one's actions.' Am I right
+or wrong?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette always closed with a note of interrogation, and of
+course I was
+obliged to respond affirmatively.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bertha smiled sadly, and said in a weary voice: &quot;Yes, father,
+I must
+admit it; I have always thought that war was one of those things of
+which one only learned in the hour devoted at school to history. I only
+knew of the Punic wars and the Peloponnesian war--for we never got as
+far as modern history--and thought of these things as of what had once
+been. But I honestly admit that I did not think they would come to pass
+again in our time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Just think of it, Bertha,&quot; said Annette, while she drew a
+thick volume
+from her satchel, &quot;this is the Bible. You know that I never take
+quotations at second-hand, but prefer looking them up myself. This
+morning while the hairdresser was with me, it occurred to me that the
+Bible says the wife should leave her father and her mother for his
+sake. So I sent for the Bible, the very one that the dowager princess
+presented me with when I was christened. I hunted up the passage, but
+what did I find? Why, that for this the 'man would leave his father and
+mother,'--the man. Now just look, it says the man; and why should it
+say <i>the man</i>? He is not a domestic plant, like us girls!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The vivacity of the pretty and graceful woman cheered me, and
+I must
+admit that from that time my opinion of Annette changed. She seems
+imbued with much of that power of self-reliance which is a peculiar
+characteristic of the Jews; they are nothing by inheritence, and are
+obliged to make themselves what they are.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But Annette seemed to guess at my silent thoughts, and
+continued, &quot;Do
+not praise me, I beg of you! I do not deserve it. I am quite different
+when I am alone; then I am tormented with horrible fancies. And let me
+tell you, Bertha, when our husbands leave, you must keep me with you. I
+cannot be alone. I am beginning to hate my piano already. I do not go
+into the room in which it stands. Ah, here come our husbands!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We heard advancing steps. The Major entered, and greeted me
+politely,
+but seemed quite gloomy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I told him that I had brought Ernst.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I hope he will do himself credit,&quot; said the Major in a hard
+voice.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I told him that the Parliament was about to reassemble,
+whereupon the
+Major with great emphasis said, &quot;Dear father, I beg of you do not let
+us talk politics now. I have the greatest respect for your patriotism,
+your liberalism, and for all your opinions. But now it is my uniform
+alone that speaks; what is inside of it has not a word to say.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He pressed both hands to his heart, and continued:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Pshaw! I, too, once believed in 'German unity,' as they are
+fond of
+calling it,.... and even had hopes of Prussia. But now we will show
+these impudent, mustachioed Prussian gentlemen what we are made of.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was careful not to reply to his remarks, in which I could
+easily
+notice the struggle that was going on within him. He was on duty; and
+it is wrong to talk to a man who is at his post.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What sort of a war is it in which they know no other cry but
+&quot;Let us
+show them what we are made of!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And if the victory is achieved, what then? An invisible demon
+sat
+crouching on the knapsack of every soldier, making his load heavier by
+a hundred-fold.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We seated ourselves at the table. The Major seemed to feel
+that he had
+been harsh towards me, and was now particularly polite. He asked about
+mother, Martella, and Rothfuss. He told us that he had that day heard
+from our newly discovered cousin, in a letter from Mayence, in which he
+had expressed the hope that they might stand side by side on the
+battle-field, and thus again become bound to each other.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Major had nothing more to say. He poured out a glass of
+wine for
+me, and drank my health in silence. Annette used every exertion to
+dispel the dark cloud under which we were laboring.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She asserted that her saddle horse seemed to know that it
+would soon be
+led forth to battle, and told us a number of marvellous stories about
+that clever animal. She was very fond of telling anecdotes, and had
+considerable dramatic talent.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Dear father,&quot; said the Major, &quot;I believe I have not yet
+acquainted you
+with my darling wish.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I do not remember your having done so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My request is, that when we leave, Bertha and the children
+should
+remain with you until the end of the campaign, which from present
+indications will not extend to your neighborhood.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;They are now, at last, constructing a telegraph line through
+your
+valley--it has been deemed a military necessity, and that will enable
+us to hear from each other with dispatch.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And will you accept an unbidden guest?&quot; interposed Annette.
+&quot;I know
+that you will say 'yes,' and I promise you that I will be quite good
+and docile.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I extended my hand to her, while she continued:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You know that it has for a long while been my wish to be
+permitted to
+spend some time with your wife. Iphigenia in the forest, in the German
+pine forest! Oh, how charming it was of your father-in-law to name his
+daughter so! Are pretty names only intended for books? Of course,
+Grecian Iphigenia should not knit stockings. Did not your father-in-law
+begin to translate Goethe's 'Iphigenia' into Greek, but fail to
+complete it? Is not Iphigenia too long a name for daily use? How do you
+address your wife?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;By her middle name, Gustava.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, how lovely! 'Madame Gustava.' And the forest child? I
+presume she
+is still with you? And now I shall at last become acquainted with your
+noble and faithful servant, Rothfuss, who said that 'one who is
+drenched to the skin need not dread the rain.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As far as our all-engrossing anxiety would permit it,
+Annette's
+volubility and liveliness contributed greatly to our relief.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We had just left the table when Rolunt, the Major's most
+intimate
+friend, entered. He had at one time been an officer in the service of
+the Duke of Augustenberg, and had thence returned to his home, where he
+was now professor at the military school.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Now political conversation could not be restrained, although
+the Major
+refrained from taking part in it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rolunt was furious that, no matter how the war might end,
+Germany would
+be obliged to give an indemnity, in the shape of Nice, to France.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We had the galling consciousness that one nation presumed to
+decide the
+affairs of another, with as much freedom as it would regulate the taxes
+or the actions of its own citizens.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We remained together until it was quite late, and when we
+separated, it
+was with crushed hearts.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Major insisted on my staying at his house; the war, he
+said, had
+done away with all minor considerations.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the following day there was another session of the
+Parliament. The
+government demanded an extraordinary credit, which was accorded,
+although it was hoped that we might escape being drawn into war; for
+both the government and the legislature fondly expected that our
+troubles might be arranged by diplomacy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Who, after all, was the enemy that we were fighting against?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I went to the barracks. I was refused admission. Fortunately,
+I saw the
+ensign approaching, and, under his protection, I was allowed to enter.
+Ernst, who had already donned the uniform, was lying on a bench. He
+seemed surprised to see me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Pray do not say a word until we get outside.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He received permission to go out for half an hour, and soon
+stood
+before me in his smart attire. There was something graceful and yet
+determined in his bearing.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When we gained the street, he asked me whether there was any
+chance of
+his discharge.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was in a sad dilemma. I had taken no steps, because it was
+only too
+evident that my efforts would have been of no avail.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was this that made me hesitate in answering him, and Ernst
+exclaimed, &quot;All right. I know all about it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My very heart bled, pierced as it was by the same sword that
+rent my
+Fatherland in twain.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I endeavored to persuade my son that there are times when our
+own wills
+and thoughts are of no avail against the great current of Fate.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Thanks, father, thanks,&quot; answered Ernst, in a strangely
+significant
+tone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could only add, &quot;I feel assured that you will do your duty.
+Do not
+forget that you have parents and a bride.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He seemed to pay but little attention to my words.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He took off his helmet, and said, &quot;This presses me so: I am
+unused to
+it. It seems to crush my brain.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He looked very handsome, but very sad. We were standing before
+the
+office of the State Gazette, when suddenly the street seemed filled
+with groups of excited people, listening to a man who had climbed to
+the top of a wagon and was reading off a dispatch just received from
+Berlin, to the effect that there had been an attempt to shoot Bismarck,
+but that the ball had missed aim.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Curse him!&quot; cried Ernst; &quot;I would not have missed aim.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I reproved him with great severity, but he insisted that one
+had a
+right to commit murder. I replied that no one would ever have that
+right, and that this deed had been as culpable as the assassination of
+Abraham Lincoln; for if any one man has the right to be both the judge
+and the executioner of his enemies, you will have to accord the
+privilege to the democrat as well as to the aristocrat.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Let us cease this quarrelling,&quot; he answered; &quot;I have no
+desire to
+dispute with you. I am firm in my belief that one is justified in doing
+wrong for the sake of bringing about a good result. But, I beg of you,
+father, let us now and forever cease this quarrelling.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His face showed his conflicting emotions, and he kissed my
+hand when I
+gently stroked his face.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The crowd had dispersed in the meanwhile, and we proceeded on
+our way.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst suddenly stopped and said to me: &quot;Farewell, father. Give
+my love
+to mother and Martella.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He held on to my hand quite firmly for a moment or two longer,
+and then
+said, &quot;I must go to the barracks.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His eyes plainly told me that he would like to say more that
+he could
+not express; but he merely nodded, and then turning on his heel,
+departed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Write to us often!&quot; I called out to him. He did not look
+back.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I followed after him for a while, keeping near enough to hear
+his firm
+step and the rattling of his spurs. I fondly hoped that he would yet
+return to me, and tell me of the thoughts that oppressed his heart.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I met many acquaintances on the way, who saluted me and
+extended their
+hands. They wanted me to stop and talk with them, but I merely nodded
+and passed on.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In my eager haste I ran against many people, for I did not
+want to lose
+sight of my son. There he goes! Now he stands still--now he turns.
+Surely-- At that moment a company of soldiers marched down the street
+to the sound of lively music; we were now separated. I could not see my
+son again. I returned to Bertha and the Major, and the latter promised
+me to keep a watchful eye on Ernst, and to send us frequent tidings in
+regard to him, in case he should neglect to write.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I rode to the depot. I was fearfully tired, and felt as if I
+could not
+walk another step.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As the trains were quite irregular, I was obliged to wait
+there for a
+long while.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I felt--no, I cannot--I dare not--revive the painful emotions
+that rent
+my bosom. Of what avail would it be? My son was going forth to war, and
+I had brought him here, myself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Brother fighting against brother.&quot; I fancied that I had been
+talking
+to myself and had uttered these words; but I found that they were
+frequently repeated by the excited groups that were scattered about the
+depot. All about me there was ceaseless turmoil. People were rushing to
+and fro, yelling, shouting, cursing, and laughing. I sat there absorbed
+in thought, not caring to see or hear anything more of the world, when
+a familiar voice said to me, &quot;How charming, father, that I should meet
+you here!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My son Richard stood before me; he had finished his lectures
+and was
+about to return home.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Accompanied by him, I started for home.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard informed me of the political divisions among the
+professors,
+and thus afforded me a glimpse of a sphere of life entirely different
+from my own. Even the immovable altars of science were now trembling,
+and personal feeling had become so violent that the friends of Prussia,
+of whom Richard was one, could not appear in public without being
+subjected to insults. On our way home, we stopped for dinner at the
+garrison town, where we heard the most contemptuous allusions to the
+&quot;Prussian braggarts,&quot; as they were termed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was said that they had no officers who had ever smelt
+powder. That
+what had been done in Schleswig-Holstein had been achieved by the
+Austrians; and that if they ever dared go so far as to fight, they
+would be sent home in disgrace.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I do not know whether they really believed what they said, or
+whether
+they were simply trying to keep up their courage. But, on every hand,
+one could hear them say, &quot;They will not let matters proceed so far;
+they are loud talkers and nothing else.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was quite beside myself; but Richard begged me to remain
+silent. He
+thought it was well that matters had come to this pass.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Whoever had brought on this war had assumed a great, but
+perhaps
+unavoidable, responsibility. It was the sad fiat of fate, and none
+could foretell where the sacrifice and suffering would end. History
+would march on in its appointed path, even though sin and suffering be
+its steppingstones.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And then he pointed to our surroundings, and added, &quot;Such
+fellows as
+these will never be converted by speeches; nothing but a thorough
+beating will teach them reason.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I have found that sober history tells us very little of all
+those
+things. She brings the harvest under shelter and enters the result; but
+who stops to ask how the weather may have changed while the grain was
+ripening?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But to us who live in the present, such things are not
+trifles; and I
+cannot help maintaining that the war of 1866 was forced on the people
+against their will, as far as I can judge, and I have spoken to many on
+the subject. The Prussians did not desire war; the conservatives did
+certainly not wish for it, for Austria was, spite of all, the bulwark
+of their principles. The liberals did not want it; nor did the soldiers
+go forth with cheerful hearts. But necessity had become incarnate in
+the brain of a single statesman: separation from Austria was the end to
+be gained, and though it went hard, that result must be achieved.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But the operation was a difficult and a painful one.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XXII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Before the train left the station, the newsboys were running
+about
+offering copies of extra issues of the journals, with news that the
+Diet had raised the German colors: black, red, gold.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And thus the Diet dared to unfurl the flag which we had always
+regarded
+with devotion,--for the sake of which we had been persecuted,
+imprisoned, or exiled. It seemed as if the holiest of holies had been
+denied and dishonored.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is the death-bed repentance of a sinner who has not enough
+time
+left to do good in,&quot; said Richard, who divined the thoughts that were
+passing through my mind.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A large company of soldiers was on the train, and went as far
+as the
+next garrison town.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But how could they have found it in their hearts to sing?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Haymaking had begun, the cars were filled with the fragrant
+odor of the
+newly mown grass. The laborers in the fields would look up from their
+work, and raise their scythes on high when they saw us pass.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And now, when it seemed as if my Fatherland was to be laid
+waste and
+destroyed, I became more than ever sensible of my great affection for
+it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">These woods, these fields and villages, were all to be laid
+waste, and
+shrieks of woe would resound from the flames. I felt it as keenly, as
+if beholding a beloved relative in the grasp of death.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The train was just moving away from the station when I heard a
+soldier
+call out to me, &quot;Grandfather!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I recognized him: it was my grandson Martin, the son of my
+daughter
+Johanna. He nodded to me, and when I turned to look at him, I saw the
+lieutenant collaring and buffeting him for speaking without orders
+while in the ranks.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We had proceeded but a short distance when I observed that
+Funk was on
+the train. He kept at a distance from us. He had bought a large bundle
+of extra newspapers, which he distributed to the people at the
+different stations.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When we reached our circuit town we repaired to the Wild Man
+Tavern,
+where, while waiting for a conveyance, we seated ourselves under the
+newly planted lindens. While sitting there, engrossed by thoughts of
+the country's troubles, I learned of another trouble nearer home.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I am old enough to know something of human wickedness, but I
+admit that
+I am, even to this day, frequently surprised by the shape that human
+meanness will sometimes take.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At a side table was seated Funk's special satellite--the baker
+Lerz,
+of Hollerberg. He was accompanied by his wife, and both looked about
+them with an air of serene contentment. The baker was a sensual,
+self-complacent man, who had a habit of smiling and moving his lips, as
+if he were smacking them at the thoughts of a feast he had just been
+enjoying. He had just been involved in an unclean piece of business, in
+which he had sworn that he was innocent, although, according to my
+conviction and the general belief, he had perjured himself in so doing.
+But what does such an unconscionable voluptuary care for that? When the
+peril was passed, all care was at an end.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The baker approached me and inquired if I would like to ride
+home with
+him; for the government levies had rendered it difficult to obtain a
+conveyance. I declined; Fortunately, my neighbor, the young meadow
+farmer, who had been taking hay over to the railway station, was
+passing by at the time, and so I rode home with him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A little way out of the town, we came up with a young woman
+who was
+walking along the road. She had covered her head with a large white
+kerchief, and was carrying an infant in her arms.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her head was bent forward; and it is generally a sign of deep
+thought
+if one who is walking along a road does not look around at the rapid
+approach of a vehicle. And this woman was Lerz's victim.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The meadow farmer, who was, usually, a man of few words,
+leaned back
+from his seat on the front bench, and whispered to me, &quot;Such a fellow
+as Lerz ought not to be permitted to take an oath.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The meadow farmer had for a long while been my worst enemy,
+simply
+because I had deprived him of his greatest enjoyment--venting his spite
+on others.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Although it may, in these pages, seem as if I had cherished
+too high an
+ideal of the people, I desire right here to say that I have found among
+the lower classes that which is noblest and highest in man. But I have
+also found much that is mean and revolting. Envy and malice are
+characteristics almost peculiar to the farmer, and are especially shown
+about the time of irrigating the meadows. It affords him peculiar
+pleasure to wait until a neighbor has set his water-traps, and to sneak
+out and reverse them so as to make the water flow on to his own
+meadows.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The authorities had forbidden the watering of meadows after
+two o'clock
+on Sunday morning, but it availed nothing. I appointed a servant who
+was to have the sole right of setting the water-gates and opening them
+again; and the meadow farmer could not forgive me for this. I had
+robbed him of the pleasure of wreaking his spite on others.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was not so much on account of the advantage he had gained
+thereby;
+but, like the rest of them, he had found it great sport to outwit the
+&quot;gentleman farmer,&quot; as they called me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The meadow farmer really hated me and Joseph; for if it had
+not been
+for us he would have been the first man in the village. Wherever he
+went, they inquired, &quot;How goes it with Waldfried?&quot; or &quot;How is Joseph
+Linker?&quot; It annoyed him that they did not ask after him first of all.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He would have been glad to take a share in politics, but was
+too mean
+to bestow the requisite amount of time upon such matters; and then he
+would say, &quot;Such folks as Funk should not be permitted to put in their
+say; there is nothing behind him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We had just reached the saw-mill, down in the valley, when we
+saw a
+large hay-wagon coming along the road in the direction of the meadow.
+Martella sat on top: Rothfuss was walking beside the horses.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella alighted. She looked quite troubled. She welcomed
+Richard, and
+asked me, &quot;Where have you left Ernst?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He is not with us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Where then?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We had no time to reply before Martella called out, &quot;So he
+must go to
+war after all!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Of course.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Of course? Of course?&quot; Martella asked repeatedly. She stopped
+for a
+moment, and removing the rake from her shoulder rested herself upon it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I told her that in all likelihood there would be no war, and
+that all
+the clamor was nothing more than angry threatening on both sides.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is not true!&quot; cried Martella; &quot;you should not tell me an
+untruth!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Martella, this is my father!&quot; cried Richard.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And mine too,&quot; she interrupted; &quot;forgive me! Because you are
+my father
+you should forgive me; if you did not you would not and could not be my
+father. Forgive me! Oh! they will shoot my good, kind Ernst!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She sat down by the roadside and covered her face with both
+her hands.
+In a little while, however, she yielded to our entreaties, and
+accompanied us to the house, but without speaking a word on the way. As
+soon as we arrived there, she hurriedly left us and hastened to the
+barn. In a few moments she returned and cried out with a loud voice,
+&quot;Mother, Richard is here!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The child's temperament was strangely variable.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife was especially delighted at Richard's return. &quot;With
+one
+exception,&quot; she said, smiling (for she could not reconcile herself to
+Richard's remaining unmarried), &quot;you always did the right thing at the
+right time. We need both a son and a Professor. Perhaps you will be
+able to make Martella understand what is meant by the words State and
+Fatherland.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She told us that Martella, who was generally so quick of
+apprehension,
+found it impossible to form any conception of those ideas, and that,
+naturally enough, in her present troubles, this was doubly difficult.
+For, even in our eyes, the events as well as the duties of that sad
+period seemed like a horrible enigma.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It seemed as if thinking of Martella had relieved my wife from
+the
+weight of her own trouble. When I informed her of the expected arrival
+of Bertha and the children, her face beamed with joy. She at once
+repaired to the rooms that they were to occupy, and seemed, in
+anticipation, to enjoy the thought of entertaining those who were
+dearest to her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had told my wife nothing of Annette's coming. She was,
+however,
+gifted with a prophetic insight that bordered on the marvellous.
+Results which to others were yet invisible were, by her, discerned with
+unerring foresight. She at once devoted two large rooms opening on the
+garden to Annette.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella hurried about, helping to get the house in order, and
+seemed
+as if there was nothing to depress her spirits.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss complained to me that the &quot;forest imp,&quot; as he at
+times called
+Martella, left him no peace, day or night. She wanted him to tell her
+why people had to be soldiers, and why there was such a thing as war;
+and she had abused the Prince in terms that would secure her seven
+years in the fortress of Illenberg, if her remarks were reported to the
+authorities.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She had once even wanted to run off to the Prince and tell him
+how
+wicked it was to command human beings to shoot one another, and that he
+should, at all events, give her lover back again, for the war was
+nothing to Ernst or to her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss called the professor to his assistance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard declined the commission, remarking that it was not
+necessary
+for every maiden to know why her lover was forced to go to the wars,
+and that, in the present instance, he hardly knew the reason himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Notwithstanding this remark, he essayed to speak with Martella
+on the
+subject, and I have never seen him so nervous and confused as on that
+occasion; for Martella called out to him, &quot;Do not say a word: it is all
+of no use.&quot; Then she embraced him, and kissed him, and pressed him to
+her heart.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella's ardent kisses had so surprised and confused him
+that it was
+some time before he could collect himself. I had never seen him so
+unnerved before. I believed that I understood the cause of his emotion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella was a riddle which to Richard seemed more difficult
+of
+solution than to any of us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What we had all failed to accomplish was brought about by the
+simple-minded Spinner.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Had she been told that she could be of use, or had she divined
+it? She
+came up to Martella and said, &quot;Child, your lot is a hard one; but look
+at me: mine is still harder. My best child, indeed my only one,--for
+the others had left me to starve,--has also gone to the war; and though
+a lover be ever so dear, he is not a son, as you will sometime know
+when you have a son of your own.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After that, Martella was quite resigned. She had, of course,
+not
+acquired any idea of the significance of the word &quot;State;&quot; but she now
+felt that the fate of all beings was ordained by a great overruling
+power.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph kept us constantly informed of the excitement that
+reigned
+through the neighborhood. Funk was the chief spokesman. He announced
+that the time was about to arrive when Germany would become a free
+confederation like our neighbor Switzerland.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I do not think that one of those loud talkers believed in the
+fulfilment of such hopes; but, for the time being, it afforded them an
+opportunity of indulging in high-sounding phrases. On the other hand,
+we knew that to &quot;abolish Prussia,&quot; as their phrase ran, would simply be
+the first step towards preparing for Germany the fate of Poland.
+And yet my own kindred--my son, my son-in-law, and Martin, my
+grandson--were fighting to accomplish that very object.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+<hr class="W10">
+<h2>BOOK SECOND.</h2>
+<hr class="W10">
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">We were seated on the balcony when we saw Bertha and her
+children
+coming up the hill towards the house. My wife at once arose, and opened
+the two folding-doors, as if with that action she were opening wide our
+hearts to receive them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Realizing the fact that there was no escaping from our
+troubles, Bertha
+had conquered her sorrow, and now appeared as fresh and cheerful as if
+she had just been drinking at the fountain of youth.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As soon as the first greetings were over, my wife inquired
+about Ernst.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bertha had seen him but once, as his captain had sent him up
+the
+country to get transportation for horses.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is bad; they should not have sent him there. O Ernst,
+poor, dear
+Ernst!&quot; suddenly shrieked my wife.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She grew pale and fell back on a chair. We feared that she
+would faint.
+Bertha rushed to her aid, but she speedily recovered herself, and her
+trembling lips were the only sign, of the emotion she had passed
+through. She did not tell us why she had found it so wrong of them to
+send Ernst on that errand. She accompanied Bertha to her room, and
+stroking the light locks of little Victor, whom she had taken on her
+lap, said, &quot;He looked just as you do when he was a little boy, except
+that he had blue eyes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes,&quot; said Bertha, &quot;my husband has often noticed that Victor
+bears
+great resemblance to Ernst.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And Uncle Ernst promised me a horse,&quot; said Victor.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Did he?&quot; said my wife, with pleased looks: &quot;If he did that,
+it is all
+right, but sad enough for all. Still, others have their burdens to bear
+as well as we.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella's first meeting with Bertha as well as with Annette,
+resulted
+in mutual attraction.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bertha was obliged to tell Martella all that she knew about
+Ernst, and
+while she was holding the hand of the strange child, the latter must
+have felt a consciousness of the candor and straightforwardness of
+Bertha's character, for she looked into her face with sparkling eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella asked Bertha whether Ernst had sent the broken ring
+by her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bertha said he had not.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She removed a ring from her finger and offered it to Martella,
+who
+declined it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Annette offered both her hands to Martella, and said that
+she had
+for a long while been anxious to make her acquaintance, Martella was
+quite confused, and looked down towards the ground. When she raised her
+head, her eyes fell on a light green necktie which Annette wore.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;How pretty it is!&quot; were her first words.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette immediately removed the tie, and fastened it about
+Martella's
+neck.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is quite warm, yet,&quot; said Martella; and Annette replied,
+&quot;How
+lovely! Let us regard that as a good omen.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Bertha, who rarely gave way to sentiment, returned and
+joined us
+again, she said, &quot;Let us now be thrice as kind and loving to one
+another as we have been, and be indulgent with each other's moods. It
+is only by such means that we can manage to live through these terrible
+times.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bertha and her daughter Clotilde, a charming, graceful child
+about nine
+years of age, were so clever in anticipating every wish of my wife's,
+that, although it had always been her wont to be serving others and
+providing for their comfort, she was now obliged to let them have their
+own way.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella seemed almost inseparable from Rothfuss, and Victor
+was always
+with the two. He accompanied them out to the fields and into the woods;
+and it was difficult to say which of the two was the happier, Rothfuss
+the old, or Victor the young, child.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It would have been difficult also to say which of the two,
+Victor or
+Martella, cut wilder capers, for the young play-fellow with the soldier
+cap seemed to make her forget all her trouble. She was quite proud of
+her skill in leaping, and loved to display it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bertha maintained that, in spite of rough manners, many of
+Martella's
+movements were full of wondrous grace; and when she would turn around
+five or six times on one foot, Victor could never imitate her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the very day of her arrival, Annette awakened great
+interest in the
+village.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She ascended to the top of the church steeple, where none of
+us had
+ever been. She waved her handkerchief from the little window in the
+belfry, until we took notice of her and returned her salute. All of the
+villagers who were not engaged in the fields had gathered in groups,
+and were looking up at the church steeple.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When she joined us at dinner, she told us that she had already
+found
+out everything. The school-master had told her of the woods that had
+been planted by my wife, that she had already been at the Gustava
+Spring, and that the water had tasted as if it were pure dew.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, how fortunate you are to own all this! The very air you
+breathe is
+your own.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She talked incessantly, and many of her remarks were quite
+entertaining. She plied Richard with so many questions that he looked
+quite displeased, and soon left the table.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I can tell by the professor's looks that he is musical; is he
+not?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Indeed he is; he is esteemed an excellent violincello
+player.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I can assure you that I asked no one, and I am so glad that
+my
+intuitions did not deceive me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While Annette was paying a visit to the school-mistress,
+Richard gave
+vent to his anger at her; but my wife pacified him. Annette could not
+enjoy the quiet possession of anything, and was always anxious to
+impart what she knew and felt to others. She was evidently of a very
+hospitable nature, and would, in good time, acquire repose of manner.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">During the first few days, while we were yet without news of
+any kind,
+and before the journals had given us any information as to the
+movements of the troops, Annette did not allow us to get a moment's
+rest.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The way she worried us all, and Richard in particular, was
+quite
+provoking; and yet this lesser trouble made us forget the greater one.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My father-in-law had converted the large corner room on the
+ground
+floor of our house into a veritable temple of beauty. He had, from time
+to time, purchased casts of the best antique statues, and had carefully
+arranged them along the walls and on pedestals, placing beautiful
+engravings between them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had thus brought the immortal types of beauty into the
+depths of the
+forest. The room in which he had placed the statues, and which Richard
+jokingly entitled &quot;Athens,&quot; was a favorite haunt of ours.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette was greatly surprised to find such treasures with us,
+and said
+to Richard, &quot;These undying types of a past great civilization are at
+home everywhere. It is because they no longer have, and indeed never
+did have, anything in common with the life of fashion, that they are
+thus immortal. Do you not agree with me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She always insisted on having an answer to her questions. Then
+she
+would briskly add: &quot;Now I understand the meaning of the Niobe; she is
+the old spinner who lives out on the rock.&quot; When we laughed at this
+conceit of hers, she told us, &quot;Oh! I beg your pardon, I mean that she
+is the embodiment of a mother's grief in time of war.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Pointing to a statue of Iphigenia, she inquired, &quot;Herr
+Professor, can
+you tell me how the Grecian priestesses spent their time? Do you think
+it possible to be constantly offering sacrifices and uttering lofty
+thoughts?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard admitted that he could not give her the desired
+information;
+and Annette was quite delighted that she had posed the professor. She
+did not give up troubling him, however.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">All her notions of life in the country had been derived from
+books, and
+she was quite shocked to find that the mere money value or utility of
+trees was the only point of view in which they were regarded.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Notwithstanding her overflowing, emotional temperament, she
+had quite a
+taste for details, and even for figures. At the first sight of a
+prettily situated village, she would always make inquiries in regard to
+the number of its inhabitants, their means, and manner of living. I was
+obliged to tell her all about my own household--how many acres of
+timber there were ready to cut, and how much was young timber; the
+amount of our annual production, how much live-stock my meadows would
+support, how much fruit my orchards gave me, and also how the work was
+divided amongst the four men-servants and three maids that we employed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She examined the whole establishment, from the stable to the
+loft. She
+seemed to take especial delight in the happy combination we had
+effected between the fruits of culture and the pursuit of husbandry.
+There was a certain air of solid comfort and good taste in our home. It
+had descended from the times of my father-in-law, and had been kept up
+by us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With good judgment, Annette thought that the very best site
+had been
+selected for our house. The hill beyond the hollow at the back of the
+house protected us on three sides, but was not near enough to deprive
+us of fresh air, or to keep out the gentle breezes that would come up
+from the valley after sunset and carry away the miasmatic vapors, thus
+affording us healthful and refreshing sleep during the night. A barn,
+which the meadow farmer had so placed that it destroyed part of the
+view down the valley, was a great eyesore to Annette.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She asked Richard why the air with us was so cool and
+invigorating, and
+was very grateful when he explained the theory of the dew-fall to her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She was full of charming ingenuousness, for she once said. &quot;I
+do not
+doubt that you enjoy the singing of the birds, but I honestly confess
+that I do not. It is pleasant to know that the little animal up in the
+trees is so joyful; but, nevertheless, there is no beauty in tones
+without connection or expression. I find that there are no more tones
+in the scale of the finch than in that of the barn-yard rooster; and
+why do we prefer the notes of the finch?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard often felt annoyed that Annette was constantly keeping
+every
+one about her on pins and needles, and seemed to desire his special
+approval of all that she did. He maintained that she was entirely
+deficient in mental balance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The temperaments of Annette and Bertha were in marked contrast
+to each
+other.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When they were seated opposite each other and engaged in
+conversation,
+Bertha would bend forward, while Annette would lean back in her chair,
+as if immovable.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bertha's mere presence exerted a grateful influence, while
+Annette felt
+that she must always be doing something, in order to inspire others
+with an interest in her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bertha, with all her affection for Martella, remained somewhat
+reserved
+towards her, while Annette was open and confiding, as with a sister.
+She was incapable of any other relations than those of perfect intimacy
+or absolute indifference.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard noticed all these peculiarities, and when he mentioned
+them to
+me, I was almost startled to find how carefully he had been observing
+Annette.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was obliged, however, to agree with my wife when she said,
+&quot;Annette's habit of requiring her friends to interest themselves in
+whatever engages her attention, is both innocent and childlike. A child
+will always think that its whip or its ball is of as much importance to
+others as to itself. Bear in mind, moreover, that Annette takes a
+lively interest in all that others do, and naturally enough supposes
+that they resemble her in that respect.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette had gone from the school-house one day, to pay a visit
+to my
+nephew Joseph, who was a friend of her brother, the lawyer, who resided
+in the capital. She found that there were well-furnished rooms in his
+house, and a few days later removed there. She frankly admitted that
+she was too noisy for our home, and that it were better that she should
+visit us for a few hours at a time, instead of living with us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She at once set about rearranging the furniture and removing
+unnecessary decorations in her new quarters; and, on the next day,
+while the carpenters were busily engaged in making the changes she
+had ordered, she drove over to the city to visit the family of the
+kreis-director, with whom she had formerly been intimate.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She returned in the evening, bringing their eldest daughter,
+whom she
+intended to keep with her as a companion. A large wagon carrying sofas,
+rocking-chairs, and all sorts of furniture followed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Although Annette had intended to lead a quiet and
+contemplative life,
+she might have been seen in the village at any hour of the day. She
+speedily acquainted herself with all of its features. She had, by
+rearranging the furniture in her own rooms, made them habitable and
+tasteful, and she now desired to effect a corresponding transformation
+in the houses of the wood-cutters; but the wives of the well-to-do
+farmers looked askance. Whenever she met one of the villagers, she
+would greet him or her politely, and would ask both old and young what
+they had had for dinner. She insisted that this was the most important
+of all questions. The people, however, found it great sport to answer
+her with lies.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She had speedily become attached to the wife of the
+school-master, but
+disliked to go to the clergyman's house.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Our clergyman was the son of poor parents. His father had been
+a
+beadle. He is without a single spark of genius, but is said to have
+distinguished himself by great application. He attends to his duties
+methodically, but in a cold and perfunctory manner. During the summer,
+he spends much of his time fishing; in the winter, he is almost always
+at home. He is well-skilled in that game of chess which requires but
+one player. He lost his father while he was quite young, and in order
+to be able to aid his mother and his many brothers and sisters, he
+married a wealthy, but half-witted girl, whom he never cared to take
+into society. Politics had no attractions for him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Formerly, if a beggar applied to him for alms he would have
+him sent up
+into his room, and would ask him, &quot;What good will it do if I give you
+that which will only help you for a moment or so? Come and listen&quot;--and
+he would then read the beggar a sermon, or a chapter out of the Bible.
+But, of late years, the beggars had piously avoided his house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Our school-master, on the other hand, is a clever and
+wide-awake man.
+He, too, had taken part in the political movements of 1848, but when
+placed on trial was acquitted. Ever since that time, he has held aloof
+from political affairs. He married a woman who is exceedingly clever,
+and who brought him some money besides.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The clergyman has no children: the school-master has
+three--two sons,
+one of whom is a merchant down by the fortress; the other is a
+machinist, and resides in America. He is said to have quite a large
+business. The daughter is the wife of the inspector of roads. The
+school-master is quite proud that he can say, &quot;If I were to give up my
+position to-morrow, I could afford to live without work&quot;--a state of
+affairs to which the skill and economy of his wife has greatly
+contributed. The couple lead a loving and tranquil life. They are hale
+and hearty, and, as it often happens when two persons have lived
+together many years, they have grown to look very much alike. Their
+garden was filled with teeming flower-beds. Florists from the
+neighboring watering-places would come daily to purchase flowers, and
+thus the garden had become a source of considerable profit.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But now that the war had emptied the watering-places, the
+flowers were
+left to perish for want of purchasers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette instructed the school-master's wife in the art of
+drying
+flowers, and making pretty bouquets of them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Carl's mother, who lived in a little house out by the rock,
+worked
+every day in the garden of the school-master's wife.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette was attracted by the woman. She was short and thin,
+old and
+stooping, but had wonderfully clear and sparkling eyes, and Annette
+felt quite happy to think that this old woman, who was almost deaf,
+could by means of her eyes still have so much enjoyment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">During the summer, the spinner, as had been her wont every
+year, would
+scrape off the bark from the branches of the elderberry tree, and
+afterward tie up the branches in bundles. Annette did great damage by
+explaining to her--she had only learned it herself the day before--that
+they would be used to make gunpowder. When the old woman heard that,
+she felt as if she could not bear to touch the wood; but, as she had
+undertaken the task, she was obliged to finish it, and so went on with
+her work, although it was not without murmuring.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Through Annette's insinuating herself into the intimacy of
+others, much
+that happened in our village acquired clearer colors, and greater
+importance in my eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I told her the history of the spinner. She had had a husband,
+a tall,
+handsome man. He had been employed as a laborer on the road, but had
+wasted all his earnings at the tavern.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Besides that, he had been a sportsman, and had loved, above
+all things,
+to roam through the woods with the forester and his attendants, in
+search of game.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While these things were going on, the wife had, with her own
+earnings,
+reared four children, who were always among the tidiest in the village.
+Whenever anyone expressed pity that she had so thoughtless and
+inconsiderate a husband, she would say, &quot;Oh, that's all right. If he
+were not so shiftless a fellow, he would never have married me; he
+would have gone and married some woman better, handsomer, and richer
+than I was.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When the building of the railway was begun, he gave up his
+situation
+and went to work in the valley; but he would never bring home a
+groschen of money. Indeed, on one occasion, when he received a larger
+sum than usual, he drove up in a carriage with two comrades, and the
+three were not content until the last kreutzer had been spent.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But yet with all this no word of complaint ever fell from the
+lips of
+his wife; and when, at last, her husband lost his life while blasting a
+rock, she bewailed his death, saying that he was the best man in the
+world.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Two of her sons and one daughter were employed at Mulhausen;
+but they
+would not help the mother. Carl, who had been Joseph's servant, and was
+now with the troops, gave all his earnings to her, and would not suffer
+her to accept a gift from any one.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Annette knew this, she was all attention to the spinner;
+but it
+required much clever management to be able to do her a service. Besides
+that, it was awkward that the spinner was so indistinct of speech, that
+with the exception of her son Carl and the school-master's wife, there
+was hardly any one who could understand her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard and Bertha shook their heads while watching Annette's
+movements, and could not refrain from commenting on them. But my wife
+would always tell them that Annette was of an active temperament, and
+was only happy when assisting others. She also told them that Annette
+had interested herself for the baker Lerz's victim and her child, and
+that she had given the clergymen of the neighboring villages
+considerable sums to be distributed among the poor. And, further, that
+it was much to her credit that she would not allow herself to be driven
+away from her work by rudeness on the part of those whom she was trying
+to benefit.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We soon had an amusing instance of this.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One Sunday afternoon, while we were up in the arbor, Annette
+had seated
+herself with Rothfuss and Martella on a bench in front of the house.
+She was trying to find out from Rothfuss how much he loved his horses
+and cattle.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss knew nothing about loving them. All he said was,
+&quot;Feed them
+well, and they will work for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She was quite provoked that the tinkling of the bells of the
+cows that
+were grazing on the mountain patches was inharmonious. She said that
+she would buy bells that were in accord with each other, and present
+them to the owners of the cows.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She conversed quite familiarly with Rothfuss and Martella, and
+asked
+them to look upon her as their companion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">To which Rothfuss replied, &quot;I have nothing against the
+Jews--they are
+all the same to me. In the place where I was born, there were lots of
+Jews, and I was on good terms with all of them. Two of them served in
+the same regiment with me; and in my village there was a splendid girl
+whom they called 'the little beauty;' she was strong and healthy and
+jolly. She loved to dance with me; and, if I could only have afforded
+to marry, I would have been bound to have her. And you may take my word
+for it, she would not have refused me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are a sensible woman; one can talk to you about all sorts
+of
+things. You are not like Baroness Arven, who once ordered me to take my
+cap in my hand while I was speaking to her. You are better than she is.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, indeed; my first love was a Jewess.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And then there was Myerle the horse-dealer, who often came to
+see us.
+He looks just like you;--are you related to him? I know him intimately;
+he is a sharp fellow, and a man of his word, and always gives two crown
+thalers drink-money. Of late he has been trying to make it Prussian
+thalers, but that won't go down.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The Jews are just like us in everything. There is only one
+thing that
+they cannot do--they don't know how to drink; and they don't try it,
+either. But in all other respects they are just like us. 'He who is wet
+to the skin need not dread the rain.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And you, Martella,&quot; asked Annette, &quot;what do you think of the
+Jews?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I? I don't think of them at all. I want nothing to do with
+them. In
+the forest they always told me that my mother must have been a Jewess;
+but it is not true.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Who is your mother, then?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Who? Why, Madame Cuckoo;--just ask her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella walked away.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette joined us and told us all that had happened, adding:
+&quot;One is
+always getting new and interesting ideas. Rothfuss and Martella,
+comparing their religion with mine, look upon themselves as nobles who
+vouchsafe me their favor. I accept it with thanks.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife, however, looked over to us with a significant glance
+that
+seemed quite distinctly to say, &quot;There, you can see now that she is
+free from prejudice, and full of imperturbable kindness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Notwithstanding her love and respect for us, Annette found
+great
+pleasure in her intimate relations with the neighboring family of Baron
+Arven. This may have been the result of her having formerly been kept
+in the background.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her constant journeyings to and fro were the occasion of our
+making
+some delightful acquaintances.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Just beyond the boundary line, where I owned a large piece of
+woodland,
+there resided a young forester, who was of noble birth, and a relative
+of Annette's husband. We had before that been strangers to each other;
+but Annette knew how to draw him and his wife into our circle, and we
+were charmed by the simple manners of these highly cultivated people.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Our family was so widely extended that we found it quite easy
+to trace
+a distant relationship to our newly discovered friends. The young wife
+was the daughter of a high official. Though living in the woods, she
+did not neglect her intellectual life, and found good music of great
+assistance in that regard. She had also been able to bring up sturdy
+boys; and we were quite pleased to learn that her only rule with them
+had been <i>truthfulness and obedience</i>. These two requisites had been
+firmly and inexorably insisted upon, and as a result the boys did their
+parents great credit.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The new element that Annette had thus introduced into our
+circle often
+caused us to forget that the very next hour might bring us the saddest
+news.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">It was eventide. The clear tones of the village bell filled
+the valley
+and were echoed back from the mountains opposite. The young woods down
+by the stone wall seemed transparent with the reflection of the rosy
+sunset, and all looked as if bathed in golden clouds.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were sitting in the arbor, and every one was probably
+thinking to
+himself, &quot;Perhaps at this very moment men of the same nation--yea,
+brothers--may be murdering one another on the battle-field.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In a low voice, and with an absence of all that resembled her
+usual
+excessive excitability, Annette remarked that my wife ought to feel
+very happy to think that she had planted yonder wood.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At that moment we saw a carriage coming up the hill.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is father!&quot; exclaimed the daughter of the kreis-director,
+and ran
+to meet him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We observed that he opened the carriage door for her, and that
+she
+entered it and remained with him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette remarked that she had given orders that all telegrams
+should be
+sent to Herr Von Rontheim, who would forward them to us as speedily as
+possible. This must be a matter of importance, however, as he had come
+in person. But let his tidings be what they may, we would stand by and
+support one another.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rontheim entered.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He brought us the news of a great victory gained by the
+Austrians, who
+were said to have penetrated into Silesia. His manner of imparting this
+was in accord with our feelings, and was quite free from any spirit of
+rejoicing. A brief telegram had brought the news.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rontheim seemed quite ill at ease and soon left, taking his
+daughter
+and Annette with him. A little while after that, Joseph arrived, and
+told me privately that he wished that Richard and I would come over to
+his house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was struck with fear, and felt that there was bad news in
+store for
+me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Without knowing why, I felt alarmed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I entered Annette's apartment, Rontheim was seated at a
+table on
+which there was a lighted lamp. In his hand there was a newspaper. He
+did not rise to receive me, but requested me to be seated.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He grasped my hand firmly while he said, &quot;You are a strong
+man, a just
+father--no father can be blamed for what his child may do.--Your son
+Ernst has deserted.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Those were his words: I have written them down with my own
+hand. Could
+I, at that time, have believed that I would ever be able to do this!
+But to this day, I cannot tell what rent my heart and crazed my brain.
+All that I can recollect is that I felt as if a bullet were piercing my
+brain, and found it strange that I knew even that much of what was
+going on. I remember Richard's throwing his arms about my neck, and
+crying, &quot;Father! Dear father!&quot; and all was over.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I recovered consciousness my first thought was, &quot;Why live
+again?
+Death has been conquered.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The next thought that flashed upon me was, &quot;But my wife!--She
+foresaw
+it all, yet how will she bear this burden?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette came up to me and seemed to guess at my thoughts, for
+with a
+voice choked with tears she said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do not tell your wife of this to-night. In the morning, when
+day
+approaches, if you wish me to tell her of this, I am at your service.
+But how cold your hands are!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She knelt down and kissed my hands.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The director handed the newspaper to Richard. I noticed how
+his hand
+trembled while he held it. I asked to have it handed to me, and read
+the proclamation of my son's dishonor and the order for his arrest.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I at last started to return home, I was obliged, for the
+first
+time in my life, to lean on my son Richard for support. Annette had
+asked permission to accompany me. We declined her proffered aid. The
+kind-hearted, impulsive creature was all gentleness and desire to
+assist me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I arrived in front of the house. There stands the large and
+well-ordered house,--but no joy will ever enter there again.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The wind from the valley was swaying the red beech to and fro;
+the
+fountain swelled and roared while its waters glistened in the broad
+moonlight. All this to be seen again and again, and yet--&quot;daily
+suicide&quot;--</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What are you saying, father? What do you mean by those
+words?&quot; asked
+Richard.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was not until then that I became aware of my having uttered
+them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For Ernst, for my poor child, no day would ever more begin
+with the
+love of life. &quot;Daily suicide&quot;--in this phrase his deed and its
+consequences seemed to concentrate themselves. I was obliged to sit
+clown on the steps, and not until then was I able to shed tears.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">How often Ernst had run up and down there! I could yet
+remember the
+first time that he climbed those steps on all fours, turning his pretty
+head with its light curls towards me when I called out to him, and
+waiting quietly until I would come and take him up in my arms!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But now he had conjured up a restless demon whom no cry or
+supplication
+could exorcise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At this very moment I can distinctly remember how I wished
+that all the
+sorrow and pain might descend on my own head and be gathered up into my
+own heart, in order that I might bear them for others.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Master, why are you sitting at your own threshold like a
+strange
+beggar?&quot; were the words with which Rothfuss surprised me. &quot;I have
+already heard what our madcap Ernst has done; do not let that grieve
+you to death--that will do you no good. In this world, every one must
+carry his own hide to market. It is bad enough in all conscience, but
+there is courage in it for all. There are hundreds and thousands of
+them who would like to do what he has done; but they follow the drum
+with its rat-tat-tat, and put on airs into the bargain. Do you know
+what I think of this matter?--Do not interrupt me, Heir Professor; I
+know what I am talking about--I say that every large family must
+have its black sheep, and I would rather a thousand times have a
+good-for-nothing than an idiot, the very sight of whom makes one's hair
+stand on end.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, indeed; my mother was right. Her favorite maxim was:
+'Better sour
+than rotten,' and 'To be hard of hearing is not half so bad as to have
+poor eyes.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;In every family there is something; or, as the poor woman
+once said:
+'There is something everywhere,--except in my lard-pot, where there is
+nothing at all.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss would not rest until I got up again.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I went up the steps with him and into the room. He drew off my
+boots,
+and was full of kind attentions.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Addressing me in a whisper, he offered to tell the news to his
+mistress
+in the morning, as he thought that he was best fitted for the task.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He meant to speak of it in such a way that she would take it
+as his
+stupid talk and give him a thorough scolding, and thus wreak her anger
+on him. He thought that would be the best way, because that would help
+to break the first shock of the news, and then it would be easier to
+endure the rest.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The only other thing that troubled Rothfuss was how he might
+stop
+Funk's evil tongue. He felt sure that with the exception of Funk,
+others would be as much grieved as we were.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That was the trouble. The news would enlist the attention of
+the busy
+world, those who pitied as well as those who rejoiced in the sufferings
+of others.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But what matters the world: it can neither help nor hinder our
+griefs.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I have experienced much bitter suffering:--I have gazed into
+the grave
+that had received all that had been dearest to me on earth, but no pain
+can be compared to that of grief for a son, who, though living, is
+lost.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Morning had already dawned. The birds were singing in the
+trees; the
+sun had returned; all life seemed to awake anew; and at last I found an
+hour's sleep.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Destroyer of sleep!&quot; were the first words I uttered when I
+awoke.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">How can he enjoy a moment's rest, or swallow a morsel of food
+while he
+knows that his parents are sorrowing for him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I have often been advised--it is easy enough to say the
+words--&quot;Make up
+your mind to blot his name from your memory.&quot; But it is not so easy to
+follow such counsel.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife softly slumbered through the whole night. Will she
+ever again
+have so refreshing a sleep?</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">The morning was bright and clear. We were seated around the
+breakfast
+table, every one of us doubly oppressed. We were grieved on our own
+account, and troubled by the thought that the mother's heart was soon
+to become rent by the sad tidings.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard had told the news to Bertha.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife seemed to be watching Bertha, and at last reproved her
+for
+having been weeping again. &quot;It is our duty,&quot; said she, &quot;to accept the
+inevitable with resignation. Mankind might well be likened to the
+plants in the field, which are obliged quietly to submit to the storm
+that descends on their heads.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We exchanged hurried glances, but Bertha did not reply.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Will my wife be as strong in a few moments from now?&quot; was the
+question
+I inwardly asked myself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss was heard cracking his whip in front of the house. He
+was
+about to drive out into the fields, taking Martella with him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His intention was to tell her all that had happened as soon as
+he
+reached the fields, so that she might there spend her rage, and not
+annoy the household by her noise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Victor rode along with them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife inquired whether the newspaper had not yet come, or
+why I was
+not reading it, and wished to know what was the matter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The moment had arrived. I gathered up all the courage that was
+yet left
+me, and said, &quot;We will take you at your word--'It is our duty to accept
+the inevitable with resignation.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What is it? Tell me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Our son Ernst has--deserted!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;After all!&quot; exclaimed my wife, while she laid her clinched
+fists on
+her heart, as if to prevent it from bursting, and with compressed lips
+stared into vacancy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Fearing that she would faint, the children and I rushed to her
+assistance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Never mind; all will be over in a moment. I can now breathe
+again. And
+now, I beg of you all, be silent.&quot; She closed her eyes. We remained
+standing around her in silence. Not a sound was heard, save the rapid
+ticking of the clocks and the innocent singing of the thistle-finch.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At last, she removed her hands from her face and gave way to a
+torrent
+of tears. With her hands folded on her breast, and softly, without a
+loud sign of pain, she thus lamented:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;O my son! My poor son! My poor, unhappy child! You are now a
+fugitive
+in the wide world, and without a home--lost and distracted--a wandering
+proof of the confusion of our broken household, now rent in twain and
+bereft of peace. His heart is a wayward one. It is easier to spoil a
+human being than to improve one. Let him who believes that this war is
+just before God rise up and plunge his sword into my son's heart!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She had raised herself while uttering the last sentence; when
+she
+finished, she fell back in her seat again. She then suddenly and
+energetically sat up again, and asked, &quot;Does Martella know of this?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I replied that Rothfuss had taken her out into the fields with
+him in
+order to tell her all.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is well,&quot; she answered. &quot;Give me the newspaper, that I may
+read the
+letter of arrest. This was the reason the director came to us yesterday
+and departed without saying good-by. Give me the advertisement which
+thousands are now reading--I am his mother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was obliged to tell her that I had given the paper to
+Rothfuss, who
+had asked for it in order that he might show it as a proof to Martella.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife nodded approvingly, and said, &quot;Yes, Martella. Listen
+to what I
+am about to say. Ernst has run away because he was unwilling to fight
+in this fratricidal war. That is true enough, as far as it goes; I
+feel assured of that. But let me tell you something more--he is
+unfaithful--unfaithful to his parents, his brothers and sisters, and
+his betrothed. I beg of you, Henry, do not contradict me! Promise me
+one thing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Whatever you wish.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You, my husband, and you, my children, faithfully promise me
+that,
+when I am no longer with you, you will firmly and inviolably cherish
+Martella as a child of the house and as one of the family.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We promised all that she asked.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have one other request to make. Whatever may happen, do not
+for a
+moment conceal aught from me; do no violence to yourselves for my sake.
+I can support everything as long as I know all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her next wish was that we should all go out into the fields,
+for she
+felt sure that Rothfuss would not be able to control Martella, who, she
+feared, might run away and rush into suffering or death.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard said that he would be able to assist Rothfuss, and
+that he knew
+the direction in which they had gone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He hurried away to meet them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You had better go in and join them,&quot; we heard Richard say as
+he left
+the house, and then he ran off on his errand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A moment later, Annette joined us. Although usually quite
+courtly in
+her manner, she was now diffident and timid, and in heartfelt tones
+begged us to consider her as one of us, and permit her to assist in
+bearing our affliction.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife extended her arms towards her, and for the first time
+embraced
+and kissed Annette.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have brought smelling-salts and other restoratives,&quot; said
+Annette in
+a cheerful tone, while the thick tears were running down her cheeks.
+&quot;But, dear Madame Gustava, you need nothing of that kind; you are as
+firm as a forest-tree.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ernst will never again return to his forest,&quot; complained my
+wife.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Neither Bertha nor I were able to utter a word, but Annette
+said to my
+wife, &quot;You have a right to indulge in the deepest grief. I shall never
+attempt to persuade you otherwise. I know how galling it is when
+friends come and imagine that they can console us by smoothing over or
+belittling our griefs. It is well, after all, that I am with you. It is
+indeed true that I only feel your sorrows through sympathy, while the
+blow itself has descended on your heads. With all my sincere sympathy,
+there are hours when I can forget your sorrows, and am thus better able
+to be of use to you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife again took Annette's hand and pressed it to her own
+forehead.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you believe,&quot; said my wife, addressing Annette; &quot;do you
+believe
+that Ernst sees his actions in their true colors?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I do not.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I hope that it is so. Indeed, I really trust that my child
+does not
+reason clearly on this subject. I would rather have him think himself
+right in what he is doing; for he will then be able to endure his days,
+and to sleep peacefully at night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;How happy one is to watch the growth of bright, youthful
+memories in a
+child's soul; but after such a deed, it were kindest to wish that he
+might forget everything.&quot; And then turning towards me, she added, &quot;I
+feel so badly to think that my favorite maxim is now dead.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Which?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;When I was asked how one could best bring up children, I
+would always
+answer, 'Let your married life be pure, for thus alone can you have
+good, righteous children.' But it seems that even this is no longer the
+case.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No one replied. Annette told us that she had just received a
+dispatch.
+The tidings of victory were false, and the very reverse of the first
+news was the true report, for the Prussians had penetrated into
+Bohemia.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, how soon there will be more grieving mothers! If the
+woful cries
+of all these mothers could be concentrated into one utterance, who is
+there that could hear it, and still live?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Thus lamented my wife. We sat in silence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard entered, saying, &quot;Mother is right; she looks far
+ahead.&quot; He
+told us that Martella had shouted with joy when Rothfuss had told her
+of Ernst's flight; she had praised his adroitness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And Victor called out, &quot;For shame! Uncle Ernst is a coward!
+For shame!
+Uncle Ernst is a bad man!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella raised the scythe and was about to hurl it at Victor,
+but
+Rothfuss fortunately parried the stroke. Martella now wrestled with
+Rothfuss, and called out to Victor, &quot;You soldier's child! Keep quiet,
+you soldier's child!&quot; She seemed to use the words reproachfully.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Suddenly she exclaimed, &quot;I know where Ernst is! I am going to
+him--away, away from all of you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She started on a brisk run, but was caught in the arms of
+Richard, who
+was just coming up.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Richard told us all this, his voice seemed broken, and,
+for some
+time, he stood with his eyes cast on the ground. Then he went on to
+tell us that Martella had become quiet and gentle, and had willingly
+consented to ride home again, when he told her that mother wanted to
+see her; and that now she was down in the barn, and was sitting on the
+clover, waiting until she was sent for.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella was called up to the house. When she entered the
+room, my wife
+requested us to leave. I have never learned what passed between them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was quite surprised at what Rothfuss told me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Richard caught Martella in his arms, she cried out, &quot;No,
+no; you
+shall not kiss me!&quot; and pushed him from her with such force, that he
+would have been thrown to the ground if Rothfuss had not come to his
+assistance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard had told us nothing of that.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">When Edward Levi, the iron merchant, came to out village, he
+cautiously
+went, first of all, to my nephew Joseph; he then sent for me, and
+handed me a letter from Ernst. It was written in a firm hand, and read
+as follows:</p>
+<p class="space"></p>
+<p class="normal">&quot;To my parents I say farewell. I leave my so-called Fatherland
+forever.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It grieves me to know that I must grieve you, but I cannot
+help it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;If thousands had done what I did, it would have been praised
+as a
+noble deed. Must we sacrifice ourselves to this degenerate Fatherland?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I cannot murder my compatriots, nor do I care to allow them
+to murder
+me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Take care of Martella for my sake. I will write to her
+myself.</p>
+
+<p class="right">&quot;<span class="sc">Your Lost Son</span>.&quot;</p>
+<p class="space"></p>
+<p class="normal">&quot;You must pluck such a child from your heart--you must forget
+him
+entirely.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">These were Joseph's words after he had read the letter. Many
+others
+spoke just as he did. But he who has ever heard the word &quot;father&quot; from
+the lips of his child, knows that this is impossible. From that time I
+always said to myself, &quot;No day without sorrow.&quot; Do you know what it
+means never to have a pure, bright, happy day?--&quot;no day without
+sorrow?&quot; And yet, I admit it, I was not without hope. I felt a quiet
+assurance that Ernst would be all right in the end. How it was to be
+brought about, I did not know; but I felt that the seeds of
+indestructible virtue and purity were yet lurking amidst this mass of
+ruin and rottenness. There might yet be a turn in the tide of affairs,
+that would draw the current of my son's life into the proper channel.
+My wife mentioned his name only once after that. But her love for the
+child was stronger and firmer than her resolution.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She took pains to be about and to keep up an interest in all
+that was
+going on: but, from the moment that she was shocked by the news of
+Ernst's desertion, it was evident that it cost her an effort to control
+her will.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She seemed constantly tired. She rarely went out--hardly ever
+as far as
+the garden, where she would walk but a short distance before sitting
+down on a bench. She would often sit in an absent manner, gazing into
+vacancy, and when addressed would seem as if hurriedly collecting her
+thoughts.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella had also received a letter. It contained a ring; but
+she would
+not show any one, not even my wife, what Ernst had written. Edward
+Levi, the iron merchant, acted with great good sense and delicacy. He
+attempted neither to explain things nor to console us; but gave us the
+simple account of how the affair had happened. If it had not related to
+my own son, and had not been so full of sadness, Ernst's ingenuity in
+the matter would even have afforded us amusement.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was late in the evening when he arrived at the town in
+which Levi
+resided. He went to the police-office at once, and ordered a forester
+whom he found there to produce Edward Levi, who arrived shortly
+afterward, and to whom Ernst used these words:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You have been a soldier and can be trusted. I shall confide
+my secret
+to you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He then informed him, with an air of great secrecy, that he
+had been
+ordered to enter the Prussian lines as a spy, and requested him to
+provide him at once with some French money and the dress of a Jewish
+cattle-dealer; and also to bring to him a cattle-dealer provided with a
+correct passport.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After all this had been successfully accomplished, Ernst wrote
+the two
+letters and handed them to Levi, with instructions not to deliver them
+until three days had elapsed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He started off with his companion. On the way, he asked him to
+show him
+his passport: it was handed to him but not returned. He carefully
+instructed the cattle-dealer to address him by the name of Rothfuss.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why, that is the name of the old servant that your father
+thinks so
+much of!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is the very reason I have chosen it; you will have no
+difficulty
+in remembering it. What is my name?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The same as the servant's.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No--but what is it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Rothfuss. Why, every child knows the name. Might I inquire--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No; you need ask no questions.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They journeyed on together as far as Kehl, where Ernst
+suddenly
+disappeared. The drover waited all day, in the vain hope of seeing him
+again, and at last returned home.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst had in all likelihood gone to my sister, who lives in
+the Hagenau
+forest, or to my brother-in-law, the director of the water-works on the
+Upper Rhine. Before leaving, he handed a bag of money that belonged to
+the state to Edward Levi, for safe-keeping.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph, who was always ready to assist others, at once offered
+to
+journey after Ernst, in the hope of overtaking him and consulting with
+him as to his future.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had instructed Rothfuss to make up a package of the clothes
+that
+Ernst had left behind him, and I was at Joseph's house when he brought
+the bundle there.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella wanted to accompany Joseph; but, finding that he
+would not
+consent, she turned around to her dog, and said: &quot;Pincher, go with
+Joseph and hunt your master!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The dog looked up at her, as if knowing what she said, and
+then ran
+after Joseph.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While I was yet with Joseph, a copy of our newspaper came to
+hand; it
+had been sent to me marked.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The marked passages read as follows:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Father Noah, the Prussian lickspittle&quot;--I recognized Funk by
+these
+very words--&quot;has allowed a dove to desert from his ark.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We cannot but regard the rumor that the father had urged his
+son to
+take this step, because of his own aversion to fighting against the
+beloved Prussians, as a malicious invention.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We do not believe the party of these beggarly Prussians, or
+this
+weak-minded old gray-beard, endowed with the requisite firmness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But the noble Caffre's pride in his virtue must have received
+a
+fearful blow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I must admit that this low personal attack gave me much pain.
+I was,
+however, more grieved to think that party hatred could induce men to
+indulge in such abuse.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph remarked, &quot;One should indeed always have an enemy, in
+order to
+find out what criticism and explanation our deeds may be subjected to.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph was a burgomaster. The game-keeper came to report to
+him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My very heart trembled with fear, and I felt ashamed of myself
+in the
+presence of the game-keeper.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had the description and order of arrest for my son in his
+pocket.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One does not find how far and how deep honor has spread its
+roots,
+until it is lost.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Unrest, the most hateful demon in the world, had been conjured
+up in
+our house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Now that our pride was broken, we at last noticed how proud we
+had
+been.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One day, when walking through the village, I met the perjured
+baker,
+Lerz of Hollerberg. He extended his hand to me in a friendly manner.
+Did he regard me as one of his equals? I withdrew my hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He shrugged his shoulders contemptuously and went on his way.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The first neighbor who visited me was Baron Arven, who lives
+about a
+mile and a half from our house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I believe I have not yet referred to this man. His dignified
+and quiet
+demeanor betokened a really brave and noble character. He was just what
+he seemed to be--free from all pretence or deceit.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I must add a few words in regard to his family. Following the
+bent of
+most of the dwellers in our part of the country, he had gone down the
+Danube and had entered the Austrian army. He afterward left the service
+and returned to the family estate, bringing with him a wife who was a
+native of Bohemia, and who held but little intercourse with the
+neighborhood. Her only familiar companions were the clergy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Bishop had stopped there on two occasions while making his
+pastoral
+journeys.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She led a life of seclusion in the castle, or rather the
+convent; for
+the estate on which they lived had, at one time, belonged to a
+religious order.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Baron had two sons, splendid fellows, who were serving in
+the
+cavalry. He is a member of our upper chamber. He is a man of but few
+words, but always votes with the moderate liberals.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He has no respect for the people; their coarse morals and
+manners are
+repugnant to him. He does not deny that mankind in general have equal
+rights; but, as individuals, he would only accord them such
+consideration as their education, their means, or their social position
+would entitle them to. In this respect he is a thorough aristocrat.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The farmers speak of him with love and veneration, although he
+is never
+friendly towards them. He is very active as the President of our
+Agricultural Association. He has the finest cattle and the best
+machines, and his special hobby is to stock the many woodland streams
+and lakes of our vicinity with fish.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He is passionately fond of the chase and of fishing, and
+possesses the
+art of getting through with his day in the most approved and knightly
+manner. Rautenkron acts as his forest-keeper.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That very day, the Baron came riding along, followed by his
+two fine,
+large dogs. He alighted at Joseph's house and saluted Annette, with
+whom he had become acquainted at the capital, for he spent several
+months there with his family every winter. The family of Von Arven
+owned an old mansion in the city.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He came up to me, offered me his hand in silence, and seated
+himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could not help thinking of some words from the Book of Job,
+that had
+always so deeply affected me: &quot;And none spake a word unto him, for they
+saw that his grief was very great.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My dear neighbor,&quot; he at last said, &quot;I see that you, too,
+have been
+highly assessed in the impost of misfortune that every one of us must
+pay. I shall spare you any words of attempted consolation, and only add
+that there are thousands who would like to do just as your son has
+done.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And then, in his calm and collected tone, he spoke of this
+horrid war,
+in which Germans were fighting against each other. Napoleon's darling
+hope was that Austria and Prussia might mutually weaken each other, so
+that he might be the master and the arbiter of peace, and could then
+dictate his own terms. Arven had at one time been an Austrian officer,
+and was naturally not partial to Prussia. He had an inborn aversion to
+Northern harshness; but with his knowledge of the organization of the
+Austrian armies, he felt free to say that Prussia would be victorious.
+Although both of his sons were in our army, he said this with great
+calmness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Baron's presence exerted a gentle, soothing influence on
+our
+household. When I told my wife that he had expressed a wish to speak
+with her, she came into the room; and when the two were conversing with
+each other, it was like a beautiful song of mourning.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Baron's presence always produced a subdued tone, an
+atmosphere of
+quiet refinement--an influence like a subtile, pleasing perfume
+lingered in the room long after he had taken his departure.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And now, when he was conversing with my wife, she gave
+utterance to
+thoughts that otherwise we might never have become acquainted with.
+When conversing with strangers, she revealed far more of her pure and
+elevated views of the world than when she was with us alone.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Shortly after the Baron's departure, we were visited by
+Counsellor
+Reckingen, who came over from the city to see us. He usually lived in
+strict seclusion from the world. While sailing on Lake Constance, he
+had lost his young wife. He had plunged in after her, and had succeeded
+in reaching the bank with her, only to find that life had fled. Since
+that time, he had lived in solitude, devoting himself to the education
+of the little daughter who was left to him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Under these circumstances, I could not but appreciate his
+kindness in
+paying me this visit.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He seemed to have become quite unused to conversation. He said
+but
+little, and soon went out into the garden in front of our house, in
+order to plant some rose-slips that he had brought with him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was greatly gratified by the visit of a deputation of my
+constituents. It consisted of three esteemed farmer-burgomasters of the
+neighborhood. They made no allusion to the grief which had befallen me;
+our conversation referred only to the war; and when Martella brought in
+wine, they looked at the child with curious eyes.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Ought we to bear the blame of our son Ernst's having wandered
+from the
+right path?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">By our example and precept we have guided our children in the
+path of
+virtue, but who can control their souls? I have caused many a fallow
+soil to bear fruit, and up on the bleak hills have raised sturdy trees.
+Nature's law is unchanging; but if not even a tree can mature without
+harm coming to it, how much less can a human soul be expected to do so.
+We have lived to see naught but what is good and proper in our son
+Richard. His development is so natural and consistent. In his earliest
+youth, he decided to devote himself to science. He has steadily
+advanced, swerving neither to the right nor the left, and has always
+been full of the conscious power of the clear and temperate mind that
+grasps the laws underlying the phenomena presented by the world of
+thought and of action.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We can neither take credit to ourselves, in the one instance,
+nor
+acknowledge that we were in fault in the other.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife had been true to herself, and yet full of resignation
+in the
+first shock of this bitter grief; but now there came an insurmountable
+desire to quarrel with her lot, and the puzzling question, &quot;Why should
+this happen just to us?&quot; was again awakened.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I dislike to admit it, but truth forces me to say that this
+was brought
+about by the arrival of my daughter Johanna.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Johanna also had her troubles. Her husband was sickly, her son
+was in
+the army, and she seemed chosen for suffering; but chosen by reason of
+a higher faith. With inconsiderate zeal, she attempted to awaken the
+same faith in us. At that very moment, she thought, when we were
+crushed and bowed down by sorrow, our redemption should take place. She
+assigned the impiety of our household as the cause of our son's
+disobedience.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The education which my wife had received from her father was,
+as some
+would call it, a heathen one; for she had received more instruction
+from the classics than from the Bible.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were seated in our statue gallery. The door that led to the
+garden
+was open; my wife had been eagerly reading from a book, which she now
+laid aside with the remark, &quot;That does one good.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What were you reading?&quot; inquired Johanna.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife made no answer, and Johanna repeated her question,
+when she
+said, &quot;I have been reading the Antigone of Sophocles, and I find that I
+am right.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;In what respect?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It has renewed my recollection of an idea of my father's.
+When I was
+reading the Antigone aloud to him for the first time, he said, If a
+woman acted in this way, she would be doing right; but a brother should
+not have done so. With a sister, or with a mother, the natural law of
+love of kindred is above that of the state, which would have treated
+the brother as a traitor to his country. And in this lies the deeply
+tragic element--that innocence and guilt are so closely interwoven, and
+that two considerations are battling with each other. You men may pass
+judgment on Ernst; you require unconditional submission to the lawful
+authorities. You are right, because you are men of the law. But, with
+Antigone, I rest myself upon that higher law which is far above all
+laws that states may frame!</p>
+<div class="stanza">
+<p class="t6">&quot;'It lives neither for to-day nor for yesterday, but for all
+time,</p>
+<p class="t8">And none can know since when.'</p>
+</div>
+<p class="hang1">&quot;This book is to me a sacred one.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Mother!&quot; cried Johanna, with a voice trembling with emotion,
+&quot;mother,
+how can you say that, while I here have the only sacred book in my
+hand?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;In its own sense, that, too, is sacred; but it teaches me
+nothing of
+the deep struggles between the human heart and the laws of the state.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Mother,&quot; cried Johanna, kneeling before her; &quot;here is the
+Bible. I
+implore you to give up those profane books; they cannot help you.
+Listen to the Word of God!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;To me he speaks through these books,&quot; answered my wife.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Mother, we are mourning for the lost son.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Our son is not lost; he is a sad sacrifice.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard entered. Mother said to him, &quot;Read me the story from
+the
+Gospel.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What do you refer to?&quot; inquired Richard.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Mother means the Parable of the Prodigal Son,&quot; interrupted
+Johanna;
+and holding the Bible on high, she continued: &quot;Here it is: Gospel of
+St. Luke, fifteenth chapter, eleventh verse.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Not you, but Richard, shall read it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But, mother--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Richard, I wish you to read it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had just taken the book, when Annette entered. She asked
+whether she
+was disturbing them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife said that she was not, and requested her to sit down
+at her
+side.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In a calm and full voice Richard read:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'And he said, A certain man had two sons:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me
+the
+portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his
+living.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'And not many days after, the younger son gathered all
+together, and
+took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance
+with riotous living.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in
+that land;
+and he began to be in want.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country;
+and he
+sent him into his fields to feed swine.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that
+the swine
+did eat; and no man gave unto him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired
+servants of my
+father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him,
+Father, I
+have sinned against heaven, and before thee.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one
+of thy
+hired servants.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a
+great way
+off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his
+neck, and kissed him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against
+heaven, and
+in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best
+robe, and
+put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us
+eat, and be
+merry:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost,
+and is
+found. And they began to be merry.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew
+nigh to
+the house, he heard music and dancing.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'And he called one of the servants, and asked what these
+things meant.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father
+hath killed
+the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his
+father out
+and entreated him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do
+I serve
+thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandments; and yet thou
+never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured
+thy living
+with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all
+that I have
+is thine.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this
+thy
+brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Richard had finished, he placed his hand on the open book
+and
+said, &quot;This story has much dramatic interest. The father, the two sons,
+the servant, are clearly and strikingly drawn; and with correct
+judgment; the mother is not mentioned, for here it would not do to have
+double notes--a variation of emotion on the part of the father and one
+on the part of the mother. I might, indeed, say that a mother would
+have dwelt on the appearance her son presented on his return; while
+here it is left unnoticed. Further--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What do you mean? You are not among your students,&quot; angrily
+interrupted Johanna.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are right,&quot; continued Richard, with a quiet smile; &quot;my
+students
+are polite enough to permit me to finish a sentence without
+interrupting me. I will also state, first of all, that this ingenious
+parable makes no mention of the sister. I do not know what a sister
+would have said in that affair.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Johanna jumped from her seat in anger; her features seemed
+distorted
+with passion. She opened her mouth to answer him, but could not utter a
+word.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Shall I go on, mother?&quot; asked Richard.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Of course; speak on.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;In the first place, the pure spirit which here reveals itself
+is as
+fully acknowledged by us as by the pious believers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;To me the all-important point is, that it illustrates a view
+of the
+relation between parents and children, which is completely the reverse
+of that fostered by the ancient civilization, in which the children
+suffer for the sins of their parents. Just think of the curse of the
+Atrides. In our days, it is quite different, and the fate of the
+parents--their happiness as well as their sorrow--depends upon the
+conduct of their children.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The individual to whom such affliction comes is subject to
+the great
+and universal law of the newer life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Is there anything else you would like to say?&quot; inquired
+Johanna, in an
+angry voice. She had some time before that snatched the Bible out of
+Richard's hands, and had been reading in it ever since, as if she
+thought that the best way to counteract the influence of the heresies
+he had been uttering. With all that, she seemed to hear every word that
+was said.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I certainly have, if you will permit me. To me this story
+seems a
+repetition, in a new shape, of a subject already treated in the same
+book. The story of Joseph in Egypt is a family history that borders on
+the region of fable, narrated without any regard to the moral that
+underlies it, and yet representing to us the reward of innocence. This
+story which tells of a son who had been a real sinner, and for that
+reason was not permitted to return as a viceroy amid joy and splendor,
+but in the garb of a beggar, has another lesson for us. Viewed from the
+stand-point of the Old or New Testament, or even by our own feelings,
+it tells the story of redemption. Yes, every human being who falls into
+sinful ways, shall be obliged to eat the husks;.... but he is not lost.
+When through self-knowledge his soul has been humbled in the dust, He
+who never fails will lift him up again, for it is far easier to avoid
+sin than, before God and one's own soul, to confess having sinned.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After a pause of a few moments, Richard continued: &quot;There is
+an
+excellent painting of the Prodigal's Return. It is by Führich. The
+artist has chosen the moment when the father is embracing his long-lost
+son, now kneeling at his feet; the son, however, dares not venture to
+embrace his father; bent down towards the earth, he folds his hands
+upon his breast in humble, silent gratitude.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Johanna seemed to think that she might as well abandon all
+attempts to
+change our views of religious matters. She arose from her seat and,
+pressing the Bible to her bosom, left the room without uttering another
+word.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Come into the garden with me,&quot; said my wife to Richard. I was
+left
+alone with Annette. Great tears were rolling down her cheeks. After a
+little while she said that now she was at last really converted, but
+not in the way that the church would wish her to be. She could at last
+understand that the best consolation and the most elevating reflection,
+in time of sorrow, is to consider individual suffering a part of a
+great whole, and as a phase of the soul-experience of advancing
+humanity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She regretted that Bertha had not been with us. She felt sure,
+also,
+that her husband would have been a delighted listener. He had always
+felt attracted to Richard, although he had never become intimate with
+him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She hurried home in order, as I fancy, to write out for her
+husband's
+benefit her impressions of what she had just heard.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Johanna left us that very day. She said that she now felt as a
+stranger
+in our home, and consoled herself with the thought that she could feel
+at home in the house of a Father whom we, alas! did not know.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were neither anxious nor able to prevent her departure. And
+why
+should I not confess it?--we felt more at our ease without her.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">As far as she could, Bertha led a self-contained and secluded
+life. She
+frankly admitted that she was not in the mood to worry about her lost
+brother; her heart was filled with thoughts of her husband, the father
+of her children.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When haymaking began on the mountain meadows, Bertha would go
+out and
+assist in scattering the newly mown grass. She hoped that physical
+exercise would enable her again to enjoy the refreshing sleep of her
+childhood, and was quite happy when, in the morning, she found herself
+able to tell us that she had passed a night in dreamless sleep.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette suffered greatly from the heat. Bertha, however, said
+that it
+was best to expose one's self to the sun, because the heat would then
+be less oppressive. She was quite delighted to see how the sun browned
+her own children.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette again introduced the subject of the parable of the
+Prodigal
+Son, when Richard, with an ironical smile, replied, &quot;I am glad to see
+that you can dwell on a subject and again return to it; and I shall
+only add, that in the Old Testament the history of a nation is
+conceived in a popular manner, while the New Testament is a history in
+which one exalted and idealized man serves as the sole and central
+figure. The real life of the family, the relations of parents and
+kindred, is not emphasized in the latter. Life, there, is isolated, and
+looks only towards heaven.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;In the Old Testament, the life of the family is in constant
+action,
+and superfluous figures which serve no moral in themselves are also
+introduced.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;To express myself symbolically, I should say Moses has a
+brother and a
+sister who are also important figures. Jesus, on the other hand, stands
+alone against the golden background, and no relationship of His is
+mentioned except that to His mother, which was afterward poetically
+invested with a higher significance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Accept my thanks; I believe I understand you. If one were
+able always
+to regard individual suffering as merely part of the world's
+development, one would be saved from all pain,&quot; said Annette.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard's look was one of surprise, almost of anger, at these
+words.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When we were together, most of his attentions were for the
+daughter of
+the kreis-director. Her calm and gentle manner seemed to him the very
+opposite of Annette's; and it may have been his desire to let Annette
+see that cultivated womanhood consists of something more than
+incessantly propounding questions, or in keeping a man in a constant
+trot to prove his gallantry by providing for the intellectual
+requirements of the ladies.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I greatly fear,&quot; said Richard to my wife, &quot;that Annette is
+one of that
+class of beings with whom everything resolves itself into talk, and of
+whom one might well say that what to us is a church, is to them a
+concert.&quot; And he went on to complain that, in the strict sense of the
+word, Annette did not have a nice ear; that where she thought she fully
+understood one's meaning, she usually misconceived it. When he had
+finished, my wife answered with a quiet smile:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Be careful: the professor is again showing himself in you. It
+seems to
+me that the professor finds it annoying to have listeners who are not
+all attention.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard was a severe judge of his own motives and actions, and
+frankly
+confessed that he deserved the reproach. Nevertheless ne could not
+accustom himself to Annette's presence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had much knowledge of men, and constantly lived in a
+certain equable
+atmosphere of his own; and the impulsive, changeable traits of Annette
+were therefore repugnant to him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She, too, felt the antagonism, and one day said to him, quite
+roguishly, &quot;The forester is the type of many men. I had always thought
+that he found it refreshing to breathe the pure air of the woods; but I
+find that he is constantly smoking his vile tobacco.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The petty war between Richard and Annette enabled us, for many
+an hour,
+to forget the greater war that was raging out of doors. Annette was
+quite anxious in her care for my wife, and could never fully gratify
+her desire to be with her always.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Although Richard attempted to conceal it, it was quite evident
+that he
+had a decided aversion to Annette.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He would sometimes spend whole days with Rautenkron the
+forester, and
+was more frequent in his visits to Baron Arven than he had formerly
+been.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But in the evenings, when we were all together, Annette seemed
+to
+possess the art of drawing him out in spite of himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And thus we led a simple and yet intellectual life, while,
+without
+doors, armies speaking the same language were arrayed against each
+other with deadly intent.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">&quot;Pincher is here again; he could not find him,&quot; said Martella
+one
+morning. Her dog had returned during the night.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At noon, Joseph returned from Alsace. He had not succeeded in
+finding
+Ernst, who had remained at my sister's house but one day, and had
+seemed excited and troubled while there.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had understood that Ernst had met some one at the railway
+station,
+as if by appointment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph, who was always so cool and collected, seemed
+remarkably nervous
+and excited.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I thought that he had perhaps seen Ernst after all, and was
+not telling
+us all that he knew; but he assured me, in a somewhat confused manner,
+that he had concealed nothing. He told me that he was out of sorts,
+simply because of the triumphant and malicious airs that the Alsatians
+had displayed. Business friends of his, among whom there was a deputy
+who seemed to be well posted, insisted upon it as a fact that the
+Prussian statesman had offered the French Emperor a considerable
+portion, if not all, of the left bank of the Rhine, on condition that
+the Emperor would not prevent him from using his own pleasure towards
+Germany, if conquered.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The left bank of the Rhine! How often I, too, while in Alsace
+had heard
+it said that France must take possession of this left bank, as a matter
+of course; for the Frenchmen thought themselves the lords of creation,
+with whom it was only necessary to express a wish in order to have it
+gratified.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Would I yet live to see the ruin of my Fatherland? At that
+very moment,
+Germans were battling against Germans, in order that the aims of France
+might be served.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I asked Joseph and Richard whether they could conceive of such
+a thing
+as a German selling and betraying his Fatherland.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We had no assurance of this, and thought it best to encourage
+each
+other's faith in humanity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The failure of Joseph's mission had only served to arouse my
+own deep
+sorrow anew.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My son lost! When night came, I could not make up my mind to
+retire.
+For a long while, I sat gazing at the starry heavens, and the dark
+forest-covered mountains. Where is he now? Can it be possible that he
+is not thinking of us? He is in danger, and may work his own ruin. How
+gladly would I fly to his help, if I only knew how!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At last one goes to his couch, thinking: &quot;To-morrow something
+definite
+must be done.&quot; But the morning comes, and the deed is left undone. Thou
+hast waited this long, and shalt wait still longer. And thus the days
+pass by, while naught is accomplished. When I lay awake at nights,
+thinking of my son, I felt as if with him; and when, by chance, other
+thoughts arose in my mind, the one great grief would thrust them aside.
+It seemed as if my soul had for a time left the body and had now
+returned to it again.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The fear of sleeplessness is almost worse than the reality;
+but one
+falls asleep at last without knowing how, and so it shall some day be
+with our final sleep.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And, often, when the tired body had fallen asleep, the
+troubled soul
+would awaken it again.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At these moments I would say to myself, &quot;Life is a solemn
+charge.&quot; It
+went hard with me to renounce perfect happiness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One morning, when I was just about to go out into the fields,
+Martella
+came running towards me. She was almost out of breath, and told me that
+the captain's wife was over in the garden of the school-master's wife,
+and had fainted. She had received a letter with bad news. Her husband
+had been shot in the forehead, and was dead.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife hurried on ahead of me, and stepped as quickly as in
+the days
+of her youth.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I reached the garden gate, Annette was already sitting on
+a bench.
+She had her arms around Gustava's neck, and had buried her face in my
+wife's bosom.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She raised her head and said, &quot;The flowers still bloom.&quot; Then
+she
+covered her face with her hands, and sobbed bitterly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife placed her hand on Annette's head, and said, &quot;Weep on.
+You have
+a right to lament. Let them not dare come and say, 'Conquer your pain,
+for hundreds suffer just as you do.' Were there thousands to suffer
+this same grief, every one must suffer it for himself, and through life
+carry a wounded heart. You are very, very unhappy. You were life and
+joy itself: you must now know what it is to be sad. It is a hard
+lesson, and although I bear my burden, that will not lighten yours.
+That you must bear for yourself, as none besides you can.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette raised her head, and when she saw me, extended her
+hand, saying
+at the same time:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You knew him well; but no one knew him as I did. He was a
+hero, with a
+soul as pure as a child's. Can it be? Can it be possible that he lives
+no more? Can a mere bullet put in end to so much beauty, so much
+happiness? Surely it cannot be! Why should it have been he? Why should
+this stroke fall on me? Forgive me, Bertha, you were stronger and more
+determined than I. And how your husband will mourn him! Victor, do you
+know what has happened? Uncle Hugo is dead! And in the very hour of his
+death I may have been laughing. Alas, alas! Forgive me for making you
+all so sad. I cannot help myself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We had not yet left the garden, when the kreis-director
+entered. He was
+accompanied by a tall gentleman who was a stranger to us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Max, you here!&quot; exclaimed Annette. &quot;While I was happy, you
+did not
+come to me, but now you do come. How kind!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She threw her arms around his neck, and I then learned that he
+was her
+brother.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We retired, leaving them together.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had known that Annette was an orphan. I now learned that her
+brother,
+who was a lawyer of renown, had given up all intercourse with his
+sister, because of her having embraced Christianity. He had wished her
+to remain true to the faith of her ancestors, and to contract only a
+civil marriage. For her husband's sake, however, she had embraced the
+Catholic religion. This was the first intimation I had of her being a
+Catholic.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A sudden shower forced us to withdraw into the house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It is depressing to think that while we were absorbed by the
+deepest
+despair, a petty annoyance could cause us to flee. We entered the
+school-room.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There it is!&quot; exclaimed Annette, pointing to the blackboard;
+&quot;there it
+stands!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the blackboard were the words, &quot;War, Victory, Fatherland,
+Germany,&quot;
+as a writing-copy for the children.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Children are taught to write it,&quot; said Annette, &quot;but where is
+it? All
+life is a blackboard, and on it are written the words, '<i>Death</i>,
+<i>Grief</i>, <i>Tears</i>.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The old spinner entered. She walked up to Annette, took her by
+the
+hand, and uttered a few words which none of us could understand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette called upon us all to bear witness, that from that
+very hour
+she would give the spinner a considerable annuity in case her son
+should lose his life; but that, even if he were to return in safety,
+she would nevertheless make her a yearly allowance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her brother objected that at such a time it were wrong to make
+a vow.
+She could, from year to year, give the old woman as much as she thought
+proper; but that she ought not, at this moment, to make a promise which
+would be irrevocable, and for life.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We all looked at him with surprise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He added that he, too would be happy to contribute a generous
+sum to
+the annuity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette returned to her dwelling, in order to prepare for her
+departure. Her orders were, that her rooms should remain in the same
+condition as she left them, as it was her intention to return.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your master is dead,&quot; she said to the brown spaniel; &quot;your
+eye tells
+me that you understand my words. You must remain here; I shall return
+again. He loved you, too; but rest quiet: we can neither of us die yet.
+You are well off--you can neither wish for death for yourself, nor seek
+it: you cannot think of these things. Yes, you are well off.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I can hardly find room to mention all the strange images that
+were
+called up by Annette's words. Her richly endowed and many-sided mind
+was in unwonted commotion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The shower had passed away; the grass and the trees were
+radiant with
+the sunlight, and the lines of the opposite hills were clear and
+distinct.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette stood at her window gazing into the distance, while
+she uttered
+the words:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;While the earth decks itself with verdure and brings forth
+new life,
+it receives the dead. Let no one dare come to me again and say that he
+understands the world and life!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Where is the professor?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife was the only one who could quiet Annette, and she
+said, &quot;If I
+could only go with you!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You will be with me in spirit, I am sure,&quot; replied Annette.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She extended her hand to my wife, saying, &quot;I can assure you of
+this: I
+will so conduct myself, that you could at any moment say to me, 'This
+is right.'--I have been wild and wayward; I am so no longer; hereafter,
+I will be strong and gentle.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The carriage drove up and we accompanied Annette down the hill
+as far
+as the saw-mill.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was a rainbow over our heads; it reached from our
+mountains to
+the Vosges.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette held a handkerchief to her eyes. My wife and Bertha
+were
+walking on either side of her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The only time I heard her speak was when she said to Bertha:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your husband has lost his best comrade. The Major will live;
+there
+shall yet be some happy ones on earth. I shall write you from the
+camp.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss was ploughing the potato field. He was walking with
+his back
+towards us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette called to him. He came out into the road and inquired
+what was
+the matter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My husband is dead. I am going to bring him and lay him in
+the earth
+which you are now ploughing,&quot; said Annette in a firm voice.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss extended his hand to her. He seemed unable to utter a
+word,
+and was excitedly swinging his cap about with his left hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At last, in a loud voice, and stopping after every word, he
+exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I would--rather--not--be--King--or Emperor--than
+have--that--rest--on
+me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He returned to the field and continued his work.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When we reached the valley, Annette said, &quot;I shall not say
+'good by;' I
+shall need all my strength for the other sad affair.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She quickly stepped into the carriage; her brother, Rontheim,
+and the
+daughter of the latter following her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The carriage rolled away.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On our way back to the house, my wife was several times
+obliged to sit
+down by the roadside. The sad events of this day had deeply affected
+her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were seated under an apple-tree, when my wife, taking me by
+the
+hand, said, &quot;Yes, Henry, how full of blossoms that tree once was; but
+May-bugs and caterpillars and frost and hail have destroyed it. And
+thus it is with him, too.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She was not as demonstrative as I was; she could bear her
+sorrow
+silently; but the thought of Ernst did not leave her for a moment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When we got back to the house she fell asleep in the armchair,
+and did
+not awaken until sunset, when Richard, whom we had not seen all day,
+returned.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He admitted that he had heard of Annette's bereavement, but
+had kept
+out in the woods to be out of the way, as he thought there were enough
+sympathizers without him, and that he could not have been of any
+service.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife looked at him with surprise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard told us that during the rain-storm, which had been
+quite heavy
+in the woods, he had been with Rautenkron.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The gloomy man had spoken of Ernst with great interest, and
+had
+incidentally inquired in regard to Martella. He was quite enraged that
+he, who never read a newspaper and did not want to have anything to do
+with the world, was obliged to know of this war, as one of his
+assistants and a forest laborer had been conscripted. He felt quite
+convinced, too, that Prussia would be victorious.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For a long while there was no news from the seat of war,
+except reports
+of marching and countermarching.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After that, there came a letter from the Major, who lamented
+the death
+of the Captain, and wrote in terms of admiration of the noble and
+composed bearing of Annette.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard, who, during Annette's presence, had, as far as
+possible,
+affected solitude, was now again with us almost constantly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He spoke quite harshly of Annette, and said that she was
+always
+expressing a desire for repose and a quiet life, while at the same time
+she was constantly disturbing every one. She would allow no one to live
+in his own thoughts; her only desire was, that the thoughts and
+feelings of others should be the reflection of her evanescent emotions.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He thought it likely, however, that she might emerge from the
+refining
+fire of a great grief, purer and firmer than she had ever been.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I know now,&quot; said my wife to me one evening, &quot;why Richard
+went out
+into the woods. It was well of him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I did not understand it, and she, in order to tease me,
+refused to
+explain. She seemed quite pleased with her secret, and I was only too
+happy to see her smile once again.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">&quot;Thank God, they have beaten us!&quot; were the words with which
+Joseph
+entered our house the next morning, carrying an extra paper in his
+hand. In those words was concentrated the whole misery of those days.
+&quot;If Prussia would only march into the South German palaces! That is the
+only way to bring about a proper understanding.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This was the second idea that Joseph expressed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">An armistice was concluded. Bertha wished to return home at
+once. A
+letter from her husband was received, requesting her to remain at our
+house, and informing her that he would join her there immediately after
+the return of the troops.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He also informed us that he had received a letter from the
+widow of our
+Austrian cousin; her husband had lost his life at Königgratz.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We also received news from Annette. In a few short words she
+informed
+us of her wretched journey with the corpse of him who had been all her
+joy, and had been sacrificed to no purpose.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The postscript contained special greetings for Richard, both
+from her
+and from his friend, a medical professor, who had introduced himself to
+Annette as a friend of ours, and had been of great service to her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Sad tidings threw the village into excitement.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Carl, who had been the favorite of the whole village, had
+fallen. It
+was both sad and gratifying to hear how every one praised him. Even the
+taciturn meadow farmer stopped me on my way to the spinner's cottage,
+and said, &quot;He was a steady young fellow.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">If I had replied by asking him to contribute a stated sum for
+the
+support of the destitute widow, he would have looked at me as if I were
+crazy, to think of making such a suggestion to him. According to his
+views of life, poor people were sent into the world to starve, and the
+rich in order that they might eat to their heart's content and fill
+their iron cooking-pots with gold.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The meadow farmer was accompanied by a peasant-prince from the
+valley
+on the other side of the mountains, where the succession falls to the
+minor, the youngest son inheriting the estate.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was said that the only daughter of the meadow farmer had
+been
+determined on as the wife of this young peasant. He had inherited a
+considerable sum in securities, and now sought a wife. Love did not
+enter into the question; all that was required was to keep up the name
+and the honor of the peasant-court; and, while a noble life cannot
+result from such a union, it generally proves a respectable and
+contented marriage.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I remembered that there had been a rumor in the village that
+Marie, the
+daughter of the meadow farmer, loved Carl.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I drew near to the house of the spinner, I saw Funk
+coming out,
+Lerz the baker following him. I think Funk must have seen me; otherwise
+there could have been no reason for his remarking to his companion in
+quite a loud voice, &quot;What do you think of your beggarly Prussians now?
+This is their work--to kill the son of a poor widow. If he had been a
+prince, they would have gone into mourning, and for seven weeks would
+have eaten out of black bowls and with black spoons!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It went hard with me to enter the widow's cottage, after
+hearing those
+words. The old woman, who had always been so quiet and contented, and
+who had never left her dwelling, unless it was to go earn her daily
+bread, was now quite urgent in her demands. She asked for money, so
+that she might go and witness the burial of her son, and know where
+they laid his body. She also wanted to go to the Prince, for whom her
+son had lost his life. She knew that she, a poor woman, had a better
+right to a good pension than the Captain's widow, who was a great lady.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When my wife came, the old woman said, &quot;You are better off
+than I am.
+Your son still lives, but mine is dead. They told me that you once said
+your son was more than dead. But, tell me, what does it mean to be more
+than dead? Ah, you do not know. The Prussian sought out the best heart
+of them all. He knew what he was about. Of all the thousands who say
+'mother,' there was no better child than my Carl. Your Ernst is also a
+good lad. They were born on the same day. Don't you remember? My
+husband was quite tipsy when he came home that evening. He was
+gloriously full, and so jolly! He must have known that he was soon to
+be the father of such a splendid boy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, my poor Carl! You may hunt the land through, but you will
+never
+find so handsome a lad as my Carl. He did not get his good looks from
+me; but his father was just as good-looking as he--nay, almost more so.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, it will be a long while before you find so pretty a
+fellow as
+Carl--one who will sit down beside his mother of a Sunday afternoon and
+tell her merry jokes, so that her heart may be gladdened, although his
+own be sad.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, go and seek another such as he!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Don't go away, Waldfried! There is no one left with whom I
+can talk.
+Or send Martella--to me she will do.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On our way home, my wife gently said, &quot;His regiment was not
+once in
+battle.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This was the first intimation I had received of her careful
+reading of
+the newspapers. Ernst's regiment had not fired a single shot, and all
+our suffering had been to no purpose.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We sent Martella over to the spinner's cottage, where she
+remained all
+night.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the following morning, Martella returned. She was quite
+joyful, and
+maintained that Ernst had been saved and would soon return to us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She had arranged everything with the old spinner. The two of
+them would
+go to the Prince, and the spinner would say to him, &quot;My son is dead!
+but give me the one who was born on the same day, and wipe out all that
+stands against him!&quot; Or else the spinner would say, &quot;My tears shall
+wash away all the charges that stand written against him on the slate.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It went hard to make Martella understand that this plan was
+nothing
+more than an idle dream.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The battle was over, and peace had been concluded.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Although Austria was separated from Germany, there was, as
+yet, no real
+Germany. While the high contracting parties were framing the chief
+clauses of their treaty, the Frenchman who was looking over their
+shoulders took the pen in his own hand and drew a black mark across the
+page, and called it &quot;the line of the Main.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Major came home, and the joy of Bertha and her children
+knew no
+bounds. The Major, however, seemed unable to shake off a deep fit of
+melancholy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was a strict disciplinarian. He never allowed himself to
+say aught
+against his superiors or their orders; but now, he could not keep down
+his indignation at the manner in which the war had been conducted. When
+a nation really goes to war it should be in greater earnest about its
+work.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was much distrust, both as to the courage and the
+loyalty and
+firmness of the leaders. While the Major's feelings as a soldier had
+been outraged, there were many other thoughts which suggested
+themselves to him as a lover of his country, and in regard to which he
+maintained silence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He told us that Annette had behaved with dignity and composure
+when she
+went to receive the body of her husband. But now it was evident that
+she had attempted too much; that she was unwell, and would be obliged
+until autumn to repair to the sea-side, where her mother-in-law would
+be with her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When the Major remarked that he had heard it said that in this
+war even
+slight wounds might prove fatal, because every one was so filled with
+mortification, on account of this unholy strife, that the very idea
+itself would serve to aggravate even the slightest wound, my wife
+exclaimed, &quot;Yes, it is indeed so. There are wounds which are made fatal
+by the thoughts of those who receive them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We all felt that she was thinking of Ernst, and remained
+silent.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Major did not mention Ernst's name, nor did he inquire
+whether we
+had heard from him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had heard of the death of Carl, and was just about to pay a
+visit to
+his mother, when Rothfuss came rushing into the room in breathless
+haste, and told us that Carl was down in the stable, and begged that we
+would go to his mother and gently break the news of his safe return to
+her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We had Carl come up to us, and learned from him that he had
+been cut
+off from his companions during a reconnoissance, and taken prisoner,
+and had thus by mistake been entered in the list of the killed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When he heard this, the Major inveighed furiously at the want
+of system
+that obtained everywhere.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I decided that I would go to his mother, and that Carl and the
+Major
+should follow me a little while later.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I went to the spinner's cottage. She sat at her
+spinning-wheel; and I
+could not help believing myself the witness of a miracle, for as soon
+as she saw me, the old woman called out, &quot;Will he come soon?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She then told me that she had awakened during the night--she
+was quite
+sure it was not a dream--and had heard the voice of her son saying
+quite distinctly, &quot;Mother, I am not dead--I will soon be with you. I am
+coming--I am coming!&quot; And she had heard his very footsteps.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I went to the pastor's,&quot; she said, taking off one spindle and
+putting
+on a new one; &quot;the pastor had given orders to have the church-bell
+tolled on account of Carl's death; but I will not allow it--my Carl is
+alive, and I do not want to hear the bells tolling for his death.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I told her that in time of war there was necessarily much
+confusion,
+and that I, too, believed that her son was still alive, and would
+return again. I was just about to say that I had already seen Carl,
+when he stepped out from behind the wood-pile, and called out,
+&quot;Mother!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The spinner remained seated, but threw her spindle to the far
+end of
+the room.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Carl fell on his knees before her and wept.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You need not weep--I have done enough of it myself, already,&quot;
+said
+she. &quot;But I knew it--you are a good child, and you would not be so
+cruel as to die before me. Get up and pick up my spindle. Have you
+eaten anything, Carl? You must be hungry.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Carl told her that he did not wish for anything, she
+replied,
+&quot;Indeed, I have nothing but cold boiled potatoes. Now, do tell me, how
+did it seem when you were dead? You surely thought of me at the last
+moment? Tell me, did you not last night at three o'clock, wherever you
+were, say to yourself, 'Mother, I am not dead: I shall soon be with
+you--I will come soon--I will come soon?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Carl answered that he had really uttered those very words at
+the time
+mentioned.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is right,&quot; said the old woman.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She arose from her seat, took her son by the hand, and went on
+to say,
+&quot;Now, come up into the village with me. Let us go with these gentlemen.
+Major, I thank you for the honor of your visit. I suppose I may go
+along with you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We returned homewards.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was already known through the whole village, that the young
+man who
+had been lost and so sincerely deplored had returned. Friends poured
+forth from every doorway, while from the windows cries of &quot;Welcome
+Carl!&quot; were heard.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On our way we met Marie, carrying a bundle of clover on her
+head. She
+threw her bundle away and hurried towards Carl; but when she came up to
+him she suddenly stopped, as if frightened.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Good-day, Marie. I am glad that you, too, have come to bid me
+welcome,&quot; said Carl.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He extended both his hands to her, and she took hold of them,
+but did
+not utter a word.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We walked on, and when I turned to look back, I saw Marie
+sitting on
+the bundle of clover, with her face buried in her hands.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss was the jolliest in the party.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Now one can see how untruthful the world is,&quot; he exclaimed.
+&quot;Did not
+every one say how much he would give if only Carl were alive! He is
+here, now, and is alive again, and what do they give? Nothing. One
+ought not to do people the favor to die; anything in the world but
+death.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We reached the house. Carl's mother walked up to my wife and
+said,
+&quot;Madame Waldfried, here he is--my son Carl. Just as he has come back to
+all that is good, so will Ernst surely return. They were born on the
+same day--do you remember? There was a great storm at the time; and the
+nurse came directly from your house to mine. And at that very moment
+the lightning struck the tree that stands behind my house and tore it
+to pieces; and then the nurse said, 'This boy will see something of
+war.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You did not believe in it, but it came to pass, nevertheless.
+Down in
+the valley there is a spring, and a mother's heart is like a spring,
+for it flows by day and night. Your Ernst--my Ernst--will return
+again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No one dared reply, but with Ernst everything was different.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The old woman now begged that we would inform &quot;the great
+lady,&quot; as she
+always called Annette, of Carl's return. The Major promised to do so;
+and when he and I were alone together, he mentioned Ernst's name for
+the first time, and informed me that the commander of his division had,
+in the presence of the entire corps of officers, expressed his great
+regret that his brother-in-law had deserted.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst had brought pain and disgrace on us all; but there was
+still
+another trouble in store for us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A letter reached us from Johanna, in which she informed us in
+short,
+hard sentences that her son Martin had died of the wound he had
+received; and that her husband, who had been an invalid for many
+months, could not long survive him. I told the Major of this, but kept
+the news from the rest of the family.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the day before the Major left us, we had received a letter
+from
+Ludwig in America. He was delighted to know that the Diet had been
+dissolved, and thought that he now saw the dawning of a great era for
+our Fatherland. The Americans already spoke with great respect of
+Germany, and of the power of Prussia and its leaders.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was a bitter tone in the remarks of the Major when he
+said, &quot;Ah,
+yes; thus things seem to those who are far away, and get all their
+information from newspaper reports. If I only knew how I could turn my
+talents to use in the New World, I would ask for my discharge and
+emigrate to America.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This man, who had never known anything of discord or
+dissension, was
+now, like many others, torn by conflicting doubts.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The children had left; the house was quiet again, and winter
+approached.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella seemed filled with new life, and was glad that she
+could be
+alone with my wife again. When Annette wrote to us that she would spend
+the whole or a part of the winter in the village, Martella said, &quot;That
+is well, too: she is so entertaining to mother.&quot;</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">The Diet was again convoked; and I can hardly describe how
+hard I found
+it to leave my home and resume the disagreeable and exhausting
+occupations that now devolved on me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In company with Joseph, I drove into town, on my way to the
+capital,
+when Annette called to me from the warehouse of Edward Levi. Her
+mourning attire invested her with an air of majestic gloom; but her
+brilliant glance and her clear complexion prevented her black habit
+from looking too sombre. She must have noticed that I was pleased with
+this, for she said, &quot;I am trying to recover my health, and avail myself
+of the two greatest remedies; I have just left the ocean, and shall now
+go into the woods. My mother-in-law has gone to Paris to join her
+daughter, who is the wife of our minister. She has an idea that one
+cannot exist, save in Paris. I shall come and see you; you and your
+wife can do me much good, and I may perhaps be of some use to you. I
+have never learned how to lead a life of repose. I shall now learn it;
+in your house I shall find the best school, and your wife will have
+patience with a sad, yet wayward pupil.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She bought an ingeniously constructed stove with all sorts of
+cooking
+utensils belonging to it, and presented it to Carl's mother. Besides
+this, she had bought all sorts of new furniture for herself, as she
+intended to spend the winter at the village. She was so glad to see
+Rothfuss again that she left her carriage and got into ours, so that he
+might tell her of all that had happened during her absence. Her driver
+had been instructed to take all her new purchases up to Joseph's house
+and deliver them to her maid.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I went on towards the capital, and Annette towards the
+village.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the way, Joseph told me that he had done very well by the
+war. The
+South Germans, he told me, had been such violent partisans of Austria
+because the greater portion of the proprietors in the neighborhood had
+invested their money in Austrian securities.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette's brother had, however, in good season, called his
+attention to
+the fact that a great change was taking place in financial affairs.
+America had already successfully passed through a great war, and the
+current of capital was now tending in the direction of the United
+States, where its investment was both safe and profitable.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph's object in visiting the city was to dispose of his
+American
+bonds, which were then commanding a very high price.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It has always been, and will ever remain, a marvel to me how
+Joseph,
+with all his real interest in public life, could at the same time
+manage to reap a profit from the movements of capital.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had the good fortune to travel in company with Baron Arven,
+who was a
+member of the Upper Chamber, and was also on his way to the capital. He
+seemed greatly depressed, and admitted that the realization of hopes
+one could not help entertaining sometimes produced new and unforeseen
+griefs.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Thus it had been, he said, with the separation of Austria from
+the rest
+of Germany. It had long been recognized as necessary to the proper
+development of our own political life, and as an advantage to Austria;
+and yet, when it was brought about, it seemed more like a death that
+one had felt it his duty to wish for.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">From many hints that he threw out, I could not but feel
+assured that
+the painful political dissensions had been deeply felt by the Arvens,
+who were connected with the empire through so many family ties.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Baron invited me to take up my quarters, while in the
+capital, in
+his mansion, as his wife did not intend going there during that winter.
+I declined with thanks, as I had promised Annette to make use of the
+vacant dwelling that belonged to her.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">The deputies were all in a state of great excitement. There is
+no
+greater test of accord among a body of men than a sudden calamity. Just
+as, with an individual, a lazy resignation will, in times of doubt and
+indecision, alternate with vehement energy, and self-distrust succeed
+overconfidence, so did it happen with this large assembly. All felt
+that a bold operation was necessary, but who was to be the surgeon, and
+whence was he to come. It was necessary to wait for the hour of danger,
+and even then there was great reason to fear that when the treatment
+had been decided on, our cousin on the other side of the Rhine, who had
+been praised as the great saviour, might interpose his objections.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In a secret session, we were informed of the stipulations that
+had been
+determined on by the North German Confederation in regard to a union of
+German forces, in case of coming danger. We were sworn to secrecy, for
+all were afraid of our neighbor in the west.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My son-in-law, the Major, left on a long furlough. I have
+never yet
+been able to discover whether he passed his time in Paris or in Berlin.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The work and the angry debates in Parliament taxed our
+patience and
+endurance to the utmost.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I returned to my home, I was frightened by my wife's
+appearance;
+her face showed the traces of great suffering. Although I took all
+pains to prevent her from seeing that I noticed it, she discovered my
+concern, and assured me that she was feeling quite well, but was
+sometimes weak; and that all would be right again in the summer, when
+she would accompany Annette to the springs. She was so active and
+cheerful that I silenced my fears. She had already learned of the death
+of our grandson Martin, and spoke of it with calmness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She informed me of Martella's kind and considerate behavior.
+Rothfuss
+had been sick again, and even now was only able, with great exertion,
+to drag himself about the house. Martella took charge of all his
+duties, and, what with this and her instructions from mother and
+Annette, was kept quite busy; but she was never so happy and cheerful
+as when full of work.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife took great pleasure in explaining to me what strange
+counterparts Annette and Martella were.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette was endeavoring to free herself from the effects of
+overwrought
+culture and to get back to simplicity. Martella, who had become
+conscious of her own simplicity, was vexed thereat, and with iron
+industry sought to acquire the rudiments of an education. Annette had
+always lived out of herself; Martella had always lived within herself.
+Annette had always tried to subject everything to critical analysis:
+Martella was merely artless impressibility.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was certainly a strange pair that my wife was teaching to
+keep step
+with each other.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With great self-control Annette had accustomed herself to the
+quiet
+winter life of the village. She often said that she would leave in a
+few days. She seemed determined not to commit herself by any promise,
+in order that she might from day to day make new resolutions. When I
+told her that she was thus making both herself and us uncomfortable,
+she promised to remain until I should advise her to leave. She admitted
+that it was pleasant to her to be guided by another's will. She spun
+assiduously, and, like a diligent child, showed me the result of her
+labor.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The old spinner maintained that Annette was learning all the
+secrets of
+her art. In spite of this, she was at times unable to control her
+restless spirits. She had the snow cleared away from the pond, and went
+skating on the ice, while half of the village stood around looking at
+her. My sons had sometimes skated on this pond; but it was quite a
+different sight to see the tall, handsome lady, with the black feather
+in her hat and the closely fitting pelisse trimmed with fur. She
+ordered a pair of skates for Martella, but could never induce the child
+to try them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette left us occasionally in order to spend a few days with
+Baroness
+Arven. On her return it would always seem as if a wondrous change had
+come over her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One day she came back in great excitement and exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, if I could only have faith! I think I shall have to
+administer
+chloroform to my soul.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We could make no reply to this, and she soon again adapted
+herself to
+the quiet tenor of our life.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was obliged to introduce a change that gave me almost as
+much trouble
+as my opponents in the House of Delegates had done. It was necessary to
+engage some one to replace or assist Rothfuss. I could do nothing
+without his consent; several whom I had proposed he had rejected, and
+when I at last obtained Joseph's consent to engage Carl, Rothfuss was
+scarcely pleased, although he interposed no objections.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss always insisted that Carl, while a soldier, had
+behaved in the
+same way as the girl who said, &quot;Catch me: I'll hold still.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had allowed himself to be caught. If Ernst had only been
+smart
+enough to do likewise!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For the sake of his affection for Ernst, Carl submitted to
+this unjust
+reproach. He was indeed a brave and daring soldier, and felt provoked
+that during the whole war there had been nothing but marching hither
+and thither, back and forth, without once meeting the foe.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss and Martella had much to say to each other about
+Ernst, to
+whom Martella clung with unshaken confidence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Whenever the letter-carrier came, she was all anxious
+expectation, but
+had enough self-control to conceal her feelings for my wife's sake.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife never mentioned Ernst's name, but ever since the day
+on which
+news had come from him, her sleep had been restless.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I returned from the session she said to me, &quot;I am sure
+you have no
+news that you are concealing from me?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could truthfully assure her that I had none, and after that
+she
+seemed as tranquil as if she had been speaking of an indifferent
+subject. And yet this grief preyed on her incessantly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette received many letters; and, as she could have nothing
+to
+do with any one without feeling a personal interest in him, she
+would always have something to eat and drink ready for the country
+letter-carrier. She soon knew all about the toil and trouble
+inseparable from his work, and also inquired in regard to his family
+circumstances, and assisted him as well as she could.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She ordered a sheep-skin coat for him, but he was obliged to
+decline
+it, because in his walks over hill and dale the weight of it would have
+been insupportable. She presented the skin to a poor old man; and,
+indeed, tried to do good to every one in the village and neighborhood.
+The oldest house in the neighborhood is yet standing down in the
+valley. It is built of logs, and is known as <i>the hut</i>. The smoke fills
+the whole house and forces its way out through the crevices.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette found this smoky atmosphere particularly grateful. She
+often
+went down to the hut, and the people would come from the houses near by
+and listen to her stories and her strange jokes. She was always in good
+spirits on her return.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette had once encountered Rautenkron. She attempted to
+engage him in
+conversation, but he rudely turned on his heel; and when she was
+telling us of the manhater, my wife made a remark which I shall never
+forget:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;This man must have come from a respected and well-to-do
+family, for
+the child of poor parents can never become a misanthrope.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Although Annette kindly cared for the poor and did not permit
+herself
+to be repelled by any rudeness or vulgarity on their part, she was both
+severe and void of pity with the faults of those who were in better
+circumstances.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rimminger, who had taken his discharge and had married the
+only
+daughter of the rich owner of the saw-mill, endeavored, as an old
+comrade of her deceased husband, to bring about friendly relations
+between Annette and his household. She kept him at a distance, however,
+and expressed herself quite forcibly on the subject. She maintained
+that the young wife always looked like an <i>ennuied</i> duchess, and was
+constantly trying to show that she had been educated in Paris.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife said that she disapproved of such personalities.
+Annette looked
+at her with surprise and then cast her eyes to the ground.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Our days were full of work, our evenings all leisure; and
+Annette
+called our attention to something that had never occurred to us. She
+found it very strange that there were no playing-cards in our house.
+She could not conceive how, living in the country, we could have
+overlooked this pastime. But we had never felt the want of it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette had a rich, musical voice, and would often read aloud
+to us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph and his wife would come and listen, while Martella
+would spin so
+softly that one could not hear her wheel.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss would sit on the bench near the stove, and would
+artfully
+prevent us from noticing when he fell asleep. When the reading was
+over, he was always wide-awake, and would insist on being permitted to
+light the way to Joseph's house for Annette.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In her letters to Richard, my wife described our pleasant
+genial life;
+and yet, for the first time, Richard did not visit us once during the
+whole winter. He regretted that he had an extensive work in hand which
+could not be laid aside, and believed that he was about to finish a
+novel and important contribution to his favorite science.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette had procured various fugitive articles of Richard's
+that had
+been published in scientific journals, and during the winter had read
+all of his books, as well as an essay of his on the &quot;Origin of
+Language.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She once said: &quot;I do not consider it vanity when a writer asks
+me,
+'Have you read such and such work of mine?' How can he believe that one
+faithfully listens to his words if one does not care to become
+acquainted with the best that he has done--the fruit of the deepest
+labors of his calmer hours?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I read the Professor's writings, and find much in them that I
+cannot
+understand; but he wrote them, and I read them for that reason, if for
+no other. And then again, I often chance on passages which are quite
+clear to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife looked at me with a significant glance, and for the
+first time
+it occurred to me that it might be possible that Richard was in love
+with Annette, and for that reason held himself aloof from her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was towards the end of February. There was grief among our
+nearest
+friends. Joseph's father died. On the day that he was buried, Annette
+received a letter informing her of the illness of her mother-in-law in
+Paris.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I, of course, advised her to depart at once; and thus we were
+again
+left to ourselves. We all felt the void that Annette's departure had
+made, but soon after new and heavy troubles fell upon us.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Days have passed in which I did not once take my pen in hand;
+I could
+not. Must I indeed write of this? What forces me to do so?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Above all things, leave nothing unfinished that you have once
+begun,&quot;
+was a maxim of hers; and I must therefore tell of her death. When the
+fogs of autumn and the frosts of winter scatter the foliage of the
+trees, a branch may here and there be seen to which a few leaves are
+still clinging. Why should those alone have remained?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My memory has remained true to me; but of that grief which
+seemed to
+divide my life I have but little recollection. I constantly thought of
+the saying of Carl's mother, &quot;You are a good child: you cannot be so
+cruel as to die before me.&quot; From the garret, I looked on while they
+were filling up her grave. The spade shone in the sunshine. No one knew
+that I was looking on. Shall I again renew the feelings that then
+passed through my soul? Let it be so.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife was ill. She uttered no complaint, but she was feeble,
+and took
+no interest in what was going on about her. During the day, she would
+sleep for hours; and at night, when she awoke, would seem surprised by
+the surrounding objects. During her sleeping hours, she may have dwelt
+in quite a different region; but she never alluded to it. The physician
+gave her but little medicine, and consoled us with the hope that the
+return of summer, and a visit to a watering-place, with cheerful
+companions, would help her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette soon returned to us. She was followed by my daughter
+Johanna,
+who had, in the meanwhile, lost her husband, and was accompanied by her
+daughter Christiane. She took up her abode with us. Her only son was
+living as a vicar in the Unterland.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Assisted by Balbina, Johanna took charge of our entire
+household. When
+my wife told Martella that she had better submit to Johanna in all
+things, she replied, &quot;I shall gladly do so; this was her home before it
+was mine; and I shall thus be better able to spend all of my time with
+mother.&quot; My wife indeed preferred to have this stranger-child about
+her; for Johanna could not help treating us in a patronizing, pitying
+manner, because we were not as pious as she would have us be.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Spring returned, and my wife's health seemed to improve. I was
+quite
+happy again. At that time, I did not understand what the prudent and
+sensible physician meant, when he told me that it would be better for
+me to moderate my joy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">All preparations for a journey to the springs had been made.
+Bertha had
+promised to join us there, and bring her daughter with her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Suddenly the physician decided that it would be better if my
+wife would
+remain yet awhile among the surroundings she was accustomed to. He was
+a young and kind-hearted man, constantly endeavoring to improve himself
+by study; full of love for his calling, and beloved by all throughout
+the valley. His visits now became longer than they had been. He would,
+at times, acquaint me with the details of his own life, and tell me
+that, although he had lost his wife while quite young, he endeavored to
+console himself by the remembrance of the happy days he had passed in
+her society. I listened to his words without giving them further
+thought; but afterwards it became clear to me why he had spoken so
+impressively on the subject.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The days passed on. I gradually accustomed myself to the
+thought of my
+wife's illness; but when out in the fields, I would suddenly become
+alarmed, and imagine that something terrible must have taken place at
+the house. I would hurry home and find that all was going on as usual.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Back of my house, where the road makes a descent, the young
+teamsters
+would crack their whips quite loudly. I observed that this startled
+Gustava, and she overheard me telling Rothfuss to ask the young fellows
+not to make so great a noise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do not interfere with them,&quot; said she. &quot;A man who saunters
+along the
+road and has an instrument that is capable of making a noise, finds
+pleasure in using it. Do not stop him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had never, before that, seen Rothfuss in tears; but when he
+heard
+those words, he wept, and that evening he said to me, &quot;The angels who
+look down from heaven to see what we human beings on earth are doing,
+must be just as she is. She is no longer human--she will not stay with
+us. Pardon me: I am a stupid fellow to be talking this way. You know I
+am a simpleton, and do not understand such things. She is right,
+though; stupid people must always make a noise, be it with their mouths
+or with their whips.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had, however, in the meanwhile persuaded the youths not to
+crack
+their whips.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My wife was determined that Annette and Bertha should go to
+the springs
+without her; and, as she would listen to no refusal, they were obliged
+to comply with her desire.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Several weeks had gone by, when, one evening, the physician
+told me
+that she could last but a few days longer. I cannot describe my
+feelings at that moment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph telegraphed for the children. They came.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Strangely enough, my wife was not surprised by their speedy
+return. She
+conversed with them as if they had not been away more than an hour.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The physician said that perhaps there might still be a chance
+to save
+my wife by injecting another's blood into her veins, and that, at all
+events, the attempt should be made. Johanna immediately declared her
+readiness, and though her offer was well meant, the manner in which it
+was made jarred on my feelings. She said that, as a daughter, she had
+the first right; but, if they did not want her blood her child must be
+willing.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The physician declared that neither her blood nor that of her
+child
+would serve the purpose.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The choice now lay between Martella and Annette, and when the
+physician
+decided in favor of Martella, her face brightened, and she exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Take my blood--every drop of it--all that I have.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Some of Martella's blood was injected into my wife's veins,
+and during
+the night, she gained in strength. But it was very sad to find that she
+had almost lost her hearing, and that the only medium of pleasure yet
+left her was the sense of sight.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martha, the eldest daughter of the kreis-director, had painted
+a
+picture of the view from our balcony, looking towards the woods down by
+the stone wall, and now brought it to my wife, who was delighted with
+it. The only figure was a hunter coming out of the woods.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martha told us that she could not draw figures, and that
+Annette had
+been kind enough to sketch the huntsman for her; and she kissed my
+wife's hands on hearing her say, &quot;I think the hunter looks like our
+grandson, Julius.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was on the 22d of July, when she said, &quot;Have a little
+pine-tree
+brought for me, from my woods, and placed here beside my bed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I sent Rothfuss out to the woods; he brought a little pine,
+placed it
+in a flower-pot, and I observed, while he was leaning over it, how his
+tears dropped upon the branches.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He turned around to me and said, &quot;I hope that will not harm
+the little
+tree.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I placed the tree at her bedside, she smiled and moved
+her left
+hand among its branches, but the hand soon fell down by her side.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What wonderful powers of memory lie in a mother's heart! She
+would tell
+us of a thousand and one little stories and sayings of Ernst, and of
+his bright, clever freaks, with as much detail as if they had happened
+but the moment before; but, strangely enough, she did all this without
+mentioning his name. She praised his flaxen hair, and moved her hand as
+if passing it through his locks.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you not recollect how he once said, 'Mother, I cannot
+imagine how
+you could have been in the world without me: of course I have never
+been in the world without you'?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She repeated the words, &quot;without you--without me,&quot; perhaps a
+hundred
+times during the night: and she was almost constantly humming snatches
+of old songs.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the morning, just as day was breaking, she turned around to
+me, and
+said with a smile, &quot;This is his birthday.&quot; And that was her last smile.
+&quot;This is Ernst's birthday.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And when the lost son returned, there was no mother to receive
+him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her silent thoughts had always been of him, but now they were
+deeper
+than ever.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She had lost her hearing. Suddenly she exclaimed in a loud
+voice, &quot;God
+be praised; Richard will marry her after all!&quot; and then--I cannot go on
+with the story--I must stop.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was eleven o'clock (I do not know why I was always looking
+towards
+the clock that day) when she said, &quot;Water from my spring.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard hurried to bring it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What must his thoughts have been while on his way there and
+back!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He soon returned, bringing the water with him, but she seemed
+to have
+forgotten that she had asked for it. When Richard lifted her up in bed,
+and placed the glass to her lips, she motioned him away.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I heard a voice from without the house. A cold shudder came
+over me; my
+hair stood on end.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It is the voice of our son Ernst!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">If Ernst were to come at this time! Could he have been drawn
+here by a
+presentiment of what is happening? And if he were here, what power
+could dare take him away from us, at this moment--and how will he enter
+his mother's presence?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I hurried out. It was Julius--his voice is just like Ernst's.
+He
+brought a letter that Edward Levi had handed to him. It was from Ernst,
+and was dated at Algiers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could not stop to read the letter. I could not remain away
+from the
+bedside--every moment was yet a drop of blood to me, and everything
+glimmered before my eyes. I hurried back to the sick-room; my wife
+looked at me with strangely bright eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There is a letter here from Ernst!&quot; I called out.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I do not know whether she understood me, but she reached for
+the sheet
+that was in my hand, and held it with a convulsive grasp.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I lifted her head, and moved it towards the cooler side of the
+pillow;
+she opened her eyes, and tried to raise her arms; I bent towards her
+and she kissed me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was just striking the hour of noon, when she breathed her
+last.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I tottered to her room at last; it seemed to me as if I must
+still find
+her alive; and when I was in her chair, I could not realize that I was
+seated there, and that she lay so near me, while I could do nothing for
+her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I do not know how it was, but I felt awed by the very silence
+of the
+place.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella said, &quot;I have stopped the clock; it, too, shall stand
+still.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They had withdrawn the letter from her convulsively closed
+hand, and I
+read it. It has since disappeared--whither, I know not. I remember only
+this--that it contained news from Algiers, and that Ernst said in it
+that if Martella and Richard were fond of one another, he was quite
+ready to release her from any promise to him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With the exception of Ernst and Ludwig, all of my children
+were
+present. Many friends, too, were there. I recollect that I grasped the
+hands of many of them; but what avails that? They all have their own
+life left them--I have none.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">All arose to attend to the funeral. They set down the coffin
+in front
+of the house, and not far from the spring. They told me that my
+grandson, the vicar, delivered an impressive address in the name of the
+family. I heard nothing but the rushing of the water.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">How I reached her grave, or who led me, I know not.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This alone do I know. I saw how Martella kissed the handful of
+earth
+that she threw into the empty grave, and when I returned homeward, the
+waters were still roaring in our fountain. It roars and roars.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I felt borne down as if by a load of lead. Tears were not
+vouchsafed
+me. I could not realize that my hands could move, my eyes see--in fact
+that I was still alive.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I looked out again over the valley and towards the hills,
+it
+suddenly seemed as if my eyes had become covered with a film, and then
+all--the forest, the meadows, and the houses seemed of a blood-red
+color, as if steeped in the dark glow of evening.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I closed my eyes for a long while, and when I opened them
+again, I saw
+that the meadows and the woods were green, and everything had its
+natural color.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The water flows over the weir and bubbles and rushes and
+sparkles
+to-day, just as it did yesterday, and as it will tomorrow. How can it
+be possible that all continues to live on, and she not here. Do not
+tell me that nature can comfort us against real grief. Against a loss
+for aye she availeth nothing.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">If, in your closet, you have grieved because of insult and
+falsehood
+and meanness, do but go out into the fields or woods. While gazing upon
+the bright and kindly face of nature, or inhaling the sweet perfume of
+the trees and flowers, you will soon learn to forget such troubles. How
+weak is all the world's wickedness, when compared with such undying
+grandeur? That which is best on earth is still yours, if these things
+but preserve their sway over you. But, if your wife has been torn away
+from you, neither tree, nor stream, nor the blue heavens, nor the
+flowers, nor the singing birds will help you. All nature lives a life
+of its own, and unto itself, and of what avail is it all, when she no
+longer shares it with me?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The first thing that recalled me to myself, was hearing the
+old spinner
+say to Carl, &quot;Why am I yet here? She was so good and so useful, and I
+am nothing but a burden to you and to the world. Why must I stay
+behind? I would so gladly have gone in her stead.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The poor people were gathered all about the house, and one old
+woman
+cried out, through her tears, &quot;The bread she gave us was doubly
+welcome, for it was given cheerfully.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I felt that my energies would never again arouse themselves. I
+cannot
+say that the thought alarmed me; I merely felt conscious that my mental
+powers were either failing or torpid. For days I could not collect my
+thoughts, and led a dull, listless, inanimate life. My children were
+about me, but their sympathy did not help me. Ernst's evil letter was
+the only thing that had any effect on me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could not realize that what had once been life, was now
+nothing more
+than a thought, a memory.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I heard some one coming up the steps, I always thought it
+must be
+she returning and saying, &quot;I could not stay away; I must return to you,
+you are so lonely. The children are good and kind, but we two cannot
+remain apart.&quot; And then I would start with affright, when I noticed how
+my thoughts had been wandering.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I walked in the street, I felt as if I were but half of
+myself. As
+long as she was with me I had always felt myself rich, for my home
+contained her who was best of all.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No one can know what a wealth of soul had been mine; through
+her, and
+with her, I had felt myself moving in a higher spiritual sphere. But
+now I felt so broken, so bereft, as if my entire intellectual
+possessions had gone to naught. The children are yet here; but they are
+for themselves. My wife alone was here for me--was indeed my other
+self.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Before that, when I awakened of a morning it was always a
+pleasure to
+feel conscious of life itself; but now with every morrow I had to begin
+anew and try to learn how to reconcile myself to my loss. But that is a
+lesson I shall never learn. My sun had gone down; I did not care to
+live any longer, because all that I experienced seemed to come in
+between her and me, and I did not wish to live but in thoughts of her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I looked at her lamp, her table, her work-basket--all these
+had
+survived her, are still here, and will remain. The one clock was never
+wound up afterward. From that day, there was but one clock heard in our
+room.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I can now understand why the ancients buried the working
+implements
+with their dead.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I looked out of the window. The neighbors' children were in
+the street;
+their noise grated on my ears. I could not but think how she once said
+to me, &quot;Why should it annoy us? Is it anything more than the singing of
+the birds? The children are like so many innocent birds.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">All things remind me of her. I could sit by the window for
+hours and
+look at the chickens running back and forth, picking up crumbs, and
+watching the strutting cock.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I must have been like a little child that, for the first time,
+begins
+to take notice of the objects that surround it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I seemed as if awaking from darkness, as if dreaming with my
+eyes
+open. Everything seemed new and strangely mysterious to me, although I
+had nearly attained my seventieth year.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When, after many weeks, I again saw my face in the mirror, I
+was
+surprised at the saddened, sunken features of the old man. Could that
+be I!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had gone to the neighboring village to order a gravestone.
+On my way
+home, night overtook me. Suddenly a storm burst upon the valley. Like a
+child, I counted the interval between the lightning and the thunder. At
+first I could count up to thirty-two, afterwards only to seven; and
+then I stopped counting. I saw the houses by the roadside, and knew who
+lived in them here and there, I might have found shelter, but what
+should I do in a strange house, wet to the skin as I was? I kept in the
+middle of the road, on the broken stone. When I came to where the
+little bridge was, I had to wade through the water.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I noticed that I was in the midst of the storm-cloud. How
+glorious it
+would have been to die at that moment--to be struck dead by lightning!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But my children, my children!&quot; I uttered the words in a loud
+voice,
+but the thunder drowned my cries.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The flashes of lightning succeeded each other so rapidly that
+they
+blinded me; I could see nothing more. I closed my eyes and held fast to
+a rock by the wayside. I had never heard such fearful roaring of the
+thunder, or seen such uninterrupted flashes of lightning. I stood still
+and concluded to wait there, while I thought of the many other beings
+who were also exposed to this storm; and at last, I could weep. I had
+not wept since her death, and now it did me good. The hail beat into my
+face, already wet with tears.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Suddenly Rothfuss appears and exclaims: &quot;Martella sends me.
+Oh, God be
+praised! there is a good bed waiting for you at home.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Guided by Rothfuss, I reached the house. Although my family
+were
+greatly concerned as to the effect it might have, the shock that I had
+undergone had really benefited me. I slept until noon, and when I arose
+I felt as if breathing a new life.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I must stop here. I cannot go on. I was obliged to learn how
+to begin
+life anew. When one has buried his dearest love in the earth, the earth
+itself becomes a changed world, and one's step upon it a different one.
+I trust that I shall not be obliged hereafter to repeat my lamentations
+for my own life. The first tranquillizing influence I found was in the
+statue gallery, with its figures from another world, so silent, so
+unchanging. We can offer them nothing, and yet they give us so much:
+they are without life or color, but they represent life in its
+imperishable beauty.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss offered me a strange solace. He said, &quot;Master, there
+must be
+another woman somewhere in this world just as she was.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I always thought that God only suffered the sun to shine
+because she
+was here, but I see that the sun still shines, and so there must be
+others like her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella, however, could not realize that she was dead.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It cannot be: it is not true: she is not dead. She is surely
+coming up
+the steps now. How is it possible that a being can remain away from
+those who love her so? I have one request to make. I wish you would
+give the pretty dresses to Madame Johanna and Fraulein Christiane; a
+few of the work-day clothes you can give to me, and the good woollen
+dress you can give to Carl's mother. Let no one else have any of her
+clothes. It would grieve me to the heart to know that a strange person
+was wearing anything that she had worn. Whoever wears a dress of hers
+can neither think an evil thought nor do an evil deed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My son Ludwig wrote a letter, in which he lamented my wife's
+death with
+all the feeling of which a son is capable, and yet spoke of death as a
+wise man should. My daughter Johanna lost the letter. I think she must
+have destroyed it on account of the heresies it contained.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My consolation is that I have been found worthy of the perfect
+love of
+so pure a being; that, of itself, is worth all the troubles of life.
+Let what may come hereafter, what I have experienced cannot be taken
+from me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I have had a tomb-stone placed at her grave. It has two
+tablets on one
+are the words:</p>
+
+<p class="center">&quot;HERE LIES<br>
+IPHIGENIA GUSTAVA WALDFRIED,<br>
+<i>Born December 15th, 1807</i>,<br>
+<i>Died July 23d, 1867</i>.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the other, my name shall one day be placed.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+<hr class="W10">
+<h2>BOOK THIRD.</h2>
+<hr class="W10">
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Life is indeed a sacred trust. I now began to feel that great
+and noble
+duties yet claimed me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had become dull and listless. I had taken life as it came,
+resigning
+my will to outer influences, just as one without appetite sits down to
+a meal, merely to gain nourishment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had become morbidly sensitive; every effort that was made to
+alleviate my sufferings and restore my accustomed spirits only served
+to pain me anew.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was now experiencing the worst effect of grief--indifference
+to the
+world.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My path seemed to lie through dismal darkness; but at last I
+stepped
+out into the bright light of day and into the busy haunts of men.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The village street leads into the highway; the forest-brooks
+flow on
+until they reach the river that empties itself into the ocean.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Thus too has it been with my life.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yielding to Joseph's earnest wishes, I had made a collection
+of
+specimens illustrating every stage in the cultivation and growth of the
+white pine. When the collection was complete, I sent it to the great
+Paris Exposition.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I received a medal of honor. I did not really deserve it; it
+should in
+justice have gone to Ernst, who had acquainted me with the results of
+his careful study of the subject.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I have the diploma, and the medal bearing the effigy of
+Napoleon. I
+looked at them but once, and then enclosed them under seal. They will
+be found in the little casket that contains my discharge from the
+fortress and other strange mementoes of the past.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph asked me to accompany him to Paris, and would listen to
+no
+refusal. He wanted to acquaint himself with the new methods of
+kyanizing railroad ties, and insisted that he could not get along
+without my aid.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had not yet escaped from that condition in which it is well
+to resign
+one's self to the guidance of others.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I saw Paris for the second time. My first visit was in 1832 or
+1833,
+and was undertaken with the object of making the acquaintance of La
+Fayette. In those days we fondly believed that Paris was to save the
+world.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Compared with what I now saw, all that had been done in the
+Parliament
+that was held in the High street of our little capital seemed petty and
+trifling.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Though storms were gathering, Jupiter Napoleon sat enthroned
+over all
+Europe, and ruled the thunder and the lightning.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I saw him surrounded by all the European monarchs, and often
+asked
+myself whether the world's life is, after all, anything but mummery.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One day, while I was sitting on a bench in the Champs Elysées,
+and
+gazing at the lively, bustling throng that passed before me, I was
+approached by a Turco, who said to me:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Are you not Herr Waldfried?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My heart trembled with emotion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Was it not Ernst's voice? Before I could collect my thoughts,
+the
+stranger had vanished in the great crowd that followed in the wake of
+the Emperor, who was just passing by.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I caught another glimpse of the man with the red fez and
+called out to
+him; but he had vanished.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Had I been awake or dreaming?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It could not have been Ernst. He would not have left me after
+thus
+addressing me. And if it were he after all! I felt sure that he would
+return; so I waited in the hope of again seeing the stranger. The
+people who passed me seemed like so many shadows, and I felt as if
+withdrawn from the world.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Night approached, and I was obliged to go to my lodgings. I
+told Joseph
+of all that had happened. He stoutly maintained that I must have been
+dreaming; but nevertheless went with me the next day to the Champs
+Elysées where, seated on a bench, we waited for hours without seeing
+any sign of the stranger.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On my journey homeward, I spent a whole week with my sister
+who lives
+in the forest of Hagenau. She can cheer me up better than any of my
+children can. Her excellent memory enabled her to remind me of many
+little incidents connected with our childhood and our parental home. In
+her house, I was, for the first time since my affliction, able to
+indulge in a hearty laugh.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the eyes of my brother-in-law, the medal awarded me at the
+Exposition invested me with new importance; he never omitted to allude
+to this mark of distinction, when introducing me to his acquaintances.
+On the 15th of August, Napoleon's <i>fête</i> day, he actually wanted me to
+wear the medal on my coat. He could not understand why I would not
+carry it about with me constantly, so as to make a show of my medal of
+honor, notwithstanding the fact that the French consider their whole
+nation as the world's legion of honor. Every individual among them
+seems anxious to thrust himself forward at the expense of the rest.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My sister privately informed me that the young sergeant whom I
+met at
+her house was a suitor for the hand of her eldest daughter, and was
+only awaiting the satisfactory settlement of the proper dowry on his
+future wife. He was a young man of limited information, but was very
+polite and respectful towards me. He hoped to win his epaulets in an
+early war with Prussia, which had been so bold as to gain Sadowa and
+conclude a peace without paying France the tribute of a portion of her
+territory.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The young man evidently thought himself vastly my superior,
+and spoke
+of the future of the South German States in a patronizing and pitying
+tone. As I did not think it worth while to contradict him, he fondly
+thought that he was instructing me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As a German, I found the Hagenau Forest of especial interest,
+from the
+fact that a part of it had been presented to the town of Hagenau by the
+Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I gave my brother-in-law many councils in regard to
+arboriculture; but,
+as the new ideas entailed work, he declined making use of them. He was
+very proud of his epaulets which were displayed in a little frame that
+hung on the wall; but he was devoid of all love for the forest, and
+indifferent to anything that helped the State without at the same time
+contributing to his personal advancement.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I passed a delightful day with my brother-in-law the pastor.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I accompanied him to church, and was greatly moved to once
+again hear
+German preaching and German hymns. The organist was one of the most
+respected men of the neighborhood, and was the owner of a large forge.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was introduced to him after the service. In the presence of
+others,
+he was quite reserved towards me; but during the afternoon, he visited
+the pastor, and, while we were seated in the arbor under the
+walnut-tree, we conversed freely in regard to the dangers that, in
+Alsace, menaced the last remnant of German institutions and the
+Evangelical Church.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;France was happiest under Louis Philippe,&quot; said the pastor;
+and when
+the manufacturer ventured to inveigh against the Emperor, he replied
+that Napoleon was not so bad a man after all, but that the Empress was
+spoiling everything; that she was a friend of the Pope, and was
+endeavoring, at one and the same time, to destroy Protestantism and
+increase luxury.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I returned home. Johanna superintended my household affairs,
+and also
+the farm, with great judgment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">During the whole winter I was in delicate health, and in the
+following
+year I was obliged to visit the springs of Tarasp. Richard accompanied
+me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was indeed unwell, for when I rode through the Prattigau and
+the wild
+waters of the Land-quart roared at the side of the road, it seemed to
+me as if the stream were a living monster that was climbing up and
+seeking to devour me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When on Fluella, I plucked the first Alpine rose. I wept.
+There was no
+one left to whom I could carry the flower that bloomed by the wayside.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard regarded me for a long while in silence, and at last
+said,
+&quot;Father, I know what it is that moves your soul. Let it content you
+that you did so much to make her life a lovely one.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On those heights, where no plant can live, where no bird
+sings, where
+nothing can be heard but the rushing of the snow currents, where the
+fragments of rocks lay bare and bleak, and eternal snows fill the
+ravines, I felt as if I were floating in eternity--released from all
+that belonged to earth--and I called out her name--&quot;Gustava!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah, if one could wait until death should overtake him in this
+cold,
+bleak region, where naught that has life can endure.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I went on, and met people who had pitched their dwellings in
+lofty
+spots, in order to shelter and entertain tourists. My heart seemed
+congealed; but I can yet remember where I was when it again thawed into
+life. Neither the lofty mountains nor the mighty landscape helped me. I
+sat by the roadside and saw a little bush growing from among the
+rubble-stones and bearing the blue flowers called snakeweed. And it was
+there that I became myself again.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But look! A bee comes flying towards the bush. She bends down
+into the
+open blossoms; she overlooks none of them, from the top to the bottom
+of the bush, but seems to find nothing, and flies off to another
+flower. On the next branch she sucks for a long while from every
+flower-cup.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A second bee, apparently a younger one, approaches. She, too,
+tries
+flower after flower, and does not know that some one has been there
+before her. At last, however, she seems to become aware of the fact,
+and skips two or three of the blossoms until she at last finds one that
+contains nourishment for her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Here by the wayside, just as up above where human footsteps do
+not
+reach, there grows a flower that blooms for itself, and yet bears
+within it nourishment for another.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I do not know how long I may have been seated there, but when
+I arose I
+felt that life had returned to me, and that I was in full sympathy with
+all that was firmly rooted in the earth or freely moving upon its
+surface.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My soul had been closed to the world, but was now again open
+to the air
+and the sunshine of existence. From that moment, I felt the spell of
+the lofty peaks and lovely scenery, and, yielding to it, at last became
+absorbed in self-communion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was again living in unconstrained and cheerful intercourse
+with human
+beings; and indeed I could not, at times, refrain from showing some of
+the well-informed Swiss that I met how carelessly and sinfully their
+countrymen were treating the forests. They complained that the
+independence of the cantons and the unrestrained liberty of individuals
+rendered it useless to make any attempt to protect the forests.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I made the acquaintance of many worthy men, and that, after
+all, is
+always the greatest acquisition.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We met the widow of our cousin who had fallen at Königgratz.
+She was
+exceedingly gay, was surrounded by a train of admirers, and flaunted in
+elegant attire. She nodded to us formally and seemed to take no pride
+in her citizen relatives.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I must report another occurrence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the very last morning, Richard had succeeded in plucking a
+large
+bunch of edelweiss. He was coming down the mountain where the wagon was
+waiting for us. Just then another wagon arrived, and in it was Annette
+with her maid.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard offered the flowers to Annette.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Were you thinking of me when you plucked them?&quot; she asked.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;To be truthful, I was not.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Thanks for the flowers--and for your honesty.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I did not know, when plucking them, for whom they were; but I
+am glad
+to know that now they are yours.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Thanks; you are always candid.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We continued our journey. On the way, Richard said, &quot;Our
+cousin, the
+Baroness, is quite a new character; she ought to be called 'the
+watering-place widow.' She travels from one watering-place to another,
+wears mourning or half-mourning, is quite interesting, and always has a
+crowd buzzing around her. It were a great pity if Annette were to turn
+out in the same way.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I replied, &quot;If she were to marry, which indeed, were greatly
+to be
+desired, she would no longer be 'the watering-place widow.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He made no answer, but bit off the end of a cigar which he had
+been
+holding in his hand for some time.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On our way home, we rested in the shadow of a rock on a high
+Alpine
+peak, and there I found a symbol of what was passing between Annette
+and Richard--a forget-me-not growing among nettles.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">I reached home refreshed and invigorated. The china-asters
+that she had
+planted were blooming. Martella had decorated her grave with the
+loveliest flowers, and maintained that the wild bees affected that spot
+more than any other. Her memory gradually began to present itself to me
+as overgrown with flowers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I went to attend the winter session of the Parliament, and
+Martella
+accompanied me. We lived with Annette--she would take no refusal, and
+we were both at ease in her beautiful house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette always wanted to have Martella about her, but Martella
+had an
+unconquerable--I cannot say aversion, but, rather, dread of Annette;
+for Annette had an unpleasant habit of calling attention to every
+remark of Martella's, and had even quoted several of them in society.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard, who, as the representative of the University, had
+become a
+member of the Upper Chamber, seemed provoked; not on account of my
+having brought Martella with me, but because I had allowed myself to be
+induced to stay at Annette's house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He hinted that Annette's marked hospitality was not caused by
+regard
+for me; and it really seemed as if she desired to see much of Richard
+at her house, although he had been cold and distant, and, at times,
+even scornful towards her. Nevertheless, he often visited us and
+allowed Annette to draw him into all sorts of discussions.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One evening when we three were alone,--Annette had been
+invited to the
+house of a friend,--Martella said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Richard, do you know what Madame Annette admires most in
+you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your fine teeth. She lets you use your good teeth to crack
+her hard
+nuts.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard jumped up from his seat embraced Martella, and kissed
+her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella blushed crimson and called out, &quot;Richard, you are so
+polite
+and yet so rude! Is that proper?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But Richard was quite happy to know that Martella had guessed
+at what
+had so often displeased him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella, who never wanted to leave me, one day suddenly
+expressed a
+wish to return home. Annette had on the previous evening taken her to
+the theatre, where a ballet had been produced in addition to the drama.
+A little child, representing a winged spirit, had descended from above,
+and Martella had called out in a loud voice, &quot;That hurts!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">All eyes were turned to Annette's box, in which Martella sat
+with her
+eyes wide open and looking towards the stage as if oblivious of aught
+else.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette left the theatre with her. Martella could not be
+induced to
+utter a single word in explanation of her sudden fright. I was
+surprised to find how Annette bore this mishap, in which she herself
+had been subjected to the unkind glances of all the audience. &quot;How
+strange,&quot; said she; &quot;we are all, unconsciously, slaves of ceremony.
+There seems to be a tacit understanding that every member of a theatre
+audience or art-gathering must either remain silent or confine himself
+to one of two childish expressions--clapping the hands and hissing. And
+here this child is perfectly innocent, and I thank her for having
+solved another problem for me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the morning, Martella wanted to go home. We accompanied her
+to the
+depot, and I telegraphed to Rothfuss to meet her at the station.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My active labors for the Fatherland had restored me. In my
+solitary
+walks, my mind was now occupied by something besides constant thoughts
+of myself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Spring was with us again, and the wondrous power that revives
+the human
+soul had its influence on me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was often invited to consultations in regard to matters
+affecting the
+common weal, and it seemed as if my little world was extending its
+area, when I made the acquaintance of many brave men, who lived in a
+neighboring district, and who kept alive their hopes for the future of
+our Fatherland.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">During the summer holidays, Richard paid us a visit. He and
+Baron Arven
+had stocked the forest-streams with choice varieties of fish. In some
+instances they had not succeeded in getting a pure breed; there were
+pikes among their fish.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was fortunate enough with several of the streams, but was
+greatly
+provoked to find that the farmers of the neighboring villages would not
+wait until the young brood had grown, and had already begun to catch
+the fish. He induced the authorities to threaten the farmers with a
+fine, but on the next day found the notice floating on the stream.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He appointed a forester as watchman, and spent the night in a
+log cabin
+hastily built near by. Once they were fortunate enough to catch the
+thief.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard and the forester brought the culprit before the
+authorities,
+and he was sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment. While we were seated
+at table, Richard expressed his satisfaction at the punishment which
+had been meted out to the offender. This made Martella as angry as I
+have ever seen her, and she became the more provoked when Richard
+quickly took down the mirror and held it up to her, saying:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Here, look at yourself; you are prettiest when you are
+angry.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is nothing to you, how I look!&quot; cried Martella. &quot;Tell such
+things
+to your Madame Annette, but not to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The color left Richard's cheeks.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette had for several weeks been living in the neighborhood,
+with
+Baroness Arven, and Martella had hardly finished speaking, when we
+heard the clatter of horses' hoofs in front of the house. Annette and
+Baron Arven came riding up the road. The Baron congratulated Richard on
+having caught the first of the pirates, and Annette was in quite a
+merry mood.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Baron also brought us a piece of news that he had just
+received
+from his brother, the forester-in-chief, to the effect that my grandson
+Julius had been appointed assistant forester, and that the next
+official gazette would announce the appointment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We sent for Joseph. We were all very happy at the news, and
+Martella
+exclaimed, &quot;That is the position Ernst wished for. But I congratulate
+Miss Martha with all my heart she will make a handsome young wife for
+the town forester.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We had always avoided alluding to this connection, but now
+that it had
+been openly mentioned, we made no concealment of our joy.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Richard and the Baron rode over to the Wild Lake which they
+had
+intended to stock. Annette accompanied them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was already night, but Richard had not returned; I was
+seated alone
+at the table, and waiting for him. It had always been his habit to tell
+us when he intended to remain out longer than the usual time.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella entered. Her cheeks were flushed, and she said,
+&quot;Father, send
+me away--wherever it be. I cannot remain here. It shall not be my fault
+if any one is bad.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Trembling, and covering her face with her hands, she declared
+that
+Richard had told her that Ernst was unworthy of her, even if he were
+yet living, and that he would never return again. And after that he
+said--it was some time before she would tell what it was, and at last
+she exclaimed: &quot;that he loves me with all his heart, and wanted to make
+me his wife! He! His brother! I would rather he should tie a stone
+about my neck, and throw me into the lake where his young fishes are! I
+could hardly believe at first, that he had said it, and answered him:
+'That is a poor joke: just think of how your mother would feel if she
+knew that you would joke in this way!' and then he swore that mother
+had said Ernst was untrue to me, and had for that very reason gone out
+into the wide world. Can mother have said that? My eyes would start
+from their sockets, before Ernst would forsake me. But let me never see
+Richard again. Never! Let me go away. You can send me away, but Richard
+cannot cease to be your son. Nor can I cease to be your child, but I
+can go away.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It is impossible to find words for all that bubbled forth from
+Martella's soul. I pacified her, and she promised to remain until the
+next day.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I sat up alone to await Richard's return. He did not come
+until near
+midnight.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He wanted to bid me a short &quot;good-night,&quot; but I detained him.
+He sat
+down and told me that the Baron and Annette had met Rautenkron down by
+the lake, and that he had ridiculed their undertaking. He had said, and
+rightly too: &quot;Where there are no frogs, there is no stork; where there
+are no flies and worms, there are no birds or fishes. In what was
+called 'all-bountiful nature' one beast used the other for its blessed
+meal; and, besides that, the lake was entirely frozen over every
+winter, and had no outlet that was open through the whole year. If
+fishes were in it, they would become suffocated for want of air.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rautenkron had displayed much knowledge in the matter, but he
+would not
+consent to assist them. He was delighted, moreover, that nature
+contained much that was egotistic and was of no use to mankind. Thus
+spoke Richard.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was indignant. I could hardly conceive how Richard could
+talk about
+such subjects, and not make the slightest allusion to what had happened
+between him and Martella. I thought of Ernst's letter that I had
+received on the day of my wife's death. No one had seen it but I; for
+why should I have cared to spread the knowledge of Ernst's wickedness
+in offering his betrothed to another? Could it be that an open rupture
+with Annette had urged Richard to this unheard-of deed?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I endeavored to stifle my indignation, and said, &quot;You talk of
+the Wild
+Lake--Wild Lake, indeed; you have an unfathomable one in yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He looked at me with surprise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What do you mean, father?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;How can you ask? You dare to touch that which should be holy
+in your
+eyes--the betrothed of your brother!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Father, did she tell you herself?&quot; he said hesitatingly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And I replied:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What matters that? Until now, I had always thought that you
+were even
+a better man than I was at your age; do not undeceive me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I said nothing more, and that was enough.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the following morning, Richard announced that he was about
+to
+depart, and it cost me a great effort to induce Martella to permit him
+to take leave of her. At last she came, on condition that I would
+remain present while Richard bade her farewell.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Martella, you have a right to be angry with me, but I am
+angrier at
+myself than you can possibly be. I make no protestations, no oaths; but
+I pledge my honor as a man, that you will nevermore hear a wrong word
+or receive a wrong glance from me. Farewell.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Thus, this trouble was arranged; but it seemed as if there
+could be
+nothing perfect in this world.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I do not know whether Johanna had been eavesdropping, or how
+she
+happened to find it out; but, at dinner, she spitefully hinted at what
+had happened, for when we were talking of the imprisoned fish poacher,
+she said, &quot;People who are without religion are capable of anything, and
+the irreligious ones who catch a thief are no better than the thief
+himself. They stretch forth their hands to grasp things that ought to
+be sacred in their eyes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">During the whole of that winter I saw nothing of Richard, and
+received
+but one letter from him, in which he informed me that he had been
+offered an appointment at a distant university, and that, for many
+reasons, he would gladly have accepted it, but that the Prince had
+requested him to remain in the country. He added that he was now again
+able to say that his only happiness lay in the pursuit of science.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was a great pleasure to me to have Julius stationed in our
+neighborhood. He was so pure, so fresh, and so bright, that whenever he
+came to our house, his presence seemed like the odor of flowers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I am indebted to Julius for joys which even transcend those my
+children
+have given me, and my pride in my eldest grandson was now about to be
+mingled with that I cherished for my eldest son.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My joy was fully shared by Rothfuss. He counted how many days
+it would
+be before Ludwig arrived, and said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There are but seven steps yet--right foot, sleep; left foot,
+get up;
+or, taking it the other way, the two together make one step.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The last days of waiting seemed long, even to me. Ludwig had
+particularly requested that I should not go to meet him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the night before his arrival, I suddenly felt so oppressed
+that I
+thought I should die.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I heard footsteps on the stairs, and, afterward, the breathing
+of some
+one in front of my door. Assuredly, he has wished to prevent my
+worrying--he is here already.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Who is there?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is I,--Rothfuss. I thought to myself that you would not be
+able to
+sleep, and then it suddenly occurred to me that everybody says I am so
+entertaining that I can put any one to sleep, and so I thought--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss' allusion to this peculiar art made me laugh so
+heartily that
+I felt quite well again. After he left the room, I was obliged to laugh
+again at the thought of what he had said; and then I fell asleep, and
+did not awake until the bright daylight shone into my room.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<p class="right"><i>May</i> 28, 1870.</p>
+
+<p class="continue">&quot;Good-morning, dear Henry,&quot; she said to herself, this day
+forty-six
+years ago, when she awoke on the last morning she spent in her own
+chamber.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Good-morning, Gustava,&quot; said I, opening my eyes. It was the
+anniversary of our wedding-day, and every year while we were together,
+these were the first accents from her lips and mine--in joy and in
+sorrow, always the same.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And this very morning, when awakening, I heard her quite
+distinctly in
+my dream saying, &quot;Good-morning, Henry.&quot; But I am alone. She has been
+snatched away from me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On this day our first-born returns from the new world. I am
+writing
+these words in the early dawn, as it will be a long while before I
+again have a chance quietly to set down my recollections. I will now
+prepare myself to go forth and meet my son.</p>
+
+<p class="right"><i>June</i>, 1870.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig and Richard have gone to the capital, and I have at
+last quiet
+and time to note down his arrival and his presence with us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had just finished writing the above lines, on the
+twenty-eighth of
+May, when I heard Rothfuss drawing the chaise up from the barn to the
+front of the house. He then placed the jack-screw under the frame and
+took off one wheel after the other and greased the axles, singing and
+whistling while at his work.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He saw me seated at the window, and called out in a joyful
+voice:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;One waits ever so long for the Kirchweih,<a name="div2Ref_note04" href="#div2_note04"><sup>4</sup></a> but it comes at
+last.
+Martella is up already, and has been fixing up the beehives with red
+ribbons; the bees, too, are to know that joy comes to this house
+to-day. While busy at her work, she called out Ernst's name, as if she
+could drag him here that way. But to-day we must not let ourselves
+remember that any one is missing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There it was again. No cup of joy without its drop of gall.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But the mind has great power, and one can force himself to
+forget
+things.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It would be wrong towards my son Ludwig, if I were to mix
+other
+feelings with joy at his return; and it is also wrong towards myself
+not to permit a single pleasure to be without alloy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My spirits were, however, not a little checked on my being
+reminded of
+Ernst. Every nerve in me trembled, so that I began to believe that I
+would not be able to survive the hour in which I should again see
+Ludwig. But now the sad thought that had floated across my mental
+horizon soothed my excited nerves.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig had sent me his photograph from Paris, in order that I
+might
+recognize him at once.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had placed the pictures of his wife and of his son in the
+same
+package.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I read over his last two letters again.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In a letter from Paris, dated Sunday, April 24th, he wrote:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Here I am in the midst of the hubbub in which the 'saviour of
+the
+world' is permitting the people to vote. It is truly a demoniac art,
+this power of counterfeiting the last word of truthfulness. In order
+that nothing may remain uncorrupted, the ministers declare that the
+question of the day is to secure tranquillity to the land for the
+future, so that, both on the throne and in the cottage, the son may
+peacefully succeed his father. The last lingering traces of modesty and
+purity are being destroyed; the last remnant of piety is appealed to in
+order to carry out the deceit.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;How glad I should be, on the other hand, to bathe my soul in
+the pure
+waves of great harmonies. The thought that I shall enter my Fatherland
+in time to assist in celebrating the Centennary of Beethoven's birth is
+an inspiring and an impressive one to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph was at Bonn, awaiting the expected guests. He was again
+successful in combining high objects with business profits; he
+concluded a contract to build the festival building out of trees from
+the Black Forest.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I looked at Ludwig's picture, and it seemed to me, indeed, as
+if I were
+looking at my father in his youth. All generations seemed to be
+combined in one, as if there were no such thing as time.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella came into the room, dressed in her Sunday attire.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Good-morning, father,&quot; said she. &quot;To-day you will hear
+somebody else
+say, 'Good-morning, father.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could not help wondering how Martella would appear to
+Ludwig. She
+seemed new to me. It seemed as if during the four years that she had
+been with us she had become taller and more slender. She wore the
+pearl-colored silk dress that had been my wife's, and had about her
+throat the red coral necklace that Bertha had sent her. Her
+unmanageable brown hair was arranged in the form of a coronet; and her
+walk and carriage were full of grace and refinement. Her face seemed
+lengthened, instead of being as round as it had once been; and her old
+defiant expression had given way to one of gentleness. Indeed, since
+the death of Gustava, a certain look of pain seemed to have impressed
+itself on her features, her large eyes had become more lustrous, and
+seemed full of unsatisfied longing.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Johanna and her daughter had also arrayed themselves in their
+best
+clothes; at least, as far as that was possible with Johanna, for, since
+the death of her husband, she had always worn mourning.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I rode off in the chaise with Rothfuss; Julius, with Johanna
+and her
+daughter, followed us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella remained in the house with Carl; and the
+schoolmaster's wife
+had come to assist in baking and cooking.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When we reached the saw-mill, the miller said, &quot;I have heard
+the news
+already--this is Ludwig's day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We drove on, and after a while Rothfuss said, &quot;It seems to me
+that the
+trees are stretching and straightening themselves in order to appear at
+their best when our Ludwig goes by.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When we arrived at the top of the last hill, Gaudens, who was
+breaking
+stones on the road, said: &quot;Ludwig will have to own that the roads are
+not kept better in America than here.&quot; It was strange how the news of
+his return had been noised about.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At the last village before reaching the station, Funk came out
+of the
+tavern and called out, &quot;Rothfuss! Stop!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss turned towards me with an inquiring look, and I told
+him to
+stop.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk now informed me that he had succeeded in inducing the
+members of
+Ludwig's party to refrain from receiving him at the railroad station
+with a festive procession. He did not wish to interfere with the family
+festivities; but on the following Sunday, the friends of freedom would
+take the liberty of greeting Ludwig as one who belonged to mankind.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could only reply that I could decide nothing for my
+son,--that he was
+free and would act for himself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk went back into the tavern. We drove on. Rothfuss
+remarked, &quot;That
+fellow is like a salamander; when he tries to climb a rock and falls on
+his back, he turns about and is on his feet again quicker than
+thought.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were much too early when we got into town, and I walked
+about the
+streets as if I had never been there before, and as if there were
+nowhere a chair on which one might rest.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It suddenly occurred to me that I ought to have sent my
+picture to
+Ludwig, so that he might know me; I had grown a full beard since his
+departure, and it would grieve me if he did not at once recognize me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I decided at once. There was yet time enough to have my beard
+removed;
+and when I returned, Johanna and Rothfuss were greatly astonished by
+the change in my appearance. But I did not tell them my reason for
+removing my beard.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had a presentiment that Ludwig would bring Ernst with him. I
+note
+this down, because we frequently speak of fulfilled presentiments, but
+never of those which are not fulfilled.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At the depot, there were numbers of emigrants who were about
+to leave
+the valley. I knew many of them, and they guessed at my innermost
+thought; for now one, and then another, would come to me and say, &quot;If I
+learn anything about Ernst, I will write to you immediately.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The locksmith's widow was there, with her three children. The
+children
+had bouquets in their hands, and I begged them to stand aside until the
+first meeting was over.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A young stone-cutter who lived at a village in our
+neighborhood, and
+was employed in the shops at the depot, greeted the locksmith's widow
+in the most friendly manner. He held her hand in his for some time, and
+she seemed pleased thereat. How strange that at such moments one can
+see more than is transpiring about him! It suddenly occurred to me,
+&quot;Who knows--they may yet be a couple.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Inspector invited me to his dwelling; I accompanied him. A
+short
+time afterward, he returned and told me that the train had been
+signalled. He led me down the steps and remained at my side. Now we
+hear the whistle;--now the train is coming round the curve; now it is
+slacking its speed. No one is beckoning to me from the car windows. Can
+he have failed to come? Many passengers alight; but I see no sign of my
+son.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Suddenly a guard calls out to me, &quot;Herr Waldfried, you are to
+come this
+way!&quot; He opens the door of the car and I am lifted up into it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I hear a voice exclaim, &quot;Father!&quot; and I know nothing of what
+happened
+for some time afterward.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Grandfather, give me your hand,&quot; says another voice. But,
+before that,
+I am embraced by a lovely woman, who sheds tears of joy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Leading my son with my right hand and my grandson with the
+left, I
+walked out as if marching in triumph. My daughter-in-law was escorted
+by Johanna and her daughter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Suddenly Ludwig dropped my hand and called out, &quot;You here,
+Ernst?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am not your brother Ernst; I am Julius, the son of your
+sister
+Martina.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Where is Rothfuss?&quot; inquired Joseph, who had also come on the
+train
+with Ludwig.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had already seen him. He stood aside, lighting one match
+after
+another, and seemed to be waiting for Ludwig to come to him to get a
+light for his cigar.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At last he threw the match away and called out, &quot;Hurrah! Shout
+till you
+burst your throats!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They all shouted &quot;hurrah,&quot; and when Ludwig and his son had
+shaken hands
+with Rothfuss, and the wife had taken him by the hand, Rothfuss said,
+&quot;She has a firm hand; you have done this thing well, Ludwig.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A middle-aged man, erect in figure, and with a red mustache,
+was
+looking after Ludwig's luggage. Ludwig now called to him, &quot;Willem, just
+leave those things and come here. Here, Rothfuss, let me recommend to
+you my servant and friend, Willem. Shake hands with each other, and be
+good friends.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss extended his hand, and asked, with an air of doubt:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He speaks German, of course--does he not?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yours to command; I know nothing else.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was on a Saturday, and the Jews of the little town were
+accustomed
+on that day to loiter about the station. We were just about to leave,
+when the Jewish teacher came up to me and said, &quot;Herr Waldfried, the
+verse in the Bible which tells of Jacob again seeing his son Joseph,
+applies to you. It says, 'And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die,
+since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.'&quot;
+The words of the little old man did me much good.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Funk had been unable to deny himself the pleasure of being on
+hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When we passed the garden of the &quot;Wild Man&quot; tavern he stood at
+the
+fence, surrounded by several of his companions. They lifted their
+foaming beer-glasses on high, and cried, &quot;Long live Ludwig, the
+republican!&quot; Ludwig merely nodded his thanks, and then said to me:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Father, let us get in and ride home.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The carriages were awaiting us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I wanted my daughter-in-law to sit with me, but she insisted
+that
+Ludwig and Wolfgang should do so, while she joined Johanna and the rest
+of the party.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss, who at other times took so great a pleasure in
+cracking his
+whip, now sounded it but lightly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Rothfuss, how long have you been with us?&quot; asked Ludwig.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Longer than you have been in this world,&quot; was the answer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My grandson, Wolfgang, laughed out loud, and told us that his
+father
+had prophesied that very answer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As we drove through the village, every one came to the windows
+to greet
+us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were passing the house of the kreis-director. The family
+were seated
+in the garden, and we were obliged to stop with them for a little
+while. The roses were lovely, and the faces of our friends were bright
+with kindness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The husband, the wife, and the daughters welcomed the
+new-comers most
+cordially, and the wife handed my daughter-in-law a bouquet of roses.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Their son was also present. He had become a lieutenant, and
+his
+countenance seemed to combine the clear, bright expression of the
+mother, with the sternness of the father.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Julius and Martha were standing a little way off, beside a
+blooming
+rose-bush, and when I said to Ludwig, &quot;Behold your future niece,&quot; they
+were both so suffused with blushes, that they resembled the roses. My
+daughter-in-law embraced Martha, and was afterward embraced by the
+Privy Councillor's wife.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig urged our departure for home, and the charming woman
+thanked us
+heartily for the short visit we had paid her. In the meantime, Rontheim
+had opened a bottle of wine and filled our glasses.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Our glasses clinked; we emptied them, and started on our way;
+and
+Rothfuss said, &quot;The Privy Councillor did the right thing in pouring out
+some wine; eating and drinking is the best half of nourishment.&quot; Ludwig
+laughed heartily.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig held me by the hand while we drove along the valley
+road.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The houses have been rebuilt,&quot; he said, pointing towards the
+right
+bank of the stream. It was there that, during the uprising of 1848, he
+had been in command, and where the houses had been burned to the
+ground.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We have him in a sack; if we could only keep him there for
+ourselves
+for a couple of weeks,&quot; called out Rothfuss.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My grandson did not understand him, and I was obliged to
+explain how
+Rothfuss always managed to catch my very thought.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had wished to be able to have Ludwig's society for myself,
+and to
+give no one a part of him, except of course his brothers and sisters.
+From a few remarks of Ludwig's, I gathered that he was aware of my
+thoughts, and the first thing he said to me was a text for all that
+followed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have not forgotten mother's saying, and it has often been a
+guide
+for me: 'We have part in the world, and the world ought to have part in
+us.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It seemed to me that Rothfuss was laughing to himself. I had
+been
+mistaken, however, for Wolfgang, who was seated on the box with
+Rothfuss, now called out, &quot;Father, Rothfuss is crying!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Is there anything that such an American wouldn't notice?&quot;
+replied
+Rothfuss, sitting upright on the box, and cracking his whip with all
+his might.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And so the new road through the valley is finished,&quot; said
+Ludwig; &quot;I
+suppose Antonin built that. It would have been better, though, if they
+had carried it along the other bank.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The new road had, however, only been laid out as far as the
+boundary
+line; from there unto my dwelling, which was fully two hours distant,
+there was only the old road, which was in a horrible condition.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Father,&quot; exclaimed Wolfgang, &quot;here are the boundary posts
+that you
+told me of.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes,&quot; said Ludwig; &quot;this is yet old Germany. Here, there is
+still
+separation.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I believe that I have not yet mentioned that I live near the
+border.
+Our village is the last point in our territory, and further down the
+valley is the beginning of the neighboring principality.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">How strange! There was so much that we wished to speak of to
+one
+another, and the first subject of conversation was the laying out of
+the new road.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And it is well that it is so; for this helps one over the
+heart-throbs
+that otherwise would be almost insupportable.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig had mentioned mother, and for the present she was not
+referred
+to again.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had a quick glance, and always thought of what might
+benefit the
+community; and when Wolfgang expressed his delight at the wild, rushing
+valley stream, Ludwig said to me, &quot;That stream could do much more work.
+There is a fortune floating there, thrown into the water, as it were,
+and flowing away from our valley out into the ocean.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;To whom does water-power belong?&quot; inquired Wolfgang.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We gave him the desired information, and this question was a
+happy
+proof of his active, inquiring mind.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Over yonder,&quot; said Rothfuss, &quot;there is a miller who has his
+water-power direct from the heavens.&quot; He pointed to the house of the
+so-called &quot;thunder miller,&quot; who had built his mill in such a way that
+its wheel would only go after there had been a storm.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The ground for some distance before we reached the tunnel, was
+covered
+with cherry-trees with straight trunks, the branches of which looked
+like a well-arranged bouquet; and on the heights were the beech-trees
+with their red buds, and one could follow the gradual development of
+the foliage.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Look, Wolfgang,&quot; said Ludwig, &quot;you can see here how spring
+gradually
+climbs up the mountain side.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Father,&quot; exclaimed Wolfgang, &quot;the people in the fields are
+all looking
+up at us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;They all know grandfather,&quot; replied Ludwig; and, turning to
+me, he
+explained: &quot;It seems strange to the boy, for the American never looks
+up from his work, even if seven trains of cars rush by within ten paces
+of him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At the boundary line, Gaudens greeted us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We halted there for a while. He came up to the carriage,
+stretched out
+his hand, and exclaimed, &quot;Do you know me yet?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Certainly I do; you are Gaudens.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, it is easy to find me; from here around the corner, down
+to the
+Maiengrund is my district. I was in the revolution too, but I lied my
+way out. Yes, Ludwig, you have wandered about a great deal in the wide
+world. It is best at home, after all; isn't it? Is this your son?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;God bless him. And what a splendid wife you have!--What a
+pity about
+Ernst; he has such a good heart and is such a sensible fellow, and yet
+commits such wicked and foolish tricks. All I wish for is to have a
+place where I might have some little extra profits from fruit and grass
+by the road; nothing ripens here but pine cones.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Wolfgang shook hands with him at parting, he said, &quot;He
+has a soft
+hand; he cannot swing the pickaxe as you did when you were building
+your first road.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;How lovely it is here,&quot; said Wolfgang. &quot;Here you know every
+one, and
+every one knows you; you cannot meet a stranger.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was right; it is so; and this makes a full life, but a hard
+one too.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We left the forester's house, where the forester's pretty
+wife, holding
+a child on her arm, greeted us. Our way lay along the crest of the
+mountain, and looked down into the valley, where the haystacks were
+scattered about the meadow, in the hollow, and along the hillside.
+Ludwig said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Whenever I thought of home, this view of the valley always
+came back
+to me. I was walking here once with Ernst, while he was yet quite a
+little fellow, and he said to me, 'Ludwig, look at the haystacks. Don't
+they look like a scattered herd of cows on the meadow?'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He must have noticed that his allusion to Ernst had agitated
+me, and he
+added, &quot;Father, we must be strong enough to think calmly of the dead
+and of the lost ones.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When we passed the woods that belonged to Uncle Linker and me,
+Ludwig
+was delighted to find how nicely they had been kept.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He then inquired about Martella, and when I said that she had
+a strange
+aversion to America, and disliked to hear it mentioned, he replied:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you not believe, father, that she has an unexplained, and
+perhaps
+sad, past, which is in some way associated with America?&quot; I was
+startled;--the case seemed to present new and puzzling difficulties.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig was pleased with the meadow-valley where he had
+arranged the
+trench with sluices. In very good seasons, there were four crops; but
+one was always sure of at least three. The value of the meadow-farmer's
+property had in this way been doubled.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Down by the saw-mill, we met Carl, who was just using the
+windlass to
+drag a large beam from the wagon.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He turned around as we approached and saluted us, and Ludwig's
+wife
+said, &quot;What a handsome fellow! He is just as I have imagined all your
+countrymen to be.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We alighted, and walked up the hill and on towards the
+village.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Ludwig saw the churchyard, he removed his hat from his
+head,
+remained standing for a moment in silence, and then walked on briskly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At the steps of the house he extended his hand to his wife and
+said,
+&quot;Welcome to the house of my parents!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella was standing on the piazza: she stood there
+immovable, holding
+herself by the railing.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That pretty girl there, with large staring eyes, is Ernst's
+betrothed,
+I presume?&quot; said Ludwig.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I said, &quot;Yes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We went up the steps and entered the room. Without speaking a
+word,
+Martella offered her hand to every one of the new arrivals. She seemed
+absent minded and was silent.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My daughter-in-law and Wolfgang were surprised to find that we
+still
+had fires in our stoves.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A little pleasantry at once made us all feel at home with one
+another.
+I told my new daughter-in-law how happily I had lived with my wife, but
+that even we had been obliged to adapt ourselves to each other's ways.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">From the earliest days in autumn until far into the summer, it
+had been
+our custom to have our sitting-room heated every morning and evening.
+At first it went hard with me, but after a while we accustomed
+ourselves to the same outer temperature, and the nicely warmed room at
+last became a great comfort to me, whenever I returned from the fields.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I understand perfectly, and thank you for telling me of
+mother first
+of all,&quot; said my daughter-in-law.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella remained silent and reserved towards the newcomers,
+and, for
+the rest of the evening, we did not see her again. She remained in the
+kitchen and instructed one of the servants to serve the meal. With the
+help of the schoolmaster's wife she had prepared us a fine feast.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang suddenly asked to see the family woods, and as it was
+still
+broad daylight, Ludwig took him out to gratify his curiosity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was left alone with my daughter-in-law, and when I conducted
+her
+through the house and showed her, above all things, the apartment with
+the plaster casts, her pure and tranquil nature became revealed to me
+for the first time.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Ludwig returned, he expressed great pleasure with the
+fountain
+that mother had ordered to be repaired at the time the new forest path
+was laid out. He promised to send to the iron foundry at once, and
+order a pretty column with a pipe through it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Mother inspired me with an affection for this spring,&quot; said
+he. &quot;While
+building the aqueduct, I thought of her almost every day; and along the
+space where the pipes were running under ground, I planted pines, in
+order that pretty woods might grow there, and the temperature of the
+water always remain the same. Of all the great and impressive things I
+beheld in America, one little monument impressed me most of all; it was
+that to Fredrick Graff, who built the waterworks of Philadelphia.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Night approached. We were seated in the arbor, and Wolfgang
+exclaimed,
+&quot;The stars shine more brightly here than elsewhere.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The dark woods make it appear so,&quot; said Ludwig. And just over
+the
+family woods, seeming to touch the tops of the trees as if fixed there,
+a star glistened and shone with a brightness that was marvellous even
+to me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig conducted himself with great self-control and
+moderation. He
+spoke slowly and in a low voice, in order to keep down all agitation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Long after the new-comers had retired to rest, Rothfuss and I
+were
+still sitting in front of the house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss could not come to an understanding with himself. He
+said, &quot;Our
+Ludwig is still the same, and is changed for all; he has not grown, and
+yet he is larger.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He told me that Ludwig had come out into the stable to him,
+and when he
+had told Ludwig that the sorrel horse was the son of our gray stud, he
+had taken the horse firmly by the mane and said, &quot;Rothfuss, you have
+been faithful to my father; I cannot fully recompense you for it, but
+express a wish and I will do what I can for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss had heard no more of what was said.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He could not help crying like a child; and now he would like
+to know
+what he ought to wish for. He said that he wanted no one to advise him;
+he must find it out himself. For a long while, neither of us spoke a
+word. There was not a sound to be heard, save the bubbling of the
+fountain in front of the house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I retired to my room, but could find no rest, and sat by the
+window for
+a long while.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It seemed to me as if an invisible and inaudible spirit was
+wandering
+through the house and bestowing upon it peace and quiet, above all
+other spots upon this earth.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Just then the watchman called the hour of midnight; the window
+of
+Ludwig's chamber opened, and Ludwig called out, &quot;Tobias, come and see
+me to-morrow: I have something for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Are you still awake?&quot; cried I.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, father; and when I heard the watchman I knew for sure
+that I am
+at home. Now I understand the proverb, 'He who does not wander, does
+not return.' It is only among strangers that one learns to appreciate
+his home.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But now go to sleep. Good-night, father.&quot;</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">&quot;The Herr Professor has arrived,&quot; were the words with which
+Martella
+greeted me early the next morning. I must observe that Martella now
+always spoke of Richard as &quot;Herr Professor.&quot; The meeting of the
+brothers was a most affectionate one.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig's wife and Richard were friends at once. She introduced
+herself
+to him as the daughter of a professor, and Richard's impressive manner
+seemed to please her greatly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang was greatly moved, and whispered to me:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I can now for the first time, say the best words:
+'grandfather,'
+'uncle;' and&quot;--turning quickly to Johanna--&quot;'aunt;' to Julius I have
+already said 'cousin,' and I shall soon have more cousins.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The brothers were soon involved in a most zealous discussion
+of the
+great questions of the day. Richard warned Ludwig against permitting
+the demagogues to make use of him, as their only aim was to foment
+disturbance, and to abuse all existing institutions. They were wholly
+without lofty or honest aims of their own. When he warned him to be on
+his guard and not to permit this or that one to influence his views of
+affairs in the Fatherland, Ludwig replied: &quot;With your permission, I
+shall begin with you.&quot; Richard observed that, just as time helps to
+correct our judgments, in regard to past events, so does distance aid
+us in criticising contemporary history. It may take ten years before we
+can see the Europe of the present in the light in which it appears to
+the unprejudiced American of to-day; and when he asked Ludwig whether
+we might not cherish the hope that he would now remain in the old
+world, Ludwig answered that, with all his love of home, he did not
+believe he would be able to give up the perfect independence of
+American life.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And what do you think on the subject, my dear sister-in-law?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am of the same opinion as my husband.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard expressed a wish that Ludwig might, at some future
+day, take
+charge of the family estate, as there was no one else who could do it.
+It seemed to me, indeed, that, in all that he said, Richard was trying
+to determine Ludwig to unite his fortunes with those of the Fatherland.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig, who had come by way of France, could tell us much of
+the great
+excitement that had been produced there by the <i>plebiscite</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The brothers were agreed that the expression of the popular
+will had
+been accompanied by fearful deceit on the part of the authorities; but
+they did not agree as to the object contemplated by that deceit.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I was often obliged,&quot; said Ludwig, &quot;to think of our old
+schoolmaster,
+who explained the philosophic beauty of the Latin language to us by the
+fact that <i>volo</i> has no imperative; but the author of the 'Life of
+Cĉsar' has shown us, by means of the <i>plebiscite</i>, that <i>volo</i> has an
+imperative.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig asserted that the majority of educated Frenchmen hated
+and
+despised Napoleon; for all the large cities, with the exception of
+Strasburg, which gave a small majority on the other side, had voted
+<i>no</i>. At the same time, what they hated and despised in him was just
+what they themselves were; for every individual Frenchman really
+desires to be a Napoleon; and the <i>no</i> that a portion of the army had
+voted, simply meant, &quot;We want war.&quot; Napoleon had undermined every sense
+of duty, and the misfortune of France was that no one there believed in
+the honesty or the unselfishness of another creature.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have also made the acquaintance of French emigrants in
+America. It
+is, of course, unfair to judge of a nation by its emigrants; but I
+could not help being struck by the fact that those whom I met had no
+confidence in any one.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard, on the other hand, had a very good opinion of the
+French. He
+told us that about the time he was working in the library at Paris, he
+had travelled much through France, and had made the acquaintance of
+Frenchmen of every station in life.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The French are industrious and temperate, and a people of
+whom that
+can be said, has a noble destiny awaiting it. They have a great desire
+to please, which makes them agreeable, and gives all their work the
+impress of good taste. They are fond of all that partakes of the
+decorative, whether it be a glittering phrase or a badge. If that
+which, from its very nature, ought to be general, could gain
+distinction for them--if there could be an aristocracy in republican
+virtue, I cannot help believing that the Frenchmen would be unbending
+republicans.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes,&quot; said Ludwig; &quot;and they are humane, also. The vain and
+conceited
+man is usually generous and communicative: he thinks he has so many
+advantages that he is glad to bestow a share on others, and is annoyed
+and almost angry if they do not care to accept his bounty; for he
+considers their declining it as a want of belief in his superiority,
+and is surprised to find that others do not hunger and thirst for the
+things that he regards as delicacies.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The brothers became involved in all sorts of discussions, and,
+although
+Richard was the younger of the two, he showed, in a certain patronizing
+way, how pleased he was to find that the school of experience had
+moderated Ludwig's views. For the brothers agreed on one point--that,
+as there was no one church which could alone save mankind, so there was
+no one form of government which could alone make all men free. After
+all, everything depended on the honesty and the morality of the
+citizen, and, for that reason, it could not be maintained that the
+republican form of government was a guarantee of freedom, or that a
+monarchy necessarily implied a condition of servitude.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The brothers now understood each other better than they had
+done in
+former times.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard always occupied himself with general principles, while
+I can
+only interest myself in particulars. The first question that I ask
+myself is, How does the rule apply to this or that one? Richard is
+different. He has no eye for isolated cases, but a far-seeing glance
+where general principles are concerned. He looks upon everything from a
+certain lofty historical point of view. He regards the hilly region in
+which we live with the eye of an artist and a scientist, noticing the
+elevations and the depressions, without giving a thought to the people
+who dwell among them. He does not see the villages, much less a single
+villager.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My experience with Richard solved a question which had always
+been a
+riddle to me. He has no love for the people, and is, nevertheless, an
+advocate of liberty. Until now, I could not understand how it was
+possible; now it is clear to me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Advocates of liberty are of two classes. The one class ask for
+it as a
+logical necessity; the other are disappointed when the people, or
+portions thereof, become obstinate or prove themselves unworthy of
+freedom. The former have nothing to do with mankind, but simply busy
+themselves with the idea of liberty, and are, for that reason, more
+positive and exacting and less given to fine talk.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Formerly, Richard had been dissatisfied with all of Ludwig's
+actions
+and opinions. He was opposed to all that was violent; but now Richard
+had become the more liberal, and Ludwig the more conservative, of the
+two. It was in America, where the tendency seemed towards a loosening
+of all restraint, that Ludwig had for the first time learned to attach
+importance to the preservation of established institutions. While they
+were yet children under the instructions of Pastor Genser, who
+afterward became my son-in-law, the two boys had given much of their
+time to music. To listen to Richard playing the violincello and Ludwig
+playing the piano, was one of the greatest pleasures that our household
+afforded Gustava and myself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig has given up music, and they can now no longer play
+together.
+But when I heard them talking in unrestrained converse, and observed
+how the one transposed the mood and the thoughts of the other into his
+own key, and developed it, adding new combinations of ideas; and when I
+noticed how the eye of either speaker would, from time to time, rest
+upon the other with a joyful expression, it seemed yet more beautiful
+and more grateful to my heart than any music could be. And withal, each
+temperament preserved its own melody. Richard looked forward for some
+event that would mark a turning-point in the affairs of men, or for the
+advent of some great man, to utter the command, &quot;Come, and follow me.&quot;
+Ludwig added that liberation could only be brought about by one who
+possessed a cool head and a firm hand, so that, without swerving a
+hair's breadth to either side, he could put in the knife where it was
+needed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard, with more than his wonted animation, spoke joyfully
+of being
+released from the opposition party, and when Ludwig approvingly said
+that the time was now coming for Germany in which those who were
+dissatisfied with its laws and institutions would not be the only free
+ones, Richard again urged him to consider how hard it would be if no
+one of us should take charge of the estate, and it should thus at some
+day fall into the hands of strangers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is no misfortune,&quot; replied Ludwig. &quot;Our posterity may
+again
+become poor, just as our ancestors were; all property must change hands
+at some time or other. To encourage the fond desire of retaining
+possession of a so called family estate, savors of aristocratic
+feeling.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard was struck by this reply, and said: &quot;You are more
+familiar with
+the history of the Indians than I am; but do you recollect the reply of
+the chief whom they were endeavoring to persuade to move off with those
+who belonged to him, into another territory--'Give us the graves of our
+ancestors to take with us?' And, Ludwig, over there is the grave of our
+mother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was a long silence after that, and Ludwig merely
+replied, &quot;You do
+wrong to urge me so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella had been sitting near by while the two had been
+carrying on
+their familiar conversation. In all likelihood, she had understood but
+little of what was said, for, while discussing the improvement of the
+whole world, they indulged themselves in vistas of the distant future.
+But Martella would look first at one and then at the other, and then at
+me, nodding approval each time. And afterward, when she and I were
+alone together, she said, &quot;Father, your eyes told me how happy you
+were, and you must have thought just as I did; did you not? Ah, if
+Ernst only knew how his brothers are here talking with each other from
+their very hearts! Indeed, if he were here he would be the most
+sensible of all, for there is no one like Ernst.&quot;</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Ludwig's servant entered and inquired whether he might
+accompany
+&quot;madame&quot; (meaning Johanna) to church.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You may go,&quot; replied Ludwig to the servant, who saluted in
+curt
+military style and left the room.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard inquired where the man was from, for his pronunciation
+would
+prove him a North German.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig replied, &quot;Yes, he is a specimen of North German
+discipline and
+reliability.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Although he was willing to work at anything, he was almost
+perishing
+with want when I made his acquaintance. I took him into my service, and
+every order I gave was executed by him as implicitly as if he were
+obeying an imperative law of nature.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;One evening I had an appointment to meet several persons at
+the town
+hall; I took him with me, and said to him, 'Willem, wait here for me.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I entered and had a lengthy interview--forgot Willem, and
+left through
+another door.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The next morning I came back to the town hall, and there
+stood Willem.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'What are you doing there?' I asked.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'<i>Ik warte</i>.'<a name="div2Ref_note05" href="#div2_note05"><sup>5</sup></a> said he.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He had waited there all night, and would probably have waited
+the
+whole of that day, if I had not by chance come there.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;After that, we always called him 'Ik-warte.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were so happy together. It was one of those moments that
+one wishes
+might be prolonged forever, and in which one dreads to move from his
+seat for fear of breaking the spell. Our happiness was, however, not to
+be of long duration.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The locksmith's widow came, bringing her children with her.
+They
+brought a pot of fine honey, and fresh garlands of daisies and violets.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig advised the children--they were two girls and a
+boy--above all
+things not to consider themselves Americans; for if Germans would work
+as they do in America, they could do just as well as the Americans.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The widow said that she would like to have a talk with Ludwig
+alone,
+for she looked upon him as the guardian of her children. Ludwig
+promised to pay her a visit at an early day.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She was about leaving when new guests arrived.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk called, but he had discreetly sent in advance his parade
+horse,
+Schweitzer-Schmalz, who was attired in the national costume she was so
+fond of, with large, round, silver buttons. He walked along with an air
+of great importance, with his bull neck, his face shining with good
+living, and his thick eyelids, from beneath which his little eyes cast
+their contemptuous glances. He was followed by the village lawyer, a
+man of pleasing appearance, and, indeed, a noble being who had but one
+fixed idea, and that was that the world was to be protected against all
+corporalism.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk followed after these two fit companions of his. He had
+not been in
+my house for four years.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Schweitzer-Schmalz was the first to speak, and uttered a
+short, hearty,
+&quot;Welcome, Ludwig!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For the first time, he avoided his haughty manner of treating
+every one
+as &quot;little fellow.&quot; The tall, commanding appearance of Ludwig awed him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After that, the lawyer delivered a somewhat longer and quite
+fervent
+speech, and I was obliged to beg Richard to keep quiet, for he
+whispered to me, &quot;All this so early in the morning, and without an
+audience of empty bottles!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk extended his hand in silence and nodded significantly, as
+if he
+meant to say, &quot;You know already what I mean.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella brought wine and glasses. It hurt me to feel that she
+was in
+the presence of Funk, who had, years ago, so maliciously dragged her
+name before the political meeting.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had told Ludwig nothing of my rupture with Funk.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk inquired about several who had been their companions in
+revolution
+and who had emigrated. Of many, Ludwig could give no information, while
+of some he could give us good report, and of many others, sad news.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig disapproved of the emigration fever.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The turn that the conversation had taken did not seem to
+Funk's taste;
+but Ludwig was able to direct it as he desired, and, addressing himself
+more especially to the lawyer, he spoke of the intimate relations that
+existed between our country--South Germany in particular--and America.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Owing to their innate energy, and in spite of want, misery and
+ignorance of the language, the proportion who succeed in attaining
+wealth, position, and honors is much larger with the first generation
+of emigrants than with their children who are born in America.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Statistics had proven that, in spite of want and temptation,
+the first
+generation offered far fewer objects for the jails than did the second.
+On the other hand, the former were more largely represented in the
+insane asylums.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk was evidently displeased, and emptied his glass at one
+draught.
+Although he laughed, he seemed ill at ease when Schweitzer-Schmalz
+said, &quot;There you have it. I have always told you little folk may
+emigrate; but the right sort of a man,&quot; he said, stroking his fat belly
+at the same time, &quot;knows where he is best off, and keeps at home.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I believe that you are also one of the deceived ones,&quot; said
+Ludwig,
+supplementing his remarks. &quot;You cannot know, or, at all events, only
+know it superficially, that the projectors of new railroads attempt to
+help the price of their shares by encouraging emigration into the
+territory traversed by their road, and that many who get gratuities by
+them do not even know this.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk suggested that a festive gathering of people from the
+village and
+surrounding country should take place on any Sunday that Ludwig might
+fix upon. The meeting was to be in honor of his arrival. At this time
+he was doubly welcome, for he would assist in dispelling the Prussian
+pestilence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I see you are still fond of set phrases,&quot; replied Ludwig, and
+added:
+&quot;How strange it is since the congress of Vienna, all friends of the
+Fatherland have been clamoring for a man who, with firm hand and shrewd
+judgment, would, regardless of consequences, force Germany into unity;
+and now that he is with us, they hurl stones at him. And do you know,
+Professor, what it is that particularly pleases me in Bismarck?&quot; he
+exclaimed roguishly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;How should I know?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He has fortunately one of those rare names that can be
+pronounced the
+same in all languages.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We had thought we should meet an old republican--an enemy of
+tyrants!&quot;
+exclaimed Funk.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have not changed in that respect,&quot; answered Ludwig. &quot;The
+question
+whether a republic or a monarchy should be preferred, is about the same
+as if one were to ask which is better, meat or farinaceous food? All
+depends upon the manner in which the food is prepared, and upon the
+digestive powers of the stomach. But don't let us dispute now. I trust
+we shall have a chance yet to discuss these matters more calmly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What day have you determined on?&quot; inquired Funk.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig said that he desired no such compliment. He preferred
+to renew
+his acquaintance with the people and their circumstances in a quiet,
+unobtrusive manner.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The church bells began tolling, and Funk said: &quot;Perhaps you
+wish to go
+to church? You have probably grown religious, too?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Thanks for catechizing me,&quot; said Ludwig.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, I forgot to address you as 'Colonel,'&quot; said Funk.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That makes no difference, although my rank is that of
+colonel. I was
+promoted at the front, and it is the greatest pride of my life that I
+did my duty in the war for wiping out slavery.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I do not know whether it was shrewdness or arrogance towards
+his
+companion or ourselves, that induced Schweitzer-Schmalz to assume his
+wonderfully self-complacent air.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, Colonel,&quot; said he, &quot;another American war would not be so
+unpleasant to us after all?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What do you mean by that?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why, that we gained one great advantage from it, or, as my
+student
+says, 'pitch.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I do not understand you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes,&quot; began Schweitzer-Schmalz, after emptying his glass,
+&quot;your father
+doesn't like rosin; but, for the little farmers, the pine-trees which
+give rosin are just like so many milchcows. I have a piece of woodland
+that I milked hard, because, so long as the war lasted, no rosin came
+from America, and the price of ours went up very much.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard could not refrain from remarking on the wonderful
+connection
+that made changes in one country affect the most distant portions of
+the globe. And thus the visit, which had promised to be so
+disagreeable, ended quite pleasantly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk and his companions left, and when Richard was about to
+speak of
+Funk's emptiness, Ludwig replied:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are deceived in him. He is full of what we, in America,
+call
+'steam.' He has a restless spirit of enterprise.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My daughter-in-law and Johanna went to church together, and
+Ikwarte
+followed after them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The watchman came, and Ludwig gave him a considerable present.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After that, Ludwig requested me to accompany him to the statue
+gallery,
+where he said: &quot;Father, I have brought nothing for you; but I know that
+your greatest pleasure is to do acts of beneficence; let me, therefore,
+place this sum of money in your hands, so that you may distribute it
+according to your best judgment. If I can do good through you, I shall
+be doing good to myself; and, as mother is no longer living, I must ask
+you to attend to this for me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I doubt whether in yonder church there was one heart more
+piously
+inclined than ours were on that day.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But it seems that nothing in life can remain perfectly pure
+and
+undisturbed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were just about sitting down to dinner, when a
+wretched-looking
+creature, called Wacker, entered. He lived in the neighboring valley,
+and had once been a comrade of Ludwig's at the Polytechnic school. He
+had left school at an early day, in order to take charge of a beer
+brewery, and had become a drunkard. His place had been sold out, and he
+now wandered about from one little tavern to another, where he would
+spend the day between maudlin curses and drunken slumbers. When he
+entered the house, it was only noon, and he was already intoxicated.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Brother,&quot; he exclaimed, &quot;give me one of your California lumps
+of gold;
+or, if that is asking too much, see that I have free tap for one year
+at the 'Lamb.' Here is my hand. If the war begins again, I will help.
+Give me hand-money--throat-money--throat-money!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He offered his hand to Ludwig, who declined it. I saw his
+indignation;
+his glance fell on Ludwig's wife and on Wolfgang, for the latter seemed
+surprised that the degraded creature should address his father in such
+familiar terms. Wacker begged for a gift, but Ludwig refused it with
+the words, &quot;Get some employment, and then I will help you, but not
+before.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wacker replied in vile, abusive terms.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig instantly collared him and led him from the room.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We could hear him cursing, after he got out into the road; and
+then he
+staggered down the hillside.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was something cold and hard as iron in Ludwig's manner
+towards
+all except his nearest kindred, to whom he was kind and gentle.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This interruption was a shrill dissonance in our Sunday's
+pleasure. We
+soon forgot it, however.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">In the afternoon, Julius and his betrothed visited us, and, in
+a little
+while, letters containing uniform messages were sent in all directions.
+The Professor, my daughter-in-law, Wolfgang, Johanna and her daughter,
+Julius and his intended, all wrote; for every one was to have a
+separate invitation to the great family gathering on the following
+Sunday. At Ludwig's request, all of our relatives were informed that he
+insisted on their making the journey at his charge. Those who did not
+need it should state the amount, nevertheless, and if they so wished
+might give it to the poor. In this way, no one who could not afford the
+expense would be prevented from undertaking the journey.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss and Ikwarte walked off to town to mail the letters,
+of which
+there were nearly fifty. To my sister who lived in the Hagenau forest,
+I wrote in person.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss had told Ikwarte all that he had done for Ludwig, and
+was not
+a little surprised to receive, instead of praise, a nod of disapproval
+and the reproach, &quot;It was not right, after all.&quot; He told me of it, and
+could not understand how that &quot;up there in Prussia,&quot; they were not all
+opposed to the government and glad to deceive it. He seemed to think
+that Ikwarte, and all like him, were exceedingly simple.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss was as jealous of Carl as a reigning prince of the
+heir
+apparent. He noticed that Ikwarte was well inclined toward Carl, whose
+good looks and military air were much in his favor, and he went so far
+as to confide to Ikwarte that Carl had suffered himself to be taken
+prisoner in order to avoid fighting.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After that Rothfuss was the sole favorite of Ikwarte, who
+hardly
+bestowed a glance on Carl, and barely answered his questions.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A soldier who voluntarily allows himself to be captured! He
+could not
+understand how such a man could walk erect, and on Sundays wear his
+soldier's cap with the red pompon.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He knows nothing about oxen, but he is a first-rate judge of
+horses,&quot;
+said Rothfuss, speaking of Ikwarte; &quot;and he holds the plough as if he
+were screwed fast to it. And he can work, too; that's certain. And he
+is modest. Instead of saying 'No,' he always says, 'I am not sure;' and
+instead of saying 'Yes,' he says, 'It is so.' He can't sing, nor even
+<i>yodel</i>; and the greatest praise he gives any one is to say, 'He is a
+steady fellow.' And when he wishes to say that you are right, he says,
+'It agrees.' And he is not at all inquisitive; he never asks who any
+one is.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Willem was just as sparing of words as Rothfuss was lavish of
+them; and
+it was a droll sight to watch the two sitting together. I think that
+each one considered himself the superior of the other and patronized
+him accordingly. Rothfuss did it with words, Ikwarte with glances. He
+evidently regarded Rothfuss as an old child; and Rothfuss, in turn,
+looked upon him as a poor awkward being who had not learned how to
+express himself properly. When they spoke to each other, they always
+screamed at the top of their voices; each only understood about half of
+what was said by the other, and they thought they might help matters by
+screaming.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss could hardly be brought to believe that Ikwarte had
+not
+emigrated on account of his being unable to endure German oppression;
+but Ikwarte was without a trace of political opinion. All that he knew
+of the state was that one should serve it as a soldier and pay taxes.
+Of Ludwig, he said, &quot;My master is a man, and a man of his word at
+that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Towards his master, he had a certain feeling of implicit and
+dutiful
+obedience; he was fond of saying, &quot;Let everything be well grounded.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss consoled him with the words: &quot;Don't mind it, if they
+try to
+tease and worry you here. If you plant a strange tree in the forest,
+the stags will rub their horns against it and tear the bark, but the
+tree is not harmed, after all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss was quite beside himself with laughter when Ikwarte
+asked him
+what bodily infirmity had prevented my two servants, who had not been
+soldiers, from entering the army. He could not understand that we still
+drew lots in our neighborhood.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig had gone to the capital to make various arrangements
+for the
+family meeting, and I remained at home working in the forest with Carl
+and Ikwarte, whose clever ways and even temper greatly pleased me.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">The schoolmaster's wife and Martella had decorated our steps
+and the
+doorway with flowers and garlands, to the great delight of all of us,
+and Ludwig in particular. But on the second day, Ludwig said to
+Rothfuss:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Take down the wreaths; nothing is uglier than to let flowers
+hang
+until they wilt.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He is right,&quot; said Rothfuss, smiling. &quot;My mother always said
+that
+Sunday clothes should not be worn on week days. Ludwig's mother had
+good sense, and so had mine.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the third day, Ludwig said, &quot;Father, I shall now leave my
+wife and
+son with you for a few days.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He sent his little trunk ahead, and, throwing his plaid over
+his
+shoulder, took up his walk through the valley and over the mountains.
+Richard, who was obliged to examine several candidates for the doctor's
+degree, accompanied him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I felt surprised that Ludwig should leave me so soon, but by
+noon it
+was clear to me that he had acted wisely. His wife and son were much
+more at their ease when they found themselves alone with me; for, with
+all his kindness, there was something commanding in Ludwig's manner
+which made every one feel as if under restraint while in his presence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His wife was quiet and self-contained, and, seeing that I
+noticed this,
+told me that she had been living on a lonely farm with her father, who
+was very sparing of his words, and that she had thus acquired a habit
+of silence. After her marriage and her father's death, which soon
+followed it, Ludwig had been obliged, by his engagements as constructor
+of water-works, to spend days and weeks away from home. It was not
+until the last year, when they had moved into a city, that he was more
+at home; but, even then, public affairs claimed a great share of his
+time. During the war, he had been in the field with the army for at
+least two years.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She had seen much trouble. She was but twelve years old when
+the family
+emigrated to America. During the first few years, her parents employed
+themselves as teachers; and when, in rapid succession, the mother and
+her brother and sister died, she and her father moved to the farm.
+Assisted by a couple of free negroes who helped in the field, she was
+obliged to conduct the whole household. The two children she had lost
+had died because medical assistance could not be obtained in time, and,
+for that reason, they had moved to the city. Their eldest son had died
+while Ludwig was in the army, fighting against the secessionists.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She gently hinted that it was her wish to remain in Europe,
+but that
+she would not urge this, as she feared Ludwig would not find a large
+enough field for his energy. She said that he was accustomed to
+constant and varied activity, and stood very high at home.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was with some hesitation that she asked me whether I
+objected to the
+fact of her having only been married by civil process, and that
+Wolfgang belonged to no church. I reassured her, for I felt well
+satisfied that Johanna had already made persistent attempts at
+conversion in this quarter. My daughter-in-law became much attached to
+Joseph's wife and the school-master's. She was very fond of raising
+flowers, and determined to take many different kinds of seeds back to
+America with her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While the presence of my newly found daughter was a quiet
+pleasure, my
+grandson was an incomparable joy to me. He was at my side from morning
+till night. I think he must have asked Martella to tell him what
+pleased me, for he seemed to anticipate my every wish.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I showed him our own saw-mill, and also the one that belonged
+to the
+village. He readily understood the principle of the machinery, and
+seemed to have quite a store of general information.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had a little nursery of forest-trees; it was well situated.
+Martella
+was always my best assistant: she knew all about planting and how to
+care for the plants that had been raised from the seed, and, morever,
+had a watchful eye for the grubworm. Since she came to us there had not
+been one of these to destroy the seed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I now went there with Wolfgang, and his first question, on
+seeing the
+thriving bed, was whether it were still early enough in the year to sow
+seeds of forest-trees.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We had some soaked one-year-old seeds. We marked his name in
+the
+ground, and he laid the seeds in the furrow, after the subsoil had been
+trodden down so that the seeds might at once have firm soil in which to
+take root. After that, we placed loose and fertile earth on top.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I explained to him our manner of working: how we mixed lime
+with the
+barren soil of the heath, and thus produced the best and most
+nourishing soil for the young shoots; how the seed should be sown after
+spring had fairly set in, and how, after the tender plants had reached
+the age of two years, they should be transferred to the nursery, there
+to remain until their fifth year, when they were to be set out in the
+place they were finally to occupy; how the new nursery should not face
+directly towards the north, on account of the absence of light, and
+because the plants could not then be transplanted to land exposed to
+direct rays of the sun, on account of their not being accustomed to
+such intense light.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Grandfather, how long does it take, after planting the seeds,
+before
+the plant shows itself through the soil?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Two, or, at the most, three weeks; it generally shows before
+that
+time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I shall never forget the look that Wolfgang then gave me, and
+it moved
+my heart to think that my grandson, who was born in America, had
+planted his name in German soil.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I asked Wolfgang if he did not wish to accompany me up into
+the woods
+where my wood-cutters were at work. He took my hand in silence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I took my gun with me, for I was on the lookout for a fox
+which had its
+cave a short distance from the road; but it had slipped out with its
+young ones. I handed my second gun to Wolfgang; we shot wild pigeons,
+and my setter brought them to us, laid them down before Wolfgang, and
+looked up into his face.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I must be brief, however. I have always been fortunate enough
+to see
+something more in the forest than merely so many cords of wood. But how
+weakly words describe the sunshine, the forest-breezes, the singing of
+the birds, or cheerful walks through shady groves, with resting-places
+on heights where the lovely valley is spread before one's eyes. It had
+never been so charming as on that very day.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We met Rautenkron, and he was carrying two young does whose
+mother had
+been driven away by a strange hound. I introduced Wolfgang to him; but
+he shook his head and made no reply.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What a sullen, gloomy man,&quot; said Wolfgang. &quot;Can one become so
+in these
+lovely woods, so full of sunshine and the songs of birds? But yet he
+must be good, for all that; he carried the does.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I felt obliged to explain how that might have come about. The
+roe lures
+the dogs on false scents, in order to save its young ones.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We heard sounds of a church-bell coming up from the valley,
+and met
+Rautenkron's laborers carrying their caps in their hands; they passed
+us in silence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I explained to Wolfgang that these were Catholics, and that
+they were
+praying.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I grasped his hand, and said, &quot;Since you confess no especial
+form of
+religion, it is doubly your duty, both for your own sake and for that
+of freedom, always to remain brave and steadfast, so that people shall
+not be able to say--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I know already, grandfather, what you wish to say. You can
+depend upon
+me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We continued our walk up the mountain, which was known as
+Silvertop.
+From its peak one can see far over the mountain-peaks, with their
+dark-green mantle, in which the ravines form majestic folds. There were
+remnants of a fire at which the forest-laborers had prepared their
+noonday meal. I threw a few handfuls of brushwood on the fire; the
+flames arose on high. Wolfgang exclaimed: &quot;Grandfather, it was just
+like this! It was just so that I saw you in my dreams. And now I can
+remember what you said. It often annoyed me to think that I had
+forgotten it; the voice was powerful, and said, 'The water nourishes
+the tree, and the fire destroys it; the water roars, and the fire
+gently sleeps.' Thus ... and so on.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang's eye glowed with a strange expression, and I had
+just opened
+my lips to address him, when he vehemently motioned me away with both
+hands, and, gazing into the distance, said in an impressive tone, &quot;Yes,
+I hear the sound; it came from the blazing fire.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="text20">Far above us,<br>
+In the heavens,<br>
+Hovers now<br>
+The darkening cloud.<br>
+Still united,<br>
+Soon divided;<br>
+Now creating,<br>
+Now destroying:<br>
+Joined divinely,<br>
+Fire and water<br>
+In its bosom,<br>
+Peaceful, dwell.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The youth looked about him as if in ecstasy, and then grasping
+my hand
+in both of his, he said: &quot;Yes, grandfather; daring my illness I saw you
+standing in the forest at such a fire. You can ask father--but you
+believe me, don't you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Of course.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The countenance of the youth seemed illumined with joy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We seated ourselves on a bench, and silently gazed at the
+distant
+prospect.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At last Wolfgang spoke. &quot;Grandfather, now I have it. In your
+forest
+garden are your grandson trees. The seed comes from the trees that you
+planted. And now I know something. I know it quite positively, but I
+can keep it to myself. Father always says that one should not be too
+hasty in talking of important things that one intends to do; it is best
+to sleep on them first. If one is of the same mind the next morning, it
+is all right. I shall tell it you tomorrow, but not to-day. My idea is
+a good one, and I think it will please you as much as it does me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We took up our path, and stopped where some woodcutters were
+rolling
+the trunk of a tree down the mountainside; it bounded over young trees
+in its way, and Wolfgang said. &quot;Won't it crush them?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, pshaw!&quot; said a wood-cutter, &quot;They'll straighten
+themselves again.
+We have to do the same thing ourselves.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We reached the spot where my woodmen were at work. Wolfgang at
+once
+took hold of an axe and helped them lustily. But here, too, he showed
+his good judgment. He was not hasty, as novices usually are, and soon
+succeeded in copying the manner of the workmen.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We kept up our walk until we reached the mountain lake. The
+last time I
+had been in this spot was twenty years ago, with Gustava; and now it
+seemed as if I were there for the first time in my life.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There lay the lake, surrounded by steep, pine-covered walls;
+not a
+sound was heard, save at times the roaring of the trees, and the solemn
+beating of the waves against the shore. The sun shone on the water, and
+its ripples sparkled like so many glittering diamonds.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you come here often?&quot; asked Wolfgang.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No; the last time I was here was with grandmother, twenty
+years ago.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It went hard with me to leave the lake. Who knows whether I
+shall live
+to return there again? It will ever remain unchanged; for generation
+after generation shall come here, as to a shrine, and yield itself up
+to the mysterious influence of the place.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When we at last started to leave, I was often obliged to turn
+and look
+back. I constantly felt that now it must be full of its awful beauty,
+and that I had seen it for the last time.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was towards evening when I reached the house. I had not
+been so
+tired for a long time; for climbing forest-clad mountains, while
+excited by emotions, be they ever so joyous, is apt to exhaust one. But
+I was looking forward into a happy future.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I awoke on the following morning, Wolfgang stood at my
+bedside,
+and said: &quot;Grandfather, it has rained during the night; our plants are
+thriving beautifully. Now I can tell you--I have determined to become a
+forester.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had, on the previous day, explained to Wolfgang a beautiful
+provision
+of nature; how, when, through accident, the growth of the main trunk of
+the pine-tree is interfered with, a side branch becomes converted into
+the main trunk. None of my sons had become foresters, and now Julius
+and Wolfgang were side-branches that made up for it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I believe it was fortunate that Wolfgang's resolve to become a
+forester
+sprang from his affection for the forest, and not from his love of the
+hunting.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Unfortunately, the other motive had been Ernst's. I had often
+warned
+him, but in vain.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">A few days after that, I was surprised by a newspaper article,
+which
+had been written by my son Ludwig.</p>
+<p class="normal">I have preserved it. It read as
+follows:</p>
+<p class="space"></p>
+<p class="center">&quot;THREE QUESTIONS AND THREE ANSWERS.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;All hail to the friends of my youth, and of my Fatherland!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Every one has a right to address three questions to me; and,
+as it is
+not one of the pleasures of life to repeat the same thing a hundred
+times, I hope I may be permitted to answer in this public manner.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;<i>First</i>: How goes it with you, and do you intend to
+remain with us?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It goes well with me. For the first few years I spent in
+America, I
+had hard times; but I worked my way through. I am not rich, but have
+enough. I married a German, the daughter of Professor Uhlenkemp. I lost
+my eldest son during the war with the South, and have another son
+sixteen years of age, who belongs to no religious denomination.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;As to my remaining here, or leaving, I am for the present,
+unable to
+answer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;<i>Second</i>: What do you think of emigration to America?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;<i>Answer</i>: The United States afford elbow-room and
+freedom, and are a
+good refuge for people who are willing to work hard in order to achieve
+independence. But he who emigrates must make up his mind to forego many
+pleasures, with which we at home are so familiarized that we do not
+know that we are enjoying them; just as we do not miss the drink of
+fresh, pure water, until it can no longer be had, and do not think of
+the pure air while it is ours to breathe.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;<i>Third</i>: How do you find Germany?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I find only halves of Germany; but they must and will--who
+knows how
+soon--become a whole Germany.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The German people have become more practical and well-to-do
+than they
+were formerly. As far as I have been able to observe, there is an
+abundance of well-directed energy; great activity in all that pertains
+to the trades, to science or to art, and enough liberty to achieve what
+is still needed to make a complete whole. Let all remain strong and
+firm, and, without faltering, faithfully labor for the common weal.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;These are my answers; and to every one whom I meet and find
+true to
+the Fatherland and to liberty, I shall cordially extend the hand of
+fellowship.</p>
+
+<p style="margin-left:40%">&quot;LUDWIG WALDFRIED,</p>
+
+<p style="margin-left:45%">&quot;Hydraulic and Civil Engineer,</p>
+
+<p class="right">&quot;Chicago.&quot;</p>
+<p class="space"></p>
+<p class="normal">This explanation of Ludwig's naturally caused me some
+surprise. But it
+was practical, at all events, although the reference to Wolfgang seemed
+unnecessary, and calculated to provoke unpleasant comment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I soon became aware of its effect, in a manner which, at
+first,
+promised to be unpleasant, but afterward proved for the best.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Although Annette was still living in our neighborhood, I have
+not
+mentioned her for some time. She would ride over to see us, but paid us
+only short visits, and would occasionally inquire about the Professor,
+as she, too, now termed Richard.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She seemed provoked at him, and probably felt resentment that
+the
+friendship, and, perhaps, affection, which she had offered him were not
+returned.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She visited the spinner and the schoolmaster's wife; she
+greeted
+Martella and Rothfuss, but her whole manner seemed strange and
+constrained. I soon knew the reason for this; for Johanna expressed her
+satisfaction that Annette, who had been so worldly, had at last been
+saved; &quot;for,&quot; as she said, &quot;safety can be found even in the Catholic
+faith.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Baroness and her clerical assistants had succeeded in
+drawing
+Annette into their toils.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One day, Annette came to us looking pale and greatly excited.
+She said
+that, although I had so many guests, she begged me to permit her to
+stay with us for a few days. She frankly confessed that she had, now
+and forever, broken with the Baroness and all her adherents. The
+Baroness had endeavored to bind all who were in the faith to break off
+intercourse with our family; for it is written, &quot;woe to that man by
+whom the offense cometh,&quot; and the worst offense had issued from our
+house. The fact that my daughter-in-law considered herself a wife,
+although her marriage had not been solemnized by a clergyman, might
+have been passed over in silence; but the public proclamation of the
+grandson's want of religion was exasperating.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette had determined to flee from such fanatical
+surroundings.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I told her of Wolfgang's power of self-control, and how he had
+held
+back a resolution which illumined his whole being until he had quietly
+matured it; and Annette exclaimed, &quot;Yes; that is the best religion;
+that is a holy spirit.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was obliged to restrain her from expressing herself thus to
+Wolfgang.
+On the following day, Ludwig returned; and this afforded her an
+opportunity to unbosom herself to him. At their first meeting, he
+conceived a great liking for her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He told her of the great family gathering that was to be held.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As she was not related by ties of kindred, she did not wish to
+remain
+with us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But Ludwig induced her to stay; and when he and I were alone,
+he said,
+&quot;I cannot understand why Richard does not sue for her hand; she seems
+to be made for him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I told him that, on her deathbed, mother had said, &quot;He will
+marry her
+for all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I now felt satisfied that Gustava had, in all likelihood,
+referred to
+Annette. Ludwig felt sure of it; but, as if at the same time marking
+out his own course, he said, &quot;Father, do not let Richard notice our
+feelings in this matter, or we may frighten him away.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang's desire to become a forester met with the glad
+approval of
+his father, who said: &quot;It will soon turn out with the American forests
+just as it does with the fishes of the sea. One cannot always be
+harvesting and preying on others; it is necessary to plant and to
+cultivate as well.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He requested Annette, who was very much interested in
+Wolfgang, and
+spent much time with him, not to interfere with his wonted equanimity;
+for she was constantly trying to discover how Wolfgang felt when he saw
+a church-steeple, or heard the church-bells. She had just emerged from
+an atmosphere which was religious to the exclusion of all other
+considerations, and the youth was therefore a mysterious and marvellous
+contrast to all that she had left behind her. He seemed to her the
+representative being of later centuries; and she tried to discover how
+things would be after our generation. She was pleased to call Wolfgang
+'Emile, and reminded us of Rousseau's work of the name.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig's wife avoided Annette, who, in her impulsive way, had
+at once
+desired to cultivate intimate relations with her. Conny, who was quiet
+and reserved, had a dread of the restless fluttering of such a being as
+Annette.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">One evening, Martella came to me, and, with a timid manner to
+which I
+was quite unused in her, asked me to allow her to return to Jaegerlies,
+with whom she had formerly lived. She had heard that the old woman was
+sick, and at the point of death. She had left her quite suddenly, and
+now wanted to return; and thought it would be far better if she were
+not to come back until our guests had left.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She extended her hand to me, and said, &quot;I promise you that I
+will
+surely return.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her behavior puzzled me; and when I endeavored to find out why
+she
+really wished to leave, she said that it might be a stupid feeling, but
+she had a constant presentiment of some great misfortune near at hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I tried to persuade her that there were no grounds for this
+uneasy
+feeling, as Ludwig, his wife, and Wolfgang all treated her as one of
+the family. She persisted in her determination; and I at last reminded
+her that she had promised my wife never to leave me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I did not think you would remind me of that,&quot; she said; &quot;but,
+of
+course, if you fall back on that, I shall remain here even if they try
+to drive me away.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella might well feel anxious, for she was a living proof
+that our
+family was incomplete; she, too, had been obliged to accustom herself
+to constant sorrow, and to learn to lead a life tranquil and resigned.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nearly all to whom invitations had been sent, promptly
+answered that
+they would come. My sister wrote that she would bring her daughter, and
+her future son-in-law; but, that, on account of his duties, her husband
+would be unable to leave home. My brother-in-law, the pastor, who lived
+in Alsace, was also unable to come.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With every letter that came, I felt as if I must read it to my
+wife.
+Who could so help me to celebrate such a day, as she would have done?
+The life of the best of children is really for themselves. It is only
+the wife who lives entirely for and with her husband--one life
+consisting of two lives inseparably united. Inseparably! They have been
+separated, and a portion yet lives, leading a fragmentary existence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I succeeded in repressing my emotions, and prepared myself for
+the
+great joy which was yet vouchsafed me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On his return from his short trip, Ludwig had much to tell us,
+giving
+us quite a medley of merry and sad experiences. He had met many of his
+old comrades; and, among others, had visited his most intimate friend,
+a Professor at the teachers' seminary, in a town of the Oberland. The
+Professor was a model of quiet unobtrusive learning.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am shaping my block of stone,&quot; were the Professor's words:
+&quot;what
+place it may occupy in the great Pantheon I do not know; but,
+nevertheless, I fulfil my little task as well as I know how.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He felt quite sad to find one of his old comrades in the very
+position
+he had occupied twenty-five years before. He might have become one of
+the best of men, for he has a good wife, and fine children; but he is
+the slave of drink, and is intoxicated from morning till night. Indeed,
+in the country one must constantly renew his intellectual life, or
+there is danger of giving way to drunkenness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig had also visited his uncle, the Inspector of the
+water-works at
+the Upper Rhine, under whom he had worked for a year. He regretted his
+inability to attend our festival, but promised to send his son; and
+Ludwig was quite pleased when he told us how his uncle had said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The Rhine seems as if lost, and does not know whither it
+should flow.
+It is against nature that one bank of a stream should belong to one
+country, and the opposite bank to another.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Sister Babette and her family were the first to arrive; and,
+shortly
+after their first greeting of Ludwig and his family, they inquired for
+Martella. She was delighted to find that they were so much interested
+in her, and also to obtain from them some little news in relation to
+Ernst's short stay with them. Even Pincher recognized the Alsatians.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The bridegroom-elect, who was now an officer of the customs,
+had come
+in his uniform, and was quite condescending in his manner, as if he
+intended, with every word, to say, &quot;I am superior to you all, for I am
+a Frenchman.&quot; And yet, in spite of this, he had the very German name of
+Kräutle.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette did him the favor to speak French with him. He was
+quite
+delighted, and Annette asserted that he and his bride were ashamed of
+the Alsatian language; when speaking French, they evidently felt that
+they appeared at their best, and to ask them to forego that pleasure
+would be much the same as requiring one never to wear his Sunday
+clothes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette was embroidering a silk ribbon; and Richard picked up
+the end
+of it and held it in his hands. But she generally managed to spoil the
+effect of her pretty speeches, and added that people could talk French
+without having ideas; but that, when speaking German, they noticed the
+absence of costume, and were ashamed thereat. When she uttered these
+last words, Richard dropped the ribbon he had been holding, and walked
+away.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette was happy whenever she could express her pleasure with
+any one,
+and Ludwig was not wrong in saying:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She will be one of the best of wives when she is once a
+mother. Now
+she is fluttering about, hither and thither; is herself restless, and
+disturbs others.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With every hour, new guests arrived, and Martella said: &quot;It
+was stupid
+of me to have wanted to go away; I am needed here, where there are so
+many strangers--no, not strangers--O dear Lord, so many beings who
+belong to one! If mother were only living yet, she could help me love
+them. O dear father, when we step over into eternity, and meet all the
+beings who belong to us--so many! so many! Indeed, father, you are now
+experiencing a part of eternity.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And it was so.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But I felt that age was coming on me. I could not walk about
+much, and
+was obliged almost constantly to remain seated in my room, where they
+all came to me. To see Wolfgang and Victor together, was to me joy
+unutterable. My sister asserted that, when a child, I had looked just
+as these two now did. I cannot imagine that I ever looked so elegant
+and distinguished-looking.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After the Major joined us, the customs officer became much
+quieter in
+his manner; for the Major had come in full uniform.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Johanna, who, since Ludwig's arrival, had become even more
+reserved and
+austere, seemed to find the meeting with her son, the vicar, a pleasant
+change. Nothing daunted by my presence, she complained to him that,
+with a sister-in-law who had only been married by a civil magistrate,
+and with a nephew who had not even been christened, she felt as if
+living among heathens.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The vicar, who was more liberal in his views, and yet felt
+quite at
+home in his vocation, pacified his mother, and she concluded to take
+part in the family festival.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The eldest son of the inspector of the water-works came with
+his two
+sisters, and the Major was delighted to find that this young man, my
+godson, had determined to follow the sea.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig told us that a sea-captain had assured him that the
+naval cadets
+were principally recruited from the inland provinces, while the sailors
+naturally came from among the dwellers along the sea-coast.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The medical counsellor, who had formerly been director of the
+jail in
+which Ludwig and Rothfuss had been imprisoned, but who had now retired
+on a pension, was also among the guests, and Rothfuss was delighted
+beyond measure to meet him again.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Baron Arven did not fail to offer his congratulations. He
+seemed quite
+surprised to find Annette dressed in colors. He cordially greeted us
+all, and constantly addressed Ludwig as &quot;Colonel.&quot; He remained but a
+short time, and had probably only visited us in order to show that it
+was his desire to keep on good terms with us, and that he wished to
+have nothing to do with any enmities or unpleasant feelings which other
+members of his household might cherish towards us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ah, I thought I could have given the names of them all, but I
+find it
+impossible. The hearty greetings of so many guests had so fatigued me,
+that I slept until late on Sunday morning. When I awoke, I heard a
+lovely chorus, accompanied by an harmonium; and, after that, a
+quartette of female voices.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This was the first intimation we had of Conny's powerful and
+sympathetic contralto voice.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The other voices I recognized at once. They were Bertha's,
+Annette's,
+and Martha's.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">If it was pleasant to see Wolfgang and Victor together, it
+was,
+perhaps, yet more lovely to see the sympathy between Conny and Bertha;
+and Martella expressed my own feelings, when she said, &quot;Dear sister
+Conny, you did not have the happiness to know mother, but Bertha is
+very much like her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I at last joined all my kindred, there was a new surprise
+in store
+for me. Before retiring, I had inquired about Julius. I do not know
+whether you have already observed it, but he is a special favorite of
+mine. He is well-off in every respect--well provided for, both
+intellectually and in regard to the world's goods, though without great
+riches or luxury. He is like a healthy forest-tree; without bright
+blossoms, but silently thriving, nevertheless. I shall not indulge in
+further praise of him, for he dislikes praise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And now Julius came and told me that Ludwig had obtained a
+dispensation
+for the marriage of the young people without the delay of publishing
+the banns. Rontheim and his wife had at first been disinclined to
+consent to such haste, but Ludwig had persistently urged them. And now
+it was determined that the wedding should take place to-day, and that
+his cousin, the vicar, should marry them, for Martha had insisted that
+they should be married by a clergyman. Whereupon Ludwig said: &quot;We are
+certainly very tolerant towards these believers.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had ceased to be surprised by anything.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We marched towards the church to the sound of music, the
+ringing of
+bells, and the noise of cannon, which the mountains re-echoed. But when
+we reached the spring, which, as I afterwards learned, had been
+decorated by Martella, I felt a pang. Why could Gustava not have lived
+to enjoy this? And then, repressing the sad thought, I let joy descend
+upon me, and said to myself, &quot;Keep thyself erect, and in health, so
+that thou mayest not disturb the happiness of the many who belong to
+thee.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When we reached the spring at the edge of the woods, we
+halted. What to
+us had seemed impossible, Ludwig had already accomplished. The iron
+column was already there, and around it were stone seats, and also a
+high bench, where people might lay aside their burdens.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;One learns these things in America,&quot; said Ludwig. &quot;There they
+do not
+care for yesterday, and do not console themselves with the hope of
+to-morrow: all must live in the present.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After leaving the church, where the wedding was celebrated in
+a simple
+manner, we marched in procession to the family woods, where, by
+Ludwig's orders, great tables had been erected; and on our way there he
+told me how clever Ikwarte had been in the work.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I cannot find words to speak of the great table in the woods.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Before we seated ourselves, we were all obliged to remain
+perfectly
+still for a short time. Ludwig had made arrangements to have the whole
+group photographed. They all say that I look very sad in the picture;
+it may be so, for I could not help thinking, &quot;Where is Ernst now? Does
+the sun that now shines on us, shine on him too?&quot; It is especially
+pleasant to see Martella and Rothfuss in the background, holding each
+other's hands. Annette is also in the family picture; her eyes are
+downcast, while Richard is looking towards her. Since the loss of her
+husband, she had never laid aside her mourning, but to-day she wore
+colors.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Major's speech at the dinner was even better than the
+vicar's in
+the church.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella's best and only treasure was Ernst's prize cup. She
+had placed
+it before me on the table, and Annette had wound a garland of flowers
+around it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After the Major's speech, the wine-cup travelled the rounds of
+the
+whole table.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After the clinking of glasses, and the drinking of healths,
+the
+conversation had become loud and excited; after that, all became as
+noiseless as in a church during silent prayer. It was one of those
+pauses that ensue after the soul has unburdened itself, and when, for a
+moment, there is nothing new to engage it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And during that pause I could hear Annette saying to Conny,
+&quot;Yes, dear
+Conny, I, as a stranger, beloved and loving in return, can speak more
+impartially than relatives can. I cannot describe the mother to you;
+and yet I have seen her to-day, or at least her counterpart. When
+Julius was standing at the altar, he had her very expression. He
+resembles her more than any one--he has her eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, what a pity that you did not know her! She was full of
+life, and
+yet gentle withal; and when she spoke with you, she never looked to
+right or left. She never tried to create an impression, and yet in her
+presence one always felt exalted; and while her glance rested on one,
+it was impossible to indulge in vile or ignoble thoughts. What to
+others seemed exalted and great, was with her a matter of course. She
+practised and expressed all that is highest as easily as others say
+'Good-morning.' In her hands, even the common-place became invested
+with beauty. She judged of people with love, and yet with freedom.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Thus, she once said, 'I felt inclined to be angry with
+Baroness
+Arven, because she does not understand her excellent husband; but he,
+on the other hand, does not do his wife justice. She is created for
+society--for interesting, witty small talk--and he desires to feed her
+soul with thoughts of nature and Fatherland. Fanaticism, in every one
+of its thousand shapes, endeavors to force its own convictions on
+others, and this is both good and evil at the same time.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She said something to me which I have worn as an amulet, and
+it is,
+after all, but a simple maxim.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;When I complained to her that it was so difficult with me to
+fix the
+proper relation towards others, she replied:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'Child, you do not maintain the right distance between
+yourself and
+others. With every one, even though it be a Rothfuss, you move into
+most familiar contiguity.' Her words impressed me deeply, and were of
+great help to me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She understood herself, and that made every one else feel on
+sure
+ground. When one felt depressed or sad, without hardly knowing why, the
+mere fact that you were suffering was enough to arouse her sympathy:
+and that would always cure the pain.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But what avails it to speak of separate disconnected traits.
+I might
+as well try to give you an idea of a glorious symphony by singing a few
+bars of one of its melodies. When with her I felt in a higher world.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Thus spoke Annette. She did not seem to notice that all were
+silent
+while she was talking.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And then Bertha and Conny arose from their seats and covered
+her with
+their caresses.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could not move from the spot. I saw Richard rising, but he
+sat down
+again at once.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig turned to him and said: &quot;Her mind and her exterior
+correspond.
+At first she does not impress one as wondrously beautiful; but, day by
+day, she grows in loveliness.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This invocation of my wife had, for the time being, invested
+the
+festival with a certain solemn impressiveness; but soon mirth burst all
+bounds, and the young couple again became the centre of joy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rontheim was so happy that he drank fellowship with the Major,
+with
+Ludwig, and with Richard. A blissful feeling of brotherly affection
+seemed to unite all.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss afforded us great amusement. He wore a bouquet in his
+hunter's
+coat, and another, with a red ribbon streaming from it, in his hat.
+&quot;Colonel,&quot; he called out to Ludwig, &quot;may I be permitted to say one
+word?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Have you made up your mind what to wish for?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No; this is something else. All I wish is that you shall say
+'Yes,'
+and that will do.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What do you mean?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Listen. You are Colonel of the negroes--of the blacks--and
+there are
+people who say that negroes are not human beings. Now listen! What is
+it that man alone can do, and that neither horse nor ox nor stag can do
+like him?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why, <i>speak</i>, to be sure.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Wrong: The beasts do speak; but we are too stupid to
+understand them.
+No; I mean something quite different: <i>man alone can drink wine</i>. If
+the negroes can drink wine, they are men just as we are. Tell me, can
+negroes drink wine?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;All right, then. Here's to the health of our black brethren.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He emptied his glass and was about to walk away, when Richard
+called
+out: &quot;Stop! I ask all to join me in drinking the health of the great
+man who has solved the question of slavery, in wine. Long live our
+great philosopher--Rothfuss!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It seemed as if the cheers would never end, and Rothfuss
+called out,
+&quot;To-day I will get jolly drunk seven times at least--no, seven times is
+not enough!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When we at last arose from the table, I inquired for Rothfuss.
+I was
+concerned about him, for he had been acting like a crazy man.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ikwarte said that, although Rothfuss showed signs of having
+drunk too
+much, he had gone up into the woods and had taken a bottle of champagne
+with him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They hunted and hunted, and at last found him. He was asleep,
+and the
+empty bottle was lying on the ground by his side.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh,&quot; he complained, &quot;why did you wake me? I died so happy. To
+die
+drunk is the best way, after all; now, I've got to die over again. No
+matter; I'll wait for master, and then we will ride to heaven in double
+harness; or, if the parson is right in what he says, to hell. It's all
+the same to me; I shall stay with master.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then he embraced Ludwig, and repeatedly said to him; &quot;Let me
+go to jail
+once more for you.&quot; They managed to get him home without further
+trouble.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">The newly married couple left; but the young people were
+averse to
+breaking up, and kept up the dance until long after nightfall. A little
+circumstance occurred which greatly excited Martella.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Julius's friends had come in their smart hunter's suits; even
+Rautenkron had overcome his scruples, and attended the festival,
+although he did not join us at table.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were told that Rautenkron had always been angry that
+Martella was
+permitted to keep her own dog, and Pincher, moreover, had a special
+aversion to Rautenkron.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At the same time that Rothfuss was being looked up, a terrible
+barking
+and yelling arose. The strange dogs had fallen upon Pincher, and it was
+even said that Rautenkron had called out to his dog, &quot;At him, Turenne!
+Break his neck for him!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When they at last succeeded in separating the dogs, Pincher
+was dead,
+and Martella's lamentations were heart-rending. She indulged in
+expressions that I would not have expected of her: &quot;It was the only
+living thing that belonged to me, and that Ernst had left me. Now I am
+all alone in the wide world!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I spoke to her, she hastily said, &quot;Forgive me; I am
+sometimes very
+silly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She could not bear the sight of the dead dog, and begged that
+he might
+be buried in the woods.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the meantime, Rautenkron was explaining to Wolfgang that
+his
+ambition to become a forester was based on a false ideal; that dealing
+in rags was a much prettier occupation. For then one need know nothing
+of the people who once wore the rags; but that the forest people were
+all cheats, and, if they could, would convert the trees into as great
+cheats as they were.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were still engaged watching the dancers, and it was a great
+pleasure
+to see Wolfgang dance with Clotilde, the Major's daughter. Wolfgang
+arranged an American dance, which was so wild that it evidently
+originated with the Indians.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The young Alsatian couple also joined in the dance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Carl had allowed Marie to dance with another one of the
+village lads,
+and stood holding the hand of Martella, whom he had led to the dancing
+floor. She said that she did not wish to dance, and that for tenfold
+reasons she ought not to, especially as her betrothed was far away. But
+all persuaded her. Rothfuss--who, having been aroused by the music, had
+gathered himself up again, and was now seated at the table by the side
+of Ikwarte--was especially anxious that she should dance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Martella began to dance, a great change seemed to come
+over her.
+There was something uncanny in her features and in her eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nearly all of us left the dancing floor, and Annette requested
+Martella
+to go with us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, no,&quot; she exclaimed, while her eyes rolled and her lips
+quivered;
+&quot;I have now begun, and I cannot stop so soon. Good-night, my lady.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She remained, and all were filled with admiration of her light
+movements and her wonderful <i>tours de force</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why, you can jump about like a squirrel, and fly like a
+bird,&quot; said
+Rothfuss.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;So I can,&quot; cried Martella. &quot;Do you know how it is when one of
+the
+cuckoo's brood leaves its nest in which the simple tomtits have fed it?
+None of you have ever seen it, but I have. I, too, am one of the
+cuckoo's brood. It flies away it flies away. Play on, fiddlers. Let us
+have the cuckoo's song. Keep quiet, all of you; I will dance for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And then she began to dance, raising herself and bending
+towards the
+ground again as if she really had wings; and all were delighted.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When she stopped all cried out, &quot;Again! again!&quot; and the
+Alsatian
+exclaimed, &quot;<i>Da-capo!</i>&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ikwarte arose and said, &quot;Miss, do not let them abuse your
+good-nature;
+do not let them make a fool of you. There is enough of it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;This is not your affair,&quot; exclaimed Carl, &quot;you Prussian!--you
+starveling!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have nothing to say to you,&quot; answered Ikwarte; &quot;you are not
+worth
+answering.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella danced again, to the great delight of all.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But while she was dancing, one could see that it took several
+of the
+lads to hold Carl.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When the dance was over, Carl rushed up to Ikwarte, and cried:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You cursed Prussian! why do you think that I am not worthy of
+being
+answered?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have no respect for a man who would put himself in the way
+of being
+captured.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Is that it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Carl, take none of the Prussian's impudence,&quot; called out
+Martella. &quot;It
+is the Prussians' fault that my Ernst had to go forth into misery. Pay
+him up for it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And then followed terrible scuffling and fighting.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ikwarte seemed, at first, unable to realize that he was
+actually
+involved in a fight; but when he saw that matters were in earnest, he
+seized Carl, and held him as firmly as in a vise. Rothfuss urged them
+on, for fighting was his delight. They were at last separated, and then
+Martella threw herself on the ground, tore her hair, and cried out, &quot;It
+is all my fault! It is my fault! I am ruined!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss succeeded in leading her away. She tried to escape
+from him
+and to run out into the woods, saying, &quot;Anything rather than go back
+home, for I don't deserve to go there.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He succeeded, at last, in inducing her to enter the house of
+Carl's
+mother. Accompanied by Annette and Conny, I went there to bring her
+home, and was startled when I saw what a change had come over the poor
+child. Nevertheless, her agitation had not disfigured her; she seemed
+more lovely than ever--almost supernaturally beautiful.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;O father!&quot; she cried. &quot;Indeed, I have no longer the right to
+use those
+words. I knew it; I felt a presentiment of it all, and I wanted to go
+away. Why didn't you let me go? I don't belong here, and now less than
+ever. The worst that could have happened to me has happened. I have
+relapsed into savage folly. And yet she who is up there said, 'Do not
+lose faith in yourself and in your goodness, and you can accomplish
+everything.' The worst punishment is mine, for I have lost faith in
+myself. I may become crazed again any moment; I no longer believe in
+myself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Conny and Annette spoke to her in their kind way, she
+exclaimed,
+&quot;Every kind word of yours gives me new pain. Scold me, beat me, kick
+me--I deserve such treatment, and shall find it less painful than kind
+words that I do not deserve. I was so happy in thinking that I had
+accomplished all, but it is not so. Now I see how much love and respect
+you all had for me; and when Ernst returns I shall tell him everything.
+He may scold me heartily, for I have deserved it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We conducted her to the house, where we found Ikwarte, whose
+appearance
+seemed the very opposite of what it usually was. He seemed as if
+crushed, and continually said, &quot;Colonel, I admit that it was highly
+improper on my part, especially as it happened in a strange land.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig took it all in good part, and laughingly remarked that
+North and
+South Germany had again been scuffling with each other. Then he
+apologized for Ikwarte, by saying that he could not stand wine; that,
+except when taking communion, he had not tasted a drop of wine up to
+his twentieth year.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ikwarte stood by, nodding his assent and pulling his red
+mustache.
+After that, he went off with Rothfuss.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the meanwhile, Martella sat crouching on the floor in a
+corner of
+the room.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig softly said to me, &quot;Now is the time to let Martella
+tell us who
+and whence she is.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I thought that as the child was overmuch agitated, it might be
+better
+to wait until the next day; but he insisted that this was the proper
+time.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Ludwig went up to Martella and said, &quot;Martella, there is a
+woman in
+America who knows you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella jumped to her feet and, brushing her hair from her
+face with
+both hands, asked, &quot;How do you know that?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I will tell you how, when you have told your history. Will
+you do so?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I will. It is well and proper that I should. But no one shall
+be
+present but you and father. Forgive me, kind ladies,&quot; she said,
+addressing Conny and Annette in an unwonted tone. &quot;I can only tell this
+to father and to brother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She drank a few drops of water, and then, seating herself
+behind the
+table that was next to the wall, began:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I can only remember as far back as my sixth year. I have no
+distinct
+recollection of anything that happened before that time. We lived in a
+city on the Rhine,--I believe it is called Mayence. There are two sorts
+of soldiers there--Prussians and Austrians. The Austrians have white
+coats, like the cousin who once visited us with Baron Arven. Under the
+small golden mirror in my mother's room on the opposite wall, there was
+quite a large glass that reached from the ceiling to the floor there
+was a portrait of a handsome officer, whom I believe I have already
+seen. My mother always addressed him as 'Prince,' and he laughed when
+she did so. His eyes were of a light blue; I cannot recall any of his
+other features. My mother would often say to me, while she pointed to
+the picture, 'Martella, do not forget, this is your father. He has
+great love for me, and for you too.' It was a long while before I knew
+how my mother gained her living. She would sleep until near mid-day,
+and would often stand on her toes, or walk on them around the room.
+Then she would suddenly let herself fall to the ground, spring up again
+and take long steps. Then she would place herself before the mirror,
+and bow and kiss her hands to herself. Once she looked so lovely, with
+a thin gauze-like robe about her body, and various kinds of gauze over
+that. She looked just like a beautiful bird, and almost like the
+peacock down in the garden. And I was prettily dressed also. I had
+wings on my shoulders, and they had two mirrors for me, so that I might
+see how I looked in front, and in the back. And I had golden shoes on,
+and had to learn how to spread out my hands and then bring them
+together quite slowly. With a girdle around my waist--it was golden,
+and studded with diamonds--I floated in the air, and could hear the
+people screaming with delight and clapping their hands; but I could not
+see where I was, or how many people were there. We rode home in a
+carriage--I can recollect that, but cannot remember what happened for
+some time afterward. One day, my mother showed me a man who wore a
+green dressing-gown and had curled hair; then she said to me: 'My
+child, this is your father now--you must say &quot;father&quot; to him.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He spoke to me, but I could not understand what he said; and
+mother
+said, 'The child is worth ten thousand florins, and can earn a great
+deal of money.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;About that time, I often heard the word 'America,' and, as I
+was told
+to call everybody 'uncle,' I once inquired where 'Uncle America lived?'
+whereupon they laughed very loud, and the man with the curled hair,
+whom I had to call father, kissed me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There was a maid living with us, who would always say, 'You
+poor
+child, you must go to America, among the savages. O you poor child!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And one morning, I heard them say that we would go to America
+that
+day. Down by the Rhine there was a great crowd and noise, and when we
+were on the vessel, some one said, 'Keep your seat here, or you will be
+left behind?' And when all was confusion on shipboard, I stealthily
+crept on shore, and hid myself behind some hogsheads in which the bees
+were humming; they did not trouble me. I heard the ringing of the bell,
+and the paddling of the wheels--but did not move. I had a little
+satchel full of cakes, which I ate.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The embroidered satchel had been presented to me by the
+Prince, whose
+picture hung under the mirror. I still own it; it is the only memento I
+have of that time. And we had a dog whose name was Pincher, and for
+that reason I called my poor departed dog by the same name.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;When at last evening came, I crept out of my hiding-place,
+and saw a
+great crowd gathered about an old woman who was sitting on the ground
+and lamenting: They have purposely left me behind; they did not want to
+take me with them!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The people told her they would help her, and would give her
+money that
+she might follow her relatives. But she always replied, 'No, I will not
+do that; they do not want me.' And they gave the old woman money and
+went on their way. And when they had all gone, I said to her, 'Take me
+with you; I am worth ten thousand florins.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then she laughed and said, 'Indeed you are!' And then I told
+her that
+I had secretly remained behind--that I did not want to go to America.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She laughed again, and took me on her lap, saying: 'That is
+right. We
+two will stay together.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And we wandered far and near, and she told every one that I
+was her
+granddaughter. We received many gifts, and every one told me that I was
+so pretty; and I told the old woman--her name was Jaegerlies--that I
+had wings, and she said, 'I believe it: they will grow again when I am
+dead.' But I am telling you silly stuff--am I not?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, no; go on.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;At last we reached yonder forest, and then Jaegerlies said,
+'Let us
+stay here.' She had acquaintances who lived in the neighborhood, but
+she had no desire to meet any one, as they always laughed at her
+because her folks had left her behind when they emigrated to America.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The gifts that we had received, had enabled us to buy cooking
+utensils, coverings for our moss beds, and a goat; and of food we could
+always have plenty.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The summers were pleasant, but the winters were not so. We
+caught many
+birds, which served as food.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I was also sent to school, and it was quite humiliating to me
+to be
+always told that I was a 'Jew girl.' I did not know what was meant by
+Jew, but I knew, that it was intended as a term of disgrace. I am not
+sure, but I think my mother was a Catholic.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And thus I grew up and could wield the axe as well as the
+strongest
+wood-cutter; and no one dared to lay a finger on me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You might blind-fold me, and I could, by my sense of smell,
+recognize
+trees or their leaves. I carried a serpent's egg on my person; I had
+found it one morning between eleven and twelve, and had pocketed it. I
+had also a gift of finding wild honey, and the bees never harmed me
+when I took the combs. I was once employed that way, when Ernst came up
+to me. He acted as if he were about to punish me for what I had done;
+but I told him that this was not breaking of the laws of the forest,
+and that it was not poaching. And then he said to me, 'You are wild
+honey yourself.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Thus Ernst found me and brought me here, where I now am. But
+I do not
+deserve it. They say that Ernst is in Algiers, with the wild Turks.
+Give me some money that I may go to him--I can find him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But tell me now, Ludwig, how do you know that my mother is in
+America?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I know nothing of it; I simply guessed so, because you always
+have
+such a fear of America.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;So you are the son of such parents--and yet can lie? Your
+mother in
+heaven will never forgive you for that.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig was moved by this apostrophe, and asked Martella to
+forgive him.
+She nodded assent and shook hands with him and with me, saying at the
+same time: &quot;Father, I shall do nothing more but what you tell me to do.
+I shall never again act of my own free will.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Were you always called Martella?&quot; inquired Ludwig.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;How, then?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Conradine.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Who gave you the name of Martella?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Jaegerlies.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Because, she said, 'No one will know you by that name, and if
+they
+seek you they cannot find you.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But how did she chance on that name?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That you ought to have asked her. And that is enough.
+Good-night.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella walked away.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig afterward told me that he had been making inquiries
+over in the
+valley where Jaegerlies had been living. He could not understand why we
+had not done so long before. Now it might be very difficult to discover
+anything, as Jaegerlies had died a few days before.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had learned, from the neighbors, that she often spoke of
+America in
+a mysterious and indistinct manner, and that, together with Martella's
+aversion to the very mention of America, caused him to question her in
+the way he had done.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">In spite of Martella's and Ikwarte's trouble, the great feast
+was
+pleasantly remembered in our house and throughout the village. Annette
+said: &quot;Whenever I gave a large entertainment, it always grieved me to
+see the many people, who had just been together so cheerful and so
+lively, suddenly disappear. And it was always especially agreeable to
+me when several of my more intimate friends would remain. We would then
+gather together for a little quiet enjoyment, and so a smaller and more
+congenial circle succeeded the larger one; for that reason, I think
+some of us ought to remain here.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I saw Richard looking at Annette, and it was the first
+contented, happy
+glance I had ever seen him direct towards her. He had intended to
+leave, but now concluded to stay. It seemed as if, in spite of
+themselves, they had always chanced on points on which they could not
+agree, but now at last, and to their great delight, found themselves in
+accord.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette had greatly changed. She would no longer suddenly
+bound from
+one subject to another. Her manner had become calmer. She had learned
+how to put her questions modestly and yet firmly, and also how to be
+quiet.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Once she said, &quot;Martella has told us what is the severest
+punishment.
+It is this: to lose faith in one's self, and to learn that excitement
+and weakness place us in the hands of chance or of strangers, and cause
+us to express the very things that we have desired most of all to keep
+within ourselves.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The festival brought painful consequences to Rothfuss,
+Ikwarte, and
+Carl, as well as to Martella. They went about without saying a word,
+and Annette, who was anxious to help, and quick to sympathize with
+others, tried her best to cheer them up.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One morning, we were sitting in the garden. Richard and Conny
+had gone
+over to the village, and Ludwig said to Annette, &quot;We do not know how to
+thank you for having given my wife so true and feeling a description of
+mother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette now expressed her delight with Conny, and when she
+asked Ludwig
+how he had made her acquaintance, he said,</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;If father does not object to hear the story over again, I
+will tell
+you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I consented, and Ludwig went on:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The Americans have one thing in common with the old Romans;
+whenever
+they found a city, they provide, above all things, for pure water.
+There happened at the time to be a lively discussion in regard to the
+building of water-works. I hoped that the contract would be assigned to
+me, and travelled about for some distance through the neighboring
+country, in order to find the best springs. A mountain brook whose
+stream could easily be led into another, seemed to me best adapted for
+the purpose.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I followed it up to its source, and was fortunate enough to
+find rich
+and copious springs. I had been wandering all day, when, towards
+evening, I saw a log-cabin half-way down the hillside. I walked up to
+it, and at last reached the house. The doors were open, and a dog, that
+seemed to be the only guardian of the place, jumped towards me as if
+glad to welcome me. I went into the entry and called out, but no one
+answered. I opened the door, and found a cosy, pretty room.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Mother always used to say that the walls of a room are an
+index of the
+culture of its inmates. There were two engravings, copied from the
+paintings of the great masters, an open piano, and above it a bust of
+Mozart. I ventured to approach the piano. Mozart's G minor symphony lay
+open on the music-desk.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Although I had not touched an instrument for a great while, I
+felt a
+great longing to touch the keys.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I began to play, and felt as happy as a skilful swimmer
+breasting the
+waves. I played on and on, forgetting where I was; and when I stopped
+and looked around, I saw a fine-looking old man and a lovely, blooming
+maiden standing in the doorway.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I suppose I need not tell you more.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I remained in the hospitable house over-night, and soon
+discovered
+that my host was a refugee, and had been a comrade of father's.
+Constance, or, as she was familiarly called, Conny, became my
+betrothed, and afterwards my wife; and our son, who was born on the
+anniversary of Mozart's birthday, received his name.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Our marriage is a happy one, blest with perfect harmony in
+thought and
+feeling.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;When I entered the army my wife merely said, 'You are doing
+right.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;When my eldest son died, she was deeply afflicted, but soon
+resigned
+herself to the thought that all must make sacrifices.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I was not a good commander--not that I was deficient in
+courage or
+endurance; but soldiering must be studied just like other things. My
+long experience in topographical studies, was, however, of great use to
+me. I had a quick eye for the advantages and the disadvantages of
+positions on our side, or that of the enemy. On the other hand, the
+Southerners had much better leaders than myself and many others who,
+like me, had not studied the art of war.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Now you know the most important facts; and I must stop, for I
+see
+Conny and Richard coming.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They came, and Annette had enough self-command not to betray
+what she
+had just heard.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Richard and Ludwig left with the intention of entering
+Wolfgang at the
+forester's school. Richard and Annette now understood one another, and
+Richard's parting words were: &quot;I think you will do well to remain here
+for some time. Your stay will be of benefit to yourself as well as to
+others.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette made no answer, but I could not help observing how her
+breast
+heaved with emotion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She and Conny seemed also to be on excellent terms with each
+other.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette now understood how the intellectual life can be kept
+up, and
+even developed, in solitude, and, as usual, she was always delighted to
+find words in which to couch a new impression. She said to me, &quot;There
+are hermits of education as well as of religion, and they attain the
+highest degree of development.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She often expressed her admiration of Conny's light hair, and
+endeavored to persuade her that it might be dressed in a far more
+effective style than the braids in which she wore it. Conny, however,
+did not care to act on this suggestion of Annette's.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On his return, Ludwig told me that he would not be able to
+remain
+through the summer, unless he had some fixed occupation. He was anxious
+to carry out a plan for a new and large builder's mill. He would be
+willing to superintend the erection of the building, but did not have
+enough ready money to undertake the enterprise. When I told him that I
+was no better off than he, Annette asked that she might be permitted to
+advance the sum. I declined, but, as Ludwig at once accepted her offer,
+I could make no further objection.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Father,&quot; exclaimed Ludwig, with unwonted enthusiasm, &quot;I
+firmly believe
+that water-power will assist us to solve the great labor question.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What we are about to undertake makes me, in many respects,
+feel both
+free and happy. I hope to be able to set the two great levers of our
+age--enterprise and economy--in operation. I felt the so-called social
+question as a personal affront. I asked myself, 'Are you so old that
+you need fear a great change? In your younger years, you felt offended
+when you heard the old ones say, that is overdone, or utopian or
+demagogical, or whatever it might be, but now you use these very terms
+yourself.' I honestly examined myself in this, and felt obliged to act
+as I have done.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;If we domesticate industry, and open new sources of profit to
+those
+who dwell in the neighborhood, we are strengthening the best possession
+we have in this woodland region--our love of home.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Love of home is a life artery, which, if not killed, is at
+least
+compressed by emigration.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The old maxim advises us to remain at home and gain a living
+among
+those whom we know best. We extend its application by enabling others
+to do as we would do. We must learn how to keep up with the progress of
+the age. At first, we sent rough logs down the stream, towards Holland;
+now we send planks; and after this we must send them doors and
+window-frames and steps.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was a pleasure to hear him explain his plans. He was
+determined that
+the people hereabouts should have better doors and windows, steps and
+flooring, than ever before. Besides that, he would see that there
+should be pretty designs for balconies. &quot;The result of all which will
+be, that both we and our countrymen will make lots of money. Actions
+which are for the benefit of the general public will, if managed
+rightly, turn out to the profit of the individual.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette wanted to know whether he would not destroy all
+individuality,
+by attempting to provide people with ready-made houses just as they
+could buy ready-made clothes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is what I propose to do,&quot; exclaimed Ludwig, cheerfully.
+&quot;All
+should be uniform, for, after all, every one wears his coat in his own
+peculiar way. And I think I can anticipate another objection you are
+about to make--that the machines will disturb the landscape.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is my meaning exactly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And there are thousands who think just as you do. But mankind
+must
+accustom themselves to new ideas. It is the question of spinning-wheel
+or sewing-machine over again. Just as, in old times, the spinning-wheel
+occupied the most exalted station in the household, so does the
+sewing-machine now occupy the place of honor; and the spirit of beauty
+and the force of custom will soon adorn the latter as it once did the
+former--although that was a simple machine, while this is a complicated
+one.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Thanks,&quot; said Annette, extending her hand to Ludwig; &quot;you are
+really a
+citizen of the new world.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig's plan was to connect an island which lay in the
+valley-stream
+with the mainland, by blasting out and turning in some rocks from
+shore. He would thus be able to turn what had heretofore been useless,
+to good account, and at the same time increase the water-power. He went
+to work in true American style, and was delighted when I told him that
+the raftsmen were not allowed to pass down the stream except during two
+hours of the day, and that we could thus arrange our time in such a way
+that they would not interfere with us. He felt pleased that the people
+were no longer allowed to dilly-dally about their work, but were
+obliged to make use of an appointed time. He decided that the time for
+floating the rafts past the island should be fixed for the dinner hour,
+when the workmen in the mill were taking their rest.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah,&quot; said he at last, &quot;I can remember the very minute when
+mother
+explained to me what work really is. We were standing at the
+blacksmith's shop when she said to me, 'Look, Ludwig, this pound of
+iron is worth but a few <i>groschen</i>, but a pound of watch-springs is
+worth many hundred <i>thalers</i>. This shows you what labor is.' The
+recollection of that moment at the blacksmith's shop has remained alive
+in my memory ever since. I can yet see the blacksmith's journeyman at
+his work, forging the spikes with which the rafts were held together,
+and while he was shaping one spike the other was heating in the fire. I
+have always worked on the same principle.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were visited by Annette's brother, who was just from
+Wildbad, and
+told us that on the day previous the French Ambassador had left there
+under instructions to visit the King of Prussia; and, it was further
+rumored, to bring it about that no German Prince should ascend the
+Spanish throne. There was great excitement everywhere, and he thought
+it hazardous to invest large sums in new enterprises; especially so for
+those who were near the French borders. The air seemed heavy as with an
+impending storm, and no one could tell how soon the cloud might burst.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Napoleon would be obliged to justify the new lease of power
+that the
+<i>plebiscite</i> had given him; he would find it necessary to furnish
+amusement for the French, who looked upon a war with us as a most
+agreeable diversion. Anything would serve him as an excuse.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For this reason, he thought it his duty to dissuade Annette
+from
+joining in our enterprise. He was willing, however, to advance the
+required sum out of his own funds, for, after all, there must be peace
+at last; and, if the undertaking should prove successful, it was his
+intention to transfer either the whole or a half of his share to
+Annette.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig wanted to employ none but discharged soldiers. He had
+no
+confidence in workmen who had not served in the army; and, as the
+stonecutter had been a soldier, he appointed him as chief of the
+stone-masons. He engaged an older man to superintend the erection of
+the building, who had been recommended as thoroughly honest; and it was
+Ludwig's intention to take him back to America with him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We learned that this man had formerly been an officer of
+engineers. He
+had been obliged to resign, and now led a simple and industrious life,
+eating and sleeping with the quarry-men. It was only when at work, that
+one could notice that he was of a higher caste. But he seemed to have
+no judgment of his own, and always required instructions; when he
+received these he would execute them with care and precision. He was a
+man of very few words, and always seemed as if seeking something which
+he either could not or dared not name.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And then Ludwig sent for Wacker, the dissipated fellow who
+lived in the
+valley beyond the mountains. He was only slightly intoxicated when he
+arrived, and Ludwig said to him, &quot;Wacker, I will give you a good
+situation on one condition: you may get drunk three times; but after
+the third, you will be summarily discharged. If you are agreed, all
+right; and I shall only add, beware of the first time: it will not cost
+you your situation, but it will make an inroad on your capital.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For a while, Wacker conducted himself properly; but he gave
+way at
+last. He had his three drunks, and was consequently discharged.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was now time to begin measuring and other preparations, and
+to
+employ the laborers; for the first thing in order was to regulate the
+bed of the stream.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette found great pleasure in watching the progress of the
+building.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig had ascertained where the stream had the greatest fall.
+He had
+an instrument, by means of which one can, while on land, quickly
+ascertain the descent of the current; and this, too, afforded Annette
+much amusement. She was anxious to know whether the power of water was
+measured by so many horse-power. In her desire for information, she was
+constantly asking questions. Ludwig, being more practical than Richard,
+was naturally more indulgent with Annette's questionings. Annette had,
+moreover, ceased to speak as if she felt herself a privileged person;
+she had become more simple and retiring in her ways.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One day when Annette exclaimed, &quot;Ah, what a pity to make the
+pure water
+work so!&quot; Ludwig imitated her voice, and replied, &quot;Ah, what a pity that
+the beautiful horses must draw Madame Annette's carriage!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette blushed crimson; but she controlled herself, and said,
+&quot;You are
+right; I spoke quite childishly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, you angel!&quot; cried Ludwig; &quot;a woman who can say, 'You are
+right; I
+have been wrong,' really is a marvel.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We received permission to carry the road farther down the
+mountain, and
+in that way secured the best place to store our material.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was another obstacle which we were obliged to overcome,
+and one
+of which we had never thought. The Englishman had leased the right to
+fish in the valley, from the villagers and farmers along the banks of
+the stream; and he now attempted, through the courts, to enjoin us from
+blasting the rocks; for just there was the best spot for trout.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig went before the court in person, and he succeeded in
+having the
+injunction set aside.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Before that, the Englishman had been a mere stranger to us;
+but now he
+was our enemy, and would not deign to bestow a glance on us. When any
+one of us walked or drove by, he would turn his back on us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In all this trouble, Ludwig was calm and kind; but careless
+work made
+him so indignant that he characterized it as crime and villany. He was
+dissatisfied, because, in their own home, he found that the German
+workmen had two great faults--they were awkward, and wasted too much
+time. In the new world, these very people would act quite differently.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette wanted to erect kitchens down by the banks of the
+stream
+for the workmen. She had already discussed the matter with the
+schoolmaster's wife, and the locksmith's widow was ready to assist; but
+the people took no interest in the affair.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Although she had already made up her mind, the locksmith's
+widow
+considered it her duty to consult Ludwig in regard to her marrying
+again. She had chosen the young stone-mason, who was hardly as old as
+she.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The wedding took place on a Sunday; and Annette busied herself
+conjecturing how the three children must have felt at their mother's
+marriage.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were obliged, out of compliment, to be present at the
+marriage
+feast; and Schweitzer-Schmalz, who was a relative of the bridegroom,
+called out, at the top of his voice, that the bridegroom had not needed
+to marry so soon for fear of being obliged to go to war again. The
+blatant Prussian would not venture to try conclusions with France; and
+if he did really attempt it, the real Germans, that is, the South
+Germans, would not assist.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In a loud voice, he retailed the wisdom of the popular
+journals; and I
+verily believe that he did it with the intention of drawing us out.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig whispered to me, &quot;It is not worth while trying to
+convert this
+man; events will teach him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Although I did not believe there would be war, Ludwig looked
+forward to
+it with great certainty, and only feared that we might neglect the
+proper moment to let the whole world see that it was France that was
+wantonly and impiously forcing war upon us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We went down to the valley stream in order to see that no
+accident
+should happen while the rocks were being blasted.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig superintended the blasting in person. With Annette and
+Conny, I
+was stationed down the road, while Rothfuss and Martella were on the
+other side, in order that all might be warned of the danger.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Suddenly there was a loud report which reverberated through
+the valleys
+and the forests; the blasting was a complete success.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Soon after, we were assembled on the road, and even the
+quarry-men were
+with us, when Ikwarte, accompanied by one of the forester's men, came
+running up to us, out of breath, exclaiming, before he reached us:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;War has been declared!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The forester brought me a message informing me that France had
+declared
+war, and calling on me to repair to the meeting of the Parliament at
+once.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig gave instructions that the work should be continued
+without
+interruption, and placed the completion of the new building in charge
+of the engineer. That very evening he accompanied me to the capital,
+Martella going with us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Englishman stood by the bank, angling.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was not until after I had left home, that I began to
+realize what
+was in store for us.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+<hr class="W10">
+<h2>BOOK FOURTH.</h2>
+<hr class="W10">
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">The great crisis which we have dreaded and yet hoped for has
+at last
+arrived. We are again obliged to contend with our hectoring neighbor,
+whose lust of power goads him to trample on our rights. We must fight,
+if we wish to endure; and will all Germany be united? If in this
+juncture we are not as one, our ruin is assured, and will be richly
+deserved.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">To know that the decisive moment is at hand, and that you
+cannot
+actively participate--that you are only a single wave in the current,
+is at once an oppressive and an exalting thought.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In my mind, I go over the list of my fellow-members in the
+Parliament.
+The decision seems to hang in doubt. Eccentricity is still rampant, and
+decks itself with all sorts of revolutionary ideas.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And how is the Prince inclined? Were it better if it rested
+with one
+man to decide whether we should have war or peace?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And there is another bitter experience that is forced upon us
+in
+periods of doubt and indecision; namely, that fixed principles begin to
+waver.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I found it a great comfort to have Ludwig with me. He was so
+thoroughly
+in sympathy with me, and yet, at the same time, a foreigner. He had
+become a citizen of the New World, in which he had lived over twenty
+years, and his views were freer from prejudice than ours could be.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In spite of the declaration of war on the part of the French
+government, the ravings in the French Legislative Chambers, and the
+outcry in the streets of Paris, I yet encouraged a hope that war might
+be averted. But Ludwig thought--and I was obliged to agree with
+him--that it were both treachery and folly now, when the right was on
+our side, not to accept the battle which would thus only be postponed.
+For this constant waiting and watching for what others may do, is a
+painful state of dependence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig was younger; his pulse was steadier. He had already
+fought in
+this country with undisciplined crowds, and, in the United States, had
+taken part in the great war.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He said in confidence that if he had known that the decision
+was so
+near at hand, he would have kept on better terms with Funk; because, at
+that moment, the great object was to gain his allegiance and that of
+his party, in which there was no lack of noble enthusiasts. Ludwig held
+that, in politics, it was not alone permissible, but even necessary, to
+use strategy and double-dealing.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella so urgently entreated me to permit her to accompany
+us, that,
+for her sake, Ludwig's wife remained at home.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At the village down by the railway station, and at nearly
+every
+station on the road, I was asked whether I believed there would be war,
+and whether I would advise the people to drive their cattle into
+out-of-the-way ravines and valleys, and to hide their household goods,
+on account of the threatened invasion of the French hordes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I took great pains to explain my views; but, at the second
+station,
+Ludwig said: &quot;Father, you are giving yourself unnecessary trouble. The
+people do not wish to learn anything. They think that you cannot know
+any more about it than they do. They simply ask you idle and anxious
+questions, just as they would at other times, 'What kind of weather do
+you think we will have?' Father, do not pour out the deepest feelings
+of your heart.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After that, I replied that one could not say much upon the
+subject; and
+I observed that the people, were more respectful because I was so
+reserved. They assumed that, as I was a delegate, I was fully informed
+on all subjects, and neither dared nor desired to unbosom myself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was rather late, but not too late. From that day, I learned
+that it
+is not best to open one's soul to another and reveal all that is within
+it; and for that reason, it is said of me that, since the beginning of
+the war, I am a changed man. In those days, I learned things that never
+were suffered to pass my lips.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The first one whom we met at the capital was my son-in-law,
+the Major.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What is the opinion in the army?&quot; inquired Ludwig.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Major looked at him steadily, and, after a pause,
+answered,
+&quot;Opinion? In the army there is obedience.&quot; With forced composure, he
+added, &quot;As far as I know, the army neither debates nor votes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He turned to me and said that this time we were better
+prepared than
+four years ago.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I asked whether the army orders had already been promulgated.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He shrugged his shoulders, and evidently did not care to
+divulge
+anything. He told me, though, that since the evening previous, he had
+been advanced to the rank of colonel, and had been placed in command of
+a regiment. When I spoke of this, as indicating that the Prince had
+decided for war, he lapsed into silence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We soon parted, regretting that we could not go to his house,
+for
+Annette had already prepared quarters for our reception.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I then went to our club-house and learned that our party was
+already
+broken up. The Funk faction--I must give it this name, although he was
+not its leader--held separate meetings.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig determined logo at once to the meeting of Funk's party,
+because
+it was important above all things to know what was being done there.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I believe in Lincoln's maxim,&quot; said he, &quot;that 'it will never
+do to
+swap horses while crossing streams.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In little more than an hour, he returned and told us that he
+had been
+coldly received, although the leadership was shared with Funk by two
+members who had once been among his most intimate friends. He was now,
+however, able to tell that their plan was to insist on neutrality. They
+did not dare to think, much less to speak, of an alliance with France.
+Their intention, however, was to call together a large meeting of the
+popular party, in order to exert a moral influence on Parliament, and
+perhaps to overawe it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At our meeting, we were expecting the arrival of the prime
+minister;
+the right wing of our party sided with the ministry.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The minister did not come; but sent one of his councillors,
+who
+informed me that the session would not be opened unless a quorum of
+delegates was present.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He told us that there was great disorder among the telegraphs.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After the councillor had left, Loedinger, my old associate and
+prison-mate, told me in confidence, that he expected a <i>coup d'etat</i>.
+He felt that the Prince had no desire to take counsel with the country,
+and had determined that his glory as a warrior should be shared by no
+one.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Loedinger was one of those imaginative persons who, whenever
+they form
+suspicions against any one, carry them to their extremest consequences.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The President, who was a member of our party, told us under
+the seal of
+secrecy, that the reason for delaying the opening of our session was
+that they might first ascertain what action the delegates in the next
+state would decide upon.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were thus held in anxious suspense.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">During the night, I found it impossible to sleep; and Ludwig,
+who was
+in the next room, called out to me: &quot;Father, you must sleep; to-morrow
+will be a trying day. Just think of it!--the Emperor of Germany--I
+should say, the King of Prussia--must also sleep to-night, and he is
+three years older than you are.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, it was on that night, the 16th of July, that my son
+announced the
+German Emperor to me. I could not help smiling with joy, and at last
+fell asleep. And, strange to say, I dreamed that I was again at Jena,
+and that the fantastic mummery of those days was being renewed. Because
+I had a round head and a ruddy complexion, I was termed the &quot;Imperial
+Globe,&quot; and they maintained that, with my large stature and broad
+shoulders, the imperial mantle would fit me best of all. They placed it
+on me, and I was obliged forthwith to distribute offices. And suddenly,
+I was no longer the Emperor, but Rothfuss, who laughed most terribly.
+I, too, was obliged to laugh--and, laughing, I awoke.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">When I opened my eyes, Ludwig stood at my bedside and said,
+&quot;You have
+slept well, father, and it is well that you did. You will need all your
+strength to-day; for to-day it will be--Good-morning, Germany.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I cannot describe how my son's presence helped to strengthen
+me. I felt
+that, with his power added to mine, I was doubly prepared for all that
+might happen.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There is nothing more encouraging, in troubled times, than to
+have a
+faithful friend at one's side,--a truth which was proved to me on that
+day and many a time since.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could not help recounting my strange dream, and when I added
+that it
+gave me incomparable joy to think that the day had at last arrived in
+which one might say the hearts of all Germans throbbed in unison,
+Ludwig begged me not to talk so much. He said that he could sympathize
+with me, and feel what a satisfaction it must be to me, after having
+fought and suffered for fifty years, at last to witness the fruition of
+my hopes, even though the price paid be war and bloodshed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was indeed right. He responded to all my feelings; I may
+indeed say
+that he anticipated them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I reached the street, the throng was such that it seemed
+as if all
+the houses had been emptied of their inhabitants. Here and there, were
+groups talking aloud, and before the printing-office of the principal
+newspaper, it was almost impossible to work one's way through the
+crowd.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was there that I met an old friend, the incorruptible
+Mölder. In
+1866 he had resigned a high position under the state, in order,
+thenceforth, to devote himself to his Fatherland, and, above all, to
+the cause of German unity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is well that I meet you,&quot; he said; &quot;we have war now, and
+have
+stolen a march on the French. Here, in the capital, the majority of the
+citizens are on our side, but in the country, as you well know, the
+so-called popular party is to a certain extent in the majority. The
+common people are not so willing to follow our advice, for they are in
+the hands of the clergy and the demagogues, who, for a little while
+longer, will travel together on the same road. For this reason, we have
+issued the call for a mass meeting at the Turners' Hall for this
+evening.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Would it not be best for us delegates to hold aloof from it?&quot;
+I
+inquired.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No; it is too late for that. You will have to speak there,
+and so will
+your son from America. We did not care to arouse you so late last
+night, and I have, therefore, on my own responsibility, signed your
+name to the call. But look!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I saw crowds standing at the street corners, and reading a
+large
+placard, calling on all whose hearts beat with love of Germany to meet
+together--and I really found my name at the foot of it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could not object; our actions were no longer at our own
+disposal.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Excited crowds filled the streets during the whole day. The
+whole
+population seemed like one restless being in anxious suspense. It was
+said that the telegraph wires had been connected with the palace, and
+as the people knew nothing of this before, the information caused great
+surprise. The afternoon paper brought the official news that they had
+wanted the King of Prussia to address the French Emperor in an humble
+letter, in which he was particularly forbidden to refer to the
+relationship existing between the French Emperor and the Prince of
+Hohenzollern, who had been elected King of Spain--a pleasant
+preparation for what was to ensue in the evening.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I did not see the Colonel during the whole day, but his
+friend,
+Professor Rolunt, hunted me up; and, from the manner in which he spoke
+of our project, it seemed to me that my son-in-law approved of it, and
+that the popular movement about to be set on foot, was not looked upon
+with disfavor by the government. Moreover, the Professor had become
+very cautious, and was known to stand well with government circles. He
+was believed to be an anonymous contributor to the official organ.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the evening, we repaired to the place of meeting.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Mölder arrived, and with pale and trembling lips, told us:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is rumored that the friends of the French will attempt to
+break up
+the meeting. But I have called on the Turners. They are all on our
+side, and your son stands as well with them as he once did.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The proceedings began.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Mölder was the first speaker. I have never seen any one more
+excited
+than he was. His lips trembled, and he held fast to the rail with a
+convulsive grasp, while he began:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We do not desire to become Prussians; but we wish to be
+Germans, as we
+must and shall be. Is there one among you who would dare to utter the
+accursed words, 'Rather French than Prussian!' If there be one who
+dares to think it, let him dare to say it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He paused for a while, and then exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Is there such a one among you? Answer me! Yes or no!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No!&quot; resounded from a thousand throats, and he responded with
+joyous
+voice, &quot;Then we are all friends.&quot; He then concluded his address,
+eloquently maintaining that to attempt to remain neutral were both
+treachery and folly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A young advocate who had been defeated in the recent
+elections, by one
+of the clerical party, followed. He spoke with that studied eloquence
+which talks glibly and in nicely rounded phrases. He concluded by
+demanding that the whole meeting should proceed to the palace and
+request the Prince to discharge his hesitating ministry; or, at all
+events, the one minister who seemed to be unpatriotically inclined.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Enthusiastic and joyous shouts of approval were showered upon
+him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I saw the danger that threatened, and asked for the floor.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There has been enough talking; it is time now for deeds!&quot;
+cried a
+voice in the assembly, and it seemed as if the crowd were already on
+the move.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My heart stood still. We were no longer masters of our own
+actions.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then Ludwig cried out, in a voice so powerful that the very
+walls
+seemed to tremble, &quot;If you are men, listen! My father wishes to speak.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Hurrah for the King of the Turners! Let old Waldfried speak!
+Silence!
+Order! Let old Waldfried speak!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was a long while before the shouting and the cheering
+ceased, and I
+think I spoke the right word at the right time.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had a right to refer to my past, and to explain to them that
+it would
+only create disturbance and confusion to adopt such violent measures
+before anything had really been decided upon. If I were the Prince, I
+would not yield to their wishes until the voice of the representatives
+of the people had been heard.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The temper of the meeting changed, and I received many signs
+of
+approval.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I had finished, there were shouts of, &quot;We want to hear
+the King of
+the Turners speak!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig mounted the rostrum; but so great was the applause,
+that it was
+several minutes before he could speak.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At last he began, in a cheerful tone, saying that we Germans
+were still
+full of the haughty arrogance of youth, and that this very meeting was
+a proof of it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then, with words that carried conviction to all who listened,
+he told
+them how the events of the last year had been a blessing to the
+emigrants in America; a blessing, indeed, which could not thoroughly be
+appreciated by those who were yet at home. The German had been
+respected, if he could call himself a Prussian; but now the time had
+come when the word <i>German</i> must be an honored name. And if, as some
+maintained, the South Germans are the real Germans, let them prove it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">If the Prussians are not yet Germans, they shall, and must,
+and will
+become so. They delivered us from the real Napoleon; they will also be
+able to free us from the counterfeit one. The first was not made of
+gold, but this one is mere pinchbeck.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have fought against negro slavery; now the battle is
+against the
+slavery that French ambition would submit us to.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While Ludwig was speaking, the chairman handed me a little
+slip of
+paper, on which were written the words, &quot;Your son knows how to allow
+the heated steed to cool off before tying him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig could, indeed, direct the mood of the meeting at will.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">To the great amusement of his audience, he said that he had
+the rare
+good fortune of having been born near the boundary line, and that,
+consequently, the first object he had become sensible of, were the two
+brightly painted posts which stood side by side on the road; and that,
+while yet a child, he had often looked up to the trees in the woods, to
+see whether they knew to which of the posts they belonged.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And when I returned, the abject life that we had been leading
+was
+again brought to my mind. On the one side marked by the bright post,
+all is Catholic, and on the other side all is Protestant, because in
+those times the people were obliged to accept their so-called religion
+from their masters.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Allow me to take a comparison from my own trade. It requires
+many
+strong posts to make the scaffolding of a building. The departed
+martyrs for German unity were the scaffolding. It has been torn down,
+and now we behold the building, pure and simple, firmly and regularly
+built, and appropriately adorned.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Or another simile: Have you ever observed a raft in the
+valley stream?
+It floats along slowly and lazily, but when it reaches the weir it
+hurries; and then is the time to find out whether the withes are strong
+and hold the planks firmly together.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The German logs must now pass through the weir. There is a
+cracking
+and a straining, but they hold fast to each other, and right merrily do
+they float down into the Rhine and out into the ocean.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The bells in the neighboring state have a different tone from
+ours;
+but if the two are in accord, the effect is so much the more beautiful.
+And from this moment let all bells chime in harmony.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig had the rare faculty of introducing apt illustrations
+while his
+audience was all aglow with enthusiasm, and thus kept the meeting in
+the best of humor and ready to agree with him when he concluded by
+saying: &quot;We have been patient so long--for more than half a century:
+indeed, ever since the battle of Leipzig--that we can well afford to be
+patient for a few days, perhaps only a few hours longer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The meeting which had been so excited closed with singing. It
+was on
+that evening that I heard &quot;Die Wacht am Rhein,&quot; for the first time. It
+must, before that, have been slumbering on every lip, and had now at
+last awakened.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The young advocate who had proposed the immediate removal of
+the
+minister, whispered to me, &quot;I thank you for having defeated my motion.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I looked at him with surprise, and he continued: &quot;I do,
+indeed, thank
+you. The only object was to show the friends of the French that even
+though it might require extreme measures, no demand that liberalism
+could make would surprise us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That sort of worldly wisdom was not to my taste.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The chairman then put the following resolution to a vote:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That we would remain true to the articles of confederation and
+to the
+German cause, with all our means and at every sacrifice.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They shouted their approval with one voice; and now he closed
+the
+meeting with a few cheerful remarks, announcing that we would adjourn
+to the garden, where the beer was very good, and where there would be
+no more speeches except the clinking of the mugs.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">&quot;Father, you had better go home; you need sleep. I will
+accompany you
+to our quarters, but I must return again, as they all insist upon my
+doing so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig and I took our way through the streets. They were still
+filled
+with a surging crowd, and in front of the palace the entire guard was
+under arms. They had evidently made preparations against a popular
+disturbance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I arrived at the dwelling, Ludwig left me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette was still awake, and informed me, as soon as I
+entered, that a
+member of the cabinet had been there, had left word that I should come
+to the palace that evening, and that if I would mention my name at the
+left entrance I would be admitted. He had also said that, no matter how
+late it was when I returned, I should not fail to come. I said that
+there must have been some mistake--that they probably meant my son
+Richard, or Ludwig; but Annette repeated that &quot;Father Waldfried&quot; had
+been especially mentioned.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I replied that I was so tired that I would have to leave it
+until the
+next day, but Annette thought that such a command must be implicitly
+obeyed, and believed that the Prince himself desired to speak with me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I repaired to the palace. The whole of the left wing was
+illuminated.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I gave my name to the lackey at the foot of the
+staircase, he
+called it out, and a secretary appeared and said, in a respectful
+voice; &quot;The Prince awaits you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I pointed to my workday dress, but was assured that that made
+no
+matter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I ascended the staircase. On every hand there were guards. I
+was
+conducted into a large saloon, where the secretary left me. He soon
+reappeared, holding the door open and saying, &quot;Please enter.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I went in. The Prince advanced to meet me, and took me by the
+hand,
+saying: &quot;I thank you sincerely for having come. I would gladly have
+allowed you to rest overnight, but these times do not permit us to
+rest. Pray be seated.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was well that I was allowed to take a seat.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Prince must have observed that I was almost out of breath,
+and
+said: &quot;Do not speak; you are quite exhausted. Permit me to tell you
+that, in this trying hour, I repose full confidence in you. I have, for
+a long while, desired to make your acquaintance. I have known your son,
+the Professor, ever since he was at the university.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He added other highly complimentary remarks.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A pause ensued, during which I noticed, on the opposite wall,
+a picture
+of the deceased Princess, who, as I had often heard, had been a great
+benefactress to the country during the famine of 1817. This picture
+revived my recollections of Gustava, and I felt as if I were not alone,
+but as if she were with me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">All this passed through my mind during the few moments of
+silence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Prince went on to say that he had been informed of what I
+had said
+an hour ago at the popular meeting. It had, for several days, been his
+desire to act in union with me, but that he had entertained doubts on
+various points,--among others as to whether I could attach myself to
+him; and that the information he had just received had at last aided
+him to form his conclusion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Excuse the question, but are you a republican?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have sworn to support the government,&quot; was my answer.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Are you a republican in theory?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;In theory? The days of Pericles and Scipio are reflected in
+the soul
+of every German who has received a classical education, and, logically
+considered, a republic is the only form of free government. But neither
+the life of nature, nor that of human history, is absolutely logical,
+for actual necessity sets aside the systems erected by abstract
+reason.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is well, and we shall, therefore, no doubt agree on all
+that
+follows. But let me ask you one other question: Do you candidly and
+heartily desire the continued existence of my sovereign dynasty?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Sovereign--no; dynasty--yes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At these words the Prince arose from his seat, and hurriedly
+walked
+across the floor. It seemed as if he involuntarily placed a distance
+between himself and me. He remained standing in a dark corner of the
+room.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was a long pause, during which nothing broke the silence
+except
+the ticking of the little clock on his table.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Such words had never been uttered in those halls. I had done
+my duty;
+but I distrusted the Prince. Although suspicion is foreign to my
+nature, his entire behavior aroused it in me. The Prince returned,
+and stood opposite me, while he rested his clenched fist on his
+writing-desk. The full light was streaming on his face.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Explain yourself more fully,&quot; he said.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your Highness,&quot; I replied, &quot;what I said to you was said after
+full
+reflection.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I feel assured of that; but speak out fearlessly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have fought, thought, and lived for this during my whole
+lifetime.
+If we are to gain a real Fatherland, the princes must relinquish their
+claim to sovereignty: that belongs only to the whole.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The growth of the idea of German unity has been in
+geometrical
+progression. During the period of the rotten restoration, from the
+battle of Leipzig down to 1830, those who entertained it might have
+been counted by hundreds, or, at most, thousands, and they were to be
+found only among the cultured or learned classes. After 1830, they were
+counted by hundreds of thousands, and after 1848, by millions; and
+to-day the thought of German unity is alive in all who know that they
+are Germans.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;One system of laws within our borders, a united army, and
+united
+representation in foreign lands. But the league of the states, that
+through joy and sorrow have achieved unity for themselves, should be
+faithfully preserved. The forest is one united whole, and yet every
+tree has its individual life.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your Highness, I live near the borders. The obstinacy of the
+Vienna
+congress has so cut up the country that we are obliged to go out of our
+state to get salt. I have fields and woods beyond the boundary post,
+and this has given rise to a thousand and one annoyances. Even the
+protection of the forests, on which depends the life of our landed
+interests, is obstructed by the diversity of laws. The hailstorm we had
+last week paid no regard to boundary posts.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">From the depths of my heart, I said: &quot;Your dynasty, you and
+your house,
+should remain our chief; but they should be subject to the greater
+commonwealth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Subject?&quot; said the Prince. He evidently expected that I would
+withdraw
+or modify the word; but I felt that I could not do so.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And then he took my hand in his and said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I knew that these were your thoughts; I assumed as much. But
+I feel
+grateful that you have allowed me to hear them from your own lips. Do
+you believe that the majority of my--or our--people feel as you do?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, I do not believe so. That is, they do not feel so to-day,
+but they
+will to-morrow. Deeds--deeds of sacrifice--are the most powerful
+instructors; they teach men what they should think, and even find a
+voice for what has been slumbering in their souls, but which--through
+pride and anger, or through want of courage--they have not even dared
+to think of.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are not an enthusiast.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I do not believe I am one. The people love the princes from
+force of
+habit, and will be none the less glad to love them when reflection and
+reason permit them to do so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Have you ever had the desire to occupy a position of
+authority under
+the government?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Certainly; it was my greatest desire, and I believe--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You ought to be President of the ministry.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I replied that I was a practical farmer, and had never been in
+the
+government service.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Tell me how you have become what you are,&quot; said the Prince,
+taking a
+seat opposite me.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">&quot;I shall gladly tell you all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The less reserve on your part, the greater my thanks.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I was one of those who were persecuted on account of what at
+that time
+was called demagogism.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The soldier who guarded me--he is now a servant in my
+employ--informed
+me that I had been sentenced to death, and offered to change clothes
+with me, in order that I might escape. I refused the offer and
+remained. We were not sentenced to death, but to imprisonment for ten
+years. Ten years! A long, long night stared us in the face.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your Highness has taken me by the hand. Your father declared
+that he
+would never voluntarily offer his hand to me or my confederates,
+although it were necessary to do so if we meant to give him a pledge of
+our allegiance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You cannot remember the circumstance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;After being imprisoned for five years, we were pardoned, and
+I and two
+of my prison-mates were elected members of the Parliament.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The Jurists objected to our assuming the privileges of
+citizenship.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The House which acknowledged our election was dissolved,
+naturally
+enough, by Metternich's order. A new one met, and, as we had in the
+meanwhile been re-elected, it confirmed the validity of our election.
+Your father--I fully acknowledge his many acts of benevolence--was
+obliged to extend his hand to us in order that we might take the oath.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There are no words that fitly describe the wicked man who
+lived in the
+imperial city, and to whom the sovereign German princes were obedient
+subjects. In future days it will seem incredible, that, in obedience to
+orders from Vienna, the German princes ordered our youth, under heavy
+penalties, to desist from improving their physical strength by
+gymnastic exercises.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Perhaps you never knew that even singing clubs were
+forbidden, and
+that officials who had been connected with them were regarded with
+suspicion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Is it conceivable that a government which forbids physical
+development
+by means of gymnastics, and spiritual elevation by means of song, can
+for a moment have faith in its own stability?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am not easily moved to hatred; but, even now, the name of
+that man
+fills me with indignation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What crime had we been guilty of? Why, only this: with a
+youthful
+confidence in solemn promises, we had simply held fast to the idea that
+Germany had freed itself from the Corsican yoke in order to become a
+free, united empire.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You cannot conceive, your Highness, how many noble-hearted
+men were
+thrown into dungeons, or driven into exile in those days. Who can
+measure what noble gifts ran to waste.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;When I think of these things, a sad picture presents itself
+to my
+mind's eye.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Among our fellow-prisoners at the fortress, there was a young
+man who
+had already begun to lecture at the university.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;His father was an eminent philologist, and had been removed
+from his
+professorship for permitting himself, while lecturing, to indulge in
+expressions in favor of liberty. In a material sense, he was,
+fortunately, well-to-do. His family owned a large estate in the forest
+country, whither he repaired, taking with him his collections of
+antiques and his books.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The son sickened while in prison, and a wasting fever
+undermined his
+youthful strength; and, as his days were numbered, the physician at the
+fortress requested the authorities to release him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have positive information--as the sister of that young man
+afterward
+became my wife--that our Prince, your father, was willing to grant the
+discharge. But, before it could be carried into effect, it was
+necessary to ask for Metternich's permission--and Metternich refused
+it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The commandant of the fortress held me in great esteem, and
+permitted
+me, on his own responsibility, to be placed in the same cell with the
+sick prisoner.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I nursed him faithfully, and watched his every movement. I
+shall never
+care to recall the thoughts that passed through my mind during the long
+days, and still longer nights, that I passed at his bedside. He was
+slowly sinking; for confinement was killing him, and yet no word of
+complaint ever fell from his lips.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;His father came and--could you imagine it?--was not allowed
+to
+converse with his son except in the presence of a guard.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then came his sister, only fifteen years old--but of that no
+matter at
+present.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The noble martyr died. He was buried in the village at the
+foot of the
+fortress.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;While these things were going on, there was dancing and
+dining at
+Court, and Metternich was writing witty <i>billet-doux</i>.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You, of course, have never heard of these things.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Through the bars of our prison, we could look out into the
+fortress-yard and see the coffin placed on the wagon that was to carry
+it to the grave. But why should I revive the anger and sense of
+disgrace that filled our hearts at that moment? And who, on the other
+hand, would have the right to condemn us prisoners if, when at last
+free, we should indulge in deeds of vengeance?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your Highness will understand that I am only telling you of
+these
+matters so that you may have an idea of the sacrifices that were made
+to bring about the result which is now to be consummated through a
+struggle of life and death.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I know it--I know it well; pray go on.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I plucked up my courage and continued: &quot;My parents died while
+I was a
+prisoner. When I was at last discharged, I had lost all taste for a
+clerical calling. I was down in the village standing by the smithy, saw
+the blazing fire and watched the heavy hammers, and I yearned for just
+such hard manual labor. I begged the smith to take me as his
+apprentice, and he at once handed me a hammer. I was there but a week,
+when the father of the young man who had died in prison came and took
+me to his estate.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And you married his daughter?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And does she still live?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No; she died, as I am unfortunately forced to believe,
+through grief
+on account of the desertion of our youngest son just before the war of
+1866.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I know it, I know it. I hear that your son is serving in the
+French
+army in Algiers? I know,&quot; he said, interrupting himself when he saw my
+painful agitation, &quot;what grief this son has caused you. If it were in
+your power to send him word, he might, if he would deliver himself up
+of his own will, be received back into the army with some trifling
+punishment, and might afterward by his bravery distinguish himself, and
+all would be well again. But, of course, at present, communication is
+impossible either through diplomatic or private channels.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was obliged to admit that I did not know of Ernst's
+whereabouts.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Strange it is how a poet's words will suddenly come to one's
+aid.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My son is like a different man,'&quot; said I, with the words
+taken from
+the history of my friend; and I was myself astonished by the tone in
+which I spoke. I had enough self-command to say that our present
+troubles required that all should be united, and, that we should,
+therefore, not complicate them by introducing our own personal
+interests; nor did I conceal the fact that I had lived down my sorrow
+on account of Ernst, and had almost ceased to be haunted by the thought
+of him. It pained me, nevertheless, to listen to the well-rounded,
+sentences in which the Prince praised the Roman virtue that indulged my
+love of country at the expense of my feelings as a father. He seemed
+pleased with this conceit of his, and repeated it frequently. I felt
+quite disenchanted.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Thoughts of Ernst almost made me forget where I was, or what I
+was
+saying, until the Prince requested me to resume my story, unless I
+found it too fatiguing.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I continued:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;When I think of the times before 1830, I see opposed to each
+other
+extravagant enthusiasm and impotence, courageous virtue and cowardly
+vice, chaste and devoted faith in the ideal, and mockery, ridicule, and
+frivolous disbelief in all that was noble--the one side cherishing
+righteousness, the other scoffing at it. In other words, on the one
+side, Uhland; on the other, Metternich.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My relations with my family, with the community in which I
+lived, and
+even in a wider circle, were happy enough. But the thought of my
+distracted Fatherland remained, and filled my heart with grief that
+could not be assuaged. I lived and suffered for the general good, and
+my associates did the like; but the storm-cloud was always impending
+over us, and we were obliged to learn how to go about our daily work
+with fresh and cheerful hearts, although danger threatened; to be
+patient for the sake of the people, and to look into our own hearts for
+strength.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The best men of our Fatherland were deeply anxious to be up
+and doing,
+but we were condemned to the worst lot of all: a life-long opposition.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;While we were languishing for healthy political action, our
+minds were
+filled with a bitter and consuming protest against the miserable
+condition of our affairs.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is hard when one's whole being is in conflict with his
+surroundings.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I went on to tell him of the great hopes that the spring of
+1848 had
+inspired us with, and that I, too, had had the good fortune to be
+permitted to assist in building up the great Fatherland, and to have
+been in the confidence of the best men of my time. I told him of the
+sad days when our so-called &quot;Rump Parliament&quot; was dispersed by the
+soldiers, and also spoke of my son Ludwig.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I understand that your son has become a man of great ability
+and force
+of character, and that he distinguished himself in the war with the
+slave States?&quot; said the Prince.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was surprised to find how well he was informed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And then the Prince added, in an animated voice: &quot;You are an
+enthusiastic friend of Prussia?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am; for in Prussia I recognize the backbone of our national
+existence; she is not prepossessing, but steadfast and reliable.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I lived at the time of the war of liberation; many who were
+of my age
+took part in the war that saved us. Our section stood with Napoleon,
+but Prussia saved Germany. She has dallied a great while before
+claiming her reward for that service; but at last she receives it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Prince arose, and, resting both hands on his
+writing-table, said,
+&quot;That is the very reason I sent for you. Both they and we--both high
+and low--must extinguish the memories of 1866. We have all much to
+forgive, and much to learn.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And then the Prince asked me whether I believed that the
+majority of
+the House of Delegates agreed with us?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was obliged to express my doubts on that head.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have made up my mind, however,&quot; exclaimed the Prince,
+&quot;whether the
+delegates agree with me, or otherwise. You are an old, tried soldier.
+Are you ready to ally yourself with me--no, not with me--with the
+Fatherland?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;How?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Call it a <i>coup d'etat</i>, if you choose--we dare not let
+names frighten
+us--these are times in which legal forms must be disregarded. Are you
+willing to accept the presidency of my cabinet, so that your fair name
+may lend its lustre to my actions? You shall bear testimony to my love
+of country.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am willing, your Highness, to sacrifice the short span of
+life that
+is yet left me; but I am not an adept in state affairs.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is no matter; others will attend to that. What I require
+is the
+moral influence of your presence. Your son-in-law, Colonel Karsten, is
+willing to accept the portfolio of Secretary of War.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I informed the Prince that I would be obliged to insist on
+important
+conditions: not from distrust of him, but of his noble associates who
+had deserted us in 1848, and had used us liberals as cat's-paws.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I told him that, in my opinion, Germany would either emerge
+from this
+war as a great power, or disappear from the roll of nations.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We hope for the best, and we must conquer, for defeat would
+be
+destruction.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As a first condition, I requested the Prince to give me a
+written
+assurance that he resigned all privileges which would interfere with
+German unity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He smiled. I do not know whether it was in scorn, or whether
+he had not
+heard my last words. He rose, placed his hand on my shoulder, and said,
+&quot;You are a good man.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I, too, was obliged to smile, and answered, &quot;What else should
+I be,
+your Highness?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Is not what you demand of me equivalent to an abdication?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No; it is nothing more than retiring to the position held by
+the
+princes before domestic dissensions enabled Louis XIV. to wrest Alsace
+and Lorraine from the German Empire.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was with an air of embarrassment that the Prince said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Here is my hand. I have a right to do this, and desire to be
+the first
+to hail the victorious King of Prussia as Emperor.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Prince touched a bell, and a lackey entered, whom he told
+to bid
+Colonel Karsten come.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My son-in-law Minister of War, and I president of the cabinet!
+Was it
+all a dream? My eye fell on the picture of the deceased Princess, and
+it seemed to resemble Gustava and to smile upon me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Colonel entered. He remained standing, in the erect
+attitude of a
+soldier.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Prince informed him, in a few words, that we agreed with
+each
+other, and submitted a proclamation with which the Chamber was to be
+dissolved, in case the majority should decide for neutrality. For the
+present, this was to be kept a secret.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Prince then withdrew.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Arm in arm with my son-in-law, I returned to my dwelling.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">To think of all that had happened to me during that one day</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Could this be myself? I could scarcely collect my senses.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig had not returned, and I was almost glad that it was so,
+for I
+was not permitted to reveal what had been secretly determined on.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella was still awake. She came to meet me with the words:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Father, you have heard news of Ernst. Did the Prince give you
+his
+pardon?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could not conceive how the child could have had this
+presentiment,
+and when I asked her, she told me that a brother of the porter at
+Annette's house had returned from Algiers and had told her about Ernst.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could not enter into Martella's plans. What mattered the
+life of a
+son, or the yearning affection of a girl? I scarcely heard what she
+said--my heart was filled to overflowing; there was no room left for
+other cares.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One memory was revived. Years ago, the Privy Councillor had
+told me
+that I was well thought of at court. At that time it was scarcely
+probable. But could it have been true, after all?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Morning was dawning when I reached my bed. I felt that I would
+never
+again be able to sleep, and only wished that I might live a few days
+longer, so that, if nothing else was left, I might plunge myself into
+the yawning abyss for the sake of my country.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was fortunate that the session was not to begin until noon.
+I slept
+until I was called.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">The Colonel came and told me that the troops were under
+orders.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was startled. I shuddered at the idea of using force against
+our
+fellow-citizens, and felt as if I could by my own strength, oppose and
+conquer the demon of dissension. I felt assured that I must succeed,
+and as confident as if success had already been achieved.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig accompanied me through the streets; they were even more
+crowded
+than on the day before.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette and Martella had preceded us, in order to secure good
+seats. It
+was with difficulty that we forced our way through the crowd. Ludwig
+was obliged to shake hands with many whom we met, and was often greeted
+by men whom he did not recognize, and who seemed annoyed that, in spite
+of the changes that twenty-one years had made in them, he did not at
+once address them by their names.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A company of soldiers were mounting guard before, the House of
+Parliament. Ernst Rontheim, son of the Privy Councillor, was in
+command. He saluted me in military fashion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I gazed upon the vigorous youth, with his ruddy face and
+bright eyes,
+and asked myself: &quot;Will he this very day be forced to command his
+troops to fire upon his fellow-citizens?&quot; Did he know how full of
+danger his post was? It required a great effort, on my part, to refrain
+from speaking to him. At that moment, the minister of war arrived, and
+the young officer called out, &quot;Present arms!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the ante-chamber, and in the restaurant attached to the
+House, there
+were many groups engaged in lively and animated discussions, in which
+the speakers accompanied their remarks by forcible gesticulations.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The three members who had been fellow-prisoners o f mine at
+the
+fortress, were still faithfully attached to me. The one whom we had
+termed &quot;The Philosopher&quot; had distinguished himself by new theories in
+political science, and the other two were eminent lawyers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Only one of the members of the old student corps had gone over
+to the
+radicals, but he was recognized as the most independent and the purest
+of men, and was everywhere spoken of as &quot;Cato.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The others had remained true to our colors; and one who was
+known as
+Baribal called out &quot;What! Bismarck? If that black devil will bring
+about union, I shall sell my soul to him!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I spoke with &quot;Cato,&quot; when no others were by, and he frankly
+confessed
+that he feared that this war would strengthen monarchism, and that,
+therefore, he still was, and ever would be, a republican.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We have, thus far, been forced to act against our wishes, and
+have
+complained in secret,&quot; he said, &quot;but if we conquer in this war, we
+shall have voluntarily become subjects, and be happy in the favor of
+their high mightinesses. I am not a subject, and do not wish to become
+one.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He gave me a fierce look, and I felt obliged to tell him that
+he could
+not be at his ease while receiving honors from people whom he despised.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He did not feel that war was inevitable, but was inclined to
+favor it,
+if the German princes would promise that the constitution of the German
+Empire, as proposed in the Frankfort Parliament, would be adopted in
+the event of our success.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Cato&quot; assured me that even if we were to bring about a union,
+it would
+be such only in name. Organic life cannot become a harmonious whole
+unless there is freedom of action; and therefore, we must, first of
+all, insist on guarantees for freedom.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why do you,&quot; said he in conclusion, &quot;who aided and abetted
+the
+Frankfort Parliament, never mention it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I told him that this was political orthodoxy, he paid no
+regard to
+what I said.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk once furtively looked towards me, and then turned to his
+neighbor,
+with whom he conversed in a low voice.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Various members who, it was evident, desired to take the lead,
+were
+walking up and down absorbed in thought.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I heard that telegrams had been received to the effect that
+France
+would not consent to further delay, and insisted that all must be
+absolutely neutral or else avowedly take sides.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Loedinger, my former prison-mate, approached me and said that
+it would
+be necessary to prevent any conclusion being reached on that day, and
+that we should govern ourselves by the course that the neighboring
+state decided upon.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I asked him whether the party had determined on this. He said,
+&quot;No,&quot;
+and told me that his only object was to bring about a postponement in
+case the probable issue seemed adverse to us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I felt that this would be impossible. I entered the chamber
+more
+agitated than I have ever been. I had never in all my life been obliged
+to conceal anything, and now I had to face my associates with a weighty
+secret on my mind. I saw the ministers enter and take their seats, and
+could not help thinking, &quot;You will soon be seated there.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One minister whom we knew to be of our party came down to
+where I was
+sitting and shook hands with me. He spoke with confidence and
+hopefulness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I noticed Funk pointing at me, and could hear the loud
+laughter that
+followed on the part of the group that surrounded him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The President took his seat; the ringing of the bell agitated
+me; the
+decisive moment approached.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I looked up. Annette nodded to me. Richard was seated at her
+side.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was obliged to drive out all roving thoughts, for it was now
+necessary to concentrate all my energies on one object.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The proceedings began. My friend Loedinger, who had been
+seated at my
+side, was the first speaker, and supported the motion in favor of
+taking the field. He spoke with great fervor, and invoked the spirits
+of those who had gone before us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Would that the mighty spirits of the past could descend to us
+this
+day,&quot; were his words, while his own utterances were those of a spirit
+pure and beyond reproach. When he finished his remarks, a storm of
+applause followed. I grasped his hand; it was cold as ice.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk requested the President to preserve order in the
+galleries, and
+said that this was not a Turners' festival.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The President reminded him that he knew his duty, and meant to
+perform
+it, and that Funk, in his eagerness, had only anticipated him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The next speaker was &quot;Cato.&quot; He unearthed all the grievances
+that
+Prussia had inflicted on the patriots. He called on the spirits of
+those who had fallen during the war of 1866, and said they might well
+ask those who now counselled aiding Prussia, &quot;Are you willing to stand
+side by side with those who murdered us in a fratricidal war?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When he closed, it was evident that his words had deeply moved
+the
+assembly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was the next to have the floor, and explained that, although
+brothers
+may quarrel among themselves, they are brethren nevertheless, and that,
+when an insolent neighbor endeavors to invade and destroy their home,
+they must unite to defend it. Addressing my opponents, I exclaimed,
+&quot;You know full well what the decision will be, and I am loth to believe
+that you desire to embarrass or disgrace it by opposition and
+dissension.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Great excitement followed this remark, and prevented me from
+going on.
+I was called to order, but the President decided that my remarks had
+not been personal.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I endeavored to keep calm, and to weigh every word before
+uttering it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In spite of this resolution, I forgot myself, and aroused a
+perfect
+storm of anger, when I expressed my deepest convictions in the
+following words:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You who are seated on the other side do not believe in
+neutrality. Ask
+yourselves whether this be an honest game that you are playing.
+Neutrality is a hypocritical word which, translated into honest German,
+means willingness to aid France, a Rhenish confederation, and treason
+to the Fatherland!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was called to order and was obliged to admit that I had gone
+a little
+too far.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The President interrupted the debate, and inquired whether the
+Chamber
+would permit him to read a telegram which had just been received, and
+was of some importance in relation to the subject under consideration.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No! No!&quot; &quot;We are debating this among ourselves!&quot; &quot;Our
+deliberations
+must be free and untrammelled!&quot; &quot;No outside parties have a right to
+interfere!&quot; cried the one side.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes! Yes!&quot; &quot;Let us have it!&quot; &quot;Read it to us!&quot; cried the
+others, and
+all was confusion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The President at last restored order, and then informed us
+that the
+telegram was from the House of Parliament of the neighboring state. He
+desired to know whether he might read it to the assembly. He would
+permit no debate on the subject; those who were in favor of the
+reading, would simply rise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The majority arose, and Loedinger was almost trembling with
+emotion
+when he grasped my hand and said, &quot;Brother, the day is ours!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The President read the telegram. It was to the effect that a
+small
+though decided majority of the Parliament of the next state had
+determined that their forces should take the field.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then followed, both on the floor and in the galleries, a few
+moments of
+terrible confusion and excitement.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Order was at last restored, and the President announced that
+the
+business would now be proceeded with.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had the floor.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Make no speech--ask for a vote at once,&quot; said Loedinger, as I
+arose. I
+acted on his advice.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The vote was taken; the majority was ours.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Loud shouts of joy filled the air, but I felt happier than all
+the
+rest. I had been saved from a fearful danger.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette's carriage stood in a by-street, awaiting us. We rode
+to our
+dwelling, and, when I reached there, I felt like one who, after long
+and weary wandering over hill and dale, can at last sit down and
+rest. And while I sat there, with myriad thoughts passing through my
+brain, I could not help thinking, &quot;The dream of my youth has repeated
+itself--they only tried the mantle on me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Shortly after that, Ludwig returned home to join his wife and
+to look
+after his workmen.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">How often we had yearned for unity of feeling, and an
+interchange of
+sympathy with our compatriots! How sad it was to keep in our path with
+the knowledge that the feelings and aspirations of those whom we met
+had nothing in common with our own!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The unity of feeling had at last been brought about. Every
+street had
+become as a hall of the great temple in which love of country testified
+its readiness to sacrifice itself. Every valley resounded with the
+joyful message, &quot;Awake! Our Fatherland has arisen in its might! Hasten!
+for the battle is not yet over. The soul of him who falls will live on
+in the comrade who marched at his side. Now none can live for himself
+alone, but for the one great cause.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After my sad bereavement, life had ceased to be aught but
+duty, and I
+would have been ready, at any time, calmly to leave the world. But now
+my only desire was to live long enough to witness the fruition of the
+hopes which, during my whole life, had filled my soul.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My children and grandchildren, each in his own way, showed
+their love
+of country.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Society at large was now like one great family, united in
+sentiment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The vicar was the first of my family to visit me. He came to
+offer his
+services as chaplain to the troops. Julius followed soon after. It had
+gone hard with him to leave his wife, but he was happy to know that he
+could at last serve his country. It moved me deeply when he told me of
+the courage and resignation his wife had shown at parting. He was
+accompanied by his brother-in-law, the lieutenant, who joyously
+confessed that he was filled with hopes of glory and rapid advancement.
+He drew his sword a few inches from its scabbard, and said, &quot;This blade
+has lost patience--it is all athirst.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My grandson Wolfgang returned from the forester's school.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Grandfather, have my pine-seeds sprouted?&quot; was his first
+question.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;They do not grow so fast, my child; the bed is still covered
+with
+brushwood.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He wanted to enter the army as a volunteer, and was quite sad
+when we
+told him that foreigners would not be accepted, and that it would,
+moreover, take a good while before he could learn the drill. He could
+with difficulty reconcile himself to the fact that he was not permitted
+to take part in the war, and with a voice full of emotion, exclaimed,
+&quot;Although my name is growing on its soil, I am not allowed to fight for
+Germany!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang was accompanied by Annette's nephew, the son of
+Offenheimer
+the lawyer. He desired to offer his services as a volunteer. He was a
+comrade of Wolfgang's, and a student in the agricultural department of
+the forester's school. His face was marked by several scars, and
+although he was not of a quarrelsome disposition, he had been in
+several duels. He had served in the Young Guard, which, during the past
+few years, had been recruited from the students of Gymnasiums and
+polytechnic schools.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I inquired whether his father consented to his entering the
+service,
+and he answered me in the affirmative.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Shortly afterward, his father entered the room. In a few words
+he told
+us that he had expected this war, and then, turning to his sister, he
+remarked that his son Alfred had entered the regiment which had
+formerly been the Captain's, as Colonel Karsten could not take him in
+his regiment. He also told me that he had fully determined, in case the
+war resulted in our favor, to withdraw from practice, and to devote
+himself to public affairs.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Offenheimer was an able, clear-minded man, of liberal
+opinions, and
+free from prejudice; and yet it seemed as if this vow of his had been
+made in order to assure himself of the success of our cause and the
+preservation of his only son.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette had always observed a certain distance with her
+kindred, and
+was, indeed, kinder to Martella than to her own nephew. But now, the
+war and the unanimity of feeling which it had induced, seemed, even in
+her case, to awaken new sympathies.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the following morning, when I was preparing for my journey
+homeward,
+a messenger came from the palace to inform me that the Prince required
+my presence. And now I went, in bright daylight and with a peaceful
+soul, to the same place that I had approached during the night,
+ignorant of what was in store for me. I was happy to know that the
+serious charge, which I was hardly fitted to undertake, had not been
+imposed on me, and I was, at the same time, encouraged by the feeling
+that I had shown my willingness to do all in my power.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the staircase, I met the French ambassador, who had just
+received
+his parting audience; and thus I saw the last French ambassador who
+witnessed our dissensions.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The antechamber of the Prince's apartments was full of life
+and bustle.
+Adjutants and orderlies were constantly coming and going.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I saw my son-in-law, but only for a few moments. He shook me
+by the
+hand, and said, &quot;My regiment marches through your valley; I shall see
+you again at home.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was called into the Prince's presence. His cheeks were
+flushed and
+his eye sparkled. He took me by the hand and said: &quot;I can only briefly
+thank you. I shall never forget your fidelity and your candor.
+Unfortunately, I can be of no service to you, for you need no favors;
+but my heart shall ever be filled with gratitude to you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His kind words so moved me that I was unable to utter a word
+in reply,
+and the Prince continued: &quot;Like you, I am forced to remain at home. It
+is well and proper that princely rank does not require its possessor to
+command his armies. Leaders have been selected, from whom we have a
+right to look for the greatest results with the least bloodshed. Excuse
+me; I regret that I cannot speak with you any longer. I shall be glad
+to have you visit me soon again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He shook hands with me again, and I was about to withdraw in
+silence,
+when a lackey entered and said that a daughter of mine had requested to
+see the Prince, and begged that she might speak with me in his
+presence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Let her enter. You had better remain here, Herr Waldfried.&quot;</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">The door was opened and in rushed Martella, who threw herself
+on her
+knees at the Prince's feet and exclaimed: &quot;Your Highness, Prince by the
+grace of God, be gracious and merciful! Give me my betrothed, my Ernst!
+I shall not rise from this spot until you have restored him to me
+again!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Prince gazed at me in surprise, and I told him that this
+was
+Ernst's betrothed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Prince extended his hand to Martella. She kissed it and
+covered it
+with tears, when he said to her:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I shall do all that I can.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, God is gracious to you! you are all-powerful. O how happy
+you are
+that you can do all these things! I knew it!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Prince said that he was occupied at the moment; that she
+might go,
+and he would attend to all that was necessary afterwards.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, no!&quot; cried Martella; &quot;not so. I shall not leave in that
+way. Now
+is the right time. Let the whole world wait until this is done.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have already informed his father that the deserter will
+receive but
+a mild punishment, if he now returns and helps us to fight for our
+Fatherland.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, yes; I believe all that; but I must have it in writing,
+with a
+great seal under it, or else it is of no avail, and your subordinates
+will not respect it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;O Prince! the winter before the fearful war you were hunting
+in the
+district to which my Ernst belonged, and he had much to tell me about
+you; and he said that, if one considered how you had been spoiled, it
+was wonderful to find our Prince so well behaved, so just and upright a
+man.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And Rothfuss said, 'In such a war as that of 1866, the Prince
+would
+have been just as willing to desert as Ernst was, if he only could have
+done so; but he could not get away.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Prince gave me a look full of meaning, while a sad smile
+played on
+his lips. Suddenly he turned to Martella and asked, &quot;And do you know
+where your lover is?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes; he is with the savages in Algiers. He, too, was a
+savage, but, by
+this time, he must have become tamed. O Prince! give me the writing,
+and what you write will be set down to your credit in heaven!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Prince seated himself, and then looked up from his desk
+and asked,
+&quot;But what will you do with this letter of pardon?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Let your gracious Highness leave that to me. Just you
+write--and
+blessed be the pen and the ink and your hand--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I implored her to remain quiet, so that the Prince could
+write, and she
+grasped my hand with one of hers, and with her other pointed towards
+the Prince's pen and moved her finger as if following its every stroke.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When the Prince bad finished writing, he lit a lamp, and
+Martella
+exclaimed: &quot;Oh, if Ernst were only here, that he might thank you! But
+mother, who is above, knows of this already, and joins me in thanking
+you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Her vigor and beauty, her touching voice, the powerful and
+dazzling
+brilliancy of her eyes, all seemed as if increased by an irresistible
+charm.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Prince attached the seal to the document and handed it to
+her with
+the words, &quot;I wish you success;&quot; and, turning to me, added, &quot;I am glad,
+at all events, that I have been able to be of some service to you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella was about to kneel to him again, but he begged her to
+withdraw.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We went through the antechamber and down the steps, and, when
+we
+reached the foot of the staircase, Martella suddenly stopped and said:
+&quot;I have something in which I can keep the letter of pardon. I still
+have the embroidered satchel, but now I will put in it something better
+and sweeter than the cake it once held.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When we left, the guard was just marching up to the palace,
+and the
+band was playing &quot;Die Wacht am Rhein.&quot; A crowd extending farther than
+the eye could reach joined in the song, and Martella exclaimed, &quot;The
+whole world is singing while--&quot; and then her clear voice helped to
+swell the chorus.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">No one was happier at Martella's good fortune than Annette,
+who, to
+give vent to her joy, overwhelmed Martella with presents.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard rushed into the room, exclaiming, &quot;The Crown-Prince of
+Prussia
+has been appointed commander of the South German forces!&quot; His face
+beamed with emotion, and he triumphantly declared that this would seal
+the union of North and South Germany.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Although the younger members of my family were full of ardent
+courage,
+Richard had more determination and elasticity of spirit than any of
+them. We had at one time mockingly called him &quot;Old Negligence.&quot; But he
+was no longer the man who procrastinated in all things, and who, while
+conscientious withal, was nevertheless so swayed by a thousand
+imaginary obstacles that it was difficult for him to make up his mind
+on any subject. He told us that he had offered to accompany the
+commander of our army; he had written enough of history in dead
+letters, and now he was anxious to witness living history, and perhaps
+to assist in making it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette had ordered the servant to bring wine, and Richard
+exclaimed:
+&quot;O father! it has come at last. Self-reliance now fills every heart,
+and that is the rock of safety for the whole nation. I see it now; a
+new element has entered our German world--a feeling that we are all
+one. It is not a mere conglomerate of many thousand individuals; it is
+something quite new and exalted--a divine revelation--the fire of pure
+patriotism. We stand in the midst of a pillar of fire; every individual
+is a spark; of no value by itself, but only as a portion of the pillar
+of fire.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard's tall and commanding form trembled with emotion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette placed her hand upon her heart and exclaimed, &quot;And I
+too--I
+too.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She had stretched forth her hand, but suddenly cast her eyes
+upon the
+picture of her dead husband, and buried her face in her hands.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After a short pause, she said to Richard:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your mother announced this to me. 'He will live to see the
+day,' she
+said, 'on which great things will happen to the world and to you all.'
+I did not understand her words then, but now I believe I understand
+them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard replied, &quot;How strange it is that you should be
+thinking of
+mother at this moment; for I was thinking of her at the same time.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ah, father, when mother asked for water from her spring, and
+I ran
+through the village down into the valley, and was nothing but a child
+running to fetch a draught that would cool her parched lips and,
+perhaps, save her, I could not, at times, help thinking of the story
+told by Apuleius--how Psyche was obliged to bring water from the rocky
+springs of the Styx.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And, father, hard and puzzling as it then was to understand
+how trees
+and houses could exist, and that men were working in the fields, while
+the breath of life was flickering and expiring--now, all is clear
+to my vision. I shall go off with the army; and if I can do nothing
+more, I will, at all events, endeavor to refresh the spiritual and
+physical wants of the children of the Fatherland for the sake of our
+mother--unity. It would be glorious and happy to die when filled with
+such emotions; but it is more genuine and more brave to persevere in
+small services and sacrifices.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette, with her hands clasped upon her breast, gazed at
+Richard.
+Bertha entered the room at that moment, and, by her presence, brought
+about a calmer and serener atmosphere than we had just been moving in.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bertha, four years before, had been full of unrest; but now,
+her calm,
+equable disposition manifested itself in all its beauty.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That war,&quot; she said, &quot;was an unnatural one, but this contest
+is waged
+in a holy and just cause, and its consequences must therefore be calmly
+accepted. And things, too, have changed with my husband; for now
+fortune smiles upon him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She told us that an association had been formed under the
+auspices of
+the Princess, for the purpose of aiding the families of those who were
+obliged to go to the war, and to prepare aid for the sick and wounded.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I shall be one of you,&quot; exclaimed Annette. &quot;I, too, wish to
+do my
+share in the good work. And, Professor, I shall remember your words,
+'It is braver to persevere in small services and sacrifices.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard soon left for the university town, where he had yet to
+make
+some preparations before starting with the army. He grasped Annette's
+hand, and it seemed to me as if he held it longer than usual; but he
+only said, &quot;We shall meet again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His long face, with its large, full brown beard, bright blue
+eyes, and
+arched forehead, seemed more beautiful than ever, and his splendid,
+powerful form seemed almost heroic.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the evening I was crossing our principal street, and met
+Annette
+carrying several packages under her arm.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">War kills one weakness which in men is insufferable, and in
+women
+difficult to bear; namely, false pride.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In such times, who can stop to think how he may appear to
+others? You
+are nothing more than a wonderfully small fraction of a great and
+complete whole. And it is this idea which makes you great, and lifts
+you above all petty thoughts.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">How absurd we had grown to be. It had come to be regarded as
+improper
+for a well-dressed man or woman to carry a package while in the street;
+the dress of the ladies was so fashioned that they were obliged to use
+their hands to prevent it from dragging, and thus it was impossible for
+them to carry even the smallest package; but now all that was changed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette told me that she and some other ladies were about to
+take a
+course of instruction from a surgeon, in the art of dressing wounds.
+She said this simply and unostentatiously.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">While Martella and I were on our way to the depot, in order to
+return
+to our home, we were encountered by a dense and impenetrable crowd.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What could be the matter?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The Crown-Prince of Prussia is coming.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We stopped.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The sounds of distant music were heard mingling with the
+joyous shouts
+of thousands of voices. It was the cry with which a race welcomed its
+brothers from whom it had long been estranged, and who were now
+advancing to save it. How this must have stirred the heart of the
+Crown-Prince!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was so wedged in by the crowd, that I could see nothing.
+Martella had
+ascended some steps back of me, and called me to follow her; but it was
+impossible to do so.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I heard a carriage approach; the men who were in front of me
+spoke of
+the splendid appearance, and the calm, yet determined expression of the
+Prince.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Father!&quot; exclaimed Martella, &quot;he looks just like him--indeed,
+more
+like Richard.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The crowd at last scattered, and cheers were still heard in
+the
+distance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We started for home. The railway on the other side, which for
+some
+distance ran into our valley, was obstructed. They were momentarily
+expecting an invasion of the French, and, after that day, the other
+line was only to be used for military trains.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We rode on for a part of the way, and, at the intersection,
+met a large
+crowd of persons from the watering-places. They had suddenly been
+obliged to give up the springs and the amusements that had there been
+at their disposal.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The gambling banks are closed, it was said. I hoped that they
+might
+never again be reopened.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig and his servants were there awaiting me. I also met
+Carl, who
+had been conscripted, and with him were two of the meadow-farmer's
+servants.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Carl laughed while he told us how the meadow-farmer grumbled
+that he
+was now obliged to harness and feed his oxen himself. He cheerfully
+added that Marie could do the service of two laborers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His joyous face made it plain that before leaving home he had
+come to
+an understanding with Marie. When he spoke of her he pressed his left
+hand to his heart. I think he must have had a keepsake there.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When Carl saw Ikwarte, he went up to him and extended his hand
+saying:
+&quot;I forgive you. I cannot remain at enmity with any one whom I leave
+behind when I go forth to battle. Forgive me, too.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig asked Ikwarte, &quot;Willem, would you like to go?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am waiting until the Colonel gives me leave.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You have never asked my permission.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have waited until the Colonel would speak of it himself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Pray speak a few kind words to my mother, for my sake,&quot; said
+Carl; and
+I saw the old spinner sitting on the lower step of the depot. She gazed
+into vacancy as if she were dreaming with open eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;This gentleman will take you home with him,&quot; said Carl to his
+mother.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then you will not take me along? I must go home--home--home,&quot;
+said the
+old woman; and Carl told me that Rothfuss had brought the conscripts to
+this spot, and was in a neighboring inn where he was feeding the
+horses.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I endeavored to persuade the spinner to control her feelings.
+She
+murmured a few words that I could not understand, and which Carl
+explained to me. She had, by hard savings, gotten seven thalers
+together, and wanted Carl to take them with him, because he would need
+them while away; and that now she was quite inconsolable, because he
+wanted to leave the money at home with her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I took the money from her, and promised to send it to Carl
+whenever he
+should need it, through my son-in-law the Colonel.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And how is the great lady?&quot; said the old spinner. &quot;She ought
+to have
+married my Carl--she always looked at him with so much favor; and if he
+were now married, he would not have to go to war.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His mother's words were unintelligible to me, and it was with
+a sad
+smile that Carl interpreted them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why have you not told her about Marie?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have done so, but she wishes to know nothing about her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig, accompanied by Ikwarte, started towards the Rhine. He
+said that
+he did not yet know how he could take part in the war, as he was an
+American citizen; but he was resolved not to remain a quiet spectator.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Carl's parting from his mother was heart-rending. She refused
+to get on
+our wagon, and Carl, with tears in his eyes, lifted her in his arms and
+placed her there. During the greater part of our journey home, she
+bewailed the loss of her son, and we drove on in silence, for we felt
+so sad that we could not utter a word.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella was the first to speak, saying, &quot;It is, after all,
+the
+greatest happiness to have a mother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could well understand what it was that agitated her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Up at the top of the mountain, where we always stopped to rest
+our
+horses, there is a large and shady beech-tree, to which was fastened
+the image of a saint.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While at a distance I could see a white object on the tree,
+and when I
+drew near, I recognized it. It was the proclamation of the King of
+Prussia, in which, in simple but well-considered words, he declared
+that he was forced into waging this war.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Soon after that, I met Joseph, who was delighted to see me
+again. He
+had engaged the guard of the stage-coach that passed by there every day
+to fasten the &quot;extra&quot; papers to the tree, so that the forest laborers,
+who at this point separated in order to repair to their different
+villages, could know what was going on.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the following day, the young Catholic pastor of the village
+had the
+words of the heretical king removed from the tree on which the holy
+image had been placed, and was about to lodge a complaint against
+Joseph for his sacrilegious conduct. But, on the advice of a lawyer who
+belonged to his own party, he desisted, and the tree, to this day, is
+known as &quot;the newspaper tree.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I crossed the boundary line and was in our own territory. The
+people
+were busily employed in changing the bed of the stream; and the newly
+married stone-mason asked me whether work would be continued during the
+war. I told him that it would be, and that we intended to give
+employment to the people as long as possible.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Shortly after that, I even employed the old spinner's two sons
+who had
+been ordered out of Mühlhausen; and it was a very happy thought to do
+so, as the younger of the two was an excellent cabinet-maker.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I walked on. All along the roadside I had planted pear-trees;
+they were
+laden with fruit. Will the enemy pluck the fruit or destroy the trees?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I saw the young meadow-farmer. He was setting his water-gates,
+and
+appeared as unconcerned as if we were living in peaceful times. When I
+passed, he looked up from his work, and said, &quot;The war does not affect
+me, thank God. None of my kindred are in it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The first house in the village belongs to the meadow-farmer.
+He had
+relinquished the farm to his son, and was now living on a pension which
+the latter had settled on him. When he saw me, he called out, &quot;Now you
+have it! The accursed Prussian is at the root of the whole affair; but
+the Frenchman will give him a beating, for he has caught hold of the
+wrong fellow this time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At home all were in good spirits, and for the first time in a
+long
+while, I found myself in some sort of sympathy with Johanna.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It will soon be seen,&quot; she said, &quot;whether the godless
+Frenchmen are as
+willing to sacrifice themselves for their country as we are.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She praised the King as a God-fearing man; but to me he was
+simply a
+righteous German.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A happy change had taken place with Johanna's daughter. She
+had always
+been sickly, and had thought herself of no use in this world; but now
+she knew nothing more of sickness. She had determined to join a society
+which had just been organized by the wife of the Privy Councillor, in
+order to obtain instruction in the art of nursing the sick and wounded.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was now again in my own calm and peaceful home. Rothfuss
+informed
+me that during my absence parties had been there to buy up oats and
+hay,--we still had a good supply left from last year,--and Rothfuss had
+promised the refusal of it to Kuhherschel, whom he always favored.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The old hay was sent off, and the new was brought in. In
+Carl's place
+we engaged a Tyrolese farmer. The early barley was harvested, the
+ground was ploughed over again, and the potatoes were dug up. How long
+would affairs remain thus? The enemy might break in on us the very next
+day, as we were very near the border. Our enemies claimed that they
+were fighting in the interests of civilization, but sent Asiatic hordes
+against us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The schoolmaster's wife told us that Baroness Arven had left
+for
+Switzerland, taking a great amount of luggage with her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was determined to await the enemy in my own home, and when
+Johanna
+asked me whether she, too, could go to the city and try to be of some
+use, I consented.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But you will remain with me, Martella, for you do not fear
+the
+French?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, I am not afraid of them,&quot; answered Martella.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She had only answered the latter portion of my question, but I
+did not
+think of that until afterwards.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">My solitude was soon broken in upon by a visit from Baron
+Arven. I was
+astonished to find him looking so sad. &quot;Is there still so much of the
+old Austrian officer left in him?&quot; I asked myself. He soon relieved me
+of all doubts on that head, and, in a tone which showed how he had
+struggled with and conquered his grief, told me that in many things,
+and especially in religious matters, he and his wife had not agreed. He
+had, at last, conquered himself, and had determined to let her have her
+own way; but now--he said it with apparent reluctance--the long-impending
+rupture had occurred, under circumstances almost too terrible to bear.
+Although he knew that, as a Czech and a Catholic, his wife hated Prussia,
+he could hardly believe his ears when she said, &quot;All saints be praised!
+The French are coming! Our deliverance is at hand!&quot; Her words had
+provoked him into unpardonable vehemence of language.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He hardly dared say it, but she had actually made a French
+flag, with
+the intention of displaying it as soon as the enemy should arrive,--an
+event of which she had felt perfectly assured. He never thought that
+his wife had political opinions of any kind, because mere abuse of
+Prussia does not argue the presence of political convictions. He had
+carefully avoided affronting her feelings as a Czech; for he well knew
+how the Czechs resent the fact of their being dependent on German
+culture. But he could never have believed that her hatred of Germany
+could have carried her so far as to allow her to connive at the
+correspondence with France, which was carried on under cover of her
+address, and with complete ignorance, on her part, of its origin.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The village clergyman had been to see her, and must have given
+her
+strange information, for she now insisted on leaving for Switzerland at
+once.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;God be praised!&quot; said I, &quot;let her go.&quot; I told him that her
+intended
+departure was already the topic of common talk.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Baron, however, feared that her course might be fraught
+with evil
+consequences to the whole neighborhood, as he thought that her fleeing
+to Switzerland might awaken a panic.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">To me, it seemed as if he were trying to justify his course in
+allowing
+her to leave. I assured him that no one doubted his patriotism, and he
+begged me not to divulge what he had told me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I succeeded in reassuring him, and he seemed to recover from
+his
+depression. He felt that I fully sympathized with him. And can anything
+be sadder than to find that one's love of country is opposed and
+ridiculed in his own home? The antagonism which had so long been veiled
+under courteous forms, now broke forth with redoubled venom and fury.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your hearty sympathy does me good,&quot; said the Baron; &quot;and I
+feel like a
+changed being since I have unbosomed myself to you--just as if I had
+withdrawn my hand from a bleeding wound, which can now flow freely.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I understood him. Grief which has been long repressed, and at
+last
+finds vent in words, renews itself while the sufferer speaks of it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I mentioned this to him, he took my hand and held it in
+his for a
+long while.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But we must not think of our own little lives,&quot; he added;
+&quot;great
+questions now claim us. If France should fail of success, she is still
+France; but if we meet with defeat, we shall become the prey of
+others.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I learned from him, for the first time, that the opposing
+bishops had
+handed in a protest against the promulgation of the doctrine of Papal
+infallibility, and that, as the measure had been determined on, in
+spite of their protest, they had left Rome.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I told him of what had happened in the city--omitting, of
+course,
+all mention of my interviews with the Prince--his features assumed an
+expression of cheerfulness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was about to leave, when Martella entered, and asked, &quot;May
+I show it
+to the Baron?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Before I could answer her question, she took the letter of
+pardon from
+her satchel and spread it out on the table, at the same time saying
+that Rothfuss and Ikwarte were foolish enough to think that it was of
+no account, because it came from so petty a prince.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Baron Arven assured her that the paper would be of immense
+importance,
+if Ernst could be found again.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Now I shall not ask another person,&quot; joyfully exclaimed
+Martella;
+&quot;that seals it doubly--and just see how nicely it fits into my little
+satchel!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She replaced it in the satchel and rubbed her hands over the
+embroidery, which represented a dog carrying a bird between his teeth.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Baron rode off just as the letter-carrier arrived. He
+brought me a
+letter from my sister-in-law, who lives in the forest of Hagenau. She
+wrote to tell me that, on account of the war, her daughter's marriage
+had been hastened, and that, as there was danger that the incendiaries
+might come, she had instructed her daughter to remain at Strasburg, to
+which place she had sent all her stores of linen and other valuables.
+In case any of our ladies were alarmed, she would be willing, she
+wrote, to place them under protection at Strasburg.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">About that time, we had sorrow in our house on account of the
+death of
+old Balbina. She had been our faithful servant for thirty years. When
+we attempted to console her by saying that she would recover from her
+illness, she would answer, &quot;Don't mind me; I shall go to my good
+mistress, and she will give me the best place.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was not until after my wife's death that I learned how much
+she had
+done for this servant, for then Balbina said to me:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I was very wicked, but she converted me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Wicked? why, what could you have done?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I committed a theft when I had only been in the house a week.
+She
+caught me and spoke to me in private, saying: 'Balbina, I dare not send
+you off; for then you will steal from others, just as you have done
+here. I must keep you with us until you conquer this habit.' And it
+turned out just as she said, for during the thirty years I've lived in
+this house, my hands and lips have never touched a morsel that was not
+mine.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Balbina died without receiving extreme unction. She regarded
+her
+confession to my wife as having fully absolved her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We never interfered with the religious opinions of our
+servants, but
+when the priest told Balbina that Protestants would not go to heaven,
+she answered, &quot;I don't want to go to any other heaven but the one where
+my mistress is.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were now on the high road towards political unity, but was
+not the
+antagonism in religious matters greater than ever before?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig wrote to Conny, informing her that he would soon
+return. She
+often told me that her father, had, until his dying hour, cherished a
+love of the Fatherland, and that no two men had ever had more beautiful
+and affectionate relations with each other than Ludwig and her father.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Their projected journey to Italy was out of the question. How
+could
+they now find pleasure in works of art? Ludwig would not rest content
+until he could, in some way, be of service to his country.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Suddenly, there was great commotion in the village and cries
+of &quot;The
+French are coming!&quot; were heard.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Lerz the baker had been driving along the valley-road at full
+tilt, and
+had called out to the people who were working in the fields, &quot;Unhitch
+your horses! the French are coming!&quot; They took the animals from their
+wagons and ploughs and hurried homeward. But it soon turned out that
+the news was false.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I do not think that this was wanton spite on the part of Lerz.
+He
+swore--although his oath was of but little value--that a farmer from
+down the valley had told him that he had seen the French. The rumor had
+indeed been spread far and near, but no one could tell who had started
+it.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">What could it have been that made me feel so proud when my
+fellow-citizens elected me as their delegate? I was still full of
+self-love, for, when I searched in my own heart, for the real cause, it
+lay in a self-complacent satisfaction in the fact of my being the
+chosen representative of many others.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">All this was now changed. Now none were chosen, but all were
+called.
+The whole people had become freed from egotism, and no one was
+isolated. Of course the sacrifice was not made without a pang. All
+thoughts were no longer centred on one man, but were directed towards a
+great invisible object which was cherished by the whole people.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Sunbeams seemed to light up every tree and house, and the
+whole world
+seemed to have undergone a change.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And how all felt drawn towards each other; they had ceased to
+be
+strangers--we could not have enemies in our own land.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I met Funk and could not avoid shaking hands with him and
+saying, &quot;I
+admit that you thought you were acting for the best, in all you have
+done.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Thanks for your good opinion,&quot; answered Funk, while he barely
+returned the pressure of my hand. I made no reply. I had followed my
+own convictions, and that is always well, even though others do not
+approve of one's course.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I drove to town with Joseph, in order to attend the weekly
+market. It
+had never been so numerously attended, for every one that could manage
+to procure a vehicle, or get away from home, hurried to town in order
+to learn what was going on in the world. And, besides that, all wanted
+to assure themselves whether it would be best to sell supplies to the
+dealers at present prices, or, to wait for an advance, and run the risk
+of being plundered by the French in the meanwhile.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was soon seen who believed that the Germans would succeed,
+and who
+believed in the French. Schweitzer-Schmalz, and a large number who
+followed his example, sold their hay, their oats, and their bacon.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph speedily became the centre of a large crowd. He excels
+us all in
+knowing how to adapt himself to people of every kind. His fine, large
+figure and cordial manner make him a universal favorite, while his
+well-known riches are not without weight.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The crowd were impatient, and complained that we had not yet
+heard of
+any actual hostilities. He asked them:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Have you never been in a saw-mill?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Certainly we have.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well, how do they manage there? They set the wheel and let
+the water
+run until the log is in the proper position; then they go ahead and saw
+it right through. Have a care. The Prussian, or, as we had better say,
+the German, waits until the log is in the proper position, and then he
+goes to work with seven saws at once.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph understood the feelings of the people, and felt
+especial
+satisfaction that Schweitzer-Schmalz seemed quite lonely and deserted
+in the midst of the crowd. He simply smiled, when Schweitzer-Schmalz
+said, &quot;This little fellow. Joseph is all talk, like the Prussians.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph and I called on Martha, for I had promised Julius to
+visit his
+wife as soon as possible.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We found her and the rest of the family calm and resigned,
+although the
+son and the son-in-law were in the field.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For the first time since I had known him, the Privy Councillor
+revealed
+a sense of his noble birth. He dwelt on the fact that, as a member of
+one of the oldest families in the land, he belonged to the order of St.
+John, and that he and Baron Arven would soon enter on their duties as
+members. He explained to me that it was an old order, but that a man
+like myself might also become a member. I had never thought of that
+before, but now it struck me forcibly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The ladies requested me to accompany them to the courthouse,
+where the
+Sanitary Commission was to assemble. On the steps, I met Remminger, the
+so-called &quot;peace-lieutenant.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He seemed quite agitated, and urgently requested me to
+accompany him to
+the house of his father-in-law, where he wanted me to act as umpire. He
+gave me no further information, but said that I should find out all
+about it when we arrived there.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I found the family in great distress. The lieutenant, who had
+left
+the army on account of marrying the daughter of Blank, the rich
+lumber-merchant, had become quite an adept in his new calling, but had
+been even more devoted to the pleasures of the chase. He had just
+announced his intention to enter the army again; in justice to himself,
+he could not remain a mere looker-on in the moment of danger.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Old Blank maintained that this was a breach of promise, and I
+saw how
+the lieutenant clenched his fists when he heard that expression; but he
+controlled himself and calmly explained the matter, stating, at the
+same time, that he asked me to decide between them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I knew all about Blank. He was one of those men of whom one
+can say
+nothing evil, and nothing good. All that he asked of the world was to
+be left undisturbed while attending to his business and adding to his
+wealth. He was a zealous reader of the newspapers, and would smoke his
+good cigar while enjoying them. It suited him best when there was lots
+of news. Others might act for the state, the district, and even for the
+community, so that he might read about what they had done. He could not
+realize that one who belonged to his family could care to exert himself
+for the general good. I saw this in every word that he uttered. I
+allowed him to speak for some time without replying.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And what is your opinion?&quot; I said, addressing the
+lieutenant's wife,
+who stood by the window, plucking dead leaves from the plants that were
+placed there.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Shall I call in our three children, so that you can ask
+them?&quot; she
+answered, in a harsh voice.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Little children have no opinions as yet; but their parents
+ought to
+think for them.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I asked old Blank whether he would be satisfied with my
+decision.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Since you ask in that way, you are, of course, opposed to me,
+and for
+that reason I say no.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I saw that I could be of no use, declared that I would not
+attempt to
+decide, and left the family to settle their dispute among themselves.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I left there, I was the more pleased to meet the
+Councillor
+Reckingen, who lived in the town, and who had visited me shortly after
+Ernst's flight. He had conquered his feeling of loneliness and grief at
+the shocking death of his wife. He lived alone with his only daughter,
+and had devoted all his time to her education. She was just budding
+into womanhood.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This man, who had always seemed troubled and absentminded, now
+approached me with a cheerful smile, and said that he had the good
+fortune to be again permitted to enter on his calling; and that, as a
+result, his child, who had been so constantly with him that he had
+begun to be alarmed for her future, would now be obliged to accustom
+herself to a life of self-reliance and activity; for the wife of the
+Privy Councillor had already expressed her willingness to have his
+daughter stay with her during the campaign.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were standing by the stream, where the water rushes over
+the dam
+with a mighty roar, and he said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You are like me; in great times all little troubles
+disappear, just as
+the thundering of these falling waters drowns all other sounds.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I passed a delightful hour with the Councillor in his lovely
+garden,
+which was carefully and tastefully kept. He had been very fortunate in
+cultivating roses, and I was obliged to permit him to pluck a lovely
+one for me from every bush.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She loved roses, and cared for them above all things,&quot; were
+his words
+while he handed me the nosegay.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">According to promise, Ludwig returned, bringing Ikwarte with
+him. He
+had written to Conny and Wolfgang to come to town. He told us that he
+had caused his name, and also Wolfgang's and Ikwarte's, to be entered
+with the Sanitary Corps. They wore the white band with the red cross on
+their arms, and soon started in the direction of the Rhine to join the
+main army.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Conny went home with me.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">When we reached the saw-mill, a wood-cutter was waiting for
+me, and
+told me that Rautenkron, the forester, urgently requested that I would
+come to him at the bone-mill which lay in the adjacent Ilgen valley.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The wood-cutter told me that one could hardly recognize
+Rautenkron--something horrible must have happened to him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I found Rautenkron seated in the bone-miller's room. He said
+to the
+miller, &quot;Put enough bones into your kiln, old Adam, so that you may
+keep away for an hour, and then go and leave us by ourselves.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The miller left.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Take a seat,&quot; he said, in a tone to which I was unused in
+him; his
+features and his manner seemed changed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After a forced laugh, he thus began: &quot;I have bought my bones
+back from
+this man--I had sold them to him for a bottle of gentian; and it used
+to amuse me to think how my noble self would, at some future time, be
+converted into grass and flowers on the hillside, and perhaps furnish
+food for cattle.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But, pardon me,&quot; he said, interrupting himself; &quot;forgive me,
+I beg of
+you; I ought not to address you in that tone. Forget this, and listen
+to me with patience. I will confide my last will to you; you have often
+provoked me, but now I am glad that you are here. The thought of you
+followed me in the woods, sat by me at my bedside, and has deprived me
+of rest. I have always wanted to learn what your weak side was, and now
+I have found it out.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My father was a worldly-wise man. He divided mankind into two
+classes--charlatans and weaklings. He maintained that in all that is
+termed love, be it love of woman or love of the people, there is a
+large portion of charlatanry, which at first consciously, and afterward
+without our knowing it, deceives both ourselves and others. You are not
+a charlatan--but you are vain.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do not shake your head, for it is so. Of course, vanity is
+not a vice;
+but it is a weakness, for it shows dependence on others. You offered
+your hand to Funk, because you felt too weak to have an enemy running
+about in this world. Since I have made that discovery and convinced
+myself on that point, you no longer worry me. You too have your share
+in the misery that belongs to the species of vermin that terms itself
+man. It is out at last--now I have nothing more against you. Indeed, I
+cannot better prove this than by the fact of my asking you to help me.
+Usually, I have not required the assistance of others, but now I need
+yours; and I think that is enough to make you feel that you must aid
+me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I consented, but in my own mind I felt a dread of this man,
+who, in his
+bitter candor, seemed much more terrible than when taciturn.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I request, nay I demand--&quot; he continued--&quot;do not interrupt
+me; let me
+speak for myself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you know who I am? For years, I have been called by a
+strange name.
+You cannot imagine how pleasant it is to be so constantly a masker, in
+the mummery known as life. I shall not, at present, mention my true
+name, but you may rest assured it is an old and a noble one, and
+related to that of Johannisberg.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My father--he was indeed my father--had become reduced, and
+he led a
+merry life, although I did not know where the means came from. At a
+later day, I discovered all. He purchased a captaincy for me.
+'Purchased,' he said, but it had really, so to say, been presented to
+him. He had carried others' hides to market; perhaps a couple of human
+skins to be tanned. His master had many of these tanners in the state
+<i>vade mecums</i> known as prisons.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I was, as I have told you, a captain at Mayence, and my
+father lived
+near there, at Wiesbaden. He was known as Hofrath.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I do not know whether what people call conscience ever
+pricked him,
+but he was always merry and fond of good living, and enjoyed it as much
+as the stupidest monk might do. He would always say to me, 'Conrad,
+life is a comedy; he who does not take it in that light, but looks upon
+it in a serious manner, spoils his own game.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I thought I had much to tell you, but I have not. My story is
+simply
+this:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My father had a habit of asking me about my comrades,--what
+they were
+doing, what they were thinking of, and to whom they wrote; and I
+faithfully told him all I knew. You may believe me! I, too, was once
+open-hearted. But, one day, two of my comrades were suddenly cashiered.
+Letters of theirs had been found--not found, but sought--which, it was
+said, contained treasonable expressions. All of us at the garrison were
+beside ourselves with surprise, and I suspected nothing.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Until the year 1848, our regiments had recruiting stations
+where
+soldiers were enlisted and received a good bounty. In a Gallician
+regiment which formed part of the garrison of the fortress--there were
+also Italian regiments in it--a very clever young Pole had been
+enlisted. He learned the drill, was a good horseman, and his captain
+wished that he would study German, in order that he might become an
+officer; but he did not care to do so, and said that he could not
+write. One day we learned that he had deserted. They found a letter
+from him, although he had said that he could not write. It was in
+choice French, thanked the captain for his kind treatment, and added
+that he had come and gone by the command of others, high in station.
+For some days they spoke of the fact that the Russians were even more
+successful than we as spies. For this man had evidently joined us only
+in order to inform himself as to the disposition of the Gallicians. It
+did not strike me at first, but afterward I could not but notice the
+fact that they always talked to me about spies.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A young Prince joined our regiment. He became an intimate
+associate of
+mine, and seemed to take a special liking to me. My father seemed much
+pleased with this, but gave me less money than he had formerly done. I
+was obliged to borrow from the young Prince and to ask favors at his
+hands. Yes, the world is wise, if one only knew it at the right time. I
+found it out too late. Is it not ingenious, and does it not do all
+honor to the human intellect, to discover that it is well to incur an
+obligation in order to acquire more perfect confidence on the part of
+those to whom we owe a debt? Although the lynx out there is ever so
+cunning, it cannot do such work; that is reserved for the image of God.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;One day my father said to me--yes, my father--'Conrad, (that
+is my
+baptismal name), 'you are now employed at the officers' quarters; the
+adjutant of the post cannot be trusted; be careful that you get hold of
+something that involves him; but let it be in writing. That aroused my
+suspicions that something was wrong. One day, a fellow-officer said to
+me, 'There is a spy in our regiment,' and all the other comrades
+laughed. I challenged the one who had thus spoken to me, and--shot him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But I am anticipating--I must first tell you of another
+matter. I
+always had a great desire to be a forester. I often begged my father to
+permit me to leave the army, but he would not consent. And I would have
+been so glad to marry and live quietly in the woods; for I had a child,
+a lovely, beautiful child.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And then, on account of the duel, I was imprisoned in the
+citadel. No
+comrade visited me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;When I left the prison, my child and the mother had vanished.
+She had
+received a letter, in my handwriting--my father knew how to imitate the
+writing of others--in which was contained a considerable sum, to enable
+her to emigrate--and she had left. A companion of hers in the ballet,
+who had been a suitor for her affection, and had, heretofore, been
+rejected, had accompanied her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My papers had been confiscated, and I feel quite sure that it
+was done
+at my father's instance, for he distrusted me, and wished to get me out
+of harm's way.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Among them there was also a memento of my beloved; it was a
+little
+narrow red ribbon tied in a knot and torn off at both ends. She had
+given it to me in a happy moment, and I had fastened it on a sheet of
+paper and had written under it 'talisman.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;All of my papers were returned to me, but not the ribbon. My
+father
+had sent it in the letter to my beloved, and had, moreover, written, in
+my name, 'By this sign I request you to obey the bearer of this in all
+that he may require of you.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My father said to me: 'She whom you call your wife has left
+by my
+orders.' Through a former friend of hers, I received a letter in which
+she asked me whether I had caused the child to be taken from her;
+because it had suddenly vanished about the time the vessel was
+leaving.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What ails you? What alarms you?&quot; suddenly exclaimed
+Rautenkron.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I controlled myself and begged him to go on with his story.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I left my father and led an adventurous life. Pshaw! I have
+even been
+croupier at a gaming-table. And there I heard that my father was dead.
+On the day before, I had seen him staking rouleaus of gold--he had not
+recognized me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;By chance I made the acquaintance of Baron Arven, and through
+him I
+received the appointment of forester in his woods, after having, as
+assistant-forester, learned my profession from Hartriegel.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I bear a strange name, and shall die with it. But, before I
+die, I
+shall put my living bones to use.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I could not make up my mind, but now something has helped me
+to
+decide. The engineer whom you are employing down by the new mill which
+you are building is one of my victims. I recognized him at once,
+although he has changed greatly. I do not know whether he remembered
+me, but I almost believe that he did. He looked at me carelessly and
+then turned away. It is well that I have had a look at one of my
+victims. That destroyed the last traces of indolence and the desire to
+hide myself from the world. I must and will live. The French are
+coming. They have made all preparations to burn our woods. The little
+spectacled forest Junker--you know that I dislike him; he still acts,
+the proud and overbearing corps student, and, besides that, is happily
+married, has a fine hearty wife and boys like young wolves. I have
+always avoided him; but I met him to-day and he handed me the French
+newspaper, in which it is joyfully proclaimed that our woods will soon
+be in flames. When I read that, I fled. That was enough for me. I am a
+good shot. If they wish me to, I can single out my man among the enemy
+and bring him down at the first fire. The little forest Junker has
+promised to look after my duties as forester. He said that would be the
+same as helping in the war, as he could not leave home. Let him make a
+virtue of it if he chooses. My woods are in safe hands, and I can go.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He now requested me to use my influence with my son-in-law,
+the
+Colonel, and I faithfully promised that I would.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I asked him whether he had no memento of the mother and the
+child. He
+said that he had none.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And has the child, perhaps, a keepsake from you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I can remember none. But, yes! When I saw it for the last
+time, I
+brought it cakes in a satchel on which was embroidery representing a
+dog holding a bird between his teeth.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My hair stood on end.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What was the name of your child?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Conradine.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Then all agrees--Martella is your child.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And the man seized my arm as if he would break it, and gave a
+cry like
+a felled ox.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After a while, he regained his self-control. We hurried to the
+village.
+On the way, he told me that he would now confess to me that he had had
+a letter from Ernst. He was in Algiers; had entered the army there and
+had become an officer. He had told me nothing about it, because he had
+thought it was of no use. Ernst had also given him messages for his
+betrothed: but he had always kept them to himself. &quot;Spare me all
+reproaches,&quot; he concluded; &quot;I am punished bitterly enough. Oh, if they
+had only been united! How shall I utter the word 'child,' and how can I
+listen to the word 'father'?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When, after leaving the saw-mill, we began to ascend the hill,
+he
+called out in a hoarse voice: &quot;It was here, in this spot, that she
+stepped down from the wagon in the twilight. Here, by this very tree, I
+heard her voice. It was that of her mother--I could not believe it at
+the time. Here, by this very tree.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss came towards us. &quot;Have you seen her--is she with
+you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Whom do you mean?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She is gone off with Lerz the baker, who has become a sutler.
+Oh, the
+damned hound!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Who?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Martella is gone!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rautenkron grasped a young tree by the roadside, and broke it
+in two;
+then he sank on his knees. We lifted him up.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is right thus. So it should be,&quot; he said. &quot;Here, on this
+very
+spot--do you remember?--I warned you when your wife went to bring her
+home. Tell me, wise man, what was that? I heard something in her voice,
+and did not wish to believe it. Turenne,&quot; he said, turning to his dog,
+&quot;you killed her dog. Be quiet; I told you to do it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He followed us to the house, but did not utter a word on the
+way.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We went to her room. She had taken nothing with her but the
+embroidered
+satchel, which, before that, had always hung over the mirror; and also
+Ernst's prize cup. The clothes that she had inherited from my wife she
+had carefully arranged and placed to one side.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We asked Rothfuss how long it was since she had disappeared.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They had been hunting for her ever since the morning of the
+day before,
+but in vain. No sign of where she had gone could be found.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rautenkron left the room and went out into the garden. He sat
+there for
+a long while, holding his rifle between his knees. I begged him to
+return to the house with me. He was looking on the ground, and did not
+raise his head. I asked him to give me his rifle. He looked up towards
+me, and, with a strange smile, said: &quot;Don't be alarmed; I am not such a
+fool as to shoot myself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I walked away. A little while afterward, I heard a shot, and
+hurried
+out again. Rautenkron sat there, holding his gun with both hands, but
+his beautiful brown spaniel lay dead at his feet.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When he saw me, he exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Now I am quite alone. I had intended to give Turenne to you,
+but it is
+better thus. The beast might have been stupid enough to long for me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The sound of drums was heard from over the hills. The Colonel
+arrived
+with his regiment, and all hurried out to meet him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And the Englishman stood at the brook, angling.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+<hr class="W10">
+<h2>BOOK FIFTH.</h2>
+<hr class="W10">
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Trumpets sounded, drums rolled, and songs from thousands of
+voices were
+heard in the valley and on the hills. All was joyous commotion. Thus,
+singing, does a nation take the field for its protection and salvation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the midst of anxiety for great things, for one's country,
+we ought
+to be troubled by no mere personal cares. But who can avoid them? The
+general sorrow is infinitely divided, and every one must bear his
+share.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That my son-in-law, two grandchildren, and a faithful servant
+had gone
+to face the dangers of the battlefield, was a sorrow like that which
+many thousands besides myself had to bear. What a heavy burden is that
+borne by the lonely widow down by the rock! But the knowledge that one
+child is already in the whirlpool of trouble, and is dragging another
+after him--that has been given to me alone. How often it occurred to me
+at that time: had my wife but lived to see the uprising of our
+Fatherland! It was better thus. She was spared the sight of our
+youngest son enrolled in the enemy's ranks. That phrase from the Bible,
+which, when thinking of her, I had so often consoled myself with,
+remained true: &quot;But for the elect those days shall be shortened.&quot; Why
+had Rautenkron, after keeping his story so long to himself, now
+divulged it? Had the secret become too burdensome? And why did he cast
+the load on me? Enough, I had to overcome it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The presence of my son-in-law had given me new courage, and I
+agreed
+with Rothfuss, who said, &quot;When the Colonel is about, every one is more
+erect in his movements. Yes, he commands even when he says nothing.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had never seen the Colonel thus. Such joviality beamed from
+his face
+that a glance from him was strengthening and reassuring. His only fear
+was that a premature peace might be concluded with the insolent
+successor of the tyrant, before all was decided by battle!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Our village and the entire neighborhood were in commotion
+while the
+regiment was quartered there. They even constructed a redoubt on
+Silvertop.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My son-in-law confided to me that the redoubt was perhaps
+unnecessary,
+but that his men would lose their good qualities if allowed to lounge
+about idly; he also hoped that the news of their doings would spread
+across the Rhine.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The peasants became refractory, and appointed a deputation,
+and among
+them was their ruler, the meadow farmer. They said that they had not
+forgotten how dreadfully the French had behaved in 1796, on account of
+the building of a fortification in the neighborhood. But the Colonel
+announced that whoever opposed any military ordinance, would be
+brought before a court-martial and shot forthwith. From that moment my
+son-in-law received the name of &quot;Colonel Forthwith.&quot; Several of the
+most notable farmers from the neighboring valley, earnest, patriotic
+men, led by the burgomaster of Kalkenbach, wanted me to help them to an
+interview with the colonel. They complained that a young lieutenant
+wanted to destroy the bridges over the creek, and that he was about to
+cast burning rosin and tar-barrels into the stream, without reflecting
+that he thereby ran the risk of setting fire to the whole valley.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Colonel countermanded this at once. He sent small
+detachments
+hither and thither in all directions to build camp-fires on all the
+hills, leaving often only men enough about them to keep up the fires,
+which were visible from across the Rhine.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">People were to be made to believe that a large army was
+collected here,
+and he therefore notified all the towns and villages lying far beyond
+our valley, of the fact that large numbers of soldiers would be
+quartered there. On the houses they would chalk the number of men and
+of horses that were to be provided for. To judge by appearances, it
+seemed as if hundreds of thousands were at hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Colonel asked Rothfuss if he knew any French sympathizers.
+He
+evidently wished that the French should get the most alarming news from
+us. Rothfuss thought that Funk would be his man; but when my son-in-law
+consulted me about Funk, I dissuaded him from employing such an
+instrument. Rothfuss then brought us the news that a journeyman baker
+from Alsace, who had worked for Lerz, was prowling around and preparing
+to return home.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Colonel got Rothfuss to carry the news to this journeyman,
+that
+more than a hundred thousand men were encamped in the forest. The few
+pieces of artillery under his command were constantly moved from place
+to place, so that all were led to suppose that he had a large number of
+guns.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Colonel had orders, in case the enemy should advance on
+us, to
+destroy the roads; we supposed that Napoleon's plan must be to separate
+North and South Germany by a sudden invasion. This was no small matter:
+we were the first who would have to resist the shock of the enemy's
+advance, and, so far as I could learn, I felt that the main forces of
+Germany could not furnish us with immediate protection. We would be
+sacrificed first, and afterwards would be helped by an offensive
+movement from the Middle Rhine region.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rautenkron received, provisionally, the uniform of a hospital
+steward;
+for the Colonel was waiting for permission to enroll him. I was present
+when he asked Rautenkron:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you speak French well?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Perfectly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Colonel whispered something to him; but Rautenkron with
+burning
+cheeks, cried:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I can never do that; never!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He then talked confidentially and excitedly to the Colonel; I
+believe
+he imparted to him his real name.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Colonel then ordered him, as he was so well acquainted
+with the
+wooded heights, to attend to the further extension of the camp-fires on
+their tops.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Conny carefully helped in attending to the wants of the
+numerous
+garrison. The soldiers were treated in the best manner by the
+villagers, all of whom were anxious to do their share in the good work.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The old meadow farmer was the only one who did not show
+himself. He,
+who was always either at his door or window, and who stopped every
+passer-by to have a chat which should drive dull care away, lay in his
+little back room and declared that he was ill.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Carl's mother, on the contrary, did not stay in her house for
+a minute.
+She would approach one group of soldiers after another, and ask each
+man if he had a mother at home. And then she would begin to talk of her
+Carl, how he was in the lancers, and how they could hunt through every
+regiment and not find a better or a handsomer fellow. The two sons, who
+were working as carpenters, had estranged themselves from their mother.
+They lived down in the valley, and did not even visit her on Sundays.
+They boasted in the taverns that they could sing French songs.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While all this bustle was going on, I was constantly searching
+for
+Martella.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss was of opinion that she had escaped in male attire;
+for,
+wherever he asked after Lerz, the baker,--he had quickly lost all
+traces of him, however,--he was told of a young man that had been in
+his company, and who would never enter the room with him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Colonel had, of course, no time to sympathize with my
+concern about
+Martella, and once when I spoke of her he said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We should be glad to be thus rid of her. Such a creature does
+not,
+after all, belong in our family. You and mother have very likely been
+wasting all your kindness on an unworthy person.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I did not agree with him. Yes, now at last I could understand
+many
+things in Martella' s disposition that had heretofore been mysteries to
+me. But I dared not talk about them, and the time to mourn for a single
+grief had not arrived.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">On the evening of the last day of July, the Colonel returned,
+heated
+from the effects of a long ride. A sharpshooter brought in a despatch.
+He opened it, and forthwith sent his adjutant off; then he asked me to
+have a good bottle of wine brought up, and to sit down beside him. He
+confided to me that his detachment was getting ready to march, that he
+would move off by daylight, and that he would leave but a few men
+behind to attend to the campfires. I became much moved on Bertha's
+account, and asked the Colonel whether he had any wishes which he
+desired to have attended to.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No,&quot; answered he, &quot;my will is in the hands of Herr
+Offenheimer, the
+lawyer. But the time is come for me to speak to you, dear father, of
+myself. Perhaps we shall never be together again. I do not wish to
+leave the world and not be really understood by you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And so, leaning back in the large chair, he began in his
+peculiarly
+sonorous, firm voice: &quot;I do not like to speak of myself. I have learned
+to move through life with closed lips. You are my father, and were my
+comrade in a bold and hazardous undertaking. I am your pupil, although
+you have shown great discretion in keeping everything from me which
+might interfere with the profession I was to follow. Without your
+knowing it, I developed at an early age. When crossing the prison yard
+as a boy, I often saw the brother of Bertha's mother leaning against
+the iron bars; The picture of this refined man, with his delicate
+features, his large eye, his white brow, and light beard, haunted me in
+my dreams. Do criminals look like that? I do not know whether my
+childish heart put that question, but I believe it did. I stood on the
+balcony as they carried his body away. I saw it placed on the wagon. At
+that moment a feeling awoke in me that there are other and higher
+objects in this world than princes, discipline, parole, epaulettes, and
+orders.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;On that same day, I heard, for the first time, the words, <i>
+German
+unity</i>. It became a sort of secret watchword for me; of that I am sure.
+My father spoke of the noble enthusiast; the post-adjutant called him a
+demagogue. I looked the word up in my Greek dictionary.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I entered the military school. I learned about the Greek and
+Roman
+heroes; I heard of Socrates, and always pictured him to myself like the
+pale man behind the prison bars. I soon became reserved, and kept my
+thoughts to myself; outwardly I was obedient and punctilious. My father
+became commandant of the capital; as ensign, I was appointed as page to
+our Prince. I was present at the great festivities in honor of the sons
+of Louis Philippe, who were visiting our Court. I heard some one in the
+crowd say they were only princes of the revolution. I studied modern
+history in secret. The Opposition in our Parliament was also often
+discussed. I heard some names mentioned with derision and hate--yes,
+with scorn. These men were pointed out to me in the street. I did not
+understand how they could thus walk the streets, since they were in
+opposition to our Prince.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The year 1848 came. The men that had been named with scorn
+became
+ministers of state; they were entitled the saviours of the Fatherland.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;On that 6th of August, on which we did homage to the regent
+Archduke
+John, I was as in a dream. The face of that man behind the prison bars
+accompanied me everywhere. That for which he suffered and died--had it
+not come? What are we soldiers? Are we nothing but the body-guard of
+the Prince? Against whom are we fighting?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Soldiering does not allow of much thinking. In the spring of
+1849 we
+took the field. The first order I gave was directed against the
+revolutionary volunteers; the first man I killed looked wonderfully
+like him who had been behind the bars. I tried to forget all this, and
+succeeded. Then I met you and Bertha.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What has happened since, you know; what went on within me I
+will not
+bring to light.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;For a long time I have lived quietly, and have worked
+industriously. I
+desired, above all things, to be a good soldier; to be well grounded in
+my profession.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I had asked for leave of absence to fight the Circassians; I
+wanted to
+see real war. Leave was not granted me, but I was appointed as teacher
+in the school for non-commissioned officers. I studied many things
+there, and worked earnestly with my friend, Professor Rolunt.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;In 1859 I felt our alienation most bitterly. We were not
+allowed to
+join in the Schiller festival. What would our civilization be without
+our poets? Whole dynasties of princes can be wiped away, and no one
+misses them; but just think of Schiller's name and works being
+obliterated! And why should we soldiers not join in the festivities?
+Has he not elevated our Fatherland and all of us? But he who would have
+dared to give utterance to such thoughts at that time would have been
+cashiered.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;In the year 1866, I had the good fortune to fight against a
+foreign
+foe in Schleswig-Holstein, and while at the front was promoted to a
+captaincy. I had a major who was, now that I consider it, merely
+stupid, and who was, therefore, of most revolting military orthodoxy.
+Had he not been of noble birth, he would scarcely have been made a
+woodcutter. As it was, he barely managed to get himself advanced in
+grade. As long as I was a lieutenant, it was easier to bear; but when I
+was made a company commander, I was inwardly rebellious and had to
+remain silent. Yes, you political gentlemen complain of tyranny, but we
+suffer far more from it than you do. Discipline is necessary, but to
+bear with such blockheads who disgrace you, and can do nothing but
+curse and swear--and this fellow did not even understand his duties--is
+harder than you think.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The year 1866 came. No one, not even you, could see what was
+going on
+within me. My misery began. What are we? Were we to have a different
+commander every day? We were--now I can utter the word--prĉtorians,
+nothing else; and Prussia is quite right in altering our military
+system. We must know who our chief is. Up to now, we merely fought as
+soldiers, and dared not ask what the end would be. Everything was
+discipline; we partook of the Lord's Supper on account of discipline,
+and as an example for the troops.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;When Annette's husband fell, I thought him lucky; I had a
+wife and
+child, and yet wished for death. That fratricidal war was fortunately
+soon over. I can see now that it was necessary for our preparation. My
+feelings always revolted at the recollection of it, but now events are
+at hand which will remove those memories. I shuddered when I learned
+that monuments were being raised to those who had fallen in 1866. Now I
+can see that they have died twice over for their Fatherland; they had
+already sacrificed their hearts while living. Our profession is now at
+last in entire sympathy with the nation's wishes, and it is revolting
+that those who call themselves 'liberals' refuse to acknowledge the
+'casus belli.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Is the Prince aware of the patriotic ideas which you have
+kept to
+yourself for so long a time?&quot; I asked as the Colonel paused.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No! at least I do not think so! He merely knows that I
+sometimes write
+for our Military Journal, and that I am a good soldier. I never dreamt
+that I would be appointed Minister of War. And on that night I knew
+that we were simply to act as a reserve, and to be a sort of target for
+the enemy's bullets. You must surely have been of the same opinion.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could not boast of having been so wise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But the time had not come to think of the past. The Colonel
+gave me a
+copy of his will, which I was to deposit with the recorder. He did this
+calmly, without showing the slightest emotion. A few hours later we
+went to bed.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">The <i>reveille</i> was sounded. The soldiers marched off, and
+nearly the
+whole town, young and old, followed them on their way. When I saw these
+merry men, and thought in how short a time so many of them would lie
+down in death, I became oppressed with the thought that I had raised my
+voice for war. But this feeling soon passed away. We are acting in
+self-defence, and this will bring about a happy ending, for we shall no
+longer have to live in dread of the insolence and presumption of our
+neighbors.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The soldiers sang as they marched along, and up by the
+newspaper-tree
+sat Carl's mother, looking at them passing by. Marie stood at her side,
+but the old woman motioned her away, and when I asked her to return
+home with us, she said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have seen the thousands and thousands of mothers, who bore
+them all
+in pain, and have cared for and raised them, floating in the air over
+their heads. O my Carl! Have you heard nothing of him yet?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We found it difficult to get her back to the village. Marie
+walked
+along at her side, and said:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you know what I should like to be?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do you hear the hawk that is circling in the air over the
+hill-top?
+Alas, you cannot hear him, but you can see him. Like him, I should wish
+to fly, and I would fly to Charles and back again, and tell you
+everything.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The village and the country round about had been in an uproar;
+but now
+that the troops had left, everything was wonderfully quiet. Rothfuss
+was right; for if we had not seen the occasional remains of a
+camp-fire, we would not have known that the soldiers had been there.
+The old meadow farmer, who had been pensioned off by his son, and whom
+the departure of the troops had aroused, sat at his door, and seemed to
+enjoy watching the little pigs that were disporting themselves in the
+gutter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A little coach stood before him, in which lay a child that he
+had to
+feed with milk; for his son wanted to get all he could from his father.
+He thought of nothing but the increase of his property, and acted
+meanly towards his father. He made him presents of the cheapest kind of
+tobacco, so that he should not buy an expensive sort; but the old man
+saw through the trick, and gave the tobacco money away, so that his son
+should not inherit it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I gladly avoided all intercourse with these people.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As I approached the house, the old man beckoned to me to come
+to him,
+and, like a child, told me of his latest pleasure.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I kept them locked up in my room as long as the soldiers were
+here.
+Soldiers have a great liking for such tender morsels. I used to be so
+myself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I knew, of course, that he was talking about his pigs, and he
+added as
+a sort of consolation:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, yes, Mr. Ex-Burgomaster&quot;--he gave me my title--&quot;yes,
+yes, you are
+also retired at last, and squat by the stove. Yes, yes, we are old
+fellows and must stick at home, while the young ones are out yonder,
+fighting the enemy.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The old man kept on steadily smoking his pipe, and talked of
+war times,
+and particularly of the Russian campaign, of which he was a survivor.
+But on this day I could not listen to him, and while walking home I
+began thinking, am I really fit for nothing but to observe from afar
+the great deeds that are now being wrought?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Just as I was turning away from the old man, his son, the
+meadow
+farmer, came along with a large load of hay, and said in a mocking
+manner, &quot;The French let us gather our hay; our houses will burn so much
+the better when they come to set them on fire.&quot; Then he added with
+malicious pleasure, &quot;Your house is insured, but there is no insurance
+on your woods.&quot; Here he laughed aloud. When troubles are on us, a man's
+true nature shows itself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After telling me his fears, he repeated them more fully to
+Rothfuss.
+The latter shifted his pipe from one side of his mouth to the other,
+and asked, &quot;What would you give not to suffer any damage?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;How? what do you mean?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;They won't hurt my house; my father has the cross of St.
+Helena. And I
+have no cash. I can swear that I haven't a farthing in the house.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He spoke the truth, for he had buried his money.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You need no money; it's something else. Do you know the story
+of the
+dragon of Rockesberg?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What do you want? What do you mean?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Why, to quiet the dragon, they had to sacrifice a maiden.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Those are old tales. Don't try to make a fool of me. If you
+want a
+fool, whittle one for yourself.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Stay! I know how you can buy yourself free. You needn't
+deliver your
+daughter Marie to the dragon. Will you promise to give her to Carl in
+case everything should turn out well?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ho! he'll never come back.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But in case he should?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Well--do you think that will be of any use?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Certainly. Such a promise will save you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You ought to be ashamed of yourself for being so
+superstitious. You
+are a fool,&quot; said the meadow farmer, and went off.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The exciting events of the last few days had so entirely
+exhausted me
+that I could not keep my eyes open in the day-time, if I sat down; and
+I was so tired. I still refused to believe that I was growing old. But
+I was strongly reminded of it, for I feared to die. Formerly, since I
+stood alone, I thought death an easy matter; now I wanted to live long
+enough to be laid in the soil of a united Fatherland.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was much refreshed by the arrival of Julius's wife. When I
+awoke from
+my afternoon nap and saw her standing before me, it seemed as if it
+were my wife in her youth. She had a most charming presence, and the
+resignation with which she bore her separation from husband and brother
+gave great impressiveness to her manner. Every movement of hers had a
+quiet grace. She lived in entire harmony with my daughter-in-law Conny;
+and these two children, who had now become mine, petted and caressed me
+with such kindness and consideration, and listened so attentively to
+all I said, that I could speak to them of things which I usually kept
+to myself. Martha was an adept in making remarkably beautiful bouquets
+out of grasses and wild flowers, and when I entered the room in the
+morning, I always found a fresh nosegay on the table. She was such a
+pleasant table companion that the dishes tasted twice as good, and I
+soon regained my strength.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Marie often came to visit me. Martha felt very kindly towards
+the girl;
+besides, there was a bond of union between them, for each had her
+greatest treasure in the field.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Marie had hitherto confided in no one in the village; for it
+would be
+contrary to the peasant's standard of honor to tell any one how she
+loved, and what her father made her suffer. Her grandfather
+strengthened her in her love, and when I said that the old fellow did
+it merely to hurt his son's feelings, Martha declared I was wronging
+him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martha, like my wife, embellished what she looked upon. The
+light of
+her eyes made all things radiant with light, and as a happy young wife
+she was particularly inclined to favor and give consolation in an
+unhappy love affair. Forgetting all her own troubles, she gave me a
+lively account of the patience and energy with which Marie worked,
+while her father would go about the house, scolding and cursing,
+because he now was forced to do things which his servants had formerly
+attended to. Yesterday, while she was engaged in stacking some green
+clover, the father called out in the direction of the shed behind the
+cattle-rack. &quot;To whom are you talking there?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;To him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;To whom?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Marie shoved the clover aside, and said, &quot;Father, look at me!
+Can you
+not see that it is written here that Carl loves me? There is not a spot
+in my face that he has not kissed. See here, father, look at this
+half-ducat. We chopped one in two; Charles has the other half. There!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then she piled the clover up again so that her father should
+not see
+her. He kept on cursing and swearing. She was glad, however, that she
+had spoken out at last. Still, Marie was greatly embarrassed. The
+little circle in which she moved was her world, and she could not bear
+being talked about by the world, for preferring the son of the poorest
+cottager to the son of the rich miller.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the other hand, she took great pleasure in hearing Carl
+discussed.
+He had always said, &quot;I don't like it that Marie is so rich. I don't
+need much. If I have enough to eat and drink and my clothes, I am
+satisfied; and if I have any children, they shall be like me in this
+respect. I do not care to be like the great farmers, and have money in
+the funds. I do not find that they are happier, more jovial, and
+healthier than their servants.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The schoolmaster also spoke of Carl: &quot;He was my best pupil,
+and learnt
+the most; and when, as a soldier, he received his first furlough, he
+came to visit me first of all. He waited before the door until the
+school was dismissed, when he accompanied me home and thanked me. Yes,
+he will succeed in life.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In short, Carl has the qualities which we wish the people to
+possess:
+he is bright, clever, and active; is not dissatisfied with his lot, and
+is modest and frugal.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martha did not merely place the flowers from the meadow before
+me, she
+also brought blossoms from the kind hearts of our villagers; for, as
+beautiful flowers grow among nettles, so can genuine feeling be found
+coupled with rudeness. We had to return to our quiet life, for, in
+spite of our heavy thoughts which were far away, the present demanded
+our attention.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In irrigating our meadows, we were frequently forced to
+protect
+ourselves against the tricks of the meadow farmer. The traps are set in
+the evening, and at night or early in the morning they are drawn up;
+for the meadows need cool water, that which the sun has warmed being
+injurious.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As the meadow farmer did not sleep well, he used to go out to
+the ditch
+and turn our water into his meadows.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss found this out, and I caught the meadow farmer
+stealing the
+water. He feared the French, and yet he tried to rob his neighbors.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martha, when she heard of this, thought that his love for his
+meadows
+might excuse this wickedness; but my daughter-in-law reproved her with
+a severity which I had never observed before. She looked upon such
+trespassing as being a most serious matter; for the growth of all that
+belongs to us out of doors depends on public confidence.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alas! how we cared for such little matters, while such great
+affairs
+were being settled yonder. The French might come upon us at any moment.
+But it is always thus. You stoop to pick a strawberry, and do not
+notice the mountain range. Why, as I was walking through the woods I
+was delighted at the prospect of a good crop of huckleberries. This is
+of importance to the poor people; for the productions which those who
+are better off do not care to cultivate, furnish food for the poor.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the evening of the 1st of August, I was again on top of the
+Hochspitz Mountain, where Wolfgang had been with me the last time. The
+whole valley of the Rhine was bathed in the glow of the setting sun,
+which filled the air like a golden stream, and beyond lay the blue
+Vosges Mountains.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What is going on there? Will the French soon be here, killing
+and
+burning as they go?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">To protect the pine-tree seeds against the birds, Wolfgang had
+placed
+brushwood over the spot on which he had sowed them. This had already
+become dry, and the leaves, therefore, covered the ground from which
+the young plants were starting.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On my way home I could hear the murmur of the brook below; and
+everything was so still, that I could even hear the noise made by the
+fountain in front of my house. Sometimes the shrill sound of the
+saw-mill would be carried up to me by the breeze. The grain-fields were
+in bloom; a nourishing haze lay upon them; the forest-trees were
+silently growing; the sun shone so clear by day; the moon was so bright
+by night. We seemed to be separated from that world in which a dreadful
+slaughter was just beginning.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The next morning I looked from out my quiet home, into the far
+distance. It had rained during the night. Everything was cooled off,
+the sun shone brightly, and the air from the fields was most
+refreshing. We had brought in our hay the day before, and the
+thunder-storm during the night had nourished the meadows. It seemed as
+if the myriads of refreshed plants joyfully gave token of new vigor. I
+said to myself: Thus may it be with our country and our people;
+perhaps, while you slept, a dreadful storm--and, let us hope, a
+beneficent one--may have passed over us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Just then Joseph brought the news: &quot;Fighting has begun. We
+have been
+beaten at Saarbrücken.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;None of our people are there: only Prussians are there,&quot;
+cried
+Rothfuss.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph saw how angry these words made me, and, to turn away my
+wrath,
+he begun to tell about Funk, who was down in the tavern boasting of his
+knowledge of French, and saying that he would get along with the
+Frenchmen. He also had several little books for sale, from which the
+ordinary French phrases could be learnt.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Funk went about in jack-boots, carrying on a heavy business in
+grain,
+butter, and bacon with the army. Schweitzer-Schmalz had advanced him
+money for the purpose. He boasted of his generosity in putting the poor
+fellow on his feet, but at the same time had wisely bargained for the
+lion's share of the profits.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">An hour afterwards, the wife of the councillor sent word that
+the news
+of our defeat was false.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That afternoon a message came from Hartriegel, informing us
+that, from
+the top of a hill in his neighborhood, a great movement of the opposing
+armies could be seen. I hurried up there with Joseph, Martha, and
+Conny. The engineer, who had been engaged at a neighboring stone-quarry
+while the troops had been stationed about us, reappeared and
+accompanied us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We stood on the top of the tower of the ruined castle and
+gazed over
+into Alsace, where we could see the movements of the battle.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was going on near Weissenburg, the region which was so
+familiar to
+me. Looking on thus from a distance, with fear and trembling as we saw
+the sudden flashes, the clouds of smoke, the burning villages, and
+hearing, occasionally, the sound of the guns which the echo from the
+hills brought us--all this oppressed me so much that Martha persuaded
+me to take some wine. It went hard with me to do so, for I first had to
+drown the thought of the many men yonder who might be restored to life
+if we could but wet their lips.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martha prayed; I could only think of the new epoch that was
+just
+beginning. Happiness and victory must be the share of those who desire
+their own good and that of others. One great step was already gained,
+for the war had been carried into the enemy's country.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We did not return before nightfall. Joseph drove to town to
+bring the
+latest news. The morrow came, so calm and clear. What has been the
+result?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At noon a shot was fired down at the saw-mill; this was the
+signal that
+Joseph was to give in case we had triumphed. He came and brought the
+news of the glorious victory at Wörth.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We have beaten the French on their own ground,&quot; he cried; &quot;it <i>
+was</i>
+their own ground, but it must be ours again. Our boys were there,&quot; he
+added, after a pause. &quot;Father! sisters! let us be prepared for
+everything.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Our resolve was a timely one.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Martha, who had hitherto shown such self-possession, was now
+seized
+with the greatest anxiety. She changed color constantly. She tried in
+vain to control her feelings, but at last her anxiety as well as mine
+became so great that we drove to the city. The crops were being already
+gathered from such fields as lay facing the south; nearly all the
+reapers were women.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While driving up the hill towards the court-house, I saw
+Edward Levi,
+the iron merchant, turn about suddenly as he caught sight of us and go
+towards his house. That was not the way he usually received us; so at
+once I feared that there was some bad news awaiting us, and that he did
+not wish to be the first one to tell it to us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We halted before the court-house, but no one came to the
+windows; no
+one came to meet us. We went upstairs into the hall. The councillor's
+wife stood by the round table in the centre. She kept her hand on the
+table for a moment; then advancing towards Martha, and taking her hand,
+she said, &quot;I awaited you here; I did not wish to cause you any emotion
+on the stairs, much less in the street. Your brother--dear Martha--your
+brother--died--an heroic death.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She said this with a firm voice; but when she had finished,
+she sobbed
+aloud and embraced Martha. The latter sank down beside her. We raised
+her; her faintness was of short duration, and her mother whispered,
+&quot;Don't be alarmed! the shock will not harm her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My brother!&quot; cried Martha, &quot;I shall never see you more; never
+call you
+brother again. Pardon me, mother, I distress you instead of helping
+you. Where is father?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He is gone to the battle-field with Baron Arven. He has
+telegraphed
+that he is bringing the body with him. Ludwig, Wolfgang, and that
+sturdy Ikwarte are of the greatest assistance to him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Where is my sister?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She is at work in the town-hall. That is the best, the only
+thing to
+do--to care for others while you are bowed down with grief. As soon as
+you are restored, we will go to work together. Only do not idly mourn
+now! I have had your brother's room put in order; we will take charge
+of some wounded man and nurse him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martha looked wonderingly at her mother. How was such
+self-control
+possible! That is the blessing which long and careful culture brings,
+while it, at the same time, strengthens the moral sense. Her mother was
+dressed with care; she looked as she did in more peaceful days, and
+displayed no emotion, deeply as her heart was torn by the loss of her
+dearly beloved son. She told me that a messenger had come after
+bandages and to get help for the battle-field, and that her husband had
+sent word by him that the young lieutenant had been the first officer
+that had fallen. He had not been rash, but had moved forward at the
+head of his men with steadfast courage, had broken the ranks of the
+enemy, and, while crying, &quot;The day is ours! the day is ours!&quot; he had
+fallen with a bullet in his heart.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martha was now restored, and a half hour after our arrival we
+were on
+our way to the town-hall. Her sister, who was engaged in cutting out
+garments, came towards us, gave Martha her hand, and repressed the
+rising tears. She spoke softly to Martha: she evidently begged her not
+to give vent to her grief before those who were present. Martha
+accompanied her quietly to the table, and helped to spread out the
+linen.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The daughter of Councillor Reckingen, who was just budding
+into
+womanhood, and who had hitherto been a stubborn, proud girl, lording it
+over every one, sat among the workers and was in entire harmony with
+them, while her father had cast aside his grief and joined his comrades
+in the field. She was placed specially in Christiane's charge.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The children, who were making lint in the basement, were
+singing the
+song of &quot;The Good Comrade&quot;--in the hall upstairs everything was still.
+Orders were given quietly, and the women and maidens passed silently to
+and fro. It seemed as if some one was lying dead in the adjoining room;
+but, above all this affliction and sorrow, there was a spirit which had
+never before shown itself among those present. All class distinctions
+had ceased, for all were united in their sympathy for their fellow-men.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Why does this spirit of friendship, this unanimity, appear
+only in
+times of trouble and sorrow; why not in every-day life?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I felt sure that this union of hearts would remain with us and
+beautify
+our lives, and this thought was strengthened by the remark of the lady
+at whose side I sat, who said, &quot;You see,--this activity is the
+salvation of many, as you can perceive in your grand-daughter
+Christiane. She is untiring, and the dissatisfied air her face used to
+wear is gone. We are now all united. It will not last; but hereafter
+the thought that there once was a time when the children of the poorer
+and of the upper classes did not ask 'Who are you, after all?' will
+greatly benefit us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I stayed in the city. The next evening, just as it was growing
+dark,
+the councillor arrived with his son's body. The whole town, young and
+old, was collected at the railway station. The children carried wreaths
+and flowers, the bells were ringing, and thus was the body taken from
+the station to the churchyard. After a hymn was sung, the clergyman
+delivered his address. What could he say? He explained in few words
+that this was not an ordinary funeral, but that we were now parts of
+one great whole, even in death.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The father, mother, and sisters cast the first clods of earth
+on the
+young hero's coffin; the grave was then filled in and covered with
+flowers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We had buried the first one who had died for the union and
+independence
+of our Fatherland. I was staying with the family which had thus lost
+its only son. They sat at home in silence; indeed, what could be said?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The parson had added a text from the Bible, and had made some
+earnest
+remarks thereon; yet I thought, and am sure that these stricken ones
+thought as I did, that all political feeling is foreign to that holy
+book. Patient endurance here, and the hope of better things beyond,
+suit a nation that is kept in subjection, but not one that is gladly
+battling and sacrificing itself for its existence. What an entirely
+different comprehension the Greeks had of exertion carried to its
+utmost limit. I remembered how, while in prison, the speech of
+Pericles, delivered at the funeral rites in Athens, had illumined and
+elevated my soul; and I could almost see the words, for they seemed to
+have been hewn out of stone, like a finely chiselled piece of
+sculpture. I found the book in the house, and read the address to the
+parents and children. I had to stop frequently, for sometimes the
+father and sometimes the mother would exclaim: &quot;That is intended for
+us, for to-day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No enemy has ever seen our entire forces,&quot; says Pericles, and
+so say
+we.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Bold, daring, and calm consideration of what we undertake,
+are united
+in us. He among us who does not concern himself about matters of state,
+is not regarded as a peaceable, but as a useless, man.&quot; Pericles shows
+that he possesses the true religion when he cries: &quot;You must constantly
+keep before your eyes the powers of the state, and must love them. Seek
+for happiness in liberty, and for liberty in your own courage.&quot;</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">&quot;A Prussian doesn't let go his grip from anything he holds,&quot;
+said
+Ikwarte to the councillor, when the latter called to him not to let a
+badly wounded man, who was being carefully carried by, drop. This was,
+in a certain sense, a motto for us all.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Prussia has the Frenchman in her grip, and will not let him
+go; and our
+troops have gone bravely on. The blood of the South and North German
+has been shed together. Grief for the individual was assuaged by the
+thought of the result which would be achieved.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The union of the German people is now indissoluble.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The councillor returned to the army.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was greatly grieved that I could not also lend a hand, and
+that I was
+forced to return home, there to watch and wait. But the councillor
+assured me, and I dare say he was right, that I would be unable to
+stand the sights of the battle-field. On the first day, he himself,
+even before he knew of his son's fate, had become so crushed and dazed
+that he could hardly keep his feet. Now he no longer thought of the
+misery itself, but solely of the means of remedying it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rontheim related, to our momentary amusement, how the vicar
+had lost
+the trunk containing his robes of office, and how he therefore had to
+perform his duties without his distinctive dress: a circumstance which
+worked no harm, as he was of great service at any rate. Martha took a
+quantity of goods along, which she wanted either to finish up at home,
+or to use as a means of instructing the children of our village. We
+drove home. It seemed like a dream to me that the saw-mill was running,
+that wagons loaded with wood met us, and that people were at work in
+the fields. Everything goes its gait, and yonder rages the battle.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At the newspaper-tree we met Carl's mother and Marie, and she
+called out to me, &quot;Do you see the flock of hungry crows! They are
+flying beyond the Rhine, to where the boys who used to sing are lying
+dead--and each of them had a mother.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your Carl has written that he is safe and sound.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, yes, until to-morrow. Come! We'll go home.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The two boundary posts were united by means of a black, red,
+and gold
+flag, which had been wound around them. Joseph, whom we met there, had
+done it. He was greatly shocked at the sight of Martha in mourning,
+although he had already heard that her brother had fallen; but all life
+was now so uncertain, that he feared she might also be mourning for
+Julius. She gave him a letter which her father had brought from Julius.
+It was full of sadness, but at the same time he wrote with pride of his
+dead brother-in-law, and expressed himself as being convinced that he
+would return from the war uninjured.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The days passed by quietly. The school-master reported that
+the
+children had become so inattentive that he did not know what to do, for
+they would not study their lessons, and talked of nothing but the war.
+He determined to let the children read the newspapers aloud, and copy
+the reports from the seat of war.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The game-keeper who reported to Joseph told us that fewer
+crimes were
+being committed than usual, although the taverns were constantly full.
+There was a good deal of trespassing on the woods; but that was none of
+his business.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Short and precise letters came from Carl, and he never forgot
+to
+mention that he had enough to eat and drink, for he knew that such news
+would gladden his mother's heart.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martha reported that Marie and Carl's mother had stopped going
+to the
+newspaper-tree. Marie had learned, to her astonishment, that you could
+buy your own newspapers, and so she procured one daily. Living in
+constant dread of her father, she subscribed for it in the name of the
+schoolmaster, and receiving it every evening, she undertook the
+troublesome task of reading it aloud to the old woman at night. The
+worst part of it was that the latter insisted on having the lists of
+the dead and wounded read to her. She did not know what she should do
+in case the awful news were to come.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I live among peasants, and see a great deal of rudeness, as
+well as
+good feeling; but the greatest affection I ever saw lay in the conduct
+of Marie towards Carl's mother.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The wagons of our district were ordered to Alsace, and my
+wagon and
+team of bays had to go along. I wanted to employ one of the workmen
+engaged in regulating the course of the river to drive them, but
+Rothfuss insisted on taking charge of the team himself, so I had to let
+him go. He was in great spirits, and declared that he would return with
+the wagon wreathed in flowers, and that Martella and Ernst would sit in
+it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Our house became still more quiet now, and when our horses
+were gone,
+we felt as if we were cut off from the world.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The nights were so calm and peaceful, the moon shone so clear;
+no leaf
+stirred, and even the brook ran dreamily along. And yet, at this time,
+there were thousands attempting to kill each other.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martha was often busy looking at the pages of an album through
+a
+magnifying glass. This book contained a collection of mosses and ferns,
+which Julius had arranged for her. Underneath each specimen was noted
+the place from which it came and when it had been gathered; and there
+were always added the words &quot;for Martha.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were in almost daily receipt of postal cards from Julius,
+and with
+the same minuteness which he had shown in the album, he gave us the
+day, hour, and place of writing. Sometimes a sealed letter from him
+would also reach us. Martha let me read them, and only once did she
+blushingly cover a postscript with her hand. Conny called my attention
+to Martha; what a touching and hallowed vision she seemed to be, and
+how humbly and modestly she bore her life's great secret!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While I was examining the mosses, Martha told me, with radiant
+face and
+sparkling eyes, how she had become acquainted with Julius. She had
+danced with him at a country ball, but they had seen no more of each
+other.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the next morning, as she and her sister were walking in the
+&quot;Rockenthal&quot; and were passing through the shrubbery, they suddenly came
+to a large pine-tree under which a hunter was sleeping. His dog sat at
+his side, and they motioned to him to remain quiet, while they both
+stood there examining the man's youthful, browned features and white
+brow. Martha summoned up her courage, seized his hat and took out the
+feathers, replacing them with a bunch of freshly gathered flowers.
+After this bold deed, the sisters fled to the shrubbery; but the dog
+barked, and the hunter awoke. He stared about him, seized his gun and
+hat, apparently puzzled to find the alteration that had been made, and
+uttered an energetic oath. He just caught sight of the two sisters in
+their light-blue summer dresses, as they disappeared in the shrubbery.
+He called after them, and they ran, until Martha stumbled over the root
+of a tree and fell. &quot;Your voice is too good to swear with,&quot; said the
+sister who had remained standing, and then the young hunter pulled off
+his hat, and looked confused. Recovering himself immediately, he said,
+&quot;It was not you, but your sister, who played the robber. She has the
+feathers yet. I--I thank you for the exchange.&quot; Then, as Martha handed
+him the feathers, and as he held his hat out towards her, he succeeded
+in touching her hand with his lips. He escorted the two girls through
+the woods, and starting with the joke of having caught them
+trespassing, they ended by having a merry talk. He soon begged Martha
+to sing, for he said that he could see that she, like him, was in the
+humor of singing. So these two began to sing their favorite songs,
+which, strangely enough, were the same; and when they reached the road,
+both of the sisters stretched out their hands to Julius. He held
+Martha's hand in his the longest, and from that moment their fate was
+fixed, and became more blissful every day.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He arranged the album while they were engaged. It was filled
+with the
+fondest memories, and even I learned much from it that was new to me.
+Each tree showed me new forms of existence, and in a little while I was
+able to forget, while contemplating these minute products of nature,
+the great commotion that was raging so near us. A bird is perched on
+the telegraph wire, while beneath it the most stirring news is passing
+silently and invisibly. I often regarded the wires that were stretched
+in front of my woods. Who knows the news that is flashing through them?
+We were soon to hear it.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">&quot;It thunders, booms, tumbles, and crashes; the mountains are
+falling,
+the world is coming to an end!&quot;--thus did Carl's mother cry out in the
+village street. She refused to be comforted, and when she saw Martha in
+mourning, she began to shriek out: &quot;Black! black! We shall all be
+charred to death!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We succeeded at last in calming her, and then led her home,
+while round
+about us a noise like thunder seemed to come from the hills; although
+not a cloud was visible in the sky.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We knew that Strasburg was being bombarded. The fact was, that
+the
+sound of the cannonade struck against the rock behind the spinner's
+cottage, and rolled thence along the little valleys between the hills.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This lone woman, who could scarcely hear a man's voice, could
+distinctly perceive the roar of the artillery which shook her cottage.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My boy is there, my good, my brave son,&quot; she cried, when she
+was told
+that Strasburg was being bombarded. Then she broke out into a sort of
+chant: &quot;In Strasburg is the minster; I was in service for five years in
+the Blauwolken Street; in Strasburg, in Strasburg, in Strasburg,&quot;--it
+sounded like a doleful song. We wanted to induce her to come to us;
+even Marie wanted to take charge of her; but she caught hold of her
+table, crying, &quot;No, no! I shall not go from here until I am carried
+out.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That evening Joseph came for me, saying, that from the top of
+the
+stone-wall, the shells could be seen flying through the air. We
+accompanied him to the spot, and could see the shells rising, then
+falling and disappearing in little clouds of smoke. The stone-cutter,
+who had seen service as a soldier, pointed out to us the shells that
+exploded harmlessly in the air, and those which spread destruction as
+they burst.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">How is it with the people over there on whom this rain of fire
+is
+falling? What are they doing at home? What do they say, and think, and
+what consolation and support do they bring each other? I imagined
+myself among them, living with them. And my niece was there, too. She
+had thought to find protection there, and now she was in the greatest
+danger. And how must my sister, yonder in the forest of Hagenau, be
+wringing her hands at these sounds and sights! And we are sending death
+and destruction among those to whom we want to cry, &quot;Come to us, stay
+with us.&quot; The language the cannon speak is a dreadful one.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We had to return home at last. I was so confused and shocked,
+that
+Joseph had to lead me. I could hear the guns as I lay in bed; but after
+a while sleep comes to you in spite of noise and sorrow.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Marie told me the next morning that the spinner had counted
+the shots
+by the hour during the night. When she had reached one hundred, beyond
+which she could not count, she buried her head in the pillow, crying,
+&quot;I can count no further; I cannot; it is enough!&quot; and had then fallen
+asleep. Marie asked our aid, for the spinner had said that, when
+daylight came, she would stand it no longer; she would go to her son.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">However, when the next day came she had forgotten her
+intention. She
+sat in her room, spinning, and whenever she heard the sound of a gun,
+would merely open her mouth, but say nothing. Not a word passed her
+lips for days.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph wanted to visit the besiegers, but I asked him to
+remain with
+us, as I wanted to have one of my men about the house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Every evening the young folks from the village would climb to
+the top of the hill behind the little stone wall, and, with the
+light-heartedness of youth, would enjoy themselves in spite of the
+destruction that was going on before their very eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My sister and her daughter surprised us. The former had
+visited the
+camp; had luckily found Julius, and through him had obtained permission
+for her daughter to leave the fortress. She had left all her property
+at the mercy of the shells and of the plundering soldiers; for the
+opinion of the citizens was, that the German soldiers would sack the
+city. As Germans, they had been regarded with aversion by their
+neighbors and acquaintances. She left us soon again, so as to be with
+her husband; but her daughter, who was greatly overcome, remained with
+us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martha and Conny nursed the young wife carefully; and Martha
+spoke
+French to her, so as to please her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A large detachment of captured and wounded French and
+Algerians came
+through our valley. The people from all the villages flocked to the
+high-road to see them pass. I feared that the people would show their
+irritation, and jeer these unfortunates: but, as if by a tacit
+agreement, every one kept aloof, and only words of sympathy were heard.
+It was only when the fantastic, and sometimes terrible-looking Africans
+appeared, that the dismay of the people showed itself, as they called
+out, &quot;There they are, the men that were going to burn our towns and
+forests, the cannibals!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss, with my team of bays, was also in the procession. He
+halted a
+moment at the saw-mill near the bridge, and gave a merry account of the
+kind of load he was carrying. It consisted of wounded Turcos, and he
+laid great stress on the fact that the French would have nothing in
+common with these wicked apes. He had to keep on his way.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Great excitement was caused in the village when it was
+reported that
+Carl had returned. We all accompanied his mother and Marie down the
+valley, where he had halted with a squad of prisoners. Marie embraced
+him before us all, and the prisoners smiled, and imitated the sound of
+their smacking lips.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Carl had much to tell me, and could not find words to say all
+he wanted
+to, particularly in praise of the Pomeranian lancers. He said they were
+the right sort of fellows--as quiet and strong as the pine-trees; and
+it was strange to see, when they first saw the Rhine, about which so
+much had been sung and said, how, in their enthusiasm, they wanted to
+ride directly into the stream.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His mother and sweetheart accompanied him for some distance on
+the
+road, and when they turned to come back the old woman said, &quot;Now I am
+satisfied; now no one shall hear me complain; I am sure that nothing
+will happen to him in this war.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We harvested our crops; we placed the green bough on the top
+of the new
+mill down in the valley; we began to cut wood in the forest; yet still
+the thunder of the bombardment of Strasburg continued.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The old meadow farmer lay at home very ill, and often said, &quot;I
+shall be
+buried like a soldier; they will fire over my grave.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We buried the old fellow on the morning of September 2d. He
+had given
+orders that his St. Helena medal should be buried with him; but his son
+did not see fit to let this be done. He looked upon this so-called mark
+of distinction as a means of preservation, in case the French should
+come after all.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While we were standing at the open grave, Joseph came riding
+up the
+hill, his horse very much blown, and cried, &quot;Napoleon is a prisoner!&quot;
+We all hurried to the road where Joseph, still on horseback, read the
+extra aloud. It was the account of the capture of Napoleon at Sedan.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What strange coincidences occur in life! We had just buried
+the last
+man in our village who wore on his breast the badge of the infamy of
+our alliance with Napoleon; and now we had his successor and heir a
+prisoner in our hands.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As if by a preconcerted signal, the young people of the
+village struck
+up, &quot;Die Wacht am Rhein.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Without awaiting the parson's permission--very likely he
+wouldn't have
+given it--the church-bells were rung, and the German flag was thrown to
+the breeze from the top of the church spire. We returned home as if in
+a dream.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When my niece, the Alsacienne, heard the news, she shook her
+head, and
+refused to be convinced of its truth.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She had been always accustomed to hear the lying despatches of
+her
+countrymen.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After the Sedan campaign, we all thought that the war was
+ended; but
+the French people, in their overweening confidence, still insisted on
+retaining the first place among nations, and resented the idea of their
+giving up the German provinces, of which in former days they had robbed
+us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The war went on without ceasing.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">We cannot be astonished anew every day at the phenomena of
+existence:
+how the sun rises, how the plants grow and bloom. We must accustom
+ourselves to the homely changes that are being wrought; to life and
+death among us, to love and hate, to union and discord.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We ended by becoming accustomed to the fact that the war was
+raging,
+and as surely as the sun rose we expected news of another victory; for
+that we should ever be beaten seemed, to judge from what had happened,
+impossible.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The daily question was, &quot;Has Strasburg surrendered yet?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the morning of the 29th of September, I attended the weekly
+market
+to sell my grain. It was the crop of 1870.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Everything went on as usual; there was the same chaffering,
+bargaining,
+and cheating, and occasionally the war was discussed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Suddenly I heard a noise of shouting and rejoicing, and saw
+flags hung
+out of the windows. &quot;Strasburg has fallen,&quot; was the cry.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">People called to each other, &quot;Strasburg has fallen at last,&quot;
+as if some
+one who had been long lost had returned at last.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph brought the Alsacienne to town. We made up a store of
+food and
+clothing for her, and accompanied by Christiane, who had been
+despatched to the afflicted city by the Aid Society, she returned to
+Alsace. Every one went over to Strasburg, partly from curiosity, and
+partly out of pity. I refused to go.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then came letters from Alsace for Martha and me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I did not know the handwriting of the one for me. It turned
+out to be
+from Baron Arven. He wrote that he had had frequent conferences with
+those high in office on the importance of quieting the minds of the
+Alsatians, and of coming to an understanding with them. Unfortunately
+they had been forced to take sharp measures against those who were
+untractable and traitorous, and now they desired to take such measures
+as would stop any further sacrifices. There were other nurses required
+besides those who attended the wounded, and he believed I would suit
+his purpose.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The following sentence in his letter pierced my heart like a
+dagger:
+&quot;Your family ties make it your duty to aid the lost son to return to
+his father's house.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">How? Has Ernst been found, and is the preceding portion of the
+letter
+simply written to prepare me for the shock?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I read on, and found I was mistaken. A troubled mind
+interprets
+everything in its interest. Arven simply meant that I should aid in the
+work of attaching Alsace to Germany; for he informed me that men of all
+classes, who were known to have friends and relatives in Alsace, had
+been requested to visit those sections of the country with which they
+were acquainted, there to work in the interest of union. Those who had
+been in opposition to the government were especially wanted, for the
+reason that their conduct would be regarded as being founded on a pure
+love for the Fatherland.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He asked me to visit the villages in the forest of Hagenau,
+with which
+I was acquainted through my relations, and see what I could do towards
+furthering the good work.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had to laugh when he added: &quot;Your presence and your white
+hair will
+do much, I think, to create confidence in you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Baron was in the confidence of the government. It seemed,
+therefore, to be decided that we should take back the provinces of
+which we had been robbed. Yes, I am ready to do what I can. It is true,
+I doubted my capacity; but a love of the cause and encouraging
+hopefulness strengthened me. Arven's letter gave me courage. He had
+never praised me to my face, but he displayed the best feeling in his
+letter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am going to Alsace,&quot; said I to Martha.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh, that is splendid, and you can take me along.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She showed me a letter from Julius, in which he asked her to
+visit him
+in Strasburg for a short time, until he should march off again.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He wrote: &quot;We will meet among saddening ruins, but we shall
+remain
+erect, and while we help rebuild the great fabric of the state, shall
+also strengthen our own life-fabric.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We journeyed to Strasburg. Julius met us in Kehl. What a
+meeting
+between the young couple!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have also seen Martella,&quot; Julius said. &quot;I wanted her to
+enter a
+hospital as nurse, but she has retained her old dislikes, and refuses
+to have anything to do with the sick. She was engaged with a number of
+other women in distributing supplies, but I don't know whether she is
+near here now. I have been told that she has gone to Lorraine with
+another detachment of the supply commission. She parted from Lerz, the
+baker, after a few days. The Prince's letter of pardon has passed her
+everywhere, and she is now with Ikwarte and Wolfgang, who will protect
+her.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I shall not speak of the effect the appearance of the
+bombarded city
+produced on me. I had been in Strasburg frequently, and knew many there
+who could not forget the ties which bound them to Germany. Forty years
+ago I was here with Buchmaier, and at that time this great broad fellow
+planted himself before the Cathedral, and called out, &quot;I say, tumble
+down, or turn German.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Now it stood there, a German monument. It had been,
+unfortunately,
+struck by our shot, but had been only slightly injured; and from far
+and near one could behold this edifice, every stone and ornament of
+which is German.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martha could look on nothing but the face of her Julius, and
+on one
+other thing--the iron cross on his breast. She asked why he had not
+written about having received it; and Julius confessed that he had not
+done so because a promise that was not yet binding, but which required
+him to arrive at some conclusion, was connected with it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He related that the commanding general, while fastening the
+cross on
+his breast, had said, &quot;You intend remaining in the service?&quot; to which
+he had not answered, but believed that he had nodded &quot;yes,&quot; although he
+was not sure.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And now he wanted to learn from Martha's lips whether he had
+nodded or
+shaken his head.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martha looked at me and said, &quot;What do you say, grandfather?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I said, of course, that this could be decided on when the war
+was over,
+and that meanwhile Julius could consider himself a professional
+soldier. I thought him too tenderhearted for a soldier, for he had said
+to me, &quot;Grandfather! the worst feature about war, is not the fighting,
+but the foraging. It is heart-rending to force people to deliver up
+everything, yet it must be done.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The thought that Julius would remain a soldier was painful to
+me, for I
+had cherished the hope that, at some time or other, he would take
+charge of his patrimonial estate. I could not agree with Ludwig's
+American ideas, that all property should be personal. But what matters
+all that at present?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I hunted up Baron Arven. Although he had written such hearty
+letters to
+me, I found that he had again become formal and brusque. I had to learn
+that in war times small matters can receive but little attention.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Baron directed a servant to accompany me to the
+provisional
+governor of the province. Although I had been sent for, I found myself
+treated as if I were a suitor. I had to accustom myself to the
+North-German manner, which regards every sacrifice you may bring as a
+mere matter of duty.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The governor remembered that Arven had spoken of me. He begged
+me to
+take a look, for the present, at the part of the country with which I
+was acquainted, and then to report to him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This interview sobered me. Was this the frame of mind in which
+a part
+of our country was to be regained? I decided to visit my sister, and
+then to return home. That evening Arven changed my resolution.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Arven lived in the hospital, and on my arrival there I was
+welcomed by
+a tall, fine-looking woman in a white cap and white apron. It was
+Annette, and I was not a little astonished to meet her there; but even
+she had no time to spare, for she said she had to return to her
+patients, and that Arven was waiting for me in his room.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This was really the case. Arven gave me a hearty welcome, and
+said that
+he had given orders that he was not to be disturbed excepting in case
+something of great importance needed his attention, and that, for this
+evening, he would be a thorough egotist.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I told him how repellent the angularity and coldness of
+the
+Prussians had appeared to me, he said that this was just what he wanted
+to talk to me about.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He had been exceedingly provoked at their cold-blooded manner.
+He had
+already determined to leave them; but after a while he had made up his
+mind that this sharpness, bitterness, and decision were the forces that
+made them the men they were. Obedience is with them a habit that can be
+depended on. We South Germans are too soft and easygoing, and we ought
+to breathe some of the salt-sea air that blows across that northern
+country. This want of attention towards others, this disregard of
+people's feelings, lay in the fact that they had no consideration for
+themselves. The French, who, whatever they do, want to be observed and
+applauded, will be beaten by these men, whose whole power rests in
+their self-respect. We used to think the Prussians were braggarts; but
+now we found no trace of boastfulness, and in spite of their constant
+victories, they took every precaution as they advanced, and were
+prepared for defeat. Yes, orders describing the manner of retreat were
+issued before every battle.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He could not cease praising them, and only stopped when he
+added that
+he thought their self-esteem was a result of Protestantism. The Baron
+stopped when he had said this, and, after we had eaten and drunk to our
+hearts' content, he said that, although he was a Catholic, he would
+never confess to a priest again, but that he would confess to me; and
+in case he should not return from the war, he would have the
+satisfaction of feeling that his inner life had been laid before
+another, for an hour at least.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He confessed to me that his desire had been to die in this
+campaign,
+and it was for this reason that he had exposed himself so recklessly
+when collecting the wounded. It seemed strange to him that people
+should praise his courage, while he was engaged in seeking death. He
+thought it would be the best thing for himself and his children, if the
+great sorrows that had come upon them, and which might come again,
+could be buried with him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He then groaned aloud, saying, &quot;I do not want to die before
+their
+eyes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I saw before me a life that had been most cruelly broken. The
+Baron had
+once been in the Austrian army. He had never expected to find himself
+at the head of his family, for he belonged to the younger branch.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In Bohemia he made the acquaintance of a girl belonging to a
+noble
+family, and was subdued by her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Feodora was tall and majestic, of a warm, sensual nature, but
+cold-hearted. Persuaded by his sister, he became engaged to her; but
+felt that he would have to stand alone in life, with her as his spouse.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the day after his engagement, he suddenly awoke to a horror
+of what
+he had done. He was visiting the large estate of her father. He walked
+through the park, wrestling with the resolve to drown himself in the
+pond; but he did not do so, because he considered it his duty to keep
+his plighted word; and besides, the hope arose in his breast that, at
+some future time, a closer sympathy would be brought about. Her beauty
+fettered him; in short, the marriage was celebrated, and he lived for
+thirty-one years married, but lonely. One by one, his hopes had all
+been shattered. He had persuaded himself that congeniality was not
+necessary to happiness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But after awhile he discovered what it was to be united to
+some one,
+and at the same time to be alone. The sudden death of the last of the
+main line of his family placed him at the head of the house. He
+resigned his position in the army, and devoted himself to agriculture.
+He had no control over his children--scarcely any influence in fact,
+but as his sons grew up, they espoused the cause of Germany, and would
+have nothing to do with the conflict which their mother and her ghostly
+advisers tried to stir up.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the campaign of 1866, the Baron suffered unspeakably. He
+was
+homeless in his own house. But when the present war began, and he
+discovered plots that he would never have suspected, the conflict broke
+out openly. The two sons joined the German army, and did not, or would
+not, know of what was going on at home. I dare not speak of the
+bitterness, hate, and despair that filled the soul of this naturally
+good-hearted man, and appeared in the course of his story. &quot;I had to
+confess to you some time,&quot; said he finally, &quot;and I chose the best time.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I believe that your wife intuitively knew everything that I
+have told
+you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The deep misery of his life seemed again renewed when he
+cried, &quot;I do
+not wish to die before their eyes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He mentioned Rautenkron, and said that their cases were
+similar. Their
+devotion in the present great movement was not a joyful sacrifice, but
+indifference and contempt for life; they wanted to die.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was deeply pained, and also gratified, when he took my hand
+at last,
+saying that my wife and I had kept him up in the faith that happiness
+was yet to be found on earth. &quot;And now I must make a further
+confession. It was a great sacrifice on my part, considering the
+comfort I enjoyed in your house, and the deep sympathy your wife showed
+me, to deny myself frequent, yea, daily visits, whenever I felt like a
+stranger in my house; and as one banished from home, I would ride
+across the hills, and down into the valley towards you and your wife;
+but when I had reached the saw-mill, I would turn back. It was better
+thus. I felt that your wife knew everything. Though I was a man who had
+sons in the army, I was again tossed hither and thither by youthful
+feelings; but I overcame them. I think I ought to tell you this too; it
+relieves me, and cannot oppress you. Of all men who were affected by
+her sterling qualities, there is no one who worshipped her more
+profoundly than I did,&quot; said the Baron finally, again taking my hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We sat there in silence for some time, and I was made happy by
+the
+thought that her spirit was hovering over us, bringing us peace. The
+Baron then arose and said, &quot;Now I have unburdened myself, and am free.
+I thank you for your share in this relief. And now, no more of this.
+Now duty calls.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He again told me how much good I could accomplish, by going
+from
+village to village, and from house to house, in the region in which I
+had long been known, there to teach the Alsatians what they ought to
+learn.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You may depend on one thing,&quot; said he: &quot;you will have bitter
+experiences. You will be looked upon as a spy. But do you remember what
+your wife once called you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I did not know what he meant.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She called you the spy of what was good, because you always
+discover
+the good qualities in every one. Well, be one again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I made up my mind to cope willingly with everything, and went
+to my
+sister's the next day.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">We of the mountains had heard the cannonading; but how
+differently had
+it affected those of the neighborhood, whose homes and whose all were
+at stake. We could see the destruction that had been wrought on the
+houses, but not that which had wasted the nerves of the people.
+Wherever I went, I found every one feeling restless and homeless, like
+the swallows that flew about, settling here and there; but only for a
+moment, for their nests had been destroyed, along with the houses and
+towers and fortifications.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Every one I met had a puzzled look: the alarm and fear caused
+by the
+incredible disasters that had overwhelmed them, had dazed them, and
+they seemed hurt by friendly greetings--yes, even by offers of
+assistance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My brother-in-law, the forester, a man who ordinarily bore
+himself
+well, seemed entirely broken down. He stared at me in silence as I
+entered his house, and scarcely answered my greeting with a slight nod.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My sister told me that, since the siege of Strasburg, he had
+suffered
+from asthma, and that he constantly repeated, &quot;General Werder's shots
+have taken my breath away.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On looking at the pictures hanging on the wall, I could see
+plainly
+what these people would have to thrust aside. The pictures on the
+walls, as well as those that dwelt in their memory, were to be changed.
+In our every-day life, we soon forget what the ornaments on the wall
+are like. But if they are not in accord with the times, then we find
+out what was once ours, but has now ceased to belong to us. On my
+hinting that Germany would adopt the regained provinces with increased
+affection, my brother-in-law sprang up, rolling his eyes and striking
+the table with his fist, and swore that he would emigrate. My sister
+then said that an oath at such a time was worthless; but he answered in
+bitter scorn--he could speak nothing but French--&quot;And if no one will
+accompany me--I cannot force the trees in the forest to go along--my
+dog, at least, will be my companion. What do you say, Fidele--you'll go
+with me? You won't take bread from a German; you will rather starve
+with me?&quot; The dog barked and licked his master's hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could see what a difficult task I had before me, but I did
+not give
+it up. In the village, in the houses, and before the court-house,
+wherever the people were gathered together, I spoke words of peace and
+encouragement to them. They would listen to me as if they were forced
+to do so; and once I heard a man behind me say, &quot;The whole thing is a
+lie, white hairs and all; he is some young fellow in disguise.&quot; I
+seldom received a straightforward answer; the nearest approach to a
+reply was, &quot;What are we to do?&quot; &quot;What are we to learn.&quot; The feeling at
+the bottom of all this was,--to-morrow the French will be back, and
+drive the Germans away. It is impossible to conquer the French.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I then visited my brother-in-law, the parson, who lived a few
+miles
+further on. He spoke of nothing but the excellent behavior of the
+soldiers that had been quartered on them. They went to church on
+Sundays and joined in the singing; and officers of high rank had
+been there, too. He seemed nervous, and did not dare to express his
+joy--either because he feared the maid-servant who was going in and
+out, or else because he disliked to lay bare his thoughts. It was only
+while walking in the woods that he unbosomed himself. I do not like to
+repeat what he related, as I preferred not to believe his story. He
+told me that the French government had received the assurance from the
+priesthood, that the South Germans would not take the field against
+France. I do not believe this, but it is the current opinion, and so I
+feel forced to repeat it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He also said that the beggars from the Catholic villages of
+the
+vicinity had, for some time past, ceased asking for alms. They had
+walked around boldly in his village, selecting the houses they intended
+to occupy as soon as the Protestants had been exterminated.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Thus wickedly had religion been mixed up with this war.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The thought of Germany,&quot; said the parson, &quot;always seemed to
+me like a
+silent, yea, a criminal dream. Now I see it realized in broad daylight.
+We are like the prodigal son of Scripture, but the truant in Alsace is
+this time not in fault, and it is that which makes his return to his
+home so painful. I have often thought that the father of the prodigal
+must have offended against his son, although the Scriptures do not say
+so, otherwise he would not have been thus afflicted.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was merely drawing a parallel, yet he made my heart beat
+with the
+thought of Ernst.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The father of the prodigal son is also at fault. What had I
+been guilty
+of?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When we returned from our walk, we were told that a French
+soldier, who
+had served his time, had called to see me; he had not given his name,
+and would return.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Who can he be? I must wait to find out. But I met a man in the
+village
+whom I had forgotten.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The advocate Offenheimer, Annette's brother, met me, and his
+first
+words were, &quot;You are a great consolation to me. Come with me and give
+my son an escort.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I now perceived that his only son had fallen, and that the
+father
+desired him to be buried in the Jewish cemetery here.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As he divined my thoughts, he said, &quot;It is true, I could not
+allow them
+to bury my son out there with the others; but it is, perhaps, well if
+there is some sign here of our having fairly and joyfully taken our
+part in the fight. Perhaps it will have a mollifying effect upon our
+new countrymen of the Jewish faith, who were particularly
+contumacious.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was astounded to find the man so placid. But, as if guessing
+my
+thoughts, he said he had no more strength for complaints and tears, and
+that a fact must at last be accepted.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I thought of the handsome, spirited lad, that had one time
+come to me
+with Wolfgang. But I greatly desired to find a favorable opportunity
+for addressing the Jewish inhabitants of the village. They had an
+especial fear of the Germans, and were proud of French equality.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The advocate's son was buried with all the ceremonies of his
+church.
+Two slightly wounded South German officers, who were lying in the
+village, acted as the escort. They recognized in me the Colonel's
+father-in-law, and had much to tell me in his praise.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He shows that we are not inferior to the Prussians.&quot; Such
+appeared to
+be the highest compliment they could bestow upon him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Upon our return from the cemetery, to which the Jews here in
+Alsace
+give the peculiar name of the &quot;good place,&quot;<a name="div2Ref_note06" href="#div2_note06"><sup>6</sup></a> the advocate leaned upon
+my arm, and, as I sat next to him in the little room, after quietly
+meditating for a long while, he exclaimed, &quot;In my youth I had willingly
+died for the true Fatherland; now, my son has been permitted to die for
+it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For years had I been in constant intercourse with this man;
+now, in his
+grief and in the hour of civil commotion, I first learned to know him;
+and to learn to know an upright man is to learn to love him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I have, like suffering Odysseus, participated in the
+experiences of
+many men; Rautenkron, the Colonel, and Arven have revealed to me their
+life-secrets. Now I was to hear still another's: the history of a
+step-child in his step-fatherland, who still longed for affection, for
+the closest friendship, and who, though repulsed and oppressed by the
+laws and his fellow-men, had not yet lost his love for them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As Offenheimer recounted the grievances he had suffered in the
+schools,
+and the incivilities and insults of later years, it seemed to me that I
+should ask his forgiveness for all this suffering and uncharitableness,
+of which, because of what we had done to him, and of what our ancestors
+had done to his, we were to-day guilty. Those who style themselves
+believers in the religion of love, would be much astonished at the
+strength of this man's affections, who, though repulsed and scorned;
+still preserved them pure. We live a whole human life and know nothing
+of the inward emotions of many of our contemporaries. Offenheimer spoke
+with great severity concerning the attempt to obtain recognition by
+means of extravagant display, that caused many Jews to appear
+unpatriotic and presumptuous. He explained this, indeed, as arising
+from the necessity, imposed by the prejudice against his race, of
+proving its claim to respectability, and was frank enough to refer to
+the early conduct of his sister as an example.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Offenheimer then told me how happy it had made him to find his
+son
+growing up in comparative ignorance of such persecutions--he had thus
+developed naturally. He smiled sadly, as he added that he, though he
+had grown physically larger and more active, had acquired a lightness
+of heart which the man who is obliged to win his freedom before
+enjoying it, never acquires.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I do not mourn for my son,&quot; were his words: &quot;he had reached
+the most
+beautiful period of life, and it is all the same, whether a man lives
+seventeen years or seventy. No man liveth to himself, and no one dieth
+to himself, says the apostle; and that is true. I understand it to be
+true in another sense as well. Each of us dies only to his connections
+and his posterity.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was a novelty to me to hear Holy Writ referred to as simply
+the
+teachings of wisdom. I have since then often found educated Israelites
+are not so much Jews, as simply not Christians.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Offenheimer thanked me with great tenderness for the wonders
+that we
+had accomplished with Annette. She had been proud and selfish; now she
+had become humble, and lived for others.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As I sat with him, the Rabbi of the place came and expressed
+his thanks
+for the generous subscription that had been made in memory of the
+fallen.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">One word, which the priest then uttered, went straight to my
+heart. He
+said the bereaved father would find consolation; for the Talmud
+declared that the patriarch Jacob could not suppress his sufferings and
+his tears for his lost son Joseph, because he felt within himself that
+his son still lived. Grief for one who is dead vanishes when the corpse
+becomes clay; for a living lost one, the grief endures.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Oh! my lost son Ernst!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Upon my return home, I found, awaiting me in the village, a
+man in a
+blue blouse, with a short pipe in his mouth, and wearing his cap awry.
+He approached me with a military salute, and said, &quot;Yes, it is you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Who am I?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;His father.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Whose father?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Our sergeant's, Ernst Tännling.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That is not my name.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Of course! But he has confided to me--he took me, indeed, for
+a
+German--that his name was Waldfried. Do you remember that I met you in
+Paris during the World's Exposition. Your son deserted in 1866, and has
+a bride. Have I the correct signs now?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Alas! he had them, and again I heard that Ernst had entered
+the service
+in Algiers, and now, probably, was in the onward movement against
+Germany.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The veteran allowed me no time for reflection. He confided to
+me, with
+great urgency and secrecy, that he could be of great service. He knew
+that I had great influence, and wanted me to conduct him to some
+officer of high rank; he could be of great service, but must receive
+liberal pay.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had learned much in life, but for the first time there stood
+before
+me a man who offered me his services as a spy. He had seized my hand,
+and it seemed as if his touch had soiled it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I sought further intelligence from him concerning Ernst, but
+he knew
+nothing more. I took him with me and handed him over to an officer that
+lay here. I considered it to be my duty not to discard the dirty, but
+perhaps useful, tool.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">With thoughts of Ernst in my breast, with the consciousness
+that my
+only son was in arms against the Fatherland, I was not in the mood to
+unburden my heart to others; and besides, it was evidently too early.
+Now, since force yet speaks, the good-will of the oppressed cannot be
+won.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I turned back to my sister's, and was much delighted to meet
+Hartriegel, the so-called forest professor, who had been sent by the
+administration to inspect the forests.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">With Hartriegel and my brother-in-law, who had again in a
+measure
+regained his composure, I roamed through the great forest district; and
+this refreshed my soul, though the terrible thoughts about Ernst
+accompanied me by day and by night like a restless ghost.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was the night of the twenty-sixth of October. Hartriegel
+remained in
+the town. I had stayed with my sister; a storm was raging that seemed
+to portend the destruction of the world. Dogs howled, the cattle in the
+stalls bellowed unceasingly; there seemed a fearful wailing in the
+rattling of the thunder, and the turmoil and uproar of the elements. We
+heard sounds like the splitting of trees, continually nearer and
+nearer. We all sat together in the room, keeping watch, and my
+brother-in-law exclaimed, &quot;It is just so! The trees even will clear out
+forthwith. They will not be German.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As he said this, a tree behind the house cracked and fell over
+on the
+roof: the slates rattled, the timbers bent, and the storm now raged
+through the house, which we could not forsake; for out of doors the
+tempest raged so wildly, that it seemed as if everything that stood
+upright would be stricken to the ground. We waited until daylight, and
+at early morning a messenger arrived who came to tell me that Julius
+must depart, and to ask whether I would not bring Martha home with me.
+The messenger also showed us an &quot;extra,&quot; that announced the capture of
+Metz, and the capitulation of 173,000 men.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When my brother-in-law heard this, he exclaimed, &quot;We are
+betrayed!&quot;
+tore down the epaulettes, and the portrait of Bazaine, under whom he
+had served, from the wall, threw them on the floor, and trampled them
+under his feet.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The messenger told us the roads were impassable; every where
+there lay
+trunks of trees, and near the house a slain stag. He, a very credulous
+man, had spent the night at the Oak of Saint Arbogast, and with pious
+fervor praised the saint who had protected him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After he had partaken of refreshments, he escorted my
+brother-in-law,
+who soon came back with the dead stag.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were separated from the world, and my sister rejoiced that
+she still
+had something for us to eat.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At noon there came a neighboring forester with his men, and
+everybody
+was called upon, and worked through the entire night to make the roads
+again passable. Soldiers were also ordered from Hagenau to assist, and
+soon I heard the singing of German songs in the woods.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The next morning Joseph arrived with his companion. He had
+been ordered
+by the chief forester to buy wood here, and had now decided, since it
+was so conveniently arranged, to purchase the greater portion of the
+windfall. What terrified us, awakened in him a speculation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;In the forest of Hagenau,&quot; said he, &quot;there's also oak wood
+for
+Ludwig's mill.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was, and remained so; everything served as a stepping-stone
+to
+Joseph.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He gave us further particulars of the capture of Metz, and of
+the march
+towards Paris. At the name of Paris, my brother-in-law's face became
+flushed and excited. &quot;That you will never get, never!&quot; he said; &quot;the
+world will go to pieces, first! But Metz, indeed! And 173,000 men!
+believe in nothing after this!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I told Joseph of Ernst; I must impart it to some one. But
+Joseph
+urgently implored me to eradicate every thought of the lost one from my
+breast.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I went to Strasburg, but the governor there had nothing to
+tell me. I
+was so weak that I longed for home again; there I hoped to regain my
+strength. I journeyed homewards with Martha.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At the last railway station I met a large force of Tyrolese
+woodsmen
+that, upon Joseph's order, had been sent to work for him in Alsace, and
+as I neared home, I saw, here and there, clearings in the woods. The
+tempest had also raged here, and the newspapers brought the
+intelligence that over the whole continent great devastation had been
+occasioned by it.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">We had much to do to set up trees that had been prostrated by
+the wind;
+for dead trees, because of their harboring all sorts of noxious
+insects, imperil the existence of a whole forest.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There came good letters from Julius, Richard, and the vicar,
+and we saw
+war life from three quite different aspects. Bertha sent us letters
+from the Colonel. He wrote but briefly. He must have been suffering
+great hardships, especially in the protracted rains; but he wrote,
+&quot;when one feels inspired, he can endure much.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They tell me of the noble courage of the olden time. When man
+fights
+with man, he receives invigorating impulse from the personal struggle.
+But to stand under a shower of fire, then advance on the enemy and be
+struck by far-carrying bullets, without firing a shot until one is at
+the right distance--all that is much more.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Away off, the cannon thundered; we at home heard nothing but
+the
+measured beat of the thrasher, and that lasted a long while, for we
+lacked men at home.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When it rained and snowed, and we sat sheltered in the room,
+we
+naturally fell to thinking of those who, for nights and weeks, fought
+on the now thoroughly drenched soil, and for their brief rest had no
+couch but the wet or icy earth.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig wrote from Hamburg that he was about going to America.
+He was to
+make the journey with the secret approval and authority of an officer
+of high rank, in order to prevent the transmission of arms and
+ammunition to our foes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">How much war demands of human nature!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Snow had fallen; it snowed again and again, and we knew that
+what here
+was snow, up there was cold rain.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I sat in the large arm-chair, and read the gazette. Here
+stands in few
+words, in peaceful paragraphs, what up there is blood and mangling of
+human bodies. It is indeed grand and sublime how the French, after the
+annihilation of their forces, again quickly gather together, and
+venture everything. A nation cannot surrender, and a nation that is so
+consciously proud and all-powerful cannot easily acknowledge, &quot;I am
+conquered, and am wrong.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They would not give us security for our boundary, and so the
+fighting
+and the devastation must still go on.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While I thus sat quietly thinking, a telegram from the cabinet
+of the
+Prince was brought to me; I must forthwith hasten to the capital, and
+upon my arrival at the palace should cause myself to be immediately
+announced, be it night or day.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What could be the matter? why was I so urgently summoned? Was
+it on
+Ernst's account? or Richard's, or the Colonel's? It seemed to me a
+great injustice that not a word of explanation accompanied the message,
+yet I equipped myself immediately for my departure. The stonecutter
+conducted me to the railway station. Joseph was not there; he had gone
+on to Lorraine. I was not familiar with his business enterprises.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">That--it was indeed, strange--kept my thoughts busy during the
+journey,
+and yet was I much oppressed by suspense as to the reason of my being
+called away. But happily the human mind can engage itself with new
+problems, and thus, for a while at least, forget the care and vexation
+that lie near at hand.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I reached the capital, and found it as I had expected. What
+was snow
+with us in the mountains, was here a penetrating rain.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On my way to the palace, I passed a brilliantly lighted
+theatre, and
+heard from within the sounds of music. Ah, that men should sing and
+juggle at such a time! But is not life a mighty aggregation of many
+incongruous individual activities?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I reached the castle; the great entrance hall was lighted up
+and
+thoroughly warmed; I was obliged to wait a long time. When, at last, I
+saw the Prince, I found him unusually distressed or disturbed. He began
+by observing how different times were when we last had met; he said how
+deeply it pained him that so much blood must be shed--so much noble
+blood. He said this with deep emotion, and finally added, he had faith
+in me as a man of stout heart; I had so nobly borne so much suffering,
+that he had courage to tell me that the Colonel had been wounded by a
+shot through the breast. He was still living, but quite unconscious,
+when the bearer of the news left, and perhaps we had already a dead one
+to mourn.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could not utter a word; what was there to say?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Prince continued to speak of his grief at the shedding of
+so much
+blood, and expressed his dissatisfaction that his countrymen should
+have placed themselves in alliance with foreigners.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had no time nor mind for such discussions. I asked if the
+news had
+been sent to my daughter. He appeared disturbed by my question, and
+somewhat unwillingly answered, &quot;I considered that a father's right and
+duty.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He added, that this evening a sanitary commission would
+depart, with
+whom I and the Colonel's wife could go to the front.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I know not what suggested the thought, but suddenly it
+occurred to me:
+The Prince would never make a minister of you; you were only a clever
+story-teller, who drove away the recollections of his own sufferings by
+the recital of your life-history. And of that was I thinking all the
+while I was talking to the Prince of other things.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The demeanor of the Prince towards me seemed cold and distant.
+He
+called after me without extending his hand, &quot;Adieu, Herr Waldfried!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Formerly, I had been called &quot;dear Waldfried;&quot; yes, at times,
+&quot;dear
+friend.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I mention this here, although it first struck me like a waking
+dream,
+during the journey. I was glad to be independent, and to be relieved
+from rendering homage to princes, and troubling myself as to whether I
+was addressed in one way or another. Although in my inmost heart I
+believe in a constitutional monarchy, I tell you, keep yourself free,
+and be dependent on no stranger's favor, or else you will be the most
+degraded of slaves.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But now I must tell of my sad journey; and I think of the
+saying of the
+Colonel's: Human nature in its elevated moods can endure much.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I came to Bertha's house. My heart beat wildly at the thought
+of the
+news I should bring to her. But as I ascended the steps, Professor
+Rolunt, the Colonel's friend, approached me, and said, &quot;After the first
+dreadful shock, you were your daughter's first thought. She has asked
+for you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And so she knows of it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes! I have told her, and we are off in an hour.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes! I go with her; and keep up Bertha's spirits. Should the
+worst
+have happened, we must bear it all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I went to Bertha. Speechless, she threw herself upon my neck,
+clasped
+me to her bosom, and wept and sobbed; nor could I utter one word.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Father!&quot; she said, at last, &quot;you will remain here with the
+children--or will you take them home with you?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, I will go with you. Don't refuse me. Don't let us waste
+useless
+words. I will go with you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We departed in the evening. We rested in beds, upon which soon
+should
+lie the sorely wounded. But, indeed, we, too, bore painful wounds in
+our hearts.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">It was well that Rolunt accompanied us; for I had not the
+strength to
+support Bertha in this wearisome journey, and to distract and lead her
+away from her quiet, noiseless brooding, and her counting the minutes
+as they slowly passed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Professor had continually something to tell us, either of
+the
+points that we hurriedly passed, or of the sanitary aids who were with
+us. He told us of this and that one who had been a spoiled child--the
+pet of some fond mother--and now was suffering great hardships. This
+was the second supply train that he had accompanied; he had been the
+chief of the first one, and had much that was moving to tell us of the
+self-sacrificing conduct of the non-combatants. The employés of the
+post-office and the railroads were specially endeared to him, and he
+related wonderful instances of their activity and endurance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bertha scarcely uttered a word; for the most part she only
+quietly held
+my hand. At times, she said, &quot;Ah! the locomotive might be urged to move
+faster; it seems to me that it goes much too slowly.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Professor assured her that we should esteem ourselves
+lucky to
+reach our destination. Who knows how soon we should hear, &quot;Halt, we go
+no further.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Once Bertha arose; her face had in it something mysterious and
+strange,
+and she cried out, &quot;Father, hold me!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What is the matter? What is it?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I think I must escape from myself. I will not live if he is
+dead. Oh!
+pardon me,&quot; she again exclaimed, sinking back into her seat, &quot;I cannot
+endure the torment of my thoughts. How is it possible--how can it agree
+with any order in human affairs, that a piece of lead can destroy a
+full, rich, noble, human life!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She gazed at me with a peculiarly alarming expression; it was
+as if
+pale, pulsating strands were tightly drawn under the surface of her
+skin. Then she seized my hand and said, &quot;Pardon me for inflicting all
+this upon you. I dare not now waste my strength in suffering; it is
+sinful, it is selfish, and it is terrible to wish for death. All my
+strength belongs to him. I will no longer complain, and will no longer
+give up to despair. Oh! if I could only sleep! One can give to another
+the sleep of death, but--I will be very quiet; indeed, I will not think
+any more.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She leaned back and closed her eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While Bertha appeared to sleep, I told Rolunt of the last
+interview
+with the Prince. He explained matters to me. He said the Prince had
+believed that I knew all, and merely feigned ignorance for his sake. It
+was no secret that the Prince was beside himself with rage, because the
+general commanding had telegraphed the news not only to him, but also
+to the Prussian embassy. The latter made no secret of it, and the
+Prince saw in this an attempt to obtain popularity and favor at his
+expense. He hated the ambassador, as a legalized superintendent over
+him, who left him daily conscious that he no longer possessed his
+former sovereignty.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was fortunate that the Professor had prepared us; for--I
+cannot give
+the name of our halting place--we suddenly came to a stop. We had to
+wait an entire day, and it was only a day's journey to where the
+Colonel lay.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rolunt tried negotiations here and there; he had become hoarse
+from
+much talking. At last he came to us with a cheerful countenance. A
+shrewd, energetic man, he had succeeded in obtaining a wagon, and we
+travelled through the country. During the entire night we drove over
+torn-up roads. In the distance we saw burning villages. How many
+hundreds of peaceful homes were there destroyed. We turned our eyes
+from the sight. We went through villages riddled with shot and shell,
+and through others, in which here and there a light shone, and where we
+halted to feed the horses, we were observed with ugly, threatening
+glances. But the country was safe; for it was everywhere occupied by
+detachments of our troops.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We reached the village where the Colonel was reported to be
+lying. We
+inquired here and there, but found him not: he must be in the next
+village. Thither we now journeyed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We met an artillery corps, and had to move into a field and
+await its
+passing. This took a terribly long while. They mocked us and cried at
+us in sport as they passed, and we were almost beside ourselves with
+impatience. And still we sat there protected from the drizzling rain,
+while our soldiers were steaming like horses.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rolunt got out. He asked the officers of the column after the
+Colonel.
+They knew nothing of him; they had only just arrived from a long march.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At last we were permitted to proceed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At the entrance of the next village, Bertha recognized a
+soldier of her
+husband's regiment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Is your Colonel living?&quot; she asked.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, yesterday he was still alive.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And to-day?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Don't know. Haven't heard anything about him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I felt confident that he was yet living. I could not think
+that the
+strong, powerful man could be dead, and my hopefulness helped to
+support Bertha. We reached the house from which the white flag with the
+red cross was floating. I commanded my daughter to remain seated in the
+wagon, and to inquire of no one until I returned. She gave me her
+promise, but she could not keep her word, and it was indeed requiring
+too much of her. She saw her husband's servant, and called to him, and
+the lad said, &quot;The Colonel is living, but--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;But what?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He is very low.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We entered the house, and the first one we met was Annette.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Be composed, Bertha! he lives. I came here immediately on
+receiving
+the intelligence of his being wounded, that I might do all that was
+possible for him,&quot; she said. She embraced her friend, and added, that
+we could not see him: he could not bear the shock.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Professor begged that he, at least, might be admitted.
+Annette
+called the doctor, and he gave permission to the Professor to see the
+wounded man.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette remained with us, and said, &quot;The bullet has not yet
+been
+found.&quot; The shot had entered the breast just above the heart, only
+escaping it by a hair's-breadth.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Colonel led his regiment independently and separated from
+the
+Prussians, and it was a piece of jealousy, and the ambition to
+distinguish himself, that caused him to press forward so recklessly and
+thrust himself in danger's way. He had to march over a plain, to take a
+battery planted on a height, and it was there that he was struck.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When he had fallen, and saw death before him, he exclaimed,
+&quot;The Romans
+were right; it is glorious to die for one's country. I want no other
+grave; let me be buried with my soldiers.&quot; Then for a long while he was
+unconscious.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After a little while Rolunt came to us, and said that the
+Colonel was
+unable to speak, but by his glances had shown that he recognized him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bertha begged for the dress of a nurse, so that she could at
+least
+venture into the sick-room. She promised not to go near her sick
+husband. But the doctor emphatically forbade it. There was no certainty
+that the wounded man would not recognize her, if only by her step or
+carriage. He almost feared that the sick man might suspect something
+from the presence of the Professor; for he opened and shut his eyes so
+quickly. And so we had to wait and listen, and were condemned to
+inactivity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We met still another friend: Baron Arven. He had forgotten his
+own
+griefs, was restlessly active and appeared wondrously rejuvenated. In
+an hour he had to go to another hospital, and transferred to us his
+quarters, in which we could rest.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bertha said she could not sleep; but consented to lie down and
+rest
+herself, in order to gather strength for what might be in store for
+her. She lay down and was soon fast asleep. She often moved
+convulsively, as if troubled with fearful dreams, but still continued
+to slumber. I at last also fell asleep. Towards morning, I was awakened
+by a loud voice:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I must see him; I have found him.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Is not that the voice of Rothfuss? Yes, it was.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bertha also awoke, and asked, &quot;Where are we? Has the train
+stopped?&quot; I
+explained to her where we were. With difficulty, she collected herself.
+She went directly with us to the house where the Colonel lay, and
+remained with Annette. She heard that the Colonel had also slept, and
+Annette, who had sat with him, remarked, he had lightly whispered,
+&quot;Bertha;&quot; he must suspect that she is here.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss took me aside and said, &quot;We have him and her also.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, the Colonel and Bertha.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;No, no! Ernst and Martella. 'The Lord God is the best child's
+nurse
+for wild lads,' my mother has often said.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I felt as if reason had forsaken me.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Only gradually did I clearly comprehend all that had happened
+to me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I can no longer count the shots, nor specify whence or by whom
+they
+were discharged against me, and how it was that I remained unharmed.
+But I have passed through it all, and must also permit you to
+experience it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss related to me, very composedly, that he had done Carl
+injustice; one might be imprisoned, although innocent, and it happened
+to him with horse and wagon. He and the bays had been captured by the
+wild Turcos, and he had almost fancied himself in hell while with those
+savages, who did not even know how to talk intelligibly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Sir! they would have shot me for a spy. They placed me
+against the
+wall. And there I stand and they aim at me. I take a last look at the
+sky and the trees, something dims my sight, and I think to myself, if
+it were only over! Then some one calls out, 'Halt!' And I think I
+recognize the voice. He talks gibberish, of which I do not comprehend a
+word, but they don't shoot. He orders me to be tied tighter. And there
+I lie in a miserable stall and can't stir. And then comes some one
+sneaking along, and whispers, 'Keep yourself quiet, Rothfuss.' And who
+do you think it is? Our Ernst. And then we cried together, like little
+children, and Ernst said, 'Keep yourself quiet! What I have been
+through, couldn't be told in a thousand years. Now come with me!' And
+for a long while there we were, creeping along the ground like frogs,
+until we reached the horses, which were fastened outside. To unloose
+them, spring upon them, and gallop away, took but a moment. The French
+fired at us, but they didn't hit us, and away we went until we reached
+our lines, and there Ernst said to me, 'You once passed for my brother
+Ludwig; now do as much for me! Give me your clothes!'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss had to give him his blue blouse. Then Ernst
+transferred his
+horse to him, and said, &quot;Leave me now! we will soon meet again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss was about relating how he had found Martella, when
+she
+entered. She had become very thin, but otherwise unchanged; was gayly
+attired, and cried out as she perceived me: &quot;Oh! father, happily met
+again! To-day is Ernst's wedding-day, and my Sunday, my greatest
+holiday, my ascension-day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She offered no excuse for having run away; she made no mention
+of her
+recent experiences, and as I could not avoid telling her what pain and
+anxiety she had occasioned me, she exclaimed, &quot;I know it better than
+you can tell me; but indulge me for to-day: to-morrow, when I have
+Ernst by the hand, we will set everything straight. He rescued Carl,
+who would have bled to death, if he had not found him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ernst carried him; yes, he is strong; he brought him all the
+way here.
+His face, his hands, his clothes, were all full of blood. But that
+doesn't hurt; it can all be washed off. Everything can be washed away
+if one is sound within; and now everything, everything will be washed
+away.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Now I heard that Ernst had come to the regiment in which Carl
+was. He
+introduced himself as a German with the name of Frohn.&quot; Martella added,
+&quot;That is the name of a comrade, who on the voyage threw himself in
+despair into the sea.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ernst had declared that he would not fight against his
+countrymen, but
+with them against the French. What proofs of loyalty he was submitted
+to have never been made known to me. He was uniformed and placed at a
+post of danger, where a strict watch could be kept upon him. He
+conducted himself bravely, and when Carl was struck, he rescued him at
+the risk of his own life. But he was never recognized, and none but
+Carl, Martella, and Rothfuss knew who he was.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They had, during the night, heard of my arrival, and Ernst had
+stood
+guard before the house for hours. Martella had shown him the letter of
+pardon; but he exclaimed that he wished no pardon, and would not
+examine the letter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella begged him to show himself to me. But he said, &quot;I
+know of how
+many nights of rest I have robbed my father; I will not now disturb his
+slumbers, and will for the first time appear before him, and clasp his
+knees, when by I have done something to show him what I am at heart.
+When I come out of the battle, I will go to my father: then I can look
+him in the face.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Right, right,&quot; said Martella; &quot;if you go into the fight with
+such
+thoughts, you will surely come out of it safe and sound, and your
+mother in heaven will stretch her hands in blessings over you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My mother in heaven? Is she dead?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Didn't you know it? Alas! already over three years; she died
+upon your
+birth-day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;On my birth-day!&quot; He said this, and was then for a long time
+silent.
+Then again he said, &quot;I think I dare not kiss you again to-day.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Your mother loved you to her latest breath, and she kissed me
+just
+before she died.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He sighed heavily and then kissed me,&quot; said Martella, &quot;Only
+once
+again; for the last time. No, not for the last time! he must live!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Just as Ernst had again gone away, there came the order to
+march
+immediately without baggage. The people never knew beforehand when
+there was to be a battle; but such a command naturally gave rise to
+anticipations of a fight.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As Martella turned away, while Ernst prepared for his
+departure, she
+heard the voice of Rothfuss, who told the baker Lerz that his bays were
+ruined, but that he had received two fine Burgundians in exchange.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">It was now highly important to find Ernst. We left the house
+before
+day-break; Bertha was still sleeping.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I permitted Martella and Rothfuss to conduct me to the
+hospital in
+which the Colonel was lying. I was scarcely conscious where I was, or
+whither I was going; I felt as if there was a heavy burden upon my
+shoulders, and could not help looking to the right and left, as if
+something was threatening me. But I could endure it and could proceed
+without assistance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rolunt seemed to have expected me. He said the Colonel was in
+about the
+same condition, neither better nor worse. I bade him send one of the
+female attendants to Bertha; I could not tell him who it was I sought.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When we left the house, my grandson, the vicar, approached me.
+&quot;Grandfather, I know all,&quot; said he, &quot;but at such a time one can bear
+manifold troubles. I also endure them; I have just come from my sad
+duties at a deathbed.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I told him that we were seeking Ernst, and we thought he might
+be with
+those with whom, just before the march, he had held a brief divine
+service. We went with him. The day began to dawn.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The graceful figure of Martella seemed to hover in the gray
+twilight,
+and as she turned and looked upon me, it seemed to me that the
+extraordinary depth of the sockets of her eyes was greater than ever.
+There was something sadly brilliant in her glance, and it seemed
+directed to a distance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Before the village, on a plain in front of a small hill, the
+regiments
+were formed in deep squares, presenting masses that looked like church
+walls.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We searched around. Martella went to the left, Rothfuss to the
+right.
+They came back; they had not found Ernst, and yet he must be there.
+Martella stood quietly near me; only once did she look up at me, and
+her eye was piercingly brilliant. She folded her hands together
+convulsively, apparently, also, to conceal her trepidation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A chorale was performed by the band, in which all the troops
+present
+joined, while the heavens reddened as the vicar, with steady steps,
+descended the hill, and wended his way towards us. Every one held his
+breath; perhaps Ernst is down there among them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The vicar spoke with a clear voice. He had pleased by his
+written
+words, but when he spoke, it was still better and more inspiring.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;See here!&quot; he exclaimed. &quot;I have come here without any Bible.
+Holy is
+the Book of Revelation, thrice holy. With it the world has learned to
+comprehend itself and God, and will gather instruction from it to all
+eternity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I carry it in my heart, and from my heart I call out to you
+in the
+words of the Apostle Paul (Romans xiv. 7): 'For none of us liveth to
+himself, and no man dieth to himself.' That should be in your soul, in
+your memory, should your soul be in a struggle, and, if it must be so,
+in death. Thou art not for thyself in this world, and goest not for
+thyself from this world. Thou art called, thou art mustered for the
+great universal battle for the holy kingdom of the spirit, of honor, of
+freedom, of unity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Just imagine, ye who have achieved the victory and must again
+win it,
+how it would be if all these things were reversed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;The spirit of darkness hovers in the air like millions of
+black
+ravens, hiding the sun and blighting everything that hath life. Through
+the streets of thy native villages rage the wild hordes of Asia, and
+murder, robbery, outrage, and fire prevail everywhere.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Thou who mournest thy brother, or thy fallen comrade, thou
+that liest
+wounded, forget thy pain. Open thine eyes! Through thee, through thy
+comrades, the light of the world is rescued: knowledge, justice,
+decency, honor, integrity. I say it to you and you may say it to each
+other; for thus has God willed it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And thou who still holdest the weapon in thy firm grasp, be
+of
+cheerful heart! The saints hover over the banners that you shall
+victoriously bring home; and when the bloody, cruel, terrible work is
+done, then you will permit no other pride to possess you, than that you
+were summoned to labor for the kingdom of freedom and unity, for the
+kingdom of the spirit, in which there is no enemy to be conquered, but
+in which each shall be a moving temple of the Holy Spirit. Keep
+yourselves firm: for none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to
+himself. Amen!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A quiet prayer was offered up; then the regiments moved into
+column,
+and the whole army set itself in motion.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The vicar came to me, and for a long while held me by the
+hand. We
+uttered no word. Then he followed the army, and I went with Rothfuss
+and Martella back to the hospital.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">We met Annette, whose presence had greatly improved Bertha's
+spirits.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette took us into an out-of-the-way room, and there said,
+&quot;I have
+for a long time called you father from mere sentiment. You allowed me,
+but now I dare to do so because it is my right.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She gave me a letter from Richard, from head quarters, and the
+letter
+was addressed, &quot;My beloved bride.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette kissed my trembling hands, and she kissed me again and
+again,
+when I told her that my wife in her dying hour had called out, &quot;Richard
+will marry her after all.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette added that they did not intend to get married until
+peace was
+concluded.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Of course,&quot; said Bertha, as if addressing me, &quot;you will
+understand
+that we can give no expression to our joy just now.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette, indeed, did not permit us to linger long over this
+joyful
+message. She said that her patients now claimed all her time, and only
+while we were descending the steps, she once stopped and quietly
+related to us how her old custom of pouring out her feelings with every
+new experience had suddenly opened the hearts that had so long been as
+if sealed towards each other. She had said to Richard, who recently
+passed through here, &quot;So long as men are well, they are all alike. When
+they are wounded or sick, each one displays the traits that are
+peculiar to him.&quot; Then Richard replied, &quot;You speak from my mother's
+soul;&quot; and on that day they were betrothed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Now I no more need,&quot; said Annette, as we went on, &quot;to
+chloroform my
+soul with religion. I have learned to apply the real chloroform, and in
+helping others we help ourselves also.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette invited us to go with her to the patients; she might
+thereby
+make the tedious hours of watching more easy for Bertha. She first
+conducted us to a handsome young man with a full, blond beard, whose
+thigh had been fractured. Her mere appearance seemed to revive the sick
+man.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was a pathetic look with which he gazed upon her, and
+stretched his
+thin hand towards her.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Annette introduced him to us as an artist of great repute,
+and,
+assuming a merry tone of voice, she said, &quot;He has painted me in other
+colors. He does not like the dull and sombre black; indeed, the
+silver-gray dress with the white apron is much more cheerful. And why
+should we not be cheerful?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The face of the young man brightened, and Annette bade Bertha
+to read
+something to him. In going the rounds, she made us acquainted with a
+wounded German officer, who never ceased heaping extravagant praises
+upon his nurse. Annette bade me to come quickly to a man from my
+village, for whom I could perhaps do something, and, with a trembling
+voice, mentioned Carl's name to me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We approached his bed. He gazed upon me with staring eyes, and
+cried,
+in heart-rending tones, &quot;Mother, mother!&quot; I spoke to him; I asked him
+if he knew me. But he continually exclaimed, &quot;Mother, mother, mother!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The surgeon came and bade us leave the patient. Then he said
+to
+Annette, &quot;Have a screen placed here. This young man may die at any
+moment, and the others should neither see nor know of it.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Just as the screen was put in its place, the door opened, and
+a voice
+was heard, &quot;My child! my child! Carl! my child! Carl!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Mother, mother!&quot; cried the wounded man, and he raised himself
+up, and
+mother and son were folded in each other's arms. Then Carl cried out,
+&quot;Marie! you too! you too, there! Come!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He then fell back.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The surgeon then approached and said, &quot;He is extremely weak,
+and in a
+critical condition!&quot; Restoratives were applied and he opened his eyes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After a while he said, &quot;How did you know that I--&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Be quiet! don't speak so much! Don't exert yourself too much.
+Your
+eyes have already told me everything. And now, yes, it was the vicar,
+Waldfried's grandson, who wrote me where you were.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am hungry. Give me something to eat!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have brought you one of our hens; I brought it all the way
+from
+home,&quot; said the old woman.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I must eat, I must eat!&quot; exclaimed Carl. His strength, wasted
+and
+exhausted through loss of blood, appeared to return, and he seemed
+rescued by the magic of love.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His mother ought to have left him, but she would not obey the
+surgeon.
+She obeyed me, however. When she saw Bertha, she cried out, &quot;My son,
+my Carl, my child lives! Bertha! I tell you, your husband who lies
+there--Bertha, your husband is saved too: he will be saved.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Bertha!&quot; We heard a call from the adjoining room; it was the
+voice of
+the colonel.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bertha almost swooned; I caught her in my arms. She collected
+herself
+and hurried towards the door; it was closed. Annette called to us from
+within, that we should wait quietly, for it was a critical moment.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What anxious moments were those, while we stood at the door
+listening
+to the movements and groans within.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">After a while, the surgeon hastily opened the door, and said,
+&quot;Now go
+away softly! There has been a hemorrhage, and the ball has come with
+it. There is now a chance of his recovery, but I must insist on perfect
+quiet!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bertha sank to the floor, while she placed her finger on her
+lips, and
+motioned me to be silent. They say that we were only waiting a quarter
+of an hour. But oh! how long it seemed! Then the surgeon opened the
+door again, and, seeing Bertha on the floor, said, &quot;You may go in now
+and shake hands with the Colonel, but do not say anything to him, as he
+is not allowed to speak for the present.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bertha went in. She reached her hand to her husband. He moved
+his eyes
+in recognition; then the surgeon motioned us to depart.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We went away. From afar, we could hear the rattle of musketry
+and the
+roar of artillery, and the reports constantly became louder and more
+frequent.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Evening was approaching, when the surgeon sent us word that
+his patient
+had been sleeping. He had awakened and asked for Bertha and me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We went to him. He could only recognize us by glances, and a
+wonderful
+smile overspread his features. He turned his eyes to the surgeon, who
+understood him, and said, &quot;Yes, your wife may sit here for a quarter of
+an hour. But you must both be perfectly quiet.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">And so we sat there speechless, and heard the din of battle
+gradually
+cease; only occasional shots were now fired.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was called to the front of the house. Martella and Rothfuss
+stood
+before me. Martella, breathless, told me that Ernst's company had again
+been in the fight, many were missing, and, among them, Ernst; he ought
+to be hunted up.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss desired that I should stay behind; but Martella
+exclaimed,
+seizing my arm, &quot;What do you mean? Father goes with us!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She had made a wreath to take to Ernst, and she held it in her
+trembling hands. She carried Ernst's prize-cup and a bottle of wine in
+a basket on her arm.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We went through the village towards the hill. Four men
+approached with
+a litter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ernst! Ernst!&quot; cried Martella.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The two men stopped, and one asked, &quot;Who's there? Who calls?&quot;
+It was
+Ikwarte's voice.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Set it down!&quot; commanded the other. &quot;Isn't that Martella?&quot; It
+was
+Wolfgang who spoke.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We stepped nearer. They carried a man who had been shot in the
+leg. The
+man raised his head, and said, &quot;That is his father.&quot; It was the son of
+the owner of the saw-mill down in the valley. &quot;He commissioned me to
+carry his love to you. He made himself known to me.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Where is he? Is he dead?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He must be lying up there. Oh! he has done great things.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What has he done? Where is he?&quot; anxiously inquired Martella.
+&quot;Speak!
+be quick! listen, father!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The wounded man raised himself with difficulty and spoke:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We stood within range of the enemy's batteries. Shot after
+shot tore
+through our ranks. Many were falling. Everybody sheltered himself.
+Ernst stood upright, and said in a clear voice, 'Stand firm! Face the
+bullets! That's the way to be brave.' Finally, we advanced, when a
+lieutenant was shot in the forehead; our sergeant stepped into his
+place, and he also fell. Then Ernst took command, and marched along by
+the drummer. Bang! then the drummer was shot. Ernst unloosened the drum
+from his body, and drummed for us. He beat a powerful flourish, and
+cried out, 'Give it to them!' Then there came a shell, and I lay on the
+ground and saw nothing more. When I came to myself, I still heard
+drumming. But all at once there was a report, a cry--and the drumming
+ceased.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martella tore up the wreath; but she quickly seized the
+grasses and
+flowers and held them with a convulsive grasp.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Away! away! we must find him!&quot; she exclaimed. &quot;We must find
+him! He is
+living!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ikwarte and Wolfgang hastened with the wounded man into a
+neighboring
+house. Not far off, a wagon stopped. They returned with it, and
+Wolfgang and Martella sat in it with me. So we drove on through the
+entire night. Ikwarte knew where the miller's son was sheltered. We
+were silent; only Martella murmured to herself, &quot;Keep up, Ernst; keep
+up! We are coming! Oh! mother in heaven, look down upon him!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were obliged to get out--the road crossed the fields. I
+went a
+little distance, but could go no farther. Both of the faithful servants
+begged that Wolfgang would stay with me. We sat down by the roadside,
+and noticed a moving object quite near us. It was a wounded horse, that
+raised its head, and then, with a rattle in its throat, fell back dead.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We heard Martella, across the field, calling, &quot;Ernst! Ernst!
+my Ernst!
+where are you! Ernst! we are here, your father and I!&quot; Then we heard
+nothing more.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A chill seized me. The ground was damp, and Wolfgang insisted
+that I
+should sit upon the dead horse, whose body was still warm. We quietly
+waited. In the heavens the clouds were scudding by, and here and there
+the stars sparkled. In the village a clock commenced striking. Wolfgang
+counted aloud: it struck eleven.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Now some one approached; my name was called. It was Ikwarte.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We have found him,&quot; he joyfully exclaimed. &quot;Come quickly!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Is he living?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Accompanied by Ikwarte and Wolfgang, I went along. Oh! I
+cannot tell
+the horrors I then saw and heard.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;There, by the torch, there he is!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My knees shook under me. Then a man came again towards us, and
+cried
+out, &quot;Grandfather, come! There is yet time!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was my grandson, the vicar. We reached the place. There lay
+Martella
+on the ground bending over a figure. Rothfuss stood by her with the
+torch, and Martella cried, &quot;Ernst, wake up! Your father is here!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I kneeled down by him. I saw his face. His eyes were closed,
+but his
+breast rose and fell quickly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Ernst! my beloved child! my long-lost child! Ernst! your
+father calls
+you! Your mother calls you from eternity! Ernst, you shall live! you
+have repented; you have atoned! Ernst, Ernst! my son, my son!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He opened his eyes and moved his hand towards me. I seized it;
+it was
+stiff.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Father, forgive!&quot; he moaned. &quot;Martella, pardon! Oh!
+mother--father!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He breathed his last breath. I just saw Martella throw herself
+upon
+him, with an agonizing cry; then I saw and heard nothing more.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+<hr class="W10">
+<h2>BOOK SIXTH.</h2>
+<hr class="W10">
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">&quot;Stand firm! Face the bullets!&quot; With these words, Ernst had
+encouraged
+his men to the last. My own experience illustrated them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For a considerable time, I did not know what had happened,
+either to me
+or to those about me. I only knew that I lay behind a white curtain
+with blue flowers, and could not keep my eyes open for any length of
+time. The flowers assumed all sorts of odd shapes, and the fantastic
+figures seemed to be ever changing and rushing towards me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I think I was not really sick, only inexpressibly weak; and
+the fatigue
+and exhaustion prevented me from directing my thoughts at will. I was
+childishly grateful for everything. I looked at the wood in the door
+and rejoiced that it was firm; I heard the fire in the stove and was
+delighted that it warmed me; I was grateful to the bed that supported
+me, so that I did not need to do it myself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I remember that Bertha and Annette would occasionally visit
+me; but my
+grandson Wolfgang stayed with me nearly all the time. Through the
+hardships of war and constant exposure, Wolfgang had almost ripened
+into manhood. He had become stronger and stouter than of old, and his
+voice was now more manly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I am so glad, grandfather, to hear you call me by my own name
+again;
+you always used to call me Ernst,&quot; said Wolfgang one day, and from that
+hour I felt that the heavy clouds were slowly clearing away; and when
+they had disappeared, I saw everything around me distinctly, and by
+degrees I remembered what had happened.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Is Ernst--buried?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, grandfather.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I now asked Wolfgang to inform me what had occurred while I
+was
+unconscious, and what had become of Martella.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Grandfather,&quot; said Wolfgang, &quot;I must tell you the truth.
+Martella is
+no longer separated from Ernst. She has reached the goal.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I felt as if the clouds were again gathering before my eyes,
+but,
+through the mists, I met Gustava's lustrous eyes, saying, &quot;She was true
+till death.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang took my hand in his, and the youth's firm grasp gave
+me
+renewed strength. I begged him to tell me all, and he began:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We brought you down to Aunt Annette, who, foreboding evil,
+had met us
+half-way. It then suddenly occurred to us that in our dreadful
+excitement and anxiety about you, no one had taken care of Martella,
+and that she had not followed us. Rothfuss said he was completely worn
+out, and must stay with his master. Ikwarte has nerves and muscles of
+steel. I felt as if my eyes burnt in their sockets; never before
+had I been so tired; but I returned with him, nevertheless, to the
+battle-field, half dead with sleep and fatigue.&quot; Wolfgang shivered,
+stopped awhile, and then continued: &quot;We knew the place where Ernst lay,
+and soon found him. The moon lit up his face wonderfully. Beside him
+lay Martella, motionless; she clung to him in a close embrace, cheek to
+cheek, hand in hand. Is she dead, too? It were best! I bent down to
+her; she breathed heavily. I called her name. How she stared at me
+wildly and vacantly! Then she motioned us to be quiet, and whispered,
+'He will soon be warm again; soon, very soon.' I tried to persuade her
+to follow us; she answered, 'O Wolfgang! you are so good; bring some
+wild honey. Oh, wait, Ernst! your nephew is coming with wild honey, and
+here I have your cup, your hunting cup.' I tried to persuade her, and
+she answered, 'Oh, you have mother's voice. Mother, tell him, oh, tell
+him to rise again.' She threw herself beside the corpse, and when I
+cried, 'Martella, get up; come with us,' she answered, 'You see he
+cannot move now, but I will follow you; you have my mother's voice.'
+She did not then seem to remember the dead. She went with me and let me
+lead her by the hand; but suddenly she tore away and returned, crying,
+'They leave him lying alone on the cold ground, in the dark night.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She broke down. We tried to administer some restorative, but
+her mouth
+was firmly closed, and her breast was heaving violently. At last
+Ikwarte succeeded in administering the draught. We brought her to a
+ruined house in the vicinity. The doors had all been taken off--I had
+helped at the work myself; they had done service as litters.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We placed Martella on a seat by the hearth, and I succeeded
+in
+gathering some wood and starting a fire. 'Oh, how good! Oh, how warm!'
+said she to the flickering flames. Her teeth chattered. We hoped that,
+after she was well warmed, she would be able to go farther with us. She
+sat there quietly, her elbows resting on her knees, her face covered
+with both her hands.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'Wolfgang, keep me with you,' she said suddenly. 'Be good to
+me; you
+are his brother's child; keep me with you--do not leave me. Tell me how
+many years it is since he died? O Ernst, you are so happy that I cannot
+weep. Why are you glad? Oh, if I could but weep! You have been away so
+long, and why do you not return? What shall I do in this world without
+you! Mother, Ernst is with you; you do not need him; send him to me--he
+is mine. I have nothing more in this world. My dog is dead, too. My
+little red stockings--oh, I was so happy. Martella is lost. Hunt for
+her in the woods where the wild honey grows. Do you hear the cuckoo?
+Cuckoo!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She stared vacantly into the flames; then she cried: 'My eyes
+burn
+like fire! I cannot weep. O Ernst! Ernst!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;She tore the satchel from her girdle, tore the letter of
+pardon into
+fragments, and cried: 'Everything shall burn just as my eyes do. Come
+here, your Highness, and see how your handwriting burns.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Dawn was breaking. Through the open door, we saw some men
+approaching
+with a litter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'Here is Herr Rautenkron,' said Ikwarte. Martella rushed out
+and saw
+the men carrying Ernst's body. She rushed towards them, sank beside the
+litter and cried: 'My Ernst! You are not dead!'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;A fearful shriek, which rang out far over the barren fields,
+was
+forced from her tortured breast. She clasped her hand to her heart
+while a flood of tears streamed over her cheeks. Suddenly she broke
+down and sank on the body of Ernst. A physician, who had come with the
+men, laid his hand on her heart. It was still: he listened for her
+breathing; it had ceased.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'My child! my child!' cried Rautenkron; she heard nothing
+more.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">So ended Wolfgang's story. His firm hand clasped mine, and I
+felt as if
+that alone held me there among the living.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And what became of Rautenkron?&quot; I was able to ask after a
+long
+interval.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He had suddenly become an old man, with hollow cheeks and
+lustreless
+eyes. He sat on the ground, stared at the corpse, and did not speak a
+word. It rained in torrents. Every one endeavored to induce Rautenkron
+to seek the shelter of the hut, but he did not answer. At last he
+arose, pulled the hood of his cloak over his head, lit a cigar, and
+said to me, 'Stay here; I shall come back presently.' After a while, he
+returned with axe and spade. Alone, he dug the grave in which Ernst and
+Martella were laid.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang paused, and I remembered the sacred verses from the
+lament of
+David for Jonathan:</p>
+
+<p class="center">&quot;In death they were not divided.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Where is Rautenkron?&quot; I asked at last.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;When the grave was filled up, he disappeared. Later, we
+learned his
+fate. You remember that our men had taken the city near by and occupied
+it; but the French had so strengthened the castle which commanded it,
+that it seemed impossible to drive them out. Rautenkron volunteered to
+discover the mines which doubtless were under it. No one knows how he
+gained an entrance, but on the following day the powder-magazines in
+the cellars of the castle exploded and destroyed part of the castle,
+which was then stormed. Great numbers of the enemy were killed. Careful
+search was made for Rautenkron, but no trace of him was discovered, and
+as, up to this time, nothing has been heard of him, it seems sure that
+he was buried beneath the ruins.&quot;</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Bertha informed me that the Colonel was out of danger, and was
+staying
+in the city during his convalescence. The physician thought he would be
+able to lead his regiment within a few weeks. The old spinner had
+returned homewards with Carl. He had been taken to the hospital of our
+capital.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;And Anton, of the saw-mill--is he dead?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Father, I am telling you the whole truth; but I beg of you,
+do not
+seek to learn all these things to-day. Take care of yourself, for our
+sakes.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was soon again able to be up, and Bertha could not say
+enough in
+praise of the kindness and sympathy of the French people, in whose
+house I lay.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The housewife now wanted to speak to me, too.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">She came, and was quite delighted to receive my heartfelt
+thanks.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A few days later, I was permitted to visit the Colonel, and
+the first
+words he uttered were, &quot;Bertha, now I firmly believe in my recovery.
+You wear your hair in curls again.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He informed me that he had considered it an ill omen, when
+Bertha had
+worn her hair plain. Now that he was out of danger, the curls and
+happiness were back again.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then he recounted everything, from the first moment of his
+being
+wounded, when he seemed to realize what death is. It seemed like a
+stroke of lightning; then all was night and utter darkness. His
+adjutant stepped to his couch, grasped his hand, kissed it, and wept
+over it. He felt the kisses and the tears, but was unable to give a
+sign of consciousness, either by a pressure of the hand or by a word;
+within him, all was life, like a subterranean stream.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I did not long have the pleasure of listening to the
+reminiscences of
+the convalescent Colonel. I longed to return home. When the next train
+started for Germany, it was in charge of Professor Rolunt, who had
+nursed the Colonel like a brother; they yielded to my entreaties, and,
+in a well-heated car, I journeyed homewards.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wolfgang accompanied me to the State capital, and then, in
+company with
+Christiane, returned with a load of medicines and delicacies to the
+theatre of war.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I felt as if I could not get thoroughly well again except at
+home, and
+so it proved. When I inhaled the air of our forest-covered mountains,
+it gave me new life.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Privy Councillor's wife insisted on my resting at her
+house for a
+few days, and by the careful nursing of our physician as well as his
+confident manner, which of itself was a remedy, I soon gained fresh
+vigor. It did me good to hear Lady Von Rontheim entwine the memories of
+our fallen sons. She informed me, briefly and clearly, of what had
+happened during my illness; for now, when I could again read and
+understand the papers, I noticed many lapses in my knowledge of events.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While I was living in the little town, Ludwig came. I did not
+comprehend how I could have omitted to inquire about him; and now he
+brought with him a refreshing breeze from another hemisphere. As he had
+previously informed me by letter, he had journeyed to England and then
+to America, to prevent shipments of arms for the French. He had not had
+much success, although he offered, through the newspapers, a large
+reward for any information regarding such shipments.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I felt pained when he said, &quot;We Germans have no friends
+abroad, because
+we have not hitherto presented to the world an imposing front. During
+the last half-century, the German nation was like a man who has the
+consciousness of honest intentions, and who counts on the recognition
+of them by others. But neither an individual nor a people obtains
+recognition gratuitously. They must wrest it from the world; and the
+best and the easiest way is not to wait for it, but to put your
+shoulder to the wheel. Now the nations speak in another key; but they
+would all have rejoiced if the brilliant Frenchman had overpowered us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This pained me, and I did not wish to believe it. Ludwig
+proved to me
+that, in England and America, some of the more far-sighted favored our
+cause, and that the governments could have easily prevented the
+shipment of arms and much useless carnage, had they seriously desired
+it. He considered it infinitely better that we did not need to ask, as
+we had hitherto done, &quot;What do other nations think of us? How are they
+inclined towards us?&quot; but that in future others would have to ask,
+&quot;What do the Germans think of us? How are they inclined?&quot; Ludwig, while
+abroad, had, with delight, perceived the general curiosity and
+amazement, in regard to the newly discovered wonder-land--Germany. He
+declared that we had no idea of the effect our wonderful achievements
+had had upon the people of all lands. He had everywhere announced the
+German Emperor, before he even was proclaimed at home.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We at home scarcely know how much we have gained in the esteem
+of
+others, and how gigantically our future looms up before the eyes of
+astonished mankind. They see a thousand different effects flow from
+this new birth; and I believe they are in the right.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Conny came to town, and, with her and Ludwig, I returned home.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">When I rode along the forest road, I saw Gaudens at his work.
+He wore a
+soldier-cap, and whistled &quot;Die Wacht am Rhein,&quot; while clearing up the
+ditch beside the footpath.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The valley stream was frozen tight, the trees were heavily
+laden with
+snow. Ludwig reported that he had purchased machines in America and
+England for our mill. With the aid of these, the winter would, in
+future, not prevent operations. Finished work could be set up, except
+when the orders were to ship the articles in separate parts. It seemed
+as if he contemplated remaining with us, as he had settled up much of
+his business in America. Besides, on his way home, he had taken some
+large contracts from building associations. When I expressed surprise
+at the varied fields of his activity, he said, &quot;Father, I have
+remembered this from what I have learned of music; you may play a
+different air with each hand, and still both must be in harmony. My
+right hand plays the melody 'personal advantage,' my left, the melody
+'public weal;' sometimes they change about, too. I have built
+water-works, that were for the good of many; but they were good for me,
+too, and I do not think that without this I would have built them so
+cheerfully. Just now a great mania for building prevails among the
+people, and we shall be able to give employment to many good laborers
+who have been driven out of France.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We came to the saw-mill near the bridge. Here, on the same day
+that the
+news arrived of Anton's death, a workman had lost three of his ringers
+by the circular saw. Ludwig went to the man and engaged him as sorter
+of the different kinds of timber.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The saw-mill was stopped, and all the shutters were closed.
+Here we met
+Joseph, who informed us that since the death of his son, the owner of
+the mill had lost all energy and pleasure in his business. He had
+removed to a daughter of his in the opposite valley, and wanted to sell
+the property. &quot;You must buy this, and work for us,&quot; cried Ludwig.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph answered sadly that he could not; he said he was in
+danger of
+losing everything. He had invested almost his entire property in wood
+in the Hagenau forest, and if Bourbaki and his army should force their
+way through, all would be lost over there as well as here.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">These were certainly very gloomy prospects, and we could not
+get any
+comfort at home; we daily expected the advance of Bourbaki's army, and
+it was said that preparations were being made to lay the whole country
+waste.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My sister wrote that in Alsace it was the general belief that
+there
+would now be a change. Bourbaki would strike down Germany. Her husband
+had hung up the pictures and epaulettes again; but with this proviso,
+that if the French would not deliver them this time, he would have
+nothing further to do with them, and would become a forester in
+Germany.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Bertha had returned to the capital, and wrote that the
+Colonel, with
+whom Rothfuss had remained, was again at the head of his regiment in
+the division that opposed Bourbaki's advance towards the Rhine.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At home, I found another cause for deep emotion; it was a
+letter for me
+from Ernst. It had been forwarded from the field by the army post. The
+paper showed the traces of many tears. I was so much overcome, every
+time I read the letter, that my children took it away from me; but I
+asked them to return it, and here it is:</p>
+<p class="space"></p>
+<p class="normal">&quot;<span class="sc">Dear Father and Mother</span>:--See me prostrate at your feet; what
+I desired
+to do a thousand times, and again and again postponed, I must now
+finish.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I know that, both for you and for me, my deeds have filled
+many days
+and nights--nay, whole years--with sadness. I cannot express in words
+what I have thought and felt while on the march in the hot sun, or at
+night when I looked up to the stars that shone also on my paternal
+home. And, oh! how, when on the march and parched with thirst, I longed
+for a drop of water from our fountain. I write with burning tears, but
+they cannot blot out the past, nor recall a single wasted hour. Lost!
+lost! I repent, I suffer deeply. You often told me, mother, 'You must
+curb your spirit.' I could not succeed in my peaceful home, although I
+had so many to help me you, father, Martella, my brothers and sisters.
+From afar, the sound of ardent prayer swells into an eager wail for
+redemption. I have wasted all. Am I a sacrifice to my country's misery?
+And now comes the most dreadful consequence of my misdeeds. We have
+received orders to take ship to fight against Germany. No, not against
+Germany. The old misery is here again with redoubled force. An officer
+has confided to me, that several of the lesser German states had called
+upon France to release them from the tyranny of Prussia.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I had loaded my gun and pointed it at my head, but, thinking
+of you, I
+fired into the air.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Is it my guilt, or am I but a drop in the stream that
+overflows its
+bed?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;O my parents! He who leaves his country is suspended in
+mid-air, and
+has no ground to stand upon. It is well that the end is near; but I
+wish you to know that my soul is with you at home. At this moment, I
+feel your hands on my head, blessing me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;May Martella remain forever true! I can say nothing to her.
+Oh,
+Richard was in the right. How dared I, who was nothing for myself, bind
+another life to mine?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I thank you a thousand times for all the kindness, all the
+love you
+bestowed upon me who am unworthy of it, and upon Martella who deserves
+it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I beg forgiveness of my brothers and sisters for the wrongs I
+have
+done them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Do not mourn for me; I shall find the way to atonement.
+Console and
+comfort yourselves with the thought of one who will remember you till
+death.</p>
+
+<p class="right">&quot;ERNST.&quot;</p>
+<p class="space"></p>
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">&quot;Father, I did not hitherto wish to speak of it, but now I
+must tell
+you,&quot; said Ludwig, one day.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;For God's sake, what can have happened?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Nothing bad, quite the contrary; I am resolved to remain
+here. I did
+not wish to tell you until peace was restored, but I think that this is
+the time when the news will do you most good.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I deemed it my duty to advise him to delay before making up
+his mind,
+but he replied, &quot;I have considered everything. Whatever a man may
+achieve in this world, be it ever so great or important, if he has not
+done his whole duty to his parents, all else is vain. I remain with
+you, and to public duties I will devote as much of my life as can be
+spared from you.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Thus spoke my son, whose roving life in America we thought had
+made him
+harsh and cold.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I inquired whether he had already consulted his wife. He
+replied that
+there was no doubt of her consent, because she would simply and gladly
+consent as soon as he should tell her that it was for the best.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Conny at once consented. She mentioned that her father had
+always
+prophesied that she would some time return to Europe. She now felt
+particularly happy, because, if it should turn out that a German
+confederation with an emperor at its head would be established, the
+ideal of her father's life, and for the sake of which he went into
+exile, would be realized.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While our eyes were wandering from the warlike past to a
+peaceful
+future, we were thrilled over and over again by the thought that our
+army stood like a gigantic wall in the path of the advancing Bourbaki.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig told me that, in connection with some friends, he
+intended to
+start a new building association for the public benefit. He had found
+the starting point with some former friends from the gymnasium. Their
+object was to locate some grand industrial establishments in the
+country, in order to avert the threatened overcrowding of the large
+cities, by giving profitable employment to the dwellers in the rural
+districts. He intended to transfer his mill to the company, and also to
+enlarge it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martha, who had remained with her mother in the city, sent us
+a letter
+from Julius. He wrote about the great sortie from Paris, and what heavy
+sacrifices it had cost us. He was very happy to have been able to give
+proofs of his valor, and he had received the Iron Cross of the first
+class on the field of battle.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Madam Von Rontheim begged me to hold myself in readiness to
+return to
+the city within a few days.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was towards evening when the sounds of great rejoicing were
+heard in
+the village. All flocked together, and we heard loud cries, &quot;Rothfuss
+is here again!&quot; Rothfuss came with two horses harnessed to his vehicle,
+and two following in the rear.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I bring four captured Frenchmen,&quot; he cried: &quot;I have bought
+them
+honestly. Of course I paid only for their hides. They are not much more
+than skin and bone anyway, but in a week I shall feed four new horses
+into their skins. When they taste the fodder from our mountain forests,
+they will think, 'What a fine country Germany is; there they feed
+horses on sweet herbs.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss also brought the great news that our German troops
+had pushed
+Bourbaki and his men to the wall; just as might have been done in a
+tavern fight.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We did not quite understand what he really meant. Then Joseph
+brought
+the newspaper. Alsace was free; and his joy over the victory was
+enhanced by the certainty that his timber in the Hagenau forest was now
+all safe.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We read about the three days' battle before Belfort; and as
+long as
+valor and endurance are remembered, history will have a glorious page
+to unfold there.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My daughter Johanna came down to enjoy a few days' rest with
+us. In
+spite of the great hardships she had undergone, she had become
+stronger, and looked more cheerful. She wanted to deliver her good news
+in person. Her daughter had become engaged to a man who had lost his
+right arm. Christiane had nursed him faithfully, and fallen in love
+with him, and Johanna is right in saying, &quot;She will always love him the
+more because of her having to take care of him; she is just the wife
+for an invalid.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the very next day, we had a triumphal entry in our village.
+Carl was
+well again, but carried his left arm in a sling. Rothfuss harnessed his
+four &quot;Bourbakis&quot; (they were lean as yet, but lively) and drove Carl and
+his mother, four-in-hand. Down at the saw-mill, Marie mounted beside
+Carl and rode along into the village.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss stopped before the house of the meadow-farmer. Nobody
+was to
+be seen there, but all cried, &quot;Hurrah for the meadow-farmer!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You must say the old farmer,&quot; commanded Rothfuss, &quot;because
+Carl is now
+the young meadow farmer. Come out, old fellow; Napoleon had to
+abdicate, too. Give up your flail to Carl, the conqueror.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At last the door opened. The old meadow farmer came out and
+welcomed
+Carl. It seemed as if the cheering would never end. Carl becomes the
+meadow farmer! After this everything is possible.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Have you any news of my faithful nurse, the Captain's wife?&quot;
+asked
+Carl, when he entered our room; and the old woman, who had not heard a
+word, also asked, &quot;How is the worthy lady?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Just then, as it happened, a letter arrived from her.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Annette wrote:</p>
+<p class="space"></p>
+<p class="normal">&quot;What happiness it is to write to you! This is the first time
+that I
+address you as your real and true daughter. Do you remember how ill you
+took it when I once called you Patriarch? You were right, because
+bandying sharp speeches was a great fault of mine. Too much of the
+intellectual was my misfortune and that of all of us. Now I am nothing
+but a quiet ant, crawling up a tree and bearing my tiny mite; to be one
+ant amongst a thousand is now my only ambition. I do not wish to be
+anything for myself. I must give you an extract from Richard's letter.
+What is dearest and most beautiful in it, I cannot, of course, repeat
+to you. He writes:</p>
+<p class="space"></p>
+<p class="normal">&quot;'Hitherto, our happiness consisted in the general belief that
+every
+one was a nobody, unless he was something quite apart, because the
+people as a whole were held in but little esteem. Germany was like the
+educated Jew, who is always intent on hearing from others, &quot;How do they
+regard me?&quot; &quot;What do they think of me?&quot; You yourself,'--but here he
+begins praising me--enough of that.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'It gave me great pleasure to have Johanna with us in the
+hospital for
+a few days, which enabled us, by working together, to gain a better
+appreciation of each other. She has gathered experience and insight
+from other sources than myself, and she insists that nature is better
+than what we call principle. We can afford to let the latter pass, here
+and there. She acknowledges that unbelievers, as she calls us, are
+capable of virtuous actions. This war has taught all of us not to ask
+for dogmas, but for deeds.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'I am scarcely able to-day, to write a letter in my own name.
+It was
+general mail-day, and I sat for hours at the bedside of the sick,
+writing word for word as they dictated. I am glad to have learnt enough
+French to be able to write for the officer whom you may remember. How
+manifold are the relations of life with which I have become
+familiarized! There is much wonderful beauty hidden in the world, and
+every people and every station in life has its share.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'I had to add postscripts to two letters announcing the death
+of those
+in whose name they were written. One was the son of honored parents,
+and the other was himself the head of a family, and leaves four
+children.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'<i>Midnight</i>.--I could not write further. Now all is
+hushed; and I do
+not wish to sleep before fulfilling my duty towards you. I find it
+hateful, when in full health, to say, &quot;I cannot,&quot; and, therefore,
+continue writing. I feel as if mother were sitting beside me and
+saying, &quot;Tell my husband everything. The best remedy against fear is to
+know the whole truth.&quot; But I must inform you about Martella.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'<i>The next day</i>.--Last night, while I was writing the
+last sentence,
+Wolfgang came. He informed me that he had told you all. I may then
+speak of ourselves again.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Richard has written me: 'Remember that you once told me you
+would go
+through the wide world with me. That may now come to pass. Through
+varied labors which have given entire satisfaction, I have received an
+offer of employment in the foreign service, and it may happen that we
+shall have to begin our married life in the new world. I leave my quiet
+study, or rather I shall not return to it. I may be able to influence
+the living present, and you, my good and lovely wife, shall win
+admiration and respect in the highest circles. I am proud to place you
+in life's highest stations, and for this reason I joyfully surrender my
+solitary, peaceful studies and long-cherished plans of scientific
+investigation.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;How I replied to Richard you will see by these lines, which I
+copy for
+you without conventional modesty; they are from a second letter, in
+answer to mine:</p>
+<p class="space"></p>
+<p class="normal">&quot;'A thousand times, I kiss your hands and press you to my
+heart. You
+are my good genius. Pardon every unpleasant thought which, in the
+erring past, I may have harbored against you. Even then, despite
+myself, my mother knew you better than I did; her blessing rests upon
+your head. You have liberated me and brought me back to myself; I
+receive all willingly from your hands.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'How clever and how pointed are your accounts of the nothings
+of
+diplomatic life which you noticed in Paris at the house of your
+sister-in-law, the wife of our ambassador.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'Pardon me that I was just a little jealous of the title of
+nobility,
+and that I thought you might regret having to change it for a plain
+civilian name. I thank you for scolding me so merrily about it; but I
+reproach myself very seriously that I could entertain such a thought
+for a single instant.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'How much you are in the right! I dare not abandon my
+innermost
+convictions. Your Christian admonition has gone right to my heart: yes,
+I would have been doing violence to my soul.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'Now all is bright and free within and around me. It is
+settled. I
+shall keep on the straight line marked out for me; I am born and bred a
+man of letters. <i>You</i> see clearly what I could not confess to you or
+myself. For your sake the glitter of life allured, and attracted me. I
+fondly imagined your queenly form moving among those the world call
+noblest; but you, my lovely wife, are greater, purer, and freer than I
+am. You do not wish to shine; you will live for me, and I am to live
+for my ideal. It is decided; I am fortified against all temptation. I
+shall remain true to my calling, to you, and to myself.'</p>
+
+<hr class="W10">
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have told you all. I hope the time is not far off when this
+horrible
+war, this killing and dying, will be but as a shadowy dream in our
+memories. There must be peace at last, and peace will bring home to you</p>
+
+<p style="margin-left:50%">&quot;Your happy daughter,</p>
+
+<p class="right">&quot;<span class="sc">Annette</span>.&quot;</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">The very same day, a messenger arrived from the Counciller's
+wife, to
+call me, and I drove to the city with Joseph and Ludwig. From afar, we
+heard the booming of cannon, and at the new saw-mill the lumber
+merchant Schwarzenberg, an ever-faithful patriot, told me: &quot;We have an
+Emperor; he has been proclaimed at Versailles.&quot; This was as it should
+be. Our great achievements in war were consecrated by the establishment
+of the German Empire.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig was dissatisfied because the celebration was held on a
+Prussian
+anniversary. He had to acknowledge, however, that the history of
+Prussia now glided into that of Germany, and that it was not improper
+thus to exalt a family festival.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">O fortunate posterity! you can never know or appreciate our
+feelings
+during those days. We had long cherished these aspirations for our
+country, for a United Germany; the less we could hope for their
+realization, the deeper they lay in our hearts. Patriotism was like
+religious martrydom. Our country did not return our love. On the
+contrary, it was requited by hate and persecution from those high in
+station, and by neglect and ridicule from the lowly. And, in spite of
+all, for more than fifty years we stood firm and true, without hope of
+reward.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the city, the bells were ringing and all the houses were
+decorated
+with flags. The Councillor's wife received us on the stairs and said,
+&quot;Welcome, great-grandfather! Martha has given birth to a son.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">How can I express the emotions that filled my heart! My
+country
+united under a powerful, victorious chief, and on the same day a
+great-grandchild born to me. How can I deserve such unspeakable bliss!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was allowed to speak to Martha for a minute, and to take my
+great-grandson in my arms. He opened his eyes, and Martha cried, &quot;He
+has his grandmother's eyes. When at Strasburg, Julius asked that his
+name should be Erwin.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Councillor's wife ordered her to be quiet, adding: &quot;You
+can now be
+perfectly happy; the conflict is over, and your husband returns full of
+honors. You are blessed indeed, and we are blessed through you. Sleep
+now; when you really want to sleep, you can do so.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had to leave the room; and, after a while, the new
+grandmother came
+to tell me that Martha was sleeping quietly.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I remained in the city. The grandfather came for a day, and
+told me
+that he agreed with Julius, who, as he had so greatly distinguished
+himself, wished to remain in the military service.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My eyes have looked upon the third generation; I was also to
+see the
+dream of my youth realized in the establishment of the German Empire,
+and my family had fairly done their share towards it. But our joys are
+never unalloyed. No tree in the forest has an uninterrupted growth. A
+raven comes, rests on its top, and bends and blights the tender
+sapling.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, a raven of misfortune came. A letter from Annette
+reported, in a
+few hasty words, that Richard had disappeared, and that he had probably
+fallen into the hands of the <i>franc tireurs</i>. There was still some hope
+of his life. She had started out with Wolfgang to hunt him up.
+Wolfgang, being an American citizen, could get through the lines. She
+asked us to move heaven and earth to save Richard. In a postscript, she
+reminded me of the wounded French officer whom she was nursing when I
+searched for the Colonel. How wonderful! every good deed meets its
+reward. The officer had given her a pass, from which she promised
+herself the best results.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig was not for a moment alarmed by the danger into which
+his only
+son had ventured. He had full confidence in Wolfgang's discretion, and
+his words were full of assurance that he would not be found wanting.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I believe that this confidence was genuine, but I also believe
+that he
+tried, for my sake, to mitigate the shock which the news about Richard
+had given me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It puzzled me how Richard, who did not belong to the
+combatants, could
+be captured by the enemy; but Ludwig stopped all brooding over it by
+saying: &quot;Father, will you accompany me to the capital? I wish to see
+our ambassador; he must give me all possible assistance.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the capital, all the bells were ringing, and at the
+railroad station
+&quot;extras&quot; were announced with the Emperor's proclamation. In the midst
+of a group of people in the street stood a man reading the words of the
+Emperor. I knew him; it was Loedinger. His voice trembled; and when he
+had finished, and the joyful crowd marched through the streets, he saw
+me and embraced me heartily.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What have we lived to see?&quot; he cried. &quot;Now we can die in
+peace. But
+what is the matter with you? Why do you not cheer with us?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I told him, in a few words, of the capture of my son, and the
+worst
+fears which it justified.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig went at once to his ambassador, and I to the palace to
+see the
+Prince, who would doubtless use his influence for the rescue of my son.
+In the palace, there was great commotion. They said that no message
+could be taken to the Prince now, as he was presiding at a session of
+the Privy Council. I had to wait a long while. In the streets, the
+rejoicing went on; it could be faintly heard from afar. The whole city
+was illuminated.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At last I was told that the Prince could not see me today; I
+must leave
+my petition with the chief of the Cabinet. He was a relative of my
+son-in-law, and was favorably inclined towards me. He said that from
+there no effective steps could be taken; that it was the business of
+the Imperial government, and that I should address myself to the
+Prussian ambassador, to whom he gave me a few lines. I felt like a
+beggar who is sent from house to house.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At the Prussian Embassy, I was informed that the American
+Minister was
+attending a conference, and that there was a stranger with him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was called in, and found Ludwig with the two ambassadors.
+All
+necessary steps had already been agreed upon, and dispatches were at
+once forwarded to Versailles.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We drove to the station in the American Minister's coach, and
+Ludwig
+started for France, at once.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I went to Bertha, and, in spite of the new trouble that poured
+in upon
+me, I felt somewhat relieved when with my daughter and her children.
+Victor looked splendidly in his cadet uniform. Bertha met me with
+outstretched arms, saying, &quot;Father, we shall soon have peace, and he is
+now almost a general.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was not the least part of my sorrow that I had to inform
+Bertha of
+our deep anxiety for Richard. In the gladness of her heart, she
+ascribed it all to the exaggerated fears of Annette. The human heart is
+selfish; in moments of great happiness it wants to hear nothing of the
+sorrows of others, and refuses to believe them.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was compelled to mar the joy of the proud, loving wife; and
+when
+Bertha too was filled with alarm, she pitied Annette even more than her
+brother. She thought it particularly hard that Annette, who was so good
+and self-sacrificing, should again and again be overwhelmed with
+sorrow. She believed that Richard had loved Annette before the death of
+her husband, and that his repentance and severity towards himself
+caused him to be so bitter to her. He struggled with his love for the
+woman on whom his eyes had rested with admiration at a time when such
+admiration was sinful.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the other hand her natural good humor and buoyancy of
+spirits made
+her confident that Richard would surely soon be saved. Richard always
+was a lucky fellow. She remembered, from childhood, that once while I
+was coming down the river on a raft with my raftsmen, Richard stood on
+shore, and, crying &quot;Father!&quot; rushed out into the stream till the water
+came up to his chin. Balbina ran to the rescue, and, when he was safely
+ashore he laughed heartily. He had not been conscious of danger or
+fear.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While Bertha recalled all this, I became more tranquil, and
+when she
+expressed her confident hope that we would not live to see another war,
+I heartily agreed with her.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">It was well that I had come up to the capital, for Parliament
+had been
+convoked, in order to consider the new constitution, or rather, the
+question of giving in our adhesion to the North German Confederation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I scarcely heard the speeches, and did not have the strength
+to take
+the floor myself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When a vote was at last reached, it went hard with me to vote
+&quot;aye.&quot; In
+spite of my joy that there was now a United Germany, I had labored too
+long for the establishment of German landed rights, to content myself
+without their being embodied in laws.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was deeply moved by a remark of my old and faithful
+colleague,
+Loedinger: &quot;I fear that in the new German constitution, it will only be
+too evident that the movement which brought it about, was not initiated
+by the people.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We heard from Annette and Wolfgang, who wrote that they had at
+last
+obtained a clue to aid them in the search for Richard. He had, for a
+long time, been dragged about the country, and had then been sent to
+the Isles d'Hyéres.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Now, for the first time, I learned the details of his capture.
+Richard
+had crossed our lines into the enemy's country, being tempted to do so
+by a desire to investigate certain points of local history. He was
+arrested by the <i>franc tireurs</i>, who took him for a spy and wanted to
+shoot him. It was only through the interference of a man who was able
+to read Richard's journal that he was saved from instant death.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">This was all they had been able to discover, up to the arrival
+of
+Ludwig, who sent Wolfgang home, and continued the search with Annette.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">They were often led astray, and shown prisoners whom they did
+not know.
+They would have liked to console and encourage them by the news of the
+progress of our victorious armies and the certainty of a speedy peace,
+but they dared not risk it.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig added to his letter minute directions concerning the
+mill.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were now perfectly safe in pushing the enterprise forward,
+as
+Bourbaki's forces had been driven into Switzerland and disarmed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could not content myself at the capital, and journeyed
+homewards. On
+the way, I met Baron Arven, who had returned from the field seriously
+ill, and who hoped to regain his health at home. I accompanied him, and
+found some pleasure in bearing him company in his deserted mansion--his
+wife was in Rome, both his sons still in the field. &quot;I shall die at
+home after all,&quot; was his invariable answer whenever we attempted to
+console him. Our excellent physician prepared me for the worst. I was
+with Arven in his last hour, and was present when his remains were
+deposited in the family vault.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph came to take me home.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In war times, one's feelings at last become familiarized with
+death
+scenes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I soon again was called upon to take a part in public life.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The election campaign opened. Remminger, who had returned from
+the
+field to get cured of severe rheumatism, brought me the paper which
+represented our party. In it, he was recommended as delegate to the
+Reichstag from our district, as a man of merit, and of experience in
+military matters. I did not begrudge him the honor, nor the office. It
+gave his life a greater value, though I did not know that he ever took
+any part in political matters, or even showed any desire in that
+direction.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I thought it remarkable that in the article, particular stress
+was laid
+on the fact, that he was a friend and former comrade of my son-in-law,
+who had so greatly distinguished himself in the three days' battle
+against Bourbaki.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">What motive could there have been for referring to that fact?
+However,
+if it could be of any use to the man, I was content.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He asked me whether I had had any hand in the publication of
+the
+article. He had never thought of taking part in politics, but if the
+place were offered him, he would not shirk the duty. I heard that the
+article was supposed to have emanated either from Joseph or myself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We inquired at the office, and were informed that the
+nomination had
+been sent in with the stamp of our nearest post-office, and with a
+rather indistinct signature, which might well be Joseph's.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph asserted that Funk was the author. I did not believe
+it, because
+the entire article did not contain a single superlative. He never
+could, even while writing, restrain his peculiar talent for screaming.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Great thoughts stirred the hearts of men, but littleness,
+cunning, and
+mischief-making had not ceased either. But what matters it? A tree
+grows all the same, whether ants and beetles crawl upon it or not.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A second article shortly afterward appeared in the country
+papers, in
+which it was said that military despotism had unmasked its batteries.
+But the people were awake; the people, who did not pray to the god
+whose name is Success; but were true to their own eternal aims and
+ideas. The clamor of victory must not drown the cries for liberty. We
+still had approved champions in our midst; our district still owned an
+independent man of large landed property; he should be deputy; they
+should be made to see at Berlin what plain, strong men tilled our land.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph asserted that the papers of the popular party wanted to
+draw me
+to their side. There were inquiries in the journals from different
+quarters as to who was meant by &quot;the firm man of solid worth,&quot; until he
+was named at last. It was Schweitzer-Schmalz. As usual, it was claimed
+that South Germany was the only real Germany, just as peasants were
+said to be the only genuine people. To-day, the peasants; to-morrow,
+perhaps the so-called laborer. The red waistcoat of Schweitzer-Schmalz
+was to do service as the popular flag.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph was filled with anger and disgust, and I urged him to
+accept the
+nomination himself. He had much influence, and there were few other men
+in the district so well thought of as he.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I can say much in Joseph's favor; he wishes to see the state
+honestly
+served; but he also likes to attend to his business. Just then, Joseph
+had indeed a heavy load to carry. He had brought a large squad of
+foresters from the Tyrol, and had to provide several new teams.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We heard that Schweitzer-Schmalz had, at first, declined the
+proffered
+offer; but when he found the election was not to cost him any money,
+only some little condescension towards the poorer people, a few casks
+of beer, and, more than all else, strong language against military
+dictation, he declared his readiness. He was plain spoken, and yet
+cunning enough to declare, at the valley tavern, that, if he should be
+defeated it would be more of an honor than a disgrace to him. People
+would then always say, &quot;Here is the man who ought to have been our
+deputy at the Reichstag. He is a man of the right sort.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The movement continued. It was a sorrowful spectacle for me,
+to see how
+the domestic enemies of the Empire inscribed our Frankfort Constitution
+on their flag, and cried that it must be accepted without debate. What
+should be done in case it was not accepted, they would not say; they
+knew as well as we did, that the adoption of the constitution of 1848
+was an impossibility. But they wanted to start an opposition, and to
+surround it with a halo of glory.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the last day of February, we received the news that the
+preliminaries of peace were agreed upon, and our German Emperor
+announced, &quot;We have arrived at the end of the glorious but bloody war
+which was so wantonly and wickedly forced upon us.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We who lived on the borders were delighted beyond measure to
+know that
+Alsace-Lorraine had been brought home to us again; and when I was
+speaking with my folks about it, Rothfuss remarked:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Now I know how it worked. Those who live along the Rhine,
+from Basle
+downward, felt the way you do, when you lie abed in winter time and
+have too narrow a blanket. Whenever you move, you are uncovered and get
+cold. Now we have a good double bed; now we can stretch ourselves, and,
+over there, stand the Vosges mountains; that is a good solid wall; no
+draft gets through that.&quot;</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">The ides of March had returned as they had twenty-three years
+before,
+but how different now! We stood on a basis of real power, which had
+been wrested in battle from our restless neighbor.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The armistice with the enemy without was concluded, but at the
+polls we
+had to struggle against adversaries within.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The best men of our district came and explained to me how
+false a game
+was being played. &quot;They are electioneering for Schweitzer-Schmalz, who
+would not be so bad a man, but, at the last moment, they mean to drop
+him and transfer the votes to Funk, who has acquired a considerable
+fortune by the war.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The men urged me, and Schwarzenberg, the lumber merchant, was
+not the
+least among them, to allow myself to be put up as a candidate, both as
+a matter of right and duty. He claimed that I, who had assisted at the
+vexatious and fruitless labors at Frankfort, should have the
+nomination. Only in that way, could the defeat of the Funk party be
+assured.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I told them what trouble I had, and that I was too old, and
+unequal to
+the duties the office would impose upon me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then the burgomaster of Kaltenbach, a quiet, worthy man,
+reminded me
+that I had often said one should drown domestic griefs in active labors
+for the Fatherland. He bade me consider what would become of us
+Germans, if we should fail to secure true unity.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Those who had fallen in France, would, in that case, be
+disgraced and
+dishonored by the result.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I could not yield, in spite of all that was said; and Joseph
+asked me,
+&quot;If Richard is saved, will you consent?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I do not make vows!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I did not mean it in that way; but would your mind be
+sufficiently at
+ease?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I asked for time to consider the matter.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">There was to be a meeting of electors on the next evening. I
+was alone,
+buried in thought; but soon a true and encouraging companion arrived.
+It was a letter, the handwriting of which I did not recognize; but when
+I had broken the seal and read the signature, I seemed to hear the
+voice of sincerity itself--it was a letter from Doctor Wilhelmi, of
+Berlin.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig had already informed me that Wilhelmi had returned
+years ago,
+and I had heard of his labors with genuine delight. I had often wished
+to send him a word of cheer, but had not found the opportunity. Now he
+wrote:</p>
+<p class="space"></p>
+<p class="normal">&quot;All hail! thus do I salute you in your forest home. And now
+let me
+tell you all about ourselves. My wife and other ladies are at work day
+and night at the railroad depots, providing the troops, and
+particularly the sick and wounded ones, with refreshments. One day, a
+large body of prisoners arrived in charge of one of your country
+people. My wife observed this as soon as he opened his mouth, and asked
+him about you. The man had been servant to a sullen and ill-natured
+forester in your neighborhood, and you may imagine how glad we were to
+hear of you. For years I have often read your name, and often intended
+to write to you; now, a messenger had come to us from you.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;We provided him with quarters. He is really becoming spoiled
+by our
+friends, for the Berlin folks find the Suabian dialect 'charming,
+delightful,' and your countryman is a rogue.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;He outherods Herod; speaks the dialect more emphatically than
+ever
+Suabian did before, and, when his bravery is praised (he has received
+many orders) is condescending enough to confess, 'We did not do
+everything; the Prussians too behaved quite decently.'</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;'Quite decently,' is the highest compliment your countrymen
+ever
+bestow on any one. When the man gets home he will tell you that the
+Berlinese are all angels. I sincerely trust that you, too, will soon
+make their acquaintance.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;How are your children? above all, the daughter who was with
+you in
+Strasburg years ago.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I hear that Ludwig is with you. Tell him to remain; we need
+men like
+him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;What has become of the handsome boy, Arndt's favorite, who
+was with us
+in Frankfort? And what of the young student who came to visit us there?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Write to me, or, what would be better still, come here soon.
+We need
+old masons to build up the new state.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His wife had added a postscript saying: &quot;When you come to
+Berlin, you
+must stay with us.&quot;</p>
+<p class="space"></p>
+<p class="normal">Joseph thought the best way to keep Ludwig at home would be to
+elect
+him a member of the Reichstag. He had made inquiries of an attorney in
+the little neighboring town, and had been told that Ludwig had not
+resided long enough in Germany to be eligible; but that as these were
+extraordinary times, the Reichstag would probably admit him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The matter was brought before the election committee, but was
+not
+carried, as we should not be so sure of our voters if we had to go
+before the county a second time. The country people could with
+difficulty be induced to lose a work-day; the high pitch of patriotic
+sentiment that now obtained might not last long.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I accepted the nomination.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I have nothing to report in regard to the election campaign,
+except
+this; it was the first time we had been obliged to fight the new
+clerical party.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I do not like to speak of clerical machinations. France was
+conquered,
+and France was the last stay of the Papal power. Our victories had
+enabled the King of Italy to enter Rome. There was now an attempt to
+set on foot a carefully disguised opposition in our own country. A
+prebendary belonging to the diocese, travelled through our district,
+and held secret conferences with the pastors, to induce them to
+influence votes for a champion who had made himself notorious, by the
+strong language he had used.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph finds out everything, and thus he soon learned that the
+lower
+clergy leaned towards the patriotic side, but that they would not risk
+open opposition. And, apropos of that, an amusing story was in
+circulation.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The prebendary asked the sleek and wily pastor of Rottenhoch,
+&quot;And how
+do matters stand in your village? What are you able and willing to do?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Whatever the Right Reverend Bishop commands, shall be done.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Right Reverend turned and twisted as best he might: but
+the priest
+could not be made to understand that his superiors desired to avoid
+giving explicit orders; and the others, who saw that the attempts to
+secure his compliance always elicited the same reply, bit their tongues
+to keep from laughing outright.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was the first Sunday after Easter, on a bright spring day,
+when my
+friends came to take me to the meeting of the voters.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rothfuss went with Carl, the young meadow-farmer, and said,
+&quot;Yes, Carl,
+you are lucky; you begin in your young days. This is the first chance I
+have ever had to tell our man what he should say to the Emperor for me.
+But it is a good thing after all; and mind what I tell you--before the
+election we will only take one drink; not a drop more.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At the same time, he swore at the workmen at the mill, who had
+allowed
+themselves to be influenced by Funk. He declared that they were even
+capable of voting against me. Carl said that, as far as his two
+brothers were concerned, it was true. They had been expelled from
+Alsace, had received employment in Ludwig's mill, and now publicly said
+that they would give their votes to Funk.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At the meeting, it happened just as Joseph had predicted.
+Schweitzer-Schmalz stepped forward and declared that a man like himself
+could not leave his large estate and go to Berlin; they should,
+therefore, give the votes intended for him, to that intrepid man of the
+people--Funk.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But now something happened that took us all by surprise. Funk
+mounted
+the rostrum. He laid it down that a constitution without fundamental
+rights was a farce, and it cut me to the quick when he dared to add,
+&quot;We uphold the old German flag--the sacred flag of freedom--immaculate,
+and shall not desert our colors.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In conclusion, he said. &quot;I implore you not to call on me now.
+The time
+will come when they must call us to save our liberties; that time has
+not yet arrived.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;For the present, we will leave the pseudo-Prussian to the
+undisturbed
+enjoyment of the national beggars' broth filled with imperial
+dumplings, which is being served up in the famous spiked helmet.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I thank you,&quot; he cried, when the yelling which followed this
+speech
+had somewhat abated, &quot;for the votes with which you honor me. I esteem
+them highly, but we must wait. So let us bide our time.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph prevented me from answering. He mounted the stand, and
+said that
+Herr Funk deserved all possible praise for his shrewdness. He knew that
+he could not be successful, and had therefore declined, in order to try
+his chances at some future time. &quot;Herr Funk waits; we, too, can wait.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was elected by a large majority; and the walk homeward,
+surrounded by
+my electors, was one of the happiest hours of my life. It was even more
+joyful than when, twenty-three years earlier, I was elected a delegate
+to Frankfort. I forgot my anxiety about Richard.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When I took leave of Rothfuss at the railway station, he held
+me by the
+hand, a long while, and said: &quot;Oh master, if it was only not so far to
+Berlin, you should have taken me along, anyhow. Keep yourself well,
+right well; and don't drink any water; Willem says there is good wine
+to be had at Berlin, too.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">A tear glistened in his eye, and the leave-taking from this
+faithful
+companion moved me deeply. He had never before been so anxious and
+concerned about me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Many friends told me, &quot;This new labor will wear you out.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Be it so, I am here to be of use.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">THE old Burschenschafter<a name="div2Ref_note07" href="#div2_note07"><sup>7</sup></a>! Yes, treasured in secret and worn
+like an
+amulet of magic power, for the sake of which we suffered, are the
+colors of the new confederation. At first, the thought pained me; but
+perhaps it is all for the best. The Empire which is now being
+established, is not quite the one of which we sang and dreamed, or for
+the love of which we were thrown into dungeons. But it is full of a new
+and vigorous life, and instead of the golden glitter of poesy, we have
+the simple white of prose.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I am not of a combative disposition, and have always longed
+for a
+condition of affairs to which I could heartily assent. And now my
+greatest happiness is to know that I am no longer condemned to what I
+had feared would prove a life-long opposition to the powers that be.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The newly elected members had their rendezvous at the railroad
+junction. A majority were faithful to the Empire. The few who belonged
+to the progressives, or to the ultramontanes, were loud in their
+protestation of love for our newly-cemented union.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My friend Loedinger, that true old soul, was also elected. He
+studied
+with me at Jena, was with me in prison, and, for many years, sat near
+me in the Parliament. &quot;We two have by this time become quite used to
+each other,&quot; were his words, as he took the seat next to me. And, as if
+by previous agreement, we were always together during the whole
+journey.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The days were fresh and spring-like, and, although our hearts
+were
+filled with solemn thoughts, nothing but jokes were heard. Next to
+Baribal, the gayest was Professor Rolunt, who, before he entered the
+military service, had studied in Berlin, and had here received the
+so-called finishing touch. On the way, there was much cheerful
+discussion of the peculiarities that distinguish various sections of
+our country and the fanaticism with which every district believes that
+its customs and modes of expression alone represent the real German
+mind.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Offenheimer, the lawyer, who had also been elected a member of
+the
+Reichstag, spoke quite forcibly on this subject, by demonstrating that
+we South Germans believed ours to be the veritable language of the
+soul. When there is a prejudice to combat, Offenheimer always is
+particularly eloquent. He knows Berlin, and lives here with relatives
+of his.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Cato Debold, the inveterate South German, thought it hard that
+the
+rough North German manner should now gain the supremacy. When he saw
+the first windmills, he scoffed at North German windbags; and when the
+Professor added that in North Germany there were no running springs,
+but only pumps, he was quite happy, and vaunted the number of springs
+we possessed at home.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Rolunt allowed him to finish his harangue, and then replied
+that the
+North Germans, finding themselves without fast flowing streams, had
+made an invisible power, the winds, work for them; and that pump water
+was as refreshing as that from fountains.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">But, against that, Debold showed that the portion of Germany,
+that lay
+on the other side of the Thuringian Mountains had, through being
+divided into small farms, become quite different, and far advanced in
+comparison with the North. And in municipal liberty, we also stand far
+ahead of North Germany; and shall we now submit to have that encroached
+upon?</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;That will regulate itself. The others will become more
+agreeable, and
+we will get sharper,&quot; said the Professor.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At many stations we heard the people say: &quot;Here are the South
+German
+Representatives.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Our reception was not so stormy and excited as the one
+accorded us
+twenty-three years before when we went to Frankfort. The public mood
+was now calm and earnest.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">On the road, one of the members said, &quot;If your Richard had
+returned, he
+would doubtless have been elected.&quot; Ah! when one has a sorrow, he
+expects others to have some consideration, and not touch upon it, even
+though it be in the way of kindness.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At Gotha, where many new delegates joined us, we all received
+bouquets,
+and the principal of the gymnasium cleverly said that we should adorn
+ourselves with wedding favors, as we were going to the wedding of North
+and South Germany.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At Eisenach, my granddaughter Christiane and her affianced
+awaited me.
+He was still walking on crutches, but hoped to lay them aside in a few
+months, and to depend upon his wife's arm for support. Christiane had
+become quite youthful in appearance. She fairly beamed with happiness,
+as she looked now at me, and now at her betrothed.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The others continued on their journey, but Loedinger and I
+remained
+behind to visit a hallowed shrine. I spent the evening with Christiane
+and her betrothed. I promised to attend the wedding on my return from
+the Reichstag.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At early dawn, Loedinger and I ascended the Wartburg. We knew
+that each
+other's thoughts wandered back to the companions who, more than half a
+century ago, had come here, filled with the enthusiasm of youth. An
+invisible band of warriors marched at our side.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Silently, we walked through the halls of the castle. When we
+looked out
+over the country, far and wide, Loedinger grasped my hand and said: &quot;It
+is hard, after all, that our flag, with its sacred colors, does not
+float here in the morning breeze. They should have left us that. There
+is great danger in the fact that it is now the banner of the
+opposition, and is raised by the hands of those who are against us and
+the unity we have labored so hard to win.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">While trying to console him, I consoled myself, and the ardor
+of youth
+seemed to return to us.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Descending the mountain, we sang our old student songs, and
+felt young
+again.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Yes, this mountain is the altar of all that is great and pure
+and
+beautiful in our united Fatherland.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When we passed Weimar, where the creators of the unity of
+German
+thought had dwelt and labored, Loedinger said, &quot;We might well cry out:
+'Hearken, ye heroes of the mind, your words have become deeds.'&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Doctor Wilhelmi and his wife received me at the railroad
+depot.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Friend Wilhelmi, once a handsome, slender man, has grown
+stout, but the
+sound of his hearty, musical voice, the warm and kindly glance, the
+grasp of his hand, are all unchanged.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Loedinger was lodged with a friend of his, who lived in the
+neighborhood, and I soon felt at home with my old friends. The best
+people of the city, yes of the whole country, made their house a
+rendezvous. I have here made the acquaintance of a great number of men
+of distinguished merit. We are well supplied in that respect.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I also made the nearer acquaintance of some of those sharp
+Prussians. I
+felt at first as if they were setting my teeth on edge. But, after
+awhile, I recognized their good traits.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Doctor Wilhelmi still has an album of the members of the
+Frankfort
+Reichstag. We renewed our memories of olden days while looking at the
+pictures, and supplemented each other's information with what we knew
+of this or that old friend.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In every word that Wilhelmi speaks, I recognize his lofty
+ideality; but
+life in America has made him more practical than he once was.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The hospitality of the Greeks is vaunted. We possess it in a
+new shape;
+for a whole city considers itself our host.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I had to tell my friend Wilhelmi of my troubles; of my grief
+for Ernst,
+of my deep anxiety about Richard, and the thought struck me: &quot;Must the
+old friend, whom we meet after long absence, have his heart saddened by
+the recital of our woes.&quot;</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">I make no mention of the proceedings of the Reichstag; you can
+read all
+about them in the newspapers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I did not once take the floor.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In committee, I protested energetically, when we understood
+that some
+of the states were to be rewarded for their share in our triumph, by
+having certain portions of Alsace assigned to them. This plan was
+barely alluded to in the public meetings, and I am inclined to think
+that the rumor was merely a piece of diplomatic finesse.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I cannot avoid repeating the words addressed to me by the
+Emperor, when
+I was presented at the palace. &quot;I have a son and you have a grandson in
+the field, and they have, both of them, proved their courage.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">His voice betokened sincerity; his countenance was kind and
+gentle.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I was surprised; even if the Emperor had informed himself
+beforehand,
+it was so kind of him to speak thus of Julius.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In replying I told him that, during the absence of my grandson
+in the
+field, a son had been born to him.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Emperor congratulated me. He took me by the hand! For a
+second, I
+held the palm of my beloved Emperor in warm, living embrace. He must
+have felt my glance following him when he walked away. For the great
+and glorious monarch turned again and nodded to me.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<p class="center">(THE NIGHT BEFORE THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY.)</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The festivities have been gloriously ushered in. The bells
+were
+ringing, and the streets were alive with a gay and bustling throng.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I roamed about alone, admiring all that was beautiful and
+enjoyable in
+the streets that had been transformed by the beautiful festal
+decorations. A bit of Olympian life had descended upon our homes.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We sometimes persuade ourselves that we have often thought of,
+or
+wished for, something that suddenly comes to pass: the rapidity with
+which our ideas succeed each other is apt to deceive us. But I am sure
+that while looking at the Academy of Arts, decorated as it was with the
+portraits of heroes, I involuntarily thought, &quot;If I only had one of my
+own family with me now; I am so lonely in this surging crowd.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">All at once, I heard a clear, ringing voice exclaim, &quot;Good
+evening,
+grandfather.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My grandson Julius stands before me, sunburnt, and with
+several orders
+glistening on his breast. He belongs to the combined South German Corps
+that is detailed here to take part in the triumphal entry. His quarters
+are in a neighboring village, and he must return early.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Julius asked me whom his son resembled, and when I told him
+that little
+Erwin had the eyes of his grandmother, his face was radiant with joy.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Taking his arm in mine, I went as far as the city gate with
+him. I had
+to tell him all about Richard, but my pride in this noble, happy
+grandson, in a great measure thrust aside my grief for my son.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XI.</H2>
+<h3>(<i>June 18th.</i>)</h3>
+
+<p class="continue">And now I write of the great day, the greatest known to me and
+to all
+men living.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">It was the morning of the triumphal entry. I went out early
+and
+wandered through the joyous streets. I saw, beneath the chain of gay
+triumphal arches, the long row of conquered cannon, and, behind them,
+the seats for the wounded, the convalescents and their nurses. Music
+resounded from all the side streets. It was the great jubilant
+heart-throb of a whole people.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For a long time, I sat on a chair, which had been placed there
+for some
+invalid. My heart was so full when I thought that I had lived to see
+this day; and, amidst this high swelling tide of joy, I could not help
+looking into my own heart, and asking myself how I had met the duties
+that life imposed upon me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Were I to die now--this very day--I have served the truth to
+the best
+of my ability; I have intentionally offended no one, and have loved
+mankind and my country with all my soul. I was often weak, but my
+weakness has harmed no one but myself.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As this was passing through my mind, I had to stop suddenly.
+My friend
+Wilhelmi said to me in the heartiest manner, and without sarcasm, &quot;You
+have within you an overflowing fountain of sentimentality.&quot; It is true;
+it has brought me much sorrow, but it has afforded my soul many pure
+and tranquil experiences, and I said to myself, &quot;This is not the time
+for tender sensibility. To be strong is now the word. Look at the
+Emperor! What must this man who, to-day, bears the impress and the
+majesty of great historical memories, feel in his innermost soul; and
+yet he stands erect and firm.&quot; And as I thought this, I, too, walked
+along more firmly than before.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I went to the stand which had been erected for the deputies.
+It was, as
+yet, almost empty; gradually, it filled up. My early walk, my deep
+emotions, and, more than all, the heat and strained expectation had
+thoroughly fatigued me.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then came my friend Wilhelmi. He motioned to me from afar and
+waved his
+hat. &quot;Waldfried, I bring you glorious news!&quot; he cried. &quot;Just read this;
+you had gone out so early; we hunted everywhere, but could not find
+you. A telegram for you has arrived; your children are coming.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My children!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes. Richard and Ludwig and their wives, and your grandson
+Wolfgang.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I read the telegram; there it was--they were all coming.
+Richard was
+saved. At Bertha's house, he was married to Annette.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wilhelmi saw me turning pale, and called to a stately Rhenish
+deputy
+behind us, one who had brought some good wine of his own raising:
+&quot;Westerwalder, give us a glass of your best Rüdesheimer.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">O how the drink refreshed me! Then Wilhelmi continued: &quot;I have
+more to
+tell you, for now you are strong enough to bear the joyful news. Your
+children are already here. The telegram had been delayed, and they
+arrived half an hour in advance of it. They could not push through to
+this place, and so they went to the house of one of Annette's
+relations, with whom Offenheimer lives. That is what I am to tell you.
+After the procession we will meet them there.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wilhelmi had to tell me, first of all, how my children looked.
+He said
+that Richard still bore traces of his recent sufferings, but that his
+eyes would brighten and his whole face light up, whenever he looked at
+his wife. Wilhelmi regretted that he did not have a son to bring him
+such a daughter-in-law.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He evidently wanted to cheer me up, for he bade me review in
+memory the
+triumphal march of my joys,--my children, my grandchildren, my sons and
+daughters-in-law, and my great-grandson.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">During the last words of Wilhelmi, we heard from afar, a noise
+as of
+the roaring sea--a wave of history came rolling onward.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Cannon thundered, bells rang, and on came the great
+procession; and
+when the French flags were carried by and fluttered in the gentle
+breeze, I felt that I had seen the world wing itself for a new flight.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">From among the South German troops, a young officer nodded to
+me. It
+was Julius. My grandson was among the marching conquerors.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Emperor comes, and with him, all the heroes. The Emperor
+steps to
+the statue of his father, and the old man so greatly exalted by
+fortune, now becomes an humble son, and lays the captured flags at the
+feet of his father.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h2>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<p class="continue">Led by Wilhelmi, I went to the house of our friends. Ikwarte
+stood in
+the door; he saluted me silently. I asked him whether my family were
+above.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Yes, sir.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As we go up the stairs, we hear, behind us, hasty footsteps
+and a
+clattering sabre. It is Julius, his helmet adorned with a wreath of oak
+leaves.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Grandfather, have you seen them?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Whom?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Martha and Erwin.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Are they here, too?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Julius&quot; is called from above, and, the next moment, he is in
+Martha's
+arms. Then he embraces his father.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Come in; he sleeps,&quot; said Martha. &quot;Come in all, fathers
+three.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We walked through a glass-covered entry, then across a wide
+floor to
+the quietly-situated back-building, where the noise of the street could
+not penetrate.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In the silent room, Julius knelt beside the cradle. Gently he
+raised
+the curtain; the boy awoke, and, for the first time, the eyes of father
+and son met.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Erwin, my son!&quot; cried Julius, and kissed the child, who
+stared at him,
+and tried to clutch his eyes with his hands.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martha, too, knelt beside the cradle. She laid her hand on the
+husband's forehead, and said, &quot;And at this head hostile bullets were
+aimed!&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh don't let us give way to our feelings,&quot; said Julius,
+rising.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Martha took the wreath from her husband's helmet, and wanted
+to
+place it on my head. I seized it and laid it on the cradle of my
+great-grandson. After that, we left the young couple, and hunted up the
+other returned wanderers.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Our hosts resigned their house to us, and saved us from all
+restraint
+by kindly keeping themselves in the background.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard and Annette, Ludwig, Conny, and Wolfgang, by turns
+clasped me
+in their arms. O how many good, true hearts beat against mine to-day!
+How many lives I could call my own!</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard was still somewhat pale. Annette was radiant with
+glorious
+beauty, and her modest, gentle demeanor was the more attractive because
+she had the appearance of one born to command.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When the first emotions awakened by the overwhelming fulness
+of my joy
+had subsided, I had a wonderful vision. I saw great tables loaded with
+meat and drink and fragrant flowers, and from the streets resounded
+cheering and song. One of those wonderful visions, or phantasms, as
+you may call it, that supplement our life and withdraw us from the
+actual world, seized me. The beaming faces, the brilliant lights
+reflected again and again in the mirrors and the wine-glasses, the
+sumptuous table, and the lovely flowers,--methought I had seen them
+all before.--I felt as if in the midst of one of those wonderful,
+color-steeped groups of Paul Veronese, and, like soft music, or an
+apparition gently gliding through the air, memories of Gustava filled
+my soul.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;You seem so happy,&quot; said Annette; and I could only tell her
+this: &quot;The
+dreams of former days, and the loftiest impressions that our souls have
+taken up from art, are now our actual life; our highest ideal has been
+attained.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Joseph informed me that the army corps consisting of the
+troops from
+our State, would make its entry into our capital under the Crown
+Prince, who had commanded it during the war, and that the Colonel, who
+was now a General, would take part in the ceremony. Bertha expected
+that we would all be with her on that day of honor.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard told us of his experiences while with the French, and
+we could
+not help asking ourselves: &quot;Shall we ever be at peace with these
+neighbors of ours?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;I have learned to know the French,&quot; said Richard, &quot;and
+suffered much
+at their hands. The people amused themselves by insulting me while I
+was being led through the streets; I had to march in chains for a whole
+day; and still, through all the ravings of this sanguine people, I
+could see its mighty soul.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">At these words, Offenheimer rushed up to Richard, and,
+embracing him,
+said, &quot;A wounded enemy is an enemy no longer, and thus we have ceased
+to be enemies of suffering France.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He begged Richard to tell him more, and so he continued: &quot;In
+spite of
+their impassioned feelings, and of the fact, utterly incomprehensible
+to them, that we were impolite enough not to let them whip us, there is
+a real elevation of soul in them, although it is obscured by their
+theatrical phrases. But their belief in themselves is something grand.
+They cling to it, even now, when they are sorely beaten. I am confident
+that the French will, in time, become honestly tolerant, and not in the
+sham sense that makes its professors say: 'You, poor fellow, have a
+false belief, but I do not attack it.' The French have a beautiful
+faith in themselves, but they must acquire faith in others, and not
+consider themselves the whole of humanity.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Nations have much the same ideas as individuals. After a
+silent combat,
+they can scarcely believe that it arose from a trifling cause, and now
+the French will not remember what a trivial pretext they had for this
+war.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The Chinese self-sufficiency of the French, who believed
+themselves to
+be the sole representatives of civilization, is now broken down. Their
+morbid desire for revenge can only be temporary. The people, deeply
+wounded in its vanity, and swindled out of its love of truth by
+sycophantic word-mongers, will come to reason.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Wilhelmi based great hopes on the projected university of
+Strasburg. It
+was to form an intellectual bond of union. With great warmth of
+feeling, he demonstrated that it was typical of the real character of
+our people, that, first of all, an institution of learning was
+established in the newly recovered province.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Then Ludwig rose, and with an enthusiasm in which all the
+fervor of his
+youth broke forth, again said: &quot;And something more is in store for us,
+and, for that reason, I wish to remain an American citizen. You,
+Wilhelmi, and I have learned to know America. We love our old home, but
+we also love the New World, which is the land to initiate great
+thoughts, the land in which humanity, through untrammelled liberty,
+cannot but reach great results. It is pitiful and, at the same time,
+sad, that the American who has made money, and wishes to do something
+for the public good, knows of nothing better than to build a church.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;My idea--and I have distinguished friends who agree with
+me--is
+to establish, as our celebration of the centennial of American
+independence, a German University in America; an International
+High-School. I need not point out to you, how great a significance such
+an institution would possess for the New World, as well as for the Old.
+After our German students have studied for a year at the American
+Athens, how much wider their range of vision will be, and how much
+greater their knowledge of the world! In this way, a cable of quite a
+different kind would be laid; an intellectual electric current, binding
+the Old World to the New.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Richard took Ludwig's hand, and congratulated him on having
+conceived
+this grand idea.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Thus should it be,&quot; he cried; &quot;let Germany be fully and
+entirely its
+own, and then send the messengers of its intellectual life to all the
+world. The ancients carried their gods of marble and bronze, wherever
+they went; we carry divine thoughts over the whole inhabited globe.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Offenheimer whispered something to Richard, who pressed his
+hand
+gratefully.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I sat there quietly and felt unutterably happy, because my
+children
+possessed new ideals so different from our own. Their clear, organizing
+minds stretched into the far distance, and their schemes embraced the
+welfare of all mankind.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">When in Strasburg, I felt deeply pained that such men as
+Ludwig and
+Wilhelmi should be driven into exile. Not always does our life give an
+answer to such questions. I received one now.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">We were interrupted by Ikwarte, who begged to be excused. He
+had
+noticed his brother among the marching soldiers. He was sergeant and
+had received the Iron Cross; he had recognized him, and called out to
+him from the procession. Ikwarte now asked permission to go and seek
+his brother.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig granted it of course. We were all pleased with
+Ikwarte's firm
+sense of duty, to which even his brotherly love had to yield.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">As Ikwarte was leaving the room, Julius entered with his wife.
+She
+carried my great-grandson on her arm.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">For a while, every one turned to them. Then Ludwig began:</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;It is well that you have come, Julius! We are here among
+friends; are
+you ready to answer a question regarding your future?&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">In a quiet tone, Julius answered, he would first have to know
+what it
+was all about.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Smiling, Ludwig said: &quot;Allow me to tell you that I am a
+Colonel.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Julius bowed, and Ludwig continued: &quot;How grand it was that the
+American
+officers, at the end of their war, returned to civil life, while here
+in Germany a standing army draws our best energies away from productive
+labor.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Quietly but not without confidence, Julius replied: &quot;It seems
+to me
+that Uncle Ludwig is still thinking of the revolutionary times, of the
+long forgotten stone age of German history. There is no separation now
+between soldier and citizen, and it is very questionable whether any
+one has the right to call us soldiers unproductive laborers. Our work
+creates a race of men who give firmness and character to our political
+life. What the schools are unable to finish, we perfect. To cultivate
+the great forest of men, is a higher aim than to reclaim a forest of
+trees.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">&quot;Oh,&quot; interrupted Wolfgang, and Julius turned to him and said:
+&quot;Dear
+Wolfgang, I do not think meanly of that either; it is also a part of
+the work that society has before it. But each one must choose his post
+and guard it faithfully.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig insisted to the contrary, and squarely put it to Julius
+that he
+should leave the army, and take charge of his grandfather's estate. He
+could, if his country called him, always return to his duty. He hinted,
+and not very delicately, that one should not allow one's self to be
+seduced by the outward glitter of the soldier's life.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Without any irritation, but in determined language, Julius
+declared
+that he fully recognized how great a spectacle it was to see a
+victorious army return home in triumph, and lay down its arms; that it
+would have been desirable that the conclusion of peace should produce
+the disarmament of Europe. Such a disarmament, however, is only
+possible in America, where there is but one powerful nation. In
+conclusion, he eulogized the high mission of the soldier's life as a
+school for men.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig rose and said: &quot;Here is my hand; I am converted.
+Father, I have
+now decided. I shall accept the estate.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I do not know how it came to pass, but Martha had laid my
+great-grandson in my arms, and when the boy raised his eyes to mine, I
+felt as if I was looking forward into the future.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">You, my child, rested beside a mother's heart during the
+battles; you
+slept during the triumphant march, and now, around you, great words and
+thoughts wander forth into the world. When, at some future time, you
+shall learn how your father fought and suffered for home and country,
+may it sound to you like a fable from the old, dark days, that, long
+ago, we had to fight the monsters who despised the people. Stand firm
+and pure in the new life of nations, amongst whom the battle will only
+be for the possession of the noblest treasures of the intellectual
+world.</p>
+<p class="space"></p>
+<p class="right">AT HOME, <i>July</i> 22.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I did not find my comrade Rothfuss. He died full of happiness
+and
+peace. On the last morning, he said to Johanna: &quot;The German Empire is
+not the right thing after all. One must die in it, just as before. Our
+Emperor should order a different state of things, but never mind. 'He
+who is wet to the skin, need not dread the rain.' If I could only lie
+down in my grave for my master, as I once had myself locked up for
+Ludwig.&quot;</p>
+
+<p class="normal">My grandson the vicar, who is chaplain at the neighboring
+fortress, was
+with him in his last hours.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">Ludwig has taken the family estate for his son Wolfgang; not,
+as is
+customary, at the family valuation, but at its full market value.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">I shall resign my post.</p>
+
+<hr class="W10">
+
+<p class="normal">So far, the memoirs up to the evening before the anniversary
+of
+Gustava's death. They were written in the afternoon, with a firm hand.
+After that, he walked out into the forest. Carl, who was in the fields,
+saw him drinking from the Gustava fountain, and rejoiced to see the
+master walking so sturdily.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">He was found in the woods he had planted, beneath a white pine
+tree,
+stretched out in death. His face was toward the earth, and rested on
+the wild thyme.</p>
+
+<p class="normal">The second tablet of the grave-stone bears the following
+inscription:</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="sc">HERE RESTS,<br>
+IN THE SOIL OF OUR UNITED COUNTRY,<br>
+Heinrich Waldfried,<br>
+BORN MAY THE 10TH, 1800;<br>
+DIED JULY THE 22D, 1871</span>.</p>
+
+<br>
+<br>
+<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_note01" href="#div2Ref_note01">Footnote 1</a>: Throughout, the translator will, according to the German
+custom, use the word &quot;bride&quot; to designate a woman who is only
+betrothed.</p>
+
+<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_note02" href="#div2Ref_note02">Footnote 2</a>: This name means: Lizzy, the huntress.</p>
+
+<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_note03" href="#div2Ref_note03">Footnote 3</a>: Director or governor of the district or
+department.</p>
+
+<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_note04" href="#div2Ref_note04">Footnote 4</a>: Feast commemorative of the dedication of a
+church.</p>
+
+<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_note05" href="#div2Ref_note05">Footnote 5</a>: I am waiting (dialect).</p>
+
+<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_note06" href="#div2Ref_note06">Footnote 6</a>: <i>Guten Ort.</i></p>
+
+<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_note07" href="#div2Ref_note07">Footnote 7</a>: A member of the Burschenschaft, the name of an
+association
+of the students of Germany, formed in 1815, and having for its object
+the political regeneration of their Fatherland.</p>
+
+<br>
+
+<h3>THE END.</h3>
+
+<br>
+
+<br>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Waldfried, by Berthold Auerbach
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+
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Waldfried, by Berthold Auerbach
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Waldfried
+       A Novel
+
+Author: Berthold Auerbach
+
+Translator: Simon Adler Stern
+
+Release Date: May 20, 2010 [EBook #32446]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WALDFRIED ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive
+
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's Notes:
+1. Page scan source:
+      http://www.archive.org/details/waldfriednovel00auerrich
+2. The diphthong oe is represented by [oe].
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                          BY THE SAME AUTHOR.
+
+                         _Authorized Editions._
+
+WALDFRIED. A Novel. Translated by SIMON ADLER STERN, 12mo, cloth,
+$2.00.
+
+THE VILLA ON THE RHINE. A Romance. Translated by JAMES DAVIS. With a
+portrait of the author. 16mo. Leisure Hour Series. 2 vols., $1.25 per
+vol.; Pocket Edition, four parts, paper, uniform with the Tauchnitz
+books, 40 cents per part, or $1.50 complete.
+
+BLACK FOREST VILLAGE STORIES. Translated by CHARLES GOEPP. Illustrated
+with fac-similies of the original German wood-cuts. 16mo, Leisure Hour
+Series, $1.25.
+
+THE LITTLE BAREFOOT. A Tale. Translated by ELIZA BUCKMINSTER LEE.
+Illustrated, 16mo, Leisure Hour Series, $1.25.
+
+JOSEPH IN THE SNOW. A Tale. Illustrated, 16mo. Leisure Hour Series,
+$1.25.
+
+                                   _HENRY HOLT & CO._,
+                                          25 Bond Street, New York.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                           W A L D F R I E D
+
+                              A  N O V E L
+
+                                   BY
+
+                           BERTHOLD AUERBACH
+
+
+
+                         _T R A N S L A T E D_
+
+                                   BY
+
+                           SIMON ADLER STERN
+
+
+
+                           _AUTHOR'S EDITION_
+
+
+
+
+                                NEW YORK
+                         HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY
+                                  1874
+
+
+
+
+
+
+       Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, by
+                              HENRY HOLT,
+       In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
+
+
+
+
+
+                              Maclauchlan,
+     Stereotyper and Printer, 56, 58 and 60 Park Street, New York.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                               WALDFRIED.
+
+
+
+
+
+                              BOOK FIRST.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER I.
+
+In a letter bringing me his greetings for the New Year, 1870, my eldest
+son thus wrote to me from America:
+
+
+"We have been sorely tried of late. Wolfgang, our only remaining child,
+lay for weeks at death's door. I avoided mentioning this to you before;
+but now he is out of danger.
+
+"'Take me to your father in the forest,' were the first distinct words
+he uttered after his illness. He is a lusty youth, and inherits his
+mother's hardy Westphalian constitution.
+
+"In his feverish wanderings, he often spoke of you, and also of a great
+fire, in strange phrases, none of which he can now recall.
+
+"He has awakened my own heartfelt desire to return, and now we shall
+come. We have fully determined to leave in the spring. I lose no time
+in writing to you of this, because I feel that the daily thought of our
+meeting again will be fraught with pleasure for both of us.
+
+"Ah, if mother were still alive! Oh, that I had returned in time to
+have seen her!
+
+"Telegraph to me as soon as you receive tidings of brother Ernst. I am
+anxious once again to behold Germany, which is at last becoming a real
+nation. We who are out here in America are beginning to feel proud of
+our Fatherland.
+
+"We are surely coming! Pray send word to my brothers and sisters.
+
+                                         "YOUR SON LUDWIG."
+
+The postscript was as follows:
+
+"DEAR FATHER,--I shall soon be able to utter those dear words to you in
+person.
+
+                                   "YOUR DAUGHTER CONSTANCE."
+
+
+"DEAR GRANDFATHER,--I can now write again, and my first words are to
+you. We shall soon join you at 'grandfather's home.'
+
+                                   "YOUR GRANDSON WOLFGANG."
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+I had not seen Ludwig since the summer of 1849, and now I was to see
+him, his wife, and his son. I instructed Martella to send the news to
+my children and sons-in-law; and to my sister who lives in the Hagenau
+forest I wrote in person.
+
+Joyous answers were returned from every quarter. But the happiest of
+all was Rothfuss, our head servant. And well he might be, for no one
+had loved and suffered so much for Ludwig's sake as he had done.
+
+Rothfuss is my oldest companion. We have known each other so long that,
+last spring, we might have celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of our
+first meeting. When that occurred, we were both of the same age--he a
+soldier in the fortress in which I was confined as a political
+prisoner. For one hour every day I was permitted to leave my cell for a
+short walk on the parapet. On those occasions a soldier with loaded
+musket walked behind me; and it often happened that this duty was
+assigned to Rothfuss. His orders were not to speak to me; but he did
+so, nevertheless. He was constantly muttering to himself in an
+indistinct manner. This habit of talking to himself has clung to him
+through life, and I doubt if any human being has a greater fund of
+curses than he.
+
+One day, while he was thus walking behind me, I heard him say quite
+distinctly: "Now I know who you are! Oh!"--and then came fearful
+oaths--"O! to imprison such a man! You are the son of the forest-keeper
+of our district! Why, we are from the very same part of the country! I
+have often worked with your father. He was a hard man, but a just one;
+a German of the old sort."
+
+"I am not allowed to accept money from you, but if you were to happen
+to lose some, there would be no harm in my finding it."
+
+"Of course you smoke? I shall buy a pipe, tobacco, and a tinder-box for
+you, and what you give me over the amount will not be too much for me."
+
+From that day, Rothfuss did me many a service. He knew how to
+circumvent the jailer,--a point on which we easily silenced our
+scruples. Five years later I regained my freedom, and when I settled on
+this estate, Rothfuss, as if anticipating my wishes, was at my side.
+Since that time he has been with us constantly, and has proved a
+faithful servant to me, as well as the favorite of my children.
+
+I had inherited the estate and the grand house upon it from my
+father-in-law. As I was a forester's son, I found but few difficulties
+in attending to the timber land, but the two saw-mills and the farm
+that belonged to the estate gave me much trouble. For this reason, so
+faithful and expert an assistant as Rothfuss was doubly welcome to me.
+
+He is a wheelwright by trade, and can attend to anything that requires
+to be done about the house. Near the shed, he built a little smithy,
+and my boys were his faithful apprentices. They never asked for toys,
+for they were always helping him in making some article of use. But my
+son Richard had no liking for manual labor. He was a dreamy youth, and
+at an early age manifested a great love of study.
+
+Of my daughters, Bertha was Rothfuss' favorite. Johanna avoided him.
+She had a horror of his oaths, which, after all, were not so seriously
+meant.
+
+While quite young she evinced much religious enthusiasm, and Rothfuss
+used to call her "The little nun," at which she was always very angry,
+for she was quite proud of her Protestantism. While preparing for
+confirmation she even went so far as to make repeated attempts to
+convert both myself and my wife.
+
+While Richard was yet a mere student at the Gymnasium of our capital,
+Rothfuss dubbed him "The Professor;" but when Ludwig came home from the
+Polytechnic School to spend his holidays with us, he and Rothfuss were
+inseparable companions. He taught Rothfuss all of the students' songs,
+and insisted that this servant of ours was the greatest philosopher of
+our century.
+
+Ludwig had settled in the chief town as a master builder. He was also
+known as "The King of the Turners." He was President of his section,
+and his great agility and strength gained him many a prize. He was of a
+proud disposition, and followed his convictions, regardless of
+consequences. Older persons remarked that in appearance and bearing he
+was the very picture of what I had been in my youth.
+
+I am glad that all of my children are of a large build. Ludwig
+resembles me most of all. Fortunately his nose is not so large as mine,
+but more like the finely chiselled nose of his mother. His eloquence,
+however, is not inherited. His oratorical efforts were powerful and
+convincing, and his voice was so agreeable that it was a pleasure to
+listen to it. He had very decided musical talent, but not enough to
+justify him in adopting music as his profession. In spite of the advice
+of his music teachers, he determined on a more practical calling. His
+refined and easy manner soon won all hearts; and he was beloved by
+those who were high in station as well as by the lowly laborers.
+
+In the year 1849, Ludwig was laying out a portion of the great road
+which was being built along the low land beyond the mountain. He was
+the idol of his workmen, and always said, "For me they will climb about
+the rocks that are to be blasted, like so many lizards, just because I
+can myself show them how it is done." The road was divided into many
+so-called tasks, each of which was assigned to a separate group of
+workmen who had agreed to finish it by a certain day. As one of these
+gangs was unfortunate enough to chance upon springs at every few steps,
+the soft soil gave it much trouble, and greatly prolonged its labors.
+
+The other engineers avoided the soft places when making their surveys.
+But Ludwig, with his high boots, stepped right into the midst of the
+laborers, and helped those who were working with their shovels and
+spades.
+
+He had also arranged the fire service of the whole valley, and had so
+distinguished himself at the fire in the little town that he received a
+medal in recognition of his having saved a life. The more excited
+members of our political party were of the opinion that he ought to
+refuse it, alleging that it was wrong for him to receive so princely a
+decoration; but he replied: "For the present the Prince is the
+representative of the popular voice." He accepted the badge, but
+fastened it to the fireman's banner.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+
+
+I had been elected a member of the Frankfort Parliament.
+
+September's days of terror were doubly terrible to me. I had been told
+that my son Ludwig was leading a body of Turners who had joined the
+malcontents, and that they had determined to reverse the decision of
+the majority of the popular delegates, and to break up the Parliament.
+
+At the imminent peril of my life, I climbed from barricade to
+barricade, hoping to be able to induce the Turners to retreat, and
+perhaps to find my son.
+
+One of the leaders, who accompanied me as a herald, called out at the
+top of his voice, "Safe-conduct for the father of Ludwig Waldfried!"
+
+My son's fair fame was my best protection; but T could not find Ludwig.
+
+I have suffered much, but those hours when, with my wife and my next
+son Ernst, then six years old, I heard the rattling of muskets without
+the door, were the most wretched that I can now recollect.
+
+In the following spring, when the Parliament was dissolved, the
+revolution had already begun with our neighbors in the next state.
+
+For a long time the fortunes of battle seemed doubtful. I never
+believed that the uprising would succeed; but yet I could not recall my
+son. At that time we no longer heard the rattling of musketry, and I
+can hardly bear to think of how we sat at home in sad but fearful
+suspense. One thing, however, I would not efface from my memory. My
+wife said, "We cannot ask for miracles. When the hailstorm descends
+upon the whole land, our well-tilled fields must suffer with the rest."
+Oh, that I could recall more of the sayings of that wise and pure
+hearted being!
+
+The uprising had been quelled; but of Ludwig we had no tidings. We knew
+not whether he was lost, had been taken prisoner, or had escaped into
+Switzerland.
+
+One day a messenger came to me with a letter from my wife's nephew, who
+was the director of the prison in the low country. He wrote to me to
+come to him at once, to bring Rothfuss also, and not to omit bringing
+passports for both of us. He could tell me no more by letter, and
+cautioned me to burn his epistle as soon as I had read it.
+
+"It is about our Ludwig: he lives!" said my wife. The event proved that
+she was right. She induced me to take my daughter Bertha with me. She
+was then but sixteen years old--a determined, courageous girl, and as
+discreet withal as her mother. For to a woman paths often become smooth
+which to men present insurmountable obstacles. Bertha was glad to go;
+and when in the cool of the morning she stood at the door ready to
+depart, with her mother's warm hood on her head, and her face all aglow
+with health and youth, she said to me roguishly: "Father, why do you
+look at me so strangely?"
+
+"Because you look just as your mother did when she was a bride."
+
+Her bright merry laughter at these words served in a measure to raise
+our depressed spirits.
+
+Terror and excitement reigned on every hand. When we reached the first
+village of the next state, we found that the side nearest the river
+bank had been destroyed by artillery. I learned that Ludwig had been in
+command there, and had shown great bravery.
+
+On the way, Bertha's constant cheerfulness lightened our sorrow. To
+know a child thoroughly, you must travel with one alone. When Bertha
+saw that I sat brooding in silence, she knew how to cheer me up with
+her childish stories, and by engaging me in memories of an innocent
+past, to dispel my sad thoughts. At that early day she gave an earnest
+of what she was so well able to accomplish later in life.
+
+In spite of our having the proper passports, we were everywhere
+regarded with suspicion, until I at last fortunately met the son of the
+commandant of our fortress. While he was yet a lad, and I a prisoner at
+the fortress, I had been his teacher, and he had remained faithful and
+attached to me. I met him at an outlying village where he was stationed
+with a portion of his regiment.
+
+He recognized me at once, and exclaimed, "I am doubly glad to see you
+again. So you were not with the volunteers? I heard your name mentioned
+as one of the leaders."
+
+I was about to reply, "That was my son;" but Bertha quickly anticipated
+me, and said, "That was not my father."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III.
+
+
+After that the young officer bestowed but little attention upon me; his
+glances were now all for Bertha, to whom he addressed most of his
+remarks.
+
+Who can foretell what germs may awaken into life in the midst of the
+storm? My young pupil, who had but the day before been appointed first
+lieutenant, gravely delivered himself of the opinion that there was no
+real military glory in conquering volunteers. When speaking of me to
+Bertha, he was profuse in his assurances of gratitude and esteem.
+
+Bertha, generally so talkative, was now silent. The young officer
+procured a safe-conduct for us, and we continued on our journey.
+
+I have never yet seen the ocean, but the country, as it then appeared
+to me, awakened impressions similar to those which must be aroused when
+the tide has ebbed and the objects which before that dwelt in the
+depths of the sea are left lying upon the strand.
+
+At last we reached my nephew's. He conducted me to his official
+residence, where I followed him through numerous apartments, until I at
+last reached his room, where we were closeted under lock and key.
+
+He then told me that, while walking through the town the day but one
+before, he had met a young peasant with a rake on his shoulder, who,
+while passing, had hurriedly said to him, "Follow me, cousin; I have
+something to tell you."
+
+The director followed, but not without first making sure of his
+revolver.
+
+When they had got into the thicket, the peasant suddenly turned about
+and said to him, while he removed his hat, "Don't you know me? I am
+Ludwig Waldfried." The director's heart was filled with terror. Ludwig
+continued, "You, and you alone, can save me. Put me in prison until I
+have a chance to run away. Our cause is lost; but for my parents' sake
+as well as my own, I must escape."
+
+The cousin was not unwilling to assist Ludwig, but was at a loss how to
+go about it. Ludwig, however, had studied strategy. He had carefully
+considered every step in advance, and now caused the director to enter
+him on the list of prisoners under the name of Rothfuss.
+
+A state of siege, dissolving as it does all forms of civil procedure,
+made it possible to carry out so irregular a proceeding; aside from
+which there was the inspiring effect of being engaged in a task that
+required shrewd and delicate man[oe]uvring. It was this, too, that
+helped to relieve my meeting with Ludwig of much of its sadness.
+
+Still it could not but pain me to find that in order to save one person
+it was necessary to victimize others. Ludwig guessed my thoughts, and
+said to me, "I am sorry, father, that I am obliged to drag you into
+this trouble. I know that such affairs are not to your taste; but there
+is no help for it."
+
+Rothfuss looked upon the whole affair as a merry farce. He did not see
+the least harm in outwitting and deceiving the officers and the state.
+And in those days there were many thousands who felt just as he did. It
+is a fit subject for congratulation, and perhaps an evidence of the
+indestructible virtue of the German people, that in spite of
+Metternich's soul-corrupting teachings there is yet so much
+righteousness left in our land.
+
+When Ludwig had donned the Rothfuss' clothes, one could hardly
+recognize him. The transformation afforded Rothfuss great delight.
+
+"They can do no more than lock me up by myself, and I have always said
+that 'he who is wet to the skin need not dread the rain.'"
+
+This was a favorite saying of his. He had but one regret, and that was
+that he would not be allowed to smoke in the prison; but, for Ludwig's
+sake, he would gladly make that sacrifice.
+
+We departed, taking Ludwig with us. My heart trembled with fear. The
+knowledge that I was committing a breach of the law, even though it was
+only caused by necessity and for the sake of rescuing my son, filled me
+with alarm. I felt as if every one knew what I was doing; but it seemed
+as if the people we met along the road did not care to interfere.
+
+Here again Bertha proved a great treasure to us. She had a wonderfully
+cheerful flow of spirits; and perhaps, after all, women are greater
+adepts in the arts of self-control and deception than we are.
+
+When we arrived near the borders of the Palatinate, Ludwig met a
+companion who had been hiding there. He was a man of about my age. It
+now became my turn to take part in the dangerous game. I was obliged to
+remain behind and allow the fugitive to take my place at Bertha's side.
+Bertha was equal to the situation, and at once addressed the stranger
+as "father."
+
+I followed on foot, imagining that every step would be my last.
+
+I passed the border without mishap, and in the first village found the
+rescued ones awaiting me. As our old comrade had already become drunk
+on French wine, we left him behind at the village and took up our
+journey to my sister, the wife of the forester at Hagenau.
+
+The most difficult task of all was to endure the vainglorious boasting
+of the Frenchmen. My brother-in-law treated us as if he were a gracious
+nobleman, who had taken us under his protection. His neighbors soon
+joined the party, and proud words were heard on every hand: the French
+were the great nation--theirs was the republic--their country the
+refuge of the oppressed and persecuted. And we--what were we? Rent
+asunder and bound down, while our Rhine provinces were happy in the
+faith that they would soon become a portion of proud and beautiful
+France. Another brother-in-law, the pastor of Huenfeld, who had studied
+at Erlangen, gave us some little consolation, for he said that in
+science the Germans were the greatest of nations.
+
+"Father," said Ludwig, "I cannot endure this; I shall not remain here
+another day."
+
+I felt as he did, and we took our departure for Strasburg. At the
+Gutenberg Platz we were obliged to halt our horses, for the guard were
+just marching by. All seemed as happy if a piece of good fortune had
+just befallen them. All was as merry as a wedding-feast, while with our
+neighbors beyond the line there was funereal sadness.
+
+Strasburg was crowded with fugitives, by some of whom Ludwig was at
+once recognized. We went with a party of them to the Grape Vine Tavern,
+and whom should we meet at the door but the very comrade we had left
+behind.
+
+He had a curious contrivance about his throat. It was a simple rope
+with a knot tied in it; and he called out to Ludwig that he too was
+entitled to wear this grand cordon. He conducted us into the room
+where, at a table apart from the rest, were seated young men and old,
+all of whom had ropes around their necks.
+
+"Ah! here comes the father of 'the King of the Turners'!" were the
+words with which a large and powerfully built man welcomed me. I
+recognized him as the man who had been my guide during the September
+riots. "Hurrah, comrades! Here comes another companion. This way,
+Ludwig; this is the seat of honor. All who are seated here are under
+sentence of death, and as a badge we wear this rope about our necks."
+And they sang:
+
+            Should princes ask: "Where's Absalom?"
+            And seek to learn his plight--
+            Just tell them he is hanging high;
+            The poor, unlucky wight.
+            And though he's dead, he hangeth not
+            From tree, nor yet from beam.
+            He dreamt that he could Germans free
+            And 'twas a fatal dream.
+
+Their ribald jokes disgusted me, and I was therefore glad to chance
+upon one who had been a fellow-member of the Frankfort Parliament, and
+who shared my feelings at such distorted views of an unsuccessful
+attempt at revolution.
+
+I have known many pure-hearted, unselfish men, but never have I met
+with one whose love of freedom was greater than that of our friend
+Wilhelmi. Over and above that, he had a genuine love for his
+fellow-men. There are, unfortunately, many lovers of freedom who are
+not lovers of mankind, a contradiction which I have never been able to
+understand.
+
+Friend Wilhelmi gave me an insight as to the character of the old
+refugee, who was by nature of a peaceable disposition, but, giving way
+to the frenzy which in those days seemed to fill the very air, had lost
+all self-control. He was unable to endure the sufferings of exile. A
+deep longing for home preyed upon his spirits. To drown his grief, he
+indulged in wine, and the result of his copious draughts was that he
+became bold and noisy. This seemed to be his daily experience. In his
+sober moments he sat brooding in silence, and was often seen to weep.
+Wilhelmi had of course painted his picture in mild colors.
+
+I must add that the refugee at last died in a mad-house in America. It
+is sad to think of the many noble beings who were ruined and sacrificed
+during those terrible days.
+
+There was something inspiring in the words and thoughts of Doctor
+Wilhelmi. When I heard his voice I felt as if in a temple. And at this
+very moment memory revives the impression then made upon me.
+
+Meanness and detraction were without any effect upon him; for he could
+look over and beyond them. He had determined to emigrate to America
+with his wife, who was his equal in courage and confidence. Bertha, who
+found but little to her fancy in the rude and dreary life that here
+environed us, and who was especially indignant that the soldiers who
+had simply done their duty were referred to so contemptuously, spent
+most of her time in Madame Wilhelmi's room. She was constantly urging
+our speedy return. And Wilhelmi could endure neither the mockery of one
+class of Frenchmen nor the pity of the others. Ludwig determined to
+join his friend. Wilhelmi had a serious task with his comrades, for
+nearly all of them were firmly convinced that the troubles in Germany
+would be renewed with the morrow, and that it was their duty to remain
+on the borders so that they might be at hand when needed. Wilhelmi, on
+the other hand, warned them against such self-deception, which, if
+persisted in, would only lead to the destruction of the mere handful
+that was left of them. He often declared to me that he at last
+acknowledged that our German nation is not fitted for revolution. It
+has too many genial traits, and is devoid of the passion of hate. He
+felt assured that, when the crisis arrived, the German monarchs would
+of themselves see that, both for their own sakes and that of their
+people, it would be necessary to introduce an entire change in our
+political system. But when and how this was to be done (whether in our
+lifetime or afterwards), who could foretell?
+
+"We should not forget," said Wilhelmi, "the significance of the fact
+that the German people, so long bound down by a system of police
+espionage, has at last become aroused; nor will its oppressors forget
+it. Now they are furious against the evil-doers; but a second
+generation will not find so much to blame in their deeds, and, as you
+well know, my dear friend, for you are a forester, there is an old
+proverb which tells us that 'vermin cannot destroy a healthy tree.' The
+May beetles would rather prey on the oak than on any other tree, but
+although they destroy every leaf, and cause the tree to look like a dry
+broom, it renews its leaves with the following year."
+
+In olden times when men swore eternal friendship, a man would sometimes
+say, "This is my friend, and without knowing what he intends to say, I
+will swear that it is the truth, for he cannot tell a lie." In my own
+heart I had just such faith in Wilhelmi.
+
+I found it as sad to part from him as from Ludwig, and this
+circumstance overshadowed the grief I felt when saying "farewell" to my
+son.
+
+"What does fate intend by driving such men away from home, and far
+beyond the seas?" These were the parting words of my friend Wilhelmi.
+They moved me deeply; but I could not answer his question.
+
+I felt as if beholding a hail-storm beating down a field of ripened
+grain. How many a full ear must have fallen to the ground?
+
+I also met a young schoolmaster by the name of Funk. Although there had
+been no real reason for his leaving home, he had fled with the rest. I
+easily persuaded him to return with me.
+
+He was full of gratitude and submissiveness. In spite of this, however,
+my daughter even then, with true foresight, concluded that he was
+deceitful. I was for a long while unwilling to believe this, but was at
+last forced to do so.
+
+Funk had done nothing more than attend to some of the writing in the
+ducal palace which the revolutionists had taken possession of. But it
+was with great self-complacency that he spoke of his having dwelt in
+the very palace which, during his student years, he had never passed
+without a feeling of awe.
+
+I often thought of my son, but quite as frequently of that good old
+fellow, Rothfuss. Ludwig is free, but how does Rothfuss endure his
+captivity? And as it was just harvest time, it was doubly inconvenient
+to be without him.
+
+We were bringing home our early barley. I had walked on ahead and the
+loaded wagon was to follow. I opened the barn door, the wagon
+approached, and on it was seated Rothfuss, who call out at the top of
+his voice, "Here I am on a wagon full of beer. So far it is only in the
+shape of barley. Hurrah for freedom!"
+
+As Rothfuss had been imprisoned by mistake, he was soon set at liberty,
+and it was both affecting and diverting to listen to his accounts of
+his experience as a prisoner.
+
+He told us how good it is to be in jail and yet innocent. While he was
+there, he was reminded of all the sins he had ever committed, and he at
+last began to believe that he deserved to be locked up.
+
+"By rights," said he, "every one ought to spend a couple of years in
+jail, just because of what he has done. When we meet a man who has just
+got out of prison we ought to say to ourselves: 'Be kind to him for it
+is mere luck that you have not been there yourself.'" Thus spoke
+Rothfuss. He had thought he would find it pleasant to be sitting in his
+cell while the other folks were hard at work with the harvest, but it
+had proved terribly monotonous. The meals were not to his taste, nor
+could he enjoy his sleep. He could not endure such idleness, and after
+the second day, he begged the inspector to set him at chopping wood; a
+request which was not granted.
+
+And was not Rothfuss the happiest fellow in the world, when he heard
+the news of Ludwig's return?
+
+He complained that it was rather hard to know of a thing so long
+beforehand. Impatience at the delay would make one angry at every day
+that intervened.
+
+When I consoled him with the idea that the chief part of enjoyment lies
+in anticipation, his face lighted up with smiles, and he said, "He is
+right." When he praises me, he always turns away from me as if talking
+to some one in the distance, and as if determined to tell the whole
+world how wise I am. "He is perfectly right. It is just so. It is a
+pleasant thirst when you know that there are just so many steps to the
+next inn, and that the cooling drink which is to wash your insides and
+make you jolly, lies in the cellar there, waiting for you."
+
+Rothfuss had already started for the village, when he came running up
+the steps and called out: "I have found another nest; the locksmith's
+Lisbeth and our three Americans will be happiest of all when they hear
+the news. It is well to drink, but if one can first pour out a joyous
+cup for another, it is still better. I shall be back soon," he called
+out as he hurried up the road.
+
+The widow of Blum the locksmith lived in the back street. Her husband
+had settled in the village, intending to follow his trade, and also to
+till a small piece of land. Partly by his own fault, and partly through
+misfortune, he had not succeeded.
+
+He then desired to emigrate to America. His wife, however, had been
+unwilling to do so until she could feel assured of their being able to
+get along in the new world.
+
+At home she had her own little house and her three children. For some
+time the locksmith worked at the factory in the neighboring town,
+returning to his home only on Sundays. His idea of emigrating had,
+however, not been given up, and at last he departed for America with
+the hope of mending his fortunes, and then sending for his wife and
+children.
+
+When he arrived there, the war between the North and the South was at
+its height. He heard my son's name mentioned as that of one of the
+leaders, and at once enlisted under him. Ludwig was delighted to have
+one at his side who was both a countryman of his and a good
+artilleryman.
+
+It was not until after the locksmith had enlisted that he spoke of his
+having left a family at home. At the battle of Bull Run he lost his
+life, and his wife and children, who are still living down in the
+village, are in regular receipt of the pension which Ludwig secured for
+them.
+
+When the widow heard the news, she came to me at once, and told me with
+tears in her eyes, that she could hardly await Ludwig's return. She
+speedily acquainted the whole village with the event that was to prove
+a festival to my household, and when I went out of doors every one whom
+I met wished me joy; especially happy was one of the villagers who had
+been among Ludwig's volunteers in 1848, and was quite proud of his
+having been able to lie himself out of that scrape.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+Before I proceed further, I must tell you of Martella.
+
+It were of course better if I could let her speak for herself; for her
+voice, though firm, has an indescribably mellow and touching tone, and
+seems to hold the listener as if spell-bound. She had thick,
+unmanageable brown hair, and brown eyes in which there was hardly any
+white to be seen. She was not slender, but rather short, although there
+were moments when she would suddenly seem as if quite tall. Her manner
+was not gentle, but rather domineering, as if she would say, "Get out
+of the way there! I am coming!" In disposition she was wayward and
+passionate, vain and conceited. It was only in our house that she
+became pliant and yielding, and acquired mild and modest ways. I do not
+mean _modest_ in the current acceptation of the word; she had genuine
+respect for those who were higher and better than she. My wife effected
+a miraculous change in her without ever attempting to instruct, but
+simply by commanding her. She was the betrothed of my son Ernst, who,
+as I have already mentioned, was with us at Frankfort in the year 1848.
+
+It is difficult, and to us of an older generation perhaps impossible,
+to discover what impression the events of 1848 must have made on a
+child's mind.
+
+For my part, I have learned through this son, that failure on the part
+of the parents induces in their offspring a feeling which can best be
+described as pity mingled with a want of respect. Like William Tell, we
+had long carried the arrow of revolution in our bosoms, but when _we_
+sent it forth it missed the mark.
+
+In the autumn of 1848 my wife came to visit me at Frankfort and brought
+Ernst with her.
+
+Old Arndt was particularly fond of the lad, and often took him on his
+knee and called him his "little pine-tree." When the Regent, on the day
+after his triumphal entry, appeared in public, he met Ernst and kissed
+him.
+
+During the summer Ernst attended a preparatory school in the
+neighboring town. But he seemed to have no real love for study, while
+the teachers were over-indulgent with the handsome lad, who was always
+ready with his bold glances and saucy remarks.
+
+When I asked him what he intended to become, he would always answer me,
+"Chief forester of the state."
+
+To my great horror, I learned that he often repeated the party cries
+with which members of the different factions taunted each other. I sent
+him home after September, for I saw that his intercourse with those who
+were high in station was making him haughty and disrespectful.
+
+I am unable to judge as to the proper period at which a youthful mind
+should be induced to interest itself in political questions. I am sure,
+however, that if such participation in the affairs of the country be
+chiefly in the way of opposition, it must prove injurious, for its
+immediate effect is to destroy every feeling of veneration.
+
+Years passed on, Ernst was educated at the house of my wife's nephew,
+who was a professor at the Gymnasium at the capital. He also spent much
+of his time with his sister Bertha, who had married Captain Von
+Carsten.
+
+I must here remark that my son-in-law, in spite of the obstinate
+opposition of his haughty family, and the strongly marked disapproval
+of all of his superiors, up to the Prince himself, had married
+the daughter of a member of the opposition, and had become the
+brother-in-law of a refugee who was under sentence of death. He is a
+man of sterling character.
+
+When it was time for Ernst to leave for the university, or, as he had
+always desired, to attend the forester's school, he declared quite
+positively that it was his wish to enter the army. He remained there
+but one year. "The army of the lesser states," he said, "is either mere
+child's play, or else all the horrors of civil war lurk behind it." He
+visited the university only to remain there two terms, after which he
+entered himself with Hartriegel, the district forester.
+
+Ernst's unsteadiness gave us much concern, and I was especially shocked
+by the sarcastic, mocking manner, in which he spoke of those objects
+which we of the older generation held in reverence.
+
+He was disputatious, and maintained that it was one's duty to doubt
+everything. Indeed he did not even spare his parents in that regard,
+and was bold enough to tell me and my wife which of our qualities he
+most admired.
+
+He once uttered these wicked words: "The present generation does not
+look upon the fifth commandment as really a command: but I have a
+reason for honoring my parents; and I am especially grateful to you,
+father, for the good constitution I have inherited from you."
+
+My hand itched when I heard Ernst's words; but a glance from my wife
+pacified me, and I shall forever be grateful to her that I succeeded in
+controlling myself. Had I given way to my just anger, I would have had
+myself to blame for Ernst's desperate course and his lost life. That
+would have been adding guilt to misfortune, and would have been
+insupportable.
+
+I had yet much to learn. As a father I was sadly deficient in many
+respects. But, with every desire to improve herself, my wife was
+already a perfect being, and could therefore be more to the children
+than I was. I was disposed to neglect my family on account of what was
+due my office. She was vigilant and severe, and supplied what was
+lacking on my part. But although she was sterner than I was, the
+children were more attached to her than to me.
+
+Although Ernst's views of life gave me deep concern, he was often kind
+and affectionate; for his good-nature was, at times, stronger than his
+so-called principles.
+
+I sought consolation in the thought that children will always see the
+world in a different light from that in which it appears to their
+parents. Even that which is ideal is subject to constant change, and we
+should therefore be careful not to imagine that the form which is
+pleasing to us, and to which we have accustomed ourselves, will endure
+forever. And, moreover, was it not our wish to educate our children as
+free moral agents, and was it not our duty to accord full liberty even
+to those who differed with us?
+
+I have often seen it verified that a perfect development cannot take
+place with those who, either through birth or adverse circumstances,
+are deficient in any important moral faculty. With all of Ernst's love
+of freedom, he was entirely wanting in respect or regard for the
+feelings of others. Piety, in its widest sense, he was utterly devoid
+of. From his stand-point, his actions were perfectly just; as to their
+effects upon others, he was indifferent.
+
+On the Wiesenplatz in Frankfort, during the autumn of 1848, I had gone
+through a heart-rending experience. And now, after many years, I
+returned to the same spot only to be reminded of my former grief by
+painful and conflicting emotions. I had gone to Frankfort to attend the
+Schuetzenfest. The city was alive with joy; a spirit of unity had for
+the first time become manifest. I was standing close by the temple for
+the distribution of the prizes. Although surrounded by a gay and
+laughing crowd, I was quite absorbed in my own reflections, when
+suddenly a voice thus addressed me:
+
+"Ah, father! Are you here, too?" I looked around to see who it was, and
+beheld my son Ernst. He carried his rifle on his shoulder, and the
+rewards for his well-aimed shots were fastened under the green ribbon
+of his hat. Before I could get a chance to congratulate him, he had
+said to me, "Father, you should not have come; I am sorry that I meet
+you here."
+
+"Why so?"
+
+"Why! Because this is for us young lads. We are here for the purpose of
+gaining prize-goblets by our lucky shots; and the great speeches that
+are being held in yonder hall are nothing more than a mere flash in the
+pan. They are trying to persuade each other that they are all heroes
+and willing to bear arms for their Fatherland, and their talk is, after
+all, a mere sham. The good marksmen have not come here for the sake of
+their Fatherland and such stuff: all they desire is simply to gain the
+prize--that, and nothing more."
+
+"Do you not know that I, too, made a speech in there yesterday?"
+
+"No. I was informed that some one named Waldfried had been speaking;
+but I could not imagine it was you. One should have nothing to do with
+such inflammable thoughts when fire-arms are at hand. If we were to
+govern ourselves by your speeches, our brotherly-feeling would very
+soon be at an end, and there would be naught but violence and murder
+among us riflemen."
+
+I tried to explain to him that our hope lay in our able-bodied youth,
+and that we would not rest content until we had a real, united
+Fatherland. To which he answered:
+
+"Ah, yes. The students, those of brother Richard's sort, live on
+yesterday: the politicians live on to-morrow: we live in the present."
+
+His features trembled, and it was with an effort that he added,
+"Forgive me, father; perhaps I, too, will have as much confidence in
+mankind as you have, when I am as old as you are."
+
+What could I answer to this? While all about me was loud with joy, my
+soul was filled with sorrow. My youngest son denied the gods to whom I
+offered up my prayers.
+
+And yet, when I saw him among a group of riflemen, my fatherly pride
+was aroused. His proud, lithe form towered above the rest. New-comers
+saluted him, and the eyes of all seemed to rest upon Ernst with serene
+satisfaction.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER V.
+
+
+One day Ernst visited us and went about for a long while in
+silence,--now going out to Rothfuss in the stable, and then again
+joining us in the room; but here again he uttered no word. Although I
+could see that he was agitated, I did not ask him the reason. I had
+been obliged to accustom myself to allow him to speak when it suited
+him, and to avoid any advances on my part until it pleased him to seek
+them.
+
+We were just about to rise from the dinner-table when he said to us in
+a hurried manner, "Before you hear it from others, I must announce it
+to you myself:--I am engaged to be married."
+
+We looked at each other in silence. Not a sound was heard, save the
+ticking of the two Black Forest clocks in our room. At last my wife
+asked: "And with whom?"
+
+I could tell by the tone of her voice how many heavy thoughts had
+preceded these words.
+
+"With a healthy girl. I--I know all about selection in breeding,"
+answered Ernst, while he lit his cigar.
+
+I reprimanded him severely for his tone. Without changing a feature, he
+allowed me to finish my remarks. After that he arose, threw his rifle
+over his shoulder, put on his green hat, and left the house. I wanted
+to call him back, but my wife prevented me. I reproached myself for the
+violent manner in which I had spoken to him. Now he will rush into
+misfortune--who knows what he may do next? With mild words, I might
+have been able to direct him on the right path; but now he may,
+perhaps, not return, and will even persuade himself to hate me.
+
+My wife consoled me with the words: "He will return before nightfall."
+
+And it was so. In the evening he returned, and addressing me with a
+voice full of emotion, said: "Father, forgive me!"
+
+Rothfuss was in the room at the time, and I beckoned to him to leave;
+but Ernst requested that he should remain, and continued:
+
+"I have done wrong. I am heartily sorry for it. I have also done wrong
+to Martella. I should not have acted as I have done, but ought to
+have brought her to you first of all. She deserves quite different
+treatment--better indeed than I do. I beg of you, give back the words
+that I uttered! Forgive me! and, above all things, do not make Martella
+suffer for what I have said."
+
+He uttered these words with a trembling voice. Rothfuss had left the
+room. I held out my hand to Ernst, and he continued firmly:
+
+"You have so often told me, and as I am always forgetting it, you will
+have to tell it to me many a time again, that there is something in me
+which causes me at times to express myself quite differently from the
+way in which I intended to. I also know, dear father, that such a word
+lingers in your memory like a smouldering spark, especially when the
+word is uttered by your own child; and that in your grief you picture
+to yourself the utter ruin of a character that can indulge in such
+expressions. I understand you, do I not? Trust in me: I am not so bad,
+after all.
+
+"I do not believe in the possessed; and yet there must be something of
+that kind. Enough on that point, however. Though I seemed cheerful, I
+had a heavy heart; but now I am one of the happiest beings alive; and
+if I were obliged to be a wood-cutter for the rest of my days, I could
+still content myself. O mother, I would not have believed that I could
+have found such a creature in a world in which all others are mere
+pretence and _rouge_, lies and deceit.
+
+"She is in perfect health, and as pure and as fresh as a dewdrop.
+Although she has learned nothing, she knows everything. She cannot
+couch it in words, but her eyes speak it. Her heart is so thoroughly
+good,--so strong,--so pure,--indeed, I cannot find the right word for
+it. She has no parents, no brothers or sisters. She is a child of the
+woods, and as pure and as holy as the primeval forest itself.
+
+"O, forgive me all! I cannot describe my emotions. Now I understand and
+believe everything. They tell us that in the olden time, a Prince once
+lost his way while hunting in the forest, and that he found a maiden
+whom he placed upon his horse and led to his castle and then made her
+his queen. Those stories are all true. I cannot make a queen of
+Martella, but through her I am ennobled; and it grieves me that it will
+not do to have our wedding at once. But I will wait. I can wait. Or, if
+you like it better, we will wander forth to America, and, far from the
+world, shall live there as our first parents did in Paradise. Believe
+me, there is indeed a paradise.
+
+"O mother! You are certainly all that a human being can be, but still
+you have one fault;--yes, yes; you have wept--and the first commandment
+should be, 'Man, thou shalt not weep.' And, just think of it, mother,
+Martella has never yet wept! She is as healthy as a doe, and I swear it
+to you, she shall never know what it is to weep. O mother! O father! in
+the depths of the forest I have found this pure, innocent child, so
+wise and clever, so strong and brave. This flower has blossomed in the
+hidden depths of the forest; no human eye had ever seen her before. I
+am not worthy of her, but I will try to become so."
+
+His voice became thick. He beat his breast with both hands, and drew a
+long deep breath. I have never yet seen a being so refulgent with
+happiness. Thus, in the olden time, must they have looked who thought
+they were beholding a miracle; and even now, when I write of these
+things, feeble as my words seem, I tremble with emotion.
+
+And could this be my child, my son, my madcap, who now felt so humble
+and contrite. I had lost all memory of his former rudeness and sarcasm.
+It was some time before we could answer his words.
+
+The sun was going down in the west, its last broad rays fell into the
+room, shedding a glow of light over all, and as we sat we heard the
+evening chimes.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+"I believe in your love," said my wife at last.
+
+"O mother!" cried Ernst, throwing himself at her feet; and then kissing
+her hands, he wept and sobbed while he rested his head on her knee.
+
+I lifted him up and said, "We are independent enough not to ask where
+our daughter-in-law comes from, so that she be but good and will make
+our child happy."
+
+Ernst grasped both of my hands and said, "I knew it. I do not deserve
+your love, but now I shall try to be worthy of it."
+
+"But where have you been since dinner-time?" said my wife, trying to
+change the conversation.
+
+Ernst replied that he had left the road and had wandered far into the
+forest, where he had lain down and fallen asleep; and that within him
+two sorts of spirits had been battling. The spiteful spirit had urged
+him not to take back the rude words, and desired him, without heeding
+father or mother, to wander forth into the wide world with his
+Martella; she would follow him wherever he led.
+
+The humble spirit had, however, warned him to return and undo the harm
+he had done. The conflict had been a long one. At last he rose to his
+feet and ran home as if sent by a messenger of happiness.
+
+My wife listened attentively, and regarded him with that glance of hers
+which seemed to penetrate the deepest recesses of the soul. No other
+being can listen so attentively as she could, and no glance is as
+soothing as hers was. She would not attempt to assist you when at a
+loss for words, or by her manner imply that she knew what you meant.
+She patiently permitted you to explain yourself, to stop or to
+continue; and when she was listening, you could not but feel wiser than
+you really were. Her glance illumined your very soul.
+
+When Ernst had finished she said to him: "You are on the right path at
+last. I know that you think you have already reached the goal, and that
+all is done. But, believe me, and do not forget what I now tell
+you,--the spiteful spirit will return again; now he only feigns death.
+But rest content, for from this day you will be his master. I see this
+as clearly as I see your very eyes. The best possession in the world is
+now yours--pure, righteous love. Yes, you may well laugh, for now it is
+your goodness that laughs."
+
+Rothfuss came to tell me that the Alsatian cattle-dealer who wanted to
+purchase our fat oxen, wished to see me. I was about to send word to
+him to wait or to come some other time, but I understood my wife's
+glance, which told me that I had better leave her alone with Ernst.
+
+I left the room, and, while going, I heard her say, "Ernst, you must
+now eat and drink something; such emotions as you have felt awaken
+hunger and thirst."
+
+When I returned, Ernst sat at the table eating his supper. He called
+out to me, "Father, mother has arranged everything nicely, and if you
+are satisfied, why--"
+
+"Eat now, and let me speak," said my wife. And then she continued:
+
+"From all that Ernst has told me--and we depend upon his
+truthfulness--I am convinced that Martella is a real treasure-trove. No
+one but such a girl could banish this spirit of unrest. We are, thank
+God, so circumstanced that besides a good family name we can also
+bestow worldly goods upon our children. Ernst and his bride[1] are both
+young and can work for themselves. He loves in her the child of nature;
+but he understands that there is much of good which she can and must
+yet take up into this pure nature of hers. He used to say that he could
+never be happy except with a woman who sang beautifully, but now he no
+longer finds singing a necessity. But he cannot do without spiritual
+sympathy and harmony in his higher life. She need not learn French; I
+have forgotten what I once knew of it. But Ernst is accustomed to a
+refined home; and when he goes home to his wife in his forest house, he
+should be able to find refreshment and rest in noble and elevating
+thoughts.
+
+"If a forester is denied the proper delights of home and married life,
+there is nothing left him but the pleasures of the tavern; and they
+will certainly ruin him.
+
+"Martella must not be confused or taught in school-girl fashion. That
+which is noble and refined in life cannot be imparted by precept or
+command. It must become a necessity to her, just as it has become to
+our own son, and not until then can they both be happy.
+
+"Neither will the world be satisfied with mere nature and forest
+manners. Does it not seem the very thing that she of her own accord has
+said to Ernst, 'Let me spend a year as a servant to your sister, the
+captain's wife, or what would be still better, with your mother, and
+then come for me? If you do not object, I think we had better do this.
+Early to-morrow morning I shall drive over into the valley with Ernst,
+and in the evening I shall return with Martella, who will remain with
+us until all is arranged and she has become used to our ways and
+customs, so that Ernst may live happily with her, not only in his
+youth, but until his eighty-third year--for my father lived to that
+age."
+
+I do not know which to admire most in my wife--her shrewdness or her
+kindness. She always had the right word at the right time.
+
+I, of course, approved of her plan, and on the morrow she started off
+with Ernst in the wagon. Rothfuss drove the two bays.
+
+Towards evening, I walked down the road to meet them on their return.
+
+The sun was going down behind the Vosges Mountains. The rosy sunset
+shed its glow over the rocks and the waters of the brook.
+
+The Englishman stood at the bank angling. He never saluted those whom
+he met, but lived entirely for himself. Every year, as soon as the
+snows began to melt, he came to our valley, and remained until the
+winter returned. He dwelt with Lerz the baker, and was always fishing
+up and down the valley. He gathered up his complicated fishing-tackle
+and departed, followed by a day laborer carrying a fish basket.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+I waited down by the village saw-mill, where they already knew that
+Ernst's bride was coming to live with us. With all his gentleness and
+candor, Ernst had announced this in order that we should be bound by
+it. I met Rautenkron the forester, who was known in the whole
+neighborhood as "The wild huntsman."
+
+He was the best of shots, and could endure no living object. The people
+thought he merely avoided men, but I knew that he hated them. He always
+considered it a piece of good fortune when he heard bad news of any
+one. He lived in solitude, for whenever he had been seduced into
+helping some one he had always repented of it afterward. A ball had
+once passed through his hat, and, during the examination, the
+magistrate had said to the officer, "If he should ever be killed by a
+shot, you had better examine the whole village, for we shall all have
+had a share in it." He lived strictly within the law, however. He did
+not want to be beloved: it was his boast that every one could say, "He
+is severe, but just." He had no consideration either for rich or poor.
+
+He was in the vigor of life, with a gray beard, aquiline nose, and
+wondrously clear liquid blue eyes, of a piercing brilliancy.
+
+He came up to me with a friendly air, that was quite unusual on his
+part, and told me that Ernst had been with him that day.
+
+Ernst had said nothing to me of this. Rautenkron declared that he did
+not concern himself about other people, but that he was really sorry
+that Ernst was about to throw himself away. Here was another young man
+who was fit for heroic deeds, but was ruined in this good-for-nothing
+age, and was about to sacrifice his life to a coquettish forest girl.
+It was unpardonable that we should countenance him in this, and consent
+to take a creature from out of the thicket into a house which had
+always borne so honorable a name.
+
+"Mark my words! She will be just like a young fox that is caught before
+he has finished his growth,--he will never be perfectly tamed, but will
+run away to his home when you least expect it, and be right in doing
+so."
+
+It is always galling to hear pure affection thus abused and
+misconstrued.
+
+I endeavored to change the subject, but Rautenkron affected not to hear
+me, and indulged in the most violent language against the stranger.
+Indeed, he prophesied that our thoughtless conduct would drag us into
+misfortune, and called the miller to bear witness to what he thus told
+me.
+
+I abruptly refused to continue the subject, and now Rautenkron called
+out to me, his eyes beaming with joy, "Enough. Let us speak of
+something else. I have to-day done one of the prettiest deeds of my
+life. Shall I tell you what? All right! You know Wollkopf the wood
+dealer. He has such a mild, insinuating way about him, but always eyed
+me as the usurer does a suspicious-looking pledge. He did not trust me.
+'But,' thought I to myself, 'just wait! I will bide my time; he will
+come yet.' And he has come at last, within shooting distance too. At
+the last sale of wood in my district, he had bought a large lot of
+logs, and then came up to me and said that he wanted to speak plain
+German with me. Now listen to what the honored town-councillor--you
+know that is his position--the acknowledged man of honor, calls plain
+speaking! He offered me a bribe if I would keep such and such logs out
+of his lot. Of course I agreed. Smoking our cigars, we went on walking
+through the woods. I quickly cut down an oak sapling, pulled the
+branches from it, and with the green wood beat the lean man of honor to
+my heart's content. He cried out with all his might, but no one heard
+him save the cuckoo, and I enjoyed beating him until he was black and
+blue; just as the cuckoo enjoys swallowing the caterpillar which
+poisons the fingers of your soft-skinned gentry. I tell you there is no
+greater pleasure than administering personal chastisement to a sharper.
+Men say that the kiss of the beloved one is good; perhaps it is, but
+this is better.
+
+"And when I was satisfied, and he too, I suppose, had enough, I let him
+run, and said to him, 'Now, my sweet gentleman, you may sue me if you
+choose; but, if you do, it will be my turn to tell my story.'"
+
+While Rautenkron told his story, his features acquired an uncanny
+expression of glee. I must admit that I did not begrudge the sharper
+the beating he had received; and besides that, the recital had engaged
+my attention, and thus had relieved me from the sad thoughts which had
+before that filled my mind.
+
+It was already dusk when the wagon arrived. It halted. My wife said to
+the girl who was sitting at her side, "This is father. Speak to him."
+
+"I hope you are well, father!" exclaimed the girl.
+
+I heard Rautenkron beside me muttering angrily. His words, however,
+were unintelligible. Without saying more he hurried off into the
+forest.
+
+"What ails the misanthrope now?" said my wife. "But why need that
+trouble us? My child, you had better get out here and follow with
+father."
+
+I helped the child to alight. She seemed loth to obey.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+I was obliged to halt. I felt as if trying to drag a heavily laden
+wagon up the hill.
+
+But let me proceed. I have many a steep path yet to climb.
+
+I stood with the girl on the highway. I extended my hand and uttered a
+few words of welcome, but they did not come from the heart. Our wayward
+son had imposed a great burden on us. The young maiden appeared to pay
+no attention to what I was saying, but looked about in every direction.
+As it was dusk, I could not see her distinctly. I could perceive,
+however, that she was a powerful creature. She did not regulate her
+step by mine, but I was forced to keep step with her unless I wished to
+be left behind.
+
+"What dog is this running after us?" said I.
+
+"It is my dog. Isn't it so, Pincher? Aren't you my dog?"
+
+The dog answered with a bark, and kept running back and forth, now up
+the road and now down. When she whistled to him, in huntsman's style,
+he obeyed.
+
+"Master," asked she, without resting a moment while speaking, "and does
+all as far as the eye can reach belong to you?"
+
+"Why do you inquire?"
+
+"Why? because I want to know. It must be jolly here in the daytime."
+
+"Indeed it is."
+
+"Is that the graveyard where I see the crosses and the white stones?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Can it be seen from your house?"
+
+"It can."
+
+"Too bad! that will never do. I can't bear to look out of the window. I
+can't stay there, I won't stay; you must take away that graveyard; how
+can one laugh or sing with that constantly before one's eyes? Or how
+could I eat or drink? I once found a dead man in the forest. He had
+been lying there ever so long, and was quite eaten away. I can't bear
+to have Death always staring me in the face. I won't stay here."
+
+I was obliged to stop. I felt so oppressed that I could not move from
+the spot.
+
+The oxen that I had sold the day before were just being led down the
+hill. When Martella saw them she cried out, "Oh what splendid beasts!
+are they yours?"
+
+"They are no longer mine. I sold them yesterday, and they are to be led
+to France."
+
+"A pleasant meal to you, France!" said Martella, laughing boisterously.
+I could not help noticing her hearty laughter, for I felt quite shocked
+by it. What can this child be, thought I? What will become of our
+tranquil household?
+
+We arrived at the house. The room seemed lighted up more brilliantly
+than usual. We ascended the steps, Martella preceding me. My wife was
+waiting for us on the threshold, and taking both of Martella's hands in
+hers, said, "Now, child, thou art at last at home."
+
+"I am at home everywhere. And so is my dog. Isn't it so, Pincher?" said
+Martella in a bold tone.
+
+We entered the room. There were three lights on the table. My wife's
+eloquent glance told me to have patience, and when I saw her lay her
+hand on her heart I felt that she was confident that she could direct
+everything for the best.
+
+I now, for the first time, had a good look at Martella. In carriage and
+feature she seemed as wild and defiant as a gypsy. Her face was full of
+an expression of boldness. But she was indeed beautiful and fascinating
+when she spoke, and even more so when she laughed.
+
+"Why do you have three lamps on the table?" said she.
+
+"That is the custom," answered my wife, "when a bride comes to the
+house."
+
+"How lovely!" exclaimed Martella. "The one light stands for us who are
+as one. The other two lights represent the parents." And she laughed
+most heartily. Her next question was, "Why do you have two clocks in
+your room?"
+
+"You ask a great many questions," I could not avoid answering. But my
+wife said, "That is right. Always ask questions, and you will soon
+learn all that you need know."
+
+Martella may have imagined that she had been too precipitate, for she
+soon said:
+
+"To-morrow is yet another day. I am so tired. I would like to go to
+sleep now. But I must have my dog with me, or else I cannot rest."
+
+Indeed, her gentle good-night and her curtsey seemed strangely at
+variance with her usually bold and defiant manner.
+
+When she had left us, my wife said to me, "Do not take this affair to
+heart. It is indeed no trifle. But remember that Ernst might have made
+a much more serious mistake. He loves the wild creature, and our duty
+is to help him as best we can. Let Rothfuss and me take charge of the
+girl. For the present, you had better treat her with an air of reserve.
+We two will attend to all. You may be glad that we have so faithful a
+servant as Rothfuss. They are friends already, and he says, 'By the
+time the potatoes are brought home, she will lay aside her red
+stockings.' I was wishing for that on our way here. But she refused so
+positively, that I desisted from my endeavors to persuade her."
+
+After a little while, she continued:
+
+"A voice in the forest helped me to bring all things about as they
+should be. I heard the cuckoo's cry, and was reminded by that, that he
+would leave his young in a strange nest, and that other birds would
+patiently and affectionately nurture the strange birdling. We are
+something like these cuckoo parents. What they do without thought, we
+do consciously."
+
+When at early dawn on the following day, I looked out of my window, I
+saw Martella and her dog at the fountain in front of the house. Seen by
+day, and in her light attire, she seemed wondrously beautiful and
+fascinating.
+
+She washed her face and plaited her thick brown hair. Her every
+movement seemed free and noble, and almost graceful enough to please an
+artist's eye.
+
+She sang in a low voice, and would from time to time exclaim, "Cuckoo!"
+
+Rothfuss, who saw that she was washing herself, called out to her that
+she must not do that again. "The cows drink there, and if you wash
+yourself in that basin, they will never go there again."
+
+"I have already noticed," she replied, "that the cattle have the first
+place in this house."
+
+When she saw me, she called out in a clear, ringing voice:
+
+"Good-morning, master. Ernst was certainly right when he told me that
+it is lovely here. One can see so far in every direction. I shall yet
+climb every one of those hills. How good the water is! Do you, too,
+hear the cuckoo? He is already awake, and has bid me good-morning. Old
+Jaegerlies[2] has often told me that I was the cuckoo's child. And do
+you know that the cow got a calf during the night? A spotted cow-calf?
+We have already given the cow something warm to drink. The calf drank
+milk when it was hardly two minutes old. Rothfuss said it would be a
+pity to kill the calf. I am going to drive out into the fields with
+Rothfuss to get some clover. Yes, a cow has a good time of it in your
+house. But look! the cuckoo is flying over your house! That is an
+omen!"
+
+She went to the stable, and I followed her a short time afterwards. She
+looked on dreamily while the cow was licking the new-born calf, and
+said at last,
+
+"That is what you folks call kissing."
+
+Rothfuss asked her:
+
+"Are you fond of cows?"
+
+"I don't know; I never had one."
+
+He showed her our best cow and said,
+
+"Three years ago, when she was a calf, she got the first prize at the
+agricultural exhibition. She puts food to the best use. Everything that
+she eats turns either to meat or to milk."
+
+Rothfuss told Martella to put on a little jacket. They soon drove out
+to the fields, and when she held up the scythe, she exclaimed,
+"Cuckoo!" It seemed to me as if I were dreaming, and yet I remembered
+quite distinctly that my wife had spoken to me on the previous night of
+the cuckoo's young ones.
+
+What a strange coincidence it seemed!
+
+Martella returned from the fields in good spirits, and during the
+morning lunch was quite cheerful. She was constantly talking of the
+daughter-in-law, and the cow-calf that had come into the family during
+the night before.
+
+I then said to her, "I will give you the cow-calf. It is yours."
+
+She made no answer, but looked at me with an air of surprise.
+
+Rothfuss told me that when in the stable, she had said to the calf:
+"You belong to me. But of course, you know nothing of it. You really
+belong to your mother. But your mother belongs to the master, the
+master belongs to Ernst, and Ernst belongs to me; and that is how it
+is."
+
+When evening came, Rothfuss expressed his opinion in the following
+words:
+
+"If her inside is like her outside, she need not be made any better
+than she already is."
+
+Our oldest maid-servant, Balbina, seemed quite kindly disposed to the
+new arrival, and Martella said that Balbina had told her something with
+the air of imparting a secret of which she was the only possessor. And
+what was it? "Why, nothing more than that it is sinful to lie and
+steal."
+
+I have given the story of this first day in its smallest details. It is
+only for the first green leaves of spring that we have an attentive
+eye. They go on, silently increasing, until they become so numerous
+that they excite no comment.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+Martella did not become attached to any one in the house except
+Rothfuss, whom she was constantly plying with questions about Ernst's
+childhood. When in pleasant evenings during the week, and on Sunday
+afternoons in clear weather, the youths and maidens would march through
+the village, with their merry songs, she would sit with Rothfuss on the
+bench by the stable, or, unattended by any companion save her dog,
+would be up in the woods that lay back of our house.
+
+When she had any special request, she would communicate it through
+Rothfuss.
+
+Among other things, she wanted to go out into the forest with the
+wood-cutters. From her thirteenth year she had wielded the axe, and
+could use it as cleverly as the men. We did not grant this wish of
+hers.
+
+Her craving for knowledge was insatiable, and I marvelled at the
+patience and equanimity with which my wife told her everything she
+wanted to know.
+
+Things to which we had become accustomed were to her occasions of the
+liveliest surprise. This did not seem to change, for she never could
+get used to what with us had, through daily habit, become a matter of
+course. To her all seemed a marvel.
+
+Her glance was full of courage. Her voice seemed so full of sincerity,
+that her strangest utterances required no added assurance of their
+truthfulness. Her laughter was so hearty that it seemed contagious.
+
+Rothfuss was quite proud that he could control Martella, just as he did
+the two bays that he had raised from the time they were foals, and
+delighted to speak of the fact, that our youngest--as he called
+Ernst--was the best of marksmen. He had secured the best prize. For
+there could be no other girl so wise and merry as Martella. And she was
+so full of merry capers that the very cows looked around and lowed, as
+if to say, "We, too, would be glad to laugh with you, if we only could.
+But, alas! we cannot. We have not the bellows to do it with."
+
+She had named her calf "Muscat." She would nurse it as if it were a
+younger sister. She maintained that it was a perfect marvel of health
+and wisdom, and that the old cow was jealous, and tried to butt her
+because she had noticed that the calf had greater love for Martella
+than for its own mother.
+
+There was one point on which she and Rothfuss always quarrelled. She
+had an inexplicable aversion to America, of which Rothfuss always spoke
+as if it were Paradise itself. The manner in which Lisbeth, the
+locksmith's widow, had been provided for, was his chief argument in its
+favor. "None but a free state would provide so well for the families of
+the men killed in battle. How different our Germans are about that."
+
+Towards my wife and myself, Martella was respectful, but diffident.
+
+Ernst came to us but twice during the summer, remaining but a few hours
+each time.
+
+He wanted Martella to walk or drive around the neighborhood with him,
+but she refused, saying "that she would not leave home. She had been
+away long enough."
+
+Ernst was evidently provoked that Martella refused to go with him, but
+kept his anger to himself.
+
+In that summer, 1865, we had charming harvest weather, and I shall
+never forget Martella's saying, "I shall help gather the harvest. I was
+a gleaner once, and know that this is good weather for the farmers. To
+cut the ears in the morning and carry home the rich sheaves in the
+evening, without having had a storm during the day, is good for the
+farmer, but not so pleasant for the poor gleaner. Storms during the
+harvest time scatter the grain for the poor; for the farmers give
+nothing away of their own accord."
+
+Rothfuss looked towards me, and nodded approval of her words.
+
+Towards the end of summer, Richard paid us a visit.
+
+Richard had written to us some time before, and had referred to Ernst's
+conduct in indignant terms. He felt shocked that one who had not yet
+secured a livelihood for himself, had already linked the fate of
+another with his own, and had inflicted her presence upon the
+household. But from the first moment that he saw Martella, he admired
+her more than any of us had done.
+
+When he offered her his first brotherly greeting, she gazed at him with
+her brilliant eyes, and said,
+
+"I can see ten years ahead."
+
+"Have you the gift of prophecy?"
+
+"Oh pshaw! I don't mean that. What I mean is that in ten years from now
+Ernst will look as you now do. But I hope that when that time comes, he
+will not have to use spectacles."
+
+Richard laughed, and so did Martella quite heartily.
+
+There is nothing better than when two people laugh together at their
+first meeting.
+
+Later in the season, my daughter Johanna, who is the wife of a pastor
+in the Oberland who had once been Ludwig's teacher, came with her
+grown-up daughter to pay us a visit. Johanna's object in coming was to
+receive the benefit of the milk cure.
+
+At their very first meeting, she unintentionally affronted Martella.
+Johanna always wore black silk netted gloves, and when, with too
+evident an air of assumed kindness, she offered her hand to Martella,
+the latter said to her:
+
+"There is no need for a fly-net on your hand. I do not sting."
+
+After this trifling circumstance, there was many a heart-burning
+between Martella and Johanna. They were always at cross purposes.
+Rothfuss was provoked, as he was unable to satisfy Martella that the
+pastor's wife had not intended to affront her. Martella refused to be
+convinced, and persisted in calling Johanna a "fly-net."
+
+When she had once conceived an aversion for any one, she was immovable.
+And when Johanna came to the cow stables, which she did twice every day
+at milking-time, she would always in an ironical tone say, "Good-day,
+madam sister-in-law."
+
+Johanna found in this a cause for continued ill-feeling, to which, in
+her discontented and susceptible condition, she readily gave way.
+
+Johanna imagined that she had found the way to Martella's heart, by
+assuring her how much she pitied her. But that only served to make
+matters worse; for Martella resented any manifestation of pity.
+
+As our household was conducted on a generous scale, there was much
+that, in Johanna's eyes, contrasted unpleasantly with her own home. She
+frequently alluded to the small pay her husband was earning, and often
+gave us cause to remember that he would have been advanced much more
+rapidly, if he had not been the son-in-law of a member of the party in
+opposition to the government. She, in fact, made no concealment of her
+belief that I was the cause of her husband's and her daughter's infirm
+health. If it were not that I was in such great disfavor with the
+government, they would long ago have been stationed in a more genial
+climate, and would thus have recovered their health.
+
+She maintained that our mode of living was not pious enough, and
+thought it most atrocious that we indulged Martella in her heathenish
+ways.
+
+She did not care to go to the village pastor, with whom we had but
+little intercourse, for she was angry at him. His position brought him
+little work but generous pay, and she therefore coveted it for her own
+husband. But then, the wife of our pastor happened to be the daughter
+of a member of the consistory, which, of course, explains the whole
+matter.
+
+One peculiarity of Martella's afforded Johanna many an opportunity to
+read us homilies on our neglect of the child. No matter whether you did
+her a service or gave her a present, Martella never uttered a word of
+thanks.
+
+I am unable to explain the trait. It may have been the result of the
+simple life of nature in which she had been reared.
+
+My son Richard, who passed a portion of the autumn holidays with us,
+was of that opinion.
+
+Richard had a way of laying aside his spectacles after he had been with
+us for a day or two, and getting along without them until the day of
+his departure. He thus, with every succeeding year, did much to
+strengthen his overtasked eyes. I think he used to put his spectacles
+in the keeping of Rothfuss, who would return them to him on the day he
+left home.
+
+On this occasion, however, he retained his spectacles, and spent less
+of his time with Rothfuss than with Martella, who seemed to have become
+fonder of him than of any of us. In the evenings and on Sundays, she
+would take long walks with him in the woods, and would talk
+unceasingly.
+
+One evening Richard said:
+
+"I received the great academical prize to-day. Martella said to me: 'I
+can hardly believe that you are a professor; you are so--so wise, and
+have so much common-sense, and can talk like--like a wood-keeper's
+servant.' Can you imagine greater praise than that?
+
+"And let me tell you, moreover, that Martella is full of wisdom. She
+knows every creature, the beasts of the field and the birds of the air.
+And besides that, she can read the human heart thoroughly. I could not
+repeat some of her opinions to you without committing a breach of
+confidence. But I can tell you that she has split many a log, and knows
+how to swing her axe to the right spot.
+
+"Yes, Ernst is a lucky fellow; I am only fearful that he may not
+understand her simple nature. She is too wayward. I trust that he may
+learn to see in her a real incarnation of undefiled holiness and
+majesty. It is true that in her case they manifest themselves in the
+form of a girl not given to blissful tears, but the very embodiment of
+joy itself.
+
+"While walking along the road, she was chewing twigs of pine, and
+handed a few to me, with the words: 'Taste them; there is nothing half
+so good as these.'
+
+"When I told her that, as she could get better and more regular fare,
+she had better give up this habit of chewing pine needles, especially
+as it excited her nerves, she answered: 'I think you are right. They
+always excite me terribly.'
+
+"We were about to cross a meadow. I was afraid of the wet places.
+'Follow me,' said she, 'and be careful to look out for the molehills,
+for there is always dry soil underneath them.'"
+
+While Richard was thus discoursing with unwonted enthusiasm, Johanna
+had risen from the table and had beckoned to her daughter to follow
+her.
+
+Richard and my wife had noticed this as well as I had done. They did
+not allude to it, however, but continued their conversation, agreeing
+that it was best for the present to let Martella have her own way. They
+thought that she would in due time undoubtedly awaken to a longing for
+life's nobler forms, and the deeper meaning that lay beneath them.
+
+My wife had no set plan on which to educate Martella.
+
+"She is to live with us, and that of itself will educate her. She sees
+every one of us attending to his appointed labor. That will, of itself,
+soon teach her where her duty lies, and will help to make her orderly
+and methodical. She sees that our lives are sincere, and that, too,
+must do her good."
+
+My wife was careful to caution Richard against teaching her any
+generalities, as they could be of no use to her.
+
+Martella was not gentle in her disposition. She was severe towards
+herself as well as towards others. She had no compassion for the
+sufferings of others. Her idea was that every one should help himself
+as best he could.
+
+She had never cared or toiled for another being. Like the stag in the
+forest, she lived for herself alone. My wife nodded silent approval
+when Richard observed, "In a state of nature, all is egotism;
+gentleness, industry, and the disposition to assist others are results
+of culture."
+
+On the very day on which Richard had to leave us, the Major arrived at
+our house. He was on a tour of inspection, and had been examining the
+horses which the law required the farmers to hold ready for government
+uses.
+
+Our village was not included in his district, and he had gone out of
+his way to pay us this visit. He was in full uniform. His athletic,
+hardy figure presented quite a stately appearance, and his honest,
+cheerful manner was quite refreshing.
+
+He was glad to be able to inform us that the ill-will of his superior
+officers, in which even the minister of war had participated, had not
+injured him with the Prince. Although there had been three competitors
+for the position, the Prince had selected him, and had personally
+informed him of his promotion with the words, "I have great respect for
+your father-in-law, and believe that he is a true friend of the state."
+
+The Major was not wanting in respect and affection for me, and his
+behavior to my wife was marked by a knightly grace, and filial
+veneration. When Richard told him how Martella had in himself seen her
+own betrothed with ten years added to his real age, he replied: "I have
+never said so, but it has often occurred to me that, when she is older,
+Bertha will be the very picture of her mother as we now see her."
+
+Richard was an excellent go-between for Martella and the Major, who had
+brought a necklace of red beads which Bertha had sent to the new
+sister-in-law.
+
+Although Martella's face became flushed with emotion, she did not
+utter one word of thanks. She pressed the beads to her lips, and then
+stepped to the mirror and fastened the necklace on. Then she turned
+towards us, while she counted us off on her fingers and said, "I am a
+sister-in-law. Now I know everything, and have everything. I have a
+pastor, a professor, a major, a forester, a great farmer, and--what
+else is there? Ah, yes, now I know--a builder."
+
+"Yes, we have one; but he is in America."
+
+"I will have nothing to do with America," said Martella.
+
+The Major ventured the remark that Ernst had acted unwisely in leaving
+the service; he seemed made for a soldier, and the best thing he could
+do would be to return to the army. But in that case he would have, for
+a while at least, to postpone all thoughts of marrying.
+
+"He need not hurry on my account," interrupted Martella; "I am sure I
+shall put nothing in his way. I, too, shall need some time to make
+myself fit. I shall have to put many a thing in here," pointing to her
+forehead, "before I shall deserve to be a member of this family. Now I
+have the necklace that my sister-in-law sent me, around my neck, and do
+not mind being tied, and--Good-night!"
+
+She reached out her hand to my wife, and then to each one of us. After
+which she again grasped my wife's hand, and then retired.
+
+Richard explained Martella's peculiar characteristics to the Major.
+Both in thought and in action she was a strange compound of gentleness
+and rudeness.
+
+The Major asked whether we knew anything about her parents. Richard
+replied that she had imparted facts to him that bore on the subject,
+but that they were as yet disconnected and unsatisfactory, and that he
+had given her his word of honor that he would reveal naught, until she
+herself thought that the proper time had come.
+
+We kept up our cheerful conversation for some time longer. Suddenly it
+occurred to the Major to observe that the dispute between Prussia and
+Austria was taking a dangerous shape, and that, according to his views,
+Prussia was in the right. The military system of the confederation
+could not last long in its present condition.
+
+Thus we were brought face to face with serious questions.
+
+Of what import was the transformation of a child of the forest, when
+such weighty matters were on the carpet.
+
+But while the clouds pass by over our heads, and the seasons depart,
+the little plant quietly and steadily keeps on growing.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER X.
+
+
+In the winter of 1865 I left home to attend a session of the
+Parliament.
+
+My neighbor Funk, who was also a delegate, accompanied me.
+
+It grieves me to be obliged to describe this man or even to mention
+him.
+
+He caused me much sorrow. He humiliated me more than any other man has
+ever done, for he proved to me that I have neither worldly wisdom nor
+knowledge of men. How could I have so egregiously deceived myself in
+him? I am too hasty in determining as to the character of a man, and
+when I afterwards find that his actions are not in keeping with my
+conception of what they should be, the inconsistency torments me as if
+it were an unsolved enigma. In one word, I have suffered much because
+of a lack of reserve. Unfortunately I must give all or nothing. Even
+now I cannot help thinking that he must be better, after all, than he
+seems. I find, on comparing myself with him, that he has many an
+advantage over me. He is twenty years younger than I am, and yet he
+seems as if he had matured long ago. I shall never be that way, no
+matter how long I live. I am always growing.
+
+He had failed in the examination for a degree, and, disappointed and
+vexed, had entered the teachers' seminary. He afterward actually became
+a schoolmaster, but never forgot that he had once aspired to enter a
+higher sphere of life.
+
+When the revolution broke out he had hoped to find his reckoning in it.
+He speedily found himself in a high position, and had no trouble in
+accustoming himself to the princely palace in which the provisional
+government had located itself.
+
+I have already mentioned that I had brought Funk home from Strasburg
+with me. I felt so firmly convinced of his innocence that I used all my
+influence in his behalf, and even deposited a considerable sum as his
+bondsman, in order that he might be tried without having to surrender
+his liberty. He was pronounced innocent.
+
+He made me shudder one day when he told me that the judges had
+evidently imbibed my belief in his innocence.
+
+Funk was a handsome man, and still retains his good looks. Annette, the
+friend of my daughter Bertha, called him a perfect type of lackey
+beauty. She was sure, she said, that he was born to wear a livery.
+There was something so abject and cringing about him. She was not a
+little proud of her discernment, when, some time after, I confirmed her
+judgment by the announcement that Funk was actually a son of the Duke's
+valet.
+
+Funk did not resume his former position as a teacher. He became an
+emigration agent. For during the first years of the reaction there was
+a great increase in the number of emigrants from this country to
+America.
+
+Besides this, he had also become an agent for Insurances of all sorts
+Fire, Life, Hail, and Cattle. His window-shutters were so covered with
+signs that they presented quite a gay appearance.
+
+He was chosen as one of the town-council, but the government did not
+confirm him in office, which action of theirs gained him much credit
+with the people. Two years after that, when he was elected burgomaster,
+he knew how to bring it about that a deputation should wait upon the
+Prince in person to urge his confirmation.
+
+Funk induced his wife always to wear the old-time costumes of the
+country people.
+
+"That, you must know," he said to me one day, "awakens the confidence
+of the country people." When I reproved him for this trick, he laughed
+and showed his pretty teeth. There was, to me at least, always
+something insincere and repulsive in his laugh, and in the fact
+that he never wearied of repeating certain high-sounding phrases. But
+what was there to draw me towards this man? I will honestly admit
+that I have a certain admiration for combativeness, courage, and
+shrewdness--qualities in which I am deficient.
+
+My unsuspecting confidence in others is a mistake. But I have been thus
+for seventy years, and when I reckon up results, I find that I am none
+the worse for it. Although over-confidence in others has brought me
+many a sorrow, it has also given me many a joy.
+
+I have suffered much through others, and through Funk especially; but I
+still believe that there are no thoroughly bad men, but that there are
+thoroughly egotistical ones, and that the pushing of egotism beyond its
+due bounds is the source of all evil.
+
+If I had not helped him with all my influence, Funk would not have been
+chosen a delegate to the Parliament. When he visited me, on the day
+following the election, he addressed me in a tone of unwonted and
+unlooked-for familiarity, much to the disgust of my wife.
+
+After he had left she said to me, "I cannot understand you. I did not
+interfere when I saw that you were trying to gain votes for Funk; that,
+I presume, is a part of politics, and perhaps the party needs voters,
+and just such bold and irreverent people. They can say things that a
+man of honor would not permit himself to utter. But I cannot conceive
+how you can allow yourself to be on so familiar a footing with that
+man."
+
+I assured her that the first advances had been made by him, and that
+although they were undesired by me I did not choose to appear proud.
+
+She said no more. But there was yet another reproof in store for me.
+
+When I entered the stable Rothfuss said to me, "Why did you let that
+grinning fellow get so near to you? Is he still calling out, 'God be
+with thee, Waldfried! You will come to see me soon, will you not?' Such
+talk from that quarter is no compliment."
+
+I did not suffer him to go on with his remarks. My weak fear of hurting
+the feelings of others had already worked its own punishment on myself.
+
+When I left home for the session of 1865, Funk was waiting for me down
+by the saw-mill. I found him with a young man, the son of a
+schoolmaster who lived in the neighborhood. He took leave of his
+companion, and turning to me exclaimed with a triumphant air, "I have
+already saved one poor creature to-day. The simple-minded fellow wanted
+to become a teacher. A mere teacher in a public school! A position
+which is ideally elevated, but financially quite low. I convinced him
+that he would be happier breaking stone on the road. We ought to make
+it impossible for the Government to get teachers for its public
+schools."
+
+When I answered that he was wantonly trifling with the education of our
+people, he replied, "From your point of view, perhaps you are quite
+right." It was in this way that I first got the idea that Funk thought
+he was controlling me. His subordination was a mere sham, and we were
+really at heart opposed to each other.
+
+He voted as I did in the Parliament, but not for the same reasons.
+
+If Funk had been insincere towards me, it was now my turn--and that was
+the worst of it--to be insincere towards him.
+
+I was determined to break off my relations with him, and only awaited a
+favorable opportunity for so doing. And yet while awaiting that
+opportunity I kept up my usual relations with him.
+
+It is x indeed sad, that intercourse with those who are insincere
+begets insincerity in ourselves.
+
+We reached the railway station, where we found numerous delegates, and
+indeed two of our own party, who were cordially disliked by Funk. One
+of them was a manufacturer who lived near the borders of Switzerland.
+He was a strict devotee, but was really sincere in his religious
+professions, which he illustrated by his pure and unselfish conduct. We
+were on the friendliest footing, although he could not avoid from time
+to time expressing a regret that I did not occupy the same religious
+stand-point that he did.
+
+The other delegate was a proud and haughty country magistrate--a man of
+large possessions, who imagined it was his especial prerogative to lead
+in matters affecting the welfare of the state. He had been opposed to
+Funk during the election, and had ill-naturedly said, "Beggars should
+have nothing to say." Funk had not forgotten this, but nevertheless
+forced him, as it were, into a display of civility.
+
+The two companions were quite reserved in their manner towards Funk,
+and before we had accomplished our journey I could not help observing
+that there was a pressure which would induce a clashing and a
+subsequent separation of these discordant elements.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+During the winter session of the Parliament I did not reside with my
+daughter Bertha.
+
+At a future day it will be difficult to realize what a separation there
+then was between the different classes of our people.
+
+There was a feeling of restraint and ill-will between those who wore
+the dress of the citizen and that of the soldier. The Prince was, above
+all things, a soldier, and when in public always appeared in uniform.
+
+We delegates, who could not approve of all that the Government required
+of us, were regarded as the sworn enemies of the state, both by court
+circles and by the army, to whom we were nevertheless obliged to grant
+supplies.
+
+An officer who would suffer himself to be seen walking in the street
+with a citizen who was suspected of harboring liberal opinions, or with
+one of the delegates of our party, might rely upon being reported at
+head-quarters.
+
+Although he did not say anything about it, my son-in-law was much
+grieved by this condition of affairs. Whenever I visited him he treated
+me with respect and affection, as if he thus meant to thank me for the
+reserve I had maintained when we met in public, and desired to
+apologize for the rigid discipline he was obliged to observe.
+
+We had a long session, full of fury and bitterness on the part of the
+ministers and officers of the Government, and of the depressing
+consciousness of wasted effort on ours. The morning began with public
+debate; after that came committee-meetings, and in the evenings our
+party caucuses, which sometimes lasted quite late. And all of these
+sacrifices of strength were made with the discouraging prospect that
+the fate of our Fatherland still hung in doubt, that our labors would
+prove fruitless, and that our vain protest against the demands of our
+rulers would be all that we could contribute to history.
+
+The air seemed thick as if with a coming storm. We felt that our party
+was on the eve of breaking up into opposing fragments. There was no
+longer the same confidence among its members, and here and there one
+could hear it said: "Yes, indeed, you are honest enough, and have no
+ambitious or selfish views to subserve."
+
+Funk was one of the most zealous of all in the attempt to break up the
+party.
+
+For a while he had undoubtedly aspired to the leadership. But when it
+was confided to a gifted man who had availed himself of the declaration
+of amnesty and had returned to his Fatherland some years before, Funk
+acted as if he had never thought of the position.
+
+Who can recall all of the changes in the weather that help to ripen the
+crop!
+
+A spirit of fellowship is praised both in war and in voyages of
+adventure. The life of a delegate, it seems to me, combines the
+peculiar features of both of those conditions. It is no trifling matter
+to leave a pleasant home and to bid adieu to wife and children, and to
+stand shoulder to shoulder, laboring faithfully day and night for the
+common weal.
+
+I have had the good fortune to gain the friendship of man. It differs
+somewhat from the love of woman, but is none the less blessed.
+
+I was not only a delegate from our district but also a member of the
+German Parliament. I was in accord with the best men of my country, and
+we were true to one another at our posts. May those who in a happier
+period replace us act as faithfully and unselfishly as we did!
+
+During the winter session my wife's letters were a source of great
+enjoyment to me. She kept me fully informed of all that happened at
+home, and especially in regard to Martella.
+
+On the morning that I left home she came to my wife and said,
+"Mother--I may call you so, may I not?--and I shall try to be worthy of
+it; and when master returns, I shall call him father."
+
+She pointed to her feet. My wife did not know what she meant by that,
+until she at last said, "Rothfuss said that if I were to lay aside my
+red stockings, I would be making a good beginning."
+
+And after this she began again: "I shall learn all that you tell me,
+but not from the schoolmaster's assistant. When he was alone with me
+the other day, he stroked my cheeks and I slapped him for his
+impertinence. I shall gladly learn all that you wish me to learn."
+
+She remained with my wife, and appeared quite pliant and docile. My
+wife had her sleep in her own bedchamber, and on the first night she
+exclaimed, with a voice full of emotion, "I have a mother at last? O
+Ernst, you ought to know where I am! How happy you have been to have
+had a mother all your life!"
+
+I took these letters to my daughter Bertha, who thoroughly appreciated
+and loved Martella. She said that her own experience had been somewhat
+similar; for her marriage had introduced her to an aristocratic and
+military circle, in which she was at first considered as an interloper,
+and where it took some time before she could acquire the position due
+her. For even to this day the aristocracy retain the advantage that
+those who are well born can enter good society, even though they be
+utterly devoid of culture.
+
+Annette, who had also married an officer, had become quite attached to
+her, and the result of their combined efforts was that they at last
+achieved quite a distinguished position. Annette, who was a Jewess by
+birth, and very wealthy, had at first attempted to conquer her way into
+society by dress and show. Yielding, however, to the counsels of
+Bertha, she took the better course; and by adopting a simple and
+dignified manner, free from any craving for admiration, the recognition
+she merited was accorded her.
+
+This friend of Bertha was, I confess, not at all to my liking. She had
+received a good education, and even had a cultivated judgment; but she
+was fain to mistake these gifts for genius, and imagined herself a
+thoroughly superior woman--a piece of self-deception in which
+flatterers encouraged her.
+
+Her husband regarded her as a woman of superior gifts, and succeeded in
+this way in consoling himself for the inconvenient fact of her being of
+Jewish descent. His faith in her genius seemed to increase rather than
+diminish, and it was his constant delight to sound its praises to
+others.
+
+Annette treated me with exceptional admiration, but she always seemed
+desirous of making a parade of her appreciation of me, or in other
+words, having it minister to her own glory. Mere possession or
+undemonstrative emotion afforded her no pleasure. Her talents and her
+reflections afforded her great enjoyment, and it was her constant
+desire that others should have the benefit of it. She was always
+inviting you to dine with her; and if you accepted her invitations, she
+was never satisfied until you had praised the dishes which she could so
+skilfully prepare. She sang with a powerful voice and drew very
+cleverly, but wanted the world to know it, and to pay her homage
+accordingly.
+
+She always addressed me as "patriarch," until I at last forbade her
+doing so. I was, however, obliged to submit to some of the other
+elegant phrases in which she was wont to indulge. She had no children,
+and often spent the whole day in the private gallery of the House of
+Parliament, where she would not cease nodding to me until I at last
+returned her salute.
+
+One evening there was a party at Bertha's. The wife of the
+Intendant-in-chief was among the guests. She was a beautiful creature,
+slender and undulating in form, of majestic carriage, and yet withal
+simple and unaffected. She had a charming voice, and sang many pretty
+songs for us. She was so obliging too, that, yielding to the repeated
+requests of her delighted auditors, she sang song after song.
+
+I had known her as a young girl. She was the daughter of the chief
+forester, and seemed to retain the woodland freshness of her childhood
+days. But she had always been ambitious, and had thirsted for the
+pleasures of city life, with which she had become acquainted while
+going to the school which was patronized by the reigning Princess.
+
+At one of the public examinations she had sung so delightfully that the
+Princess had praised her performance; and I believe that her desire for
+a brilliant life dated from that incident.
+
+She was fond of dress and show, and had married the Intendant, who was
+a dried-up, conceited fellow.
+
+Her marriage had not been a happy one; and now she sang love-songs full
+of glowing passion, of sobs and tears.
+
+I was thinking of this, and asking myself how it could be possible,
+when Annette sat down by my side and softly whispered to me:
+
+"Do explain, if you can, how this woman, after singing such songs, can
+leave the company and ride home with her disagreeable husband? I could
+not sing a note if I had such a husband."
+
+Annette cannot conceive of her ever having been in love. All her
+singing of the pleasures and the pains of love is nothing more than
+poetical or musical affectation. "But how did she thus learn to
+simulate emotion. If she really felt all this she would either die or
+become crazed on her way home."
+
+From that moment I began to like Annette. She had gone much further
+than I had dared even in my thoughts, and proved, at the same time,
+that her heart was true, and that she could not separate her feeling
+for art from the rest of her life.
+
+Bertha showed my wife's letters to her friend, who conceived the most
+enthusiastic affection for Martella. She often inquired whether there
+was anything she could do for the charcoal-burner's daughter.
+
+There was danger of offending her by refusing her gifts. Even a virtue
+may at times assume a repulsive form. Annette's complaint--I cannot
+express it otherwise--was a passion for helping others.
+
+My wife wrote that Martella was like a fresh bubbling spring, which
+only needed to be kept within bounds to become a refreshing brook; but
+that this must be carefully done, for inconsiderate attempts to deepen
+the channel or divert its course might ruin the spring itself.
+
+My wife also informed us that Ernst had been home to pay a short visit.
+He seemed quite pensive, and expressed his dissatisfaction with the
+fact that Martella was looking so pale. He approved of the education
+which she was receiving, but thought that her freshness and strength
+should not be sacrificed. He said he had formed a plan to live with
+Rautenkron, with whom he intended to practice, and also said that when
+once in the quiet forest he would study industriously.
+
+My wife strenuously objected to this course. She maintained that where
+there was a will, one could attend to his duty in any position; and
+moreover, that at the present time it was not well for Ernst and
+Martella to see each other so often.
+
+Martella was of the same opinion; and my wife could hardly find words
+to express her delight that Martella was constantly acquiring
+gentleness and consideration for others. Although at first she had been
+loud and noisy, there was now something graceful and soothing in her
+manner. She would arise early in the morning and dress herself in
+silence, while my wife would feign sleep in order that Martella might
+become confirmed in her gentle manners.
+
+One evening, when Martella had been the subject of protracted
+conversation, I returned to my room, and for the first time noticed a
+colored lithographic print that had been hanging there. It was the
+picture of a danseuse who had been quite famous some years before. It
+represented her in a difficult pose, and with long, flowing hair. The
+print startled me.
+
+It was wonderfully like Martella; or was it simply self-deception
+caused by her having been in our thoughts during the whole evening?
+
+I felt so agitated that I lit the lamp again and took another look at
+the picture. The likeness seemed to have vanished.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+Towards the end of November, my wife wrote to me that Ernst had been at
+home again, and that, several hours after his arrival, he had, in the
+most casual manner, mentioned that he had successfully passed his
+examination as forester. When my wife and Martella signified their
+pleasure at this piece of news, he declared that he had only passed his
+examination in order to prove to us and the rest of his acquaintance,
+that he, too, had learned something, but that he was not made to be put
+just where the state desired to place him, and that, in the spring, he
+and Martella would emigrate to America, as he had already come to an
+understanding with Funk in regard to the passage.
+
+When he asked Martella why she had nothing to say on the subject, she
+replied:
+
+"You know that I would go to the end of the world with you. But we are
+not alone. If we go, your parents and your brothers and sisters must
+give us their blessing at parting."
+
+"Oh! that they will."
+
+"I think so too. But just consider, Ernst! We are both of us quite
+young, and I have just begun to live. Do not look so fierce; when you
+do that, you do not look half so handsome as you really are. And
+besides, there is something yet on my mind which I must tell you, and
+in which I am fully resolved."
+
+"I cannot imagine what you mean; it seems, at times, that I really do
+not know you as I once did."
+
+"You do know me, and it grieves me to be obliged to tell you so."
+
+"What is it? What can it be? You have become quite serious all at
+once."
+
+"I am glad that you can say so much in my praise, for I have need of
+it; and I feel quite sure that you will approve of what I am going to
+say.
+
+"Just see, Ernst! I won't speak of anything else--but with mother's aid
+I have begun so much that is good, that I cannot bear to think of
+hurrying away while the work is half finished. You have passed your
+examination; let me pass mine too. First let mother tell me that my
+apprenticeship is at an end, and then I will wander with you; and we
+shall be two jolly gadabouts, and have lots of money for travelling
+expenses. Isn't it so? You will let me stay here ever so long; won't
+you?
+
+"Ah, that is right. You are laughing again, and I see that you approve
+of what I have said. If you had not done so you should have had no
+peace, for my mind is made up.
+
+"The canopied bed next to your mother's is now mine; and indeed it is a
+heavenly canopy that one must be slow to leave. And, as I told you
+before, I have just begun to live."
+
+Ernst looked towards my wife. It seemed as if doubt and pride were
+struggling within him. When Martella had left the room and my wife
+urged him to remain with us and to afford us the joy of having such a
+daughter-in-law in our home, he was vanquished, and exclaimed:
+
+"Yes, I am indeed proud of her! I must admit I never expected so much
+of her. If she only does not grow over my head."
+
+My wife wrote me that she only remembered a portion of what had
+happened. The wisdom and feeling evinced by the child had surprised
+her; and the subdued, heartfelt voice in which she had spoken had been
+as delightful as the loveliest music. She had been obliged to ask
+herself if this really was the wild creature who had entered the house
+but three-quarters of a year ago. The change that she had devoutly
+wished for had been brought about with surprising rapidity. Martella
+had awakened to a sense of the duties life imposes on all of us.
+
+Nothing can be more gratifying than to find that a just course of
+action has produced its logical results.
+
+Thus all was well. Ernst went out hunting with Rautenkron, and once
+even prevailed on him to visit our house.
+
+Rautenkron had but little to say to Martella. He would knit his heavy
+eyebrows, and cast searching side-glances on the child. This was his
+custom with all strangers. When taking leave of my wife, he inquired
+whether we knew anything of Martella's parentage. All that we knew was
+that she had been found in the forest when four years old. Jaegerlies
+had cared for her until Ernst brought her to our house. Martella had
+told more than that to Richard, but he had firmly refused to tell us
+what it was. When Rautenkron had left, Martella said:
+
+"He looks like a hedgehog, and I really believe that he could eat
+mice."
+
+In the last letter that I received before returning to my home, my wife
+wrote me that Martella had displayed a very singular trait.
+
+Rothfuss had become sick, and Martella, who was as much attached to him
+as if she were his own child, could neither visit nor nurse him. She
+had an unconquerable aversion to sick people. She would stand by the
+door and talk to Rothfuss, but she would not enter his room. She was
+quite angry at herself because of this, but could not act differently.
+
+"I cannot help it--I cannot help it," she said. "I cannot go near a
+sick person." He begged her to procure some wine for him; some of the
+red wine down in the glass house. He knew that would make him well
+again. Rothfuss found as much pleasure in deceiving the doctor as he
+usually did in outwitting the officers.
+
+Martella cheerfully entered into his plan; she got the wine for him,
+and from that day he gradually improved in health.
+
+It was quite refreshing to me to have my thoughts recalled to our life
+at home. While the most difficult political questions and a struggle
+against a system of police espionage were engaging us, a concordat with
+the Pope had been submitted for our approval. It was the result of deep
+and long-protracted intrigues, and was full of carefully veiled and
+delicately woven fetters. I had been appointed as one of the committee
+to whom the matter was referred, and after a heated debate, we
+succeeded in securing its abrogation. The minister who had made the
+treaty was disgraced. His accomplices allowed him to fall while they
+saved themselves. Funk, in his own name and that of two associates,
+gave his reasons for declining to vote on the question. They demanded
+perfect freedom for every religions sect, and the abandonment on the
+part of the state of its right to interfere with matters of faith.
+
+It had been proposed that my son Richard, who was Professor of History
+at the University, should be appointed as Minister of Education.
+
+He had published a powerful work on this topic. My son-in-law informed
+me that he had heard Richard's name mentioned in Court circles. In a
+few days, however, the rumor proved to be an ill-founded one. A
+declamatory counsellor received the appointment.
+
+Although encouraged by my success, it was with a sense of overpowering
+fatigue that I returned home at Christmastime. I felt as though I had
+not been able to enjoy a night's sleep while at the capital: it was
+only at home that I could breathe freely again and enjoy real repose.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+At home I found everything in excellent order. Rothfuss was still
+complaining, and was not allowed to leave his bed; but he was mending,
+and had naught to complain of but _ennui_ and thirst.
+
+I cannot remember a merrier Christmas than that of 1865. We could
+quietly think of our children we knew how they lived. Every Christmas
+we would receive a long letter from Ludwig; and Johanna wrote us that
+affairs were improving with her husband.
+
+On the day before Christmas, Ernst arrived. He carried a roebuck on his
+shoulder, and stood in front of the house shouting joyously. He waited
+there until Martella went out to meet him. He reached out his arms to
+embrace her, but she said, "Come into the house. When you get in there,
+I will give you an honest kiss."
+
+When I congratulated Ernst on his success in his examination, he
+replied, "No thanks, father; I was lucky; that is all. I really know
+very little about the subjects they examined me upon. I know more about
+other things. But I passed nevertheless." It was delightful to listen
+to Richard's sensible remarks; Ernst's conversation, however, was so
+persuasive and so varied as to prove even more interesting than that of
+Richard. He expressed himself quite happily in regard to the manner in
+which one should, by stealth as it were, learn the laws of the forest
+by careful observation, and referred to a point which is even yet in
+dispute among foresters--whether a fertile soil or a large return in
+lumber is most to be desired. I began to feel assured that my son, who
+had so often gone astray, would yet be able to erect a life-fabric that
+would afford happiness both to himself and to others.
+
+Towards evening, when we were about to light the lamps, the Professor
+arrived, to Martella's great delight.
+
+"I knew you would be glad to see me," said Richard, "and I must confess
+I like to come to my parents; but I have come more for the sake of
+seeing you than any one else."
+
+Richard congratulated Ernst, and promised to prepare a grand poem for
+the wedding day.
+
+The lights shone brightly, and joy beamed from every eye.
+
+The Professor had brought some books for Martella, but had not been
+fortunate in his selections. There were children's books among them,
+and these Martella quietly laid aside.
+
+Bertha had sent her a dress, Annette had contributed some furs, and
+Johanna had sent her an elegantly bound Bible.
+
+"I see already," said Martella, "that naught but good things are
+showered down on me. Let them come. God grant that the day may arrive
+when I, too, can bestow gifts. But now let us be happy," she said,
+turning to Ernst. "When we are alone together in the wild-woods, let us
+remember how lovely it is here. Look at the Christmas-tree. It was out
+in the cold and was freezing; but now they have brought it into the
+warm room, and decked it with lights and all sorts of pretty gifts. And
+thus was I, too, out of doors and forgotten; but now I am better off;
+the tree is dead, but I--" Richard grasped my hand in silence, and
+softly whispered:
+
+"Don't interrupt her. Always let her finish what she has begun this
+way. When the bird singing on the tree observes that the wanderer is
+looking up to it with grateful eyes, it flies away."
+
+Martella tried on her furs, stroked them with her hand, and then lit
+the lights on a little Christmas-tree on which were hanging some large
+stockings--the first she had ever knit.
+
+"Come along," she said to Ernst, "let us go to Rothfuss; and, Richard,
+you had better come with us, too, and help us sing."
+
+Carrying the burning tree in her hand, and accompanied by Ernst and
+Richard, she went, singing on her way, to the room in which Rothfuss
+lay.
+
+"You are the first person," she said to Rothfuss, "to whom I can give
+something. I only knit them; the wool was given me by my mother."
+
+"Oh!" exclaimed Rothfuss, "no wizard can do what is impossible. Our
+Lord makes the wool grow on the sheep; but shearing the sheep, spinning
+the wool, and knitting the stockings we have to do for ourselves."
+
+On the next day, while we were seated at table, Rothfuss entered,
+crying, "A proverb, and a true one; she has put me on my feet again. I
+have got well."
+
+I cannot recall a merrier Christmas than the one we then enjoyed. There
+were no more like it, for in the following year the crown had departed.
+
+My wife's father had, after withdrawing from his position as a teacher,
+employed himself in translating Goeethe's Iphigenia into Greek. He had
+left his task incomplete. As a Christmas present for mother, Richard
+had brought lovely pictures to illustrate the poem, and in the antique
+room of our house, in which we had casts of the best Greek and Roman
+statues, Richard would read aloud to my wife.
+
+Martella always had an aversion to this large room, and when she was
+called in there would look around for a while, as if lost, and then
+with scarcely audible steps leave the apartment.
+
+My wife loved all her children, but she was happiest of all with
+Richard. He seemed to have succeeded to her father's unfinished labors,
+and when he was in her presence she always seemed as if in a higher
+sphere. Richard had a thoroughly noble disposition and dignified
+bearing.
+
+Mother repeatedly read Ludwig's letter, and said:
+
+"The Free-thinkers could not bring about what we are now experiencing:
+that on a certain evening and at an appointed hour all mankind are
+united in the same feeling. Do you believe, Richard, that you
+philosophers could bring about such a result?"
+
+Richard thought not; but added that the forms assumed by higher
+intellectual truth were constantly changing, and that just as they had
+given the church in heathen ages a different character, so they might
+at some future time effect changes in later forms of religious belief.
+
+Martella entered the room at that moment, and my wife's significant
+glance reminded Richard that he had better not prolong the discussion.
+We were a happy circle, and Richard was especially so because he had
+made common cause with me in the last exciting question. The future of
+our Fatherland, however, did not afford him a pleasant outlook. He
+believed that the great powers were playing a false game and were only
+feigning to quarrel in order that they might the more successfully
+divide up the lesser states among themselves. He felt sure that their
+plan was to divide up all the rest of Germany between Prussia and
+Austria. I, too, had sad thoughts in this connection, but could not
+picture the future to myself. This alone was certain: our present
+condition could not last. In the meanwhile we awaited Napoleon's New
+Year's speech. His words would inform the world what was to become of
+it.
+
+In our happy family circle we forgot for a little while the feeling of
+deep humiliation that hung over all, and the doubts that always caused
+us to ask ourselves, "To whom will we belong?"
+
+It is indeed sad when one is forced to say to himself, "To-morrow you
+and your country may be handed over to some King."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+Whenever I returned from Parliament, it seemed as if I had left a
+strange world. Although my labors there were in behalf of those dearest
+to me, I was too far removed from them to have them constantly in my
+mind. And for many a morning after my return the force of habit made me
+wonder why the usual amount of printed matter that had been handed me
+while at the capital was not forthcoming.
+
+I found the affairs of the village in good order.
+
+That was the only time that I can write about--the time when my wife
+was still ...
+
+I have been gazing out over the mountain and into the dark wood, that
+I, or rather she, planted, and then I lifted my eyes up to heaven. The
+stars are shining, and it is said that light from stars that have
+already perished is still travelling towards us. May the light that was
+once mine thus flow unto you when I am no longer here. But to proceed.
+
+For three-and-twenty years I filled the office of burgomaster, and was
+of great use to our parish. Above all things, I built up its credit. To
+accomplish this I was obliged to be severe and persistent in
+prosecuting the suit. But now things have so far improved that the
+people at Basle regret that no one in our village desires to borrow
+money from them.
+
+The two chief benefits that I have procured for our village are good
+credit and pure water.
+
+Just as credit is the true measure of economical condition, so is water
+the measure of physical well-being.
+
+I converted the heath into a woodland. It was twenty-three years ago,
+and I was the youngest member of the town council; but, aided by my
+cousin Linker, I induced the people of our parish to plant trees in the
+old meadow, and to this day every one of our people derives a moderate
+profit from the little piece of woodland that we now have there. Its
+value increases from year to year.
+
+My cousin Linker had been a book-keeper in the glass-house down in the
+valley. He married a daughter of the richest farmer in the village, and
+became quite a farmer himself.
+
+I learnt a great deal from him. In business matters he was greatly my
+superior, for he was shrewder, or in other words, more distrustful,
+than I.
+
+Until about five years ago, we were partners in an extensive lumber
+business. We built the first large saw-mill in the valley. It had three
+saws, and all the new appliances, and a part of our business was to saw
+up logs and beams. I also built a saw-mill, which is conducted on the
+co-operative system, for the benefit of the villagers.
+
+When the Parliament had determined upon having a fortress erected
+in our neighborhood, our business friends offered us their
+congratulations. They well knew that this would require so much lumber
+as to give rise to a profitable business. And this, I must confess, is
+a point which I would like to forget. But who, after all, leads a life
+which is entirely pure, and without being in the slightest spoiled with
+intercourse with the world.
+
+Cousin Linker conducted a large business in his name and mine. I did
+not take any active part in the negotiations, although I was
+responsible for what was done. He would often say, "You are absurdly
+virtuous. One like you will never get on in the world."
+
+Joseph, my cousin's only son, and of the same age as our Ludwig, had
+married my daughter Martina, who died shortly after the birth of their
+first child. Her son Julius was a forester's apprentice. Joseph married
+again, but he is still faithful to me and mine, while we are quite
+attached to his second wife and her three daughters.
+
+Joseph is now burgomaster, and I hope he will one day occupy my
+position as a member of the Parliament. He works zealously for the
+public good, and has one great advantage that did not exist in my time.
+For nowadays there are numerous good burgomasters in the neighborhood,
+and it is therefore easier to carry out desirable measures.
+
+Last winter, Joseph induced the people of Brauneck, the next village,
+to combine with ours in laying out a road through the common woods, and
+the wood taken out was worth more than twice the cost of the labor.
+
+Joseph inherited my cousin's shrewd business notions. He caused
+hundreds of little branches to be gathered up and prepared for
+Christmas-trees, and at the proper time would send them to the railway,
+and have them sent down the country. I did my share in building the
+road, for it passes right by my land, and is of great use to me. I do
+not think of cutting down any of the lumber. The red pine may stand for
+another twenty years. I could almost wish that this wood might remain
+forever, for it is _hers_!
+
+In the following spring, a gust of wind tore away some of the finest
+branches, and the first planks made of them were used to construct a
+coffin.
+
+But I will not anticipate. It was in the third year after our marriage
+that I returned home one evening with a large load of red-pine
+saplings. I was sitting on the balcony with my wife, later in the
+evening, and was telling her that I intended to set the five-year-old
+shoots down by the stone wall, and that I had therefore chosen hardy
+plants, in which the root was in proper proportion to the crown, but
+that it was always difficult to find conscientious workmen, who would
+look out for one's interest while attending to the matter.
+
+My wife listened patiently while I explained the manner in which the
+shoots should be planted.
+
+"Let me attend to this work," said she. "It is well that forest-trees
+do not require the same care as animals, or fruit-trees. Rude nature
+protects itself. But it will afford me pleasure to tend the shoots with
+great care."
+
+"But it is fatiguing."
+
+"I know that, but I can do something for the forest that brings us so
+many blessings."
+
+I gladly consented. And thus we have a fine grove down by the stone
+wall.
+
+While the children were growing up, my wife knew how to invest the
+planting of trees with a festive character. Richard and Johanna soon
+grew tired of it. But Bertha, Ludwig, Martella, and at a later day
+Ernst, were full of zeal, and had an especial affection for the trees
+which they had planted with their own hands.
+
+My wife was perfectly familiar with every nook in the woods, and when
+the new road was laid out she pointed out to Joseph a clear and fresh
+spring which had remained undisturbed, while we in the village were
+often poorly supplied with good drinking water. She persuaded him to
+alter its course so that it would flow towards the village; and now,
+thanks to her, we have a splendid spring which even in the heat of
+summer furnishes us with an abundance of cool and pure water.
+
+To this day we call it the Gustava spring.
+
+Every year, at my wife's birthday, it is decorated by the youth of the
+village.
+
+She seemed to live with the woods that she had planted. Without a trace
+of sentimentality, I mean exaggerated susceptibility, she rejoiced in
+the sunshine and the rain, the mists and the snow, because they helped
+the plants, and this state of mind contributed to the quiet grace and
+dignity which so well became her.
+
+On Christmas afternoon we could, in our sleighs, ride as far as the
+wood and the village beyond it.
+
+Martella told us that she, too, had planted thousands of white and red
+pines, but that there was not a tree that she could call her own.
+
+She called out unto the snow-covered plantation: "Say: Mother."
+
+"Mother," answered the distant echo.
+
+"And now say: Waldfried."
+
+"Waldfried" was the answer. We returned home, happy and light-hearted.
+Ernst remained with us until New Year's Day, and seemed to have
+regained his wonted cheerfulness.
+
+It was with pleasure not unmixed with jealousy, that Ernst saw how
+Martella hung on Richard's lips while listening to his calm and clear
+remarks on the topics that arose from day to day. His explanations were
+such that the simplest intellect could comprehend them. I cannot help
+thinking that Ernst's glances at Martella often were intended to convey
+some such words as these: "Oh, I know all that, too, but I am not
+always talking about it!"
+
+"I did not know that you could talk so well," said Martella on one
+occasion. At times we had quite heated discussions.
+
+With my sons it cost me quite an effort to defend my faith in the
+people.
+
+Ernst and Richard, who rarely agreed on any question, united in their
+low opinion of the people.
+
+Ernst despised the farmers, and said he would not confide the charge of
+the woods to them, as they would inconsiderately destroy the whole
+forest if they had the chance.
+
+Richard adduced this as a proof that it would always be necessary to
+teach the people what, for their own good, should be done as well as
+left undone.
+
+He dwelt particularly on that severe sentence, _terrent nisi metuant_.
+The mass of the people is terrible unless held in subjection by fear.
+History, which was his special science, furnished him with potent
+proofs, that the people should always be ruled with a firm hand.
+
+Joseph listened silently to the discussions carried on by the brothers.
+He was always glad to hear what those who were educated had to say. He
+never took part when generalities were discussed. It was not until they
+began to conjecture as to what Napoleon, the ruler of the world, might
+say in his next New Year's address, that his anger found vent in sharp
+words.
+
+Later generations will hardly be able to understand this. These men
+were seated together in a well-ordered house in the depths of the
+forest; and even there the spirit of doubt and questioning, that could
+not be banished, was constantly at their side, and pouring wormwood
+into their wine.
+
+There was no unalloyed happiness left us--no freedom from care. Will
+not the Emperor of the French hurl his bottles at us in the morning!
+What will he not attempt for the sake of securing his dynasty and
+gratifying the theatrical cravings of his people! The whole world was
+in terror. Everything was in a state of morbid excitement, and, as
+Ernst said, "watching like a dog for the morsel that the great Parisian
+theatrical manager might throw to it;" and here Richard interrupted
+him.
+
+Richard had a great love for established forms. He always expressed
+himself with moderation. Ernst, however, would allow his feelings to
+run away with him, and would often find that he had gone too far.
+
+Richard, who had had his younger brother at his side during the years
+spent at the Gymnasium, still regarded himself as a sort of teacher and
+guide to Ernst, and could hardly realize how that youth could have been
+so self-reliant as to get himself a bride under such peculiar
+circumstances.
+
+Richard confessed that he desired to achieve a career. "My time will
+come. Perhaps I may have to wait until I have gray hairs, or none at
+all; but I shall, at all events, not allow love to interfere with my
+plans. I shall not marry, unless under circumstances that will help to
+secure the end I have in view."
+
+I had accustomed myself to leave both sons undisturbed in their views
+of life. They both agreed in regarding me as an idealist, although
+their reasons for reaching this conclusion were dissimilar.
+
+I love to recall the passage in Plutarch's Lycurgus. The old men are
+singing, "We were once powerful youths;" the men sing, "But we are now
+strong;" and the youths sing, "But we will be still stronger than you
+are!"
+
+The world progresses, and every new generation must develop the old
+ideas and introduce new ones. It will go hard with us old folks to
+admit that these are better than ours; but they are so, nevertheless.
+
+When Richard was alone with me, he expressed his great delight in
+regard to his youngest brother; and as the journals of that day
+contained a call for participants in the German Expedition to the North
+Pole, Richard would gladly have seen Ernst take a part in the
+enterprise. He maintained that Ernst was endowed with qualities that
+would gain him distinction as a student of nature, and that a voyage of
+discovery would make a hero of him. For he had invincible courage,
+fertility of invention, fine perception, and much general knowledge,
+combined with the ability to see things as they are.
+
+Ernst was full of youthful buoyancy, just as he had been in the
+earliest years of his student life. He was the life of the house,
+constantly singing and yodling; and his special enthusiastic friend,
+Rothfuss, one day said to me while in the stable, "I knew it. I knew
+all about it. Our Ernst cannot come to harm. Why, just listen to his
+singing. A tree where a bird builds its nest is in no danger from
+vermin."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+At a meeting of the burgomasters of the neighborhood, held on New
+Year's day, it was determined to call a general meeting of electors, to
+assemble in the chief town of the district, and to receive a report in
+regard to the last session of the Parliament.
+
+On New Year's Day Ernst left us, as the Prince and his ministers
+intended to hunt during the next few days in the district which was in
+charge of his chief.
+
+When he was about to leave, Martella said to him, "You have good reason
+to feel happy. The walls have heard you with joy, and every being in
+there thinks well of you and me."
+
+"And you?" asked he.
+
+"I need not be thinking of you. For you are my other self."
+
+It was a clear, mild, winter day when, accompanied by Joseph and
+Richard, I drove to the neighboring town in which the meeting was to be
+held. It was Richard's intention to return to the University at the
+close of the meeting.
+
+Rothfuss had fully recovered. Displaying his new stockings, and wearing
+his forester's coat, he sat up on the driver's box, while he managed
+the bays. Although he entertained a deep contempt for mankind in
+general, and for that portion of it that lived in our neighborhood in
+particular, he was always willing to take part in anything that was
+done in my honor.
+
+He often remarked that the people did not deserve that one should walk
+three steps for their sake. He would never forget the way in which they
+had treated the chieftains of 1848; or that a man like Ludwig, to whom
+he always accorded most generous praise, was obliged to leave his home,
+while no one had a thought for him, or for the one who had suffered
+himself to be imprisoned for his sake.
+
+The road led through the valley, and was cheerful with the sound of the
+sleigh-bells. Rothfuss cracked his whip, and soon distanced all the
+other drivers.
+
+Here and there, sleighs might be seen coming down the hillside. At the
+village taverns, teams were resting, and from every window, as well as
+from passers on the highway, came respectful greetings, and at times
+even enthusiastic cheers.
+
+In token of his thanks, Rothfuss cracked his whip still more loudly.
+
+He would look around from time to time, as if noting how much pleasure
+these tokens of respect afforded me. But once he said to Richard, "It
+is all very well, Mr. Professor; but if the weather were to change, all
+these cheers would freeze in the mouths that are now uttering them. We
+have known something of that kind already."
+
+I must admit, however, that these attentions did my heart good. There
+is nothing in the associations of home that is more grateful than to be
+able to say to one's self, "I live in the midst of my voters. I do my
+duty without fear or favor, and without my asking for office, my
+fellow-citizens select me as their representative in the councils of
+the nation."
+
+Like the breath of the woods such homage has a fragrance peculiarly
+its own. I cannot believe in the sincerity of one who, from so-called
+modesty, or affected indifference to the opinions of his
+fellow-citizens, would refuse office when thus offered to him. I
+frankly admit that it is not so unpleasant to me to find that others
+think at least as well, or even better of me, than I do.
+
+This of course brings to mind Rautenkron the forester, who would
+stoutly combat my opinion in this matter, for he thinks that a love of
+such honors is the worst sort of dependence.
+
+When I arrived at the meeting, I made my report in a quiet
+matter-of-fact manner. It is time for our people to learn that the
+affairs of the state should have a higher use than merely to serve as
+the occasion for fine speeches. Funk was sitting on the front bench,
+with a follower of his on either side of him. One of them was known as
+Schweitzer-Schmalz. He was a fat, puffed up farmer, who, to use his own
+words, took great delight in "trumping" the students and public
+officials.
+
+But a few words as to Schmalz. A man of his dimensions requires more
+space than I have just given him. He was one of those men who, when
+prosperous, continually eat and drink of the best. A red vest decked
+with silver buttons covered his fat paunch, and was generally
+unbuttoned.
+
+His name was Schmalz, but he had been dubbed Schweitzer-Schmalz,
+because of his having once said, "I do not see why we should not be as
+good as our neighbors the Swiss."
+
+He hated the Prussians; first and foremost, for the reason that one
+ought to hate them. This is the first article of faith in the catechism
+of the popular journals. And although questions as to the religious
+catechism might be tolerated, this article must be received without a
+murmur. Besides, they were impertinent enough to speak high German; and
+he knew, moreover, that abuse of the Prussians was relished in certain
+high quarters.
+
+He attempted by his boasting to provoke every one, and was himself at
+last provoked to find that the whole world laughed at him. He had a
+habit of rattling the silver coins in his pocket while uttering his
+unwelcome remarks.
+
+Funk aided and encouraged him in his swaggering ways. Funk's other
+follower was a lawyer of extremely radical views. Funk always acted as
+if he were their servant, although, as he himself said, he was the
+bear-leader.
+
+In his confidential moments, he would often say: "The people is really
+a stupid bear; fasten a ring in its nose, and you can lead it about as
+you would a sheep, and the best nose-ring for your purpose is the
+church."
+
+The question of extending a branch of the valley road into the
+neighboring state, gave rise to a lively debate. I declared that no
+private association would undertake the enterprise, unless interest on
+the investment were guaranteed, and that I would oppose it, because its
+promised advantages were not sufficient to justify us in voting the
+money of the state for the purpose, instead of spending our own.
+
+The effect of this was a very perceptible diminution of the favor with
+which I had been regarded. And when, afterward, a vote of thanks to me
+was proposed, it was coldly received.
+
+I was just about to descend from the tribune, when I heard Funk say to
+Schmalz, who was sitting by his side, "Speak out! It is your own
+affair." Schmalz now asked me why I had voted for the abolition of the
+freedom of the woods, or, in other words, the privilege of gathering up
+the moss, and the small sticks of wood with which to cover the floor of
+the stables. To him personally it was a matter of little concern, but
+humbler and poorer people could not so well afford to do without it.
+
+This gave rise to much loud talk. All seemed to be speaking at once,
+and saying, "Such things should not be tolerated."
+
+When I at last obtained an opportunity to make myself heard, I told
+them that the community had an interest in the preservation of the
+forests, and suggested that it was necessary to seek other means of
+gaining the object to be attained, in order that the forests need not
+suffer.
+
+And when I went on to tell them that we would be unable to take proper
+care of our forests until we had a general law on the subject applying
+to the whole empire, and that the lines separating our different states
+ran through the midst of our woods, I heard some one call out, "Of
+course! He owns forests on both sides of the line." And Schmalz laughed
+out at the top of his voice, holding his fat paunch the while. "What a
+fuss the man is making about a few little sticks!" he said.
+
+I descended from the tribune, feeling that I had not convinced my
+constituents.
+
+At the banquet all was life again. Herr Von Rontheim was among the
+guests. He had courage enough to confess to being one of the
+opposition, of which he had become a member against his will. He was an
+impoverished member of the old nobility. In figure and in education he
+seemed intended for a courtier. But now he was filling an office that
+entailed much labor upon him. He attended to his duties punctually and
+carefully, but in a perfunctory manner. He had given in his adhesion to
+the late liberal ministry. In view of his position at Court, this was
+an ill-considered step; for, when the ministers were removed, he was at
+once ordered to the capital, and assigned to official duties that he
+found it hard to do justice to, for his education had better fitted him
+for the life of a courtier than for that of a painstaking government
+deputy.
+
+Rontheim sat beside me, and assured me that the fall of the one man who
+had been appointed minister to the federation would soon draw that of
+the rest after him.
+
+He spoke as if he knew all about the matter, and merely wanted to find
+out how much I knew on the subject. The artifice was too apparent,
+however; he knew just as little as I did. In the course of
+conversation, he asserted that the existence of the lesser German
+States does not find its justification in greater privileges than are
+accorded by the general government, but because they can thus secure a
+more perfect administration of the minor details of government--a view
+on which I had touched in my report.
+
+I was not a little astonished when he told me, in the strictest
+confidence, that I had been mentioned at Court with special approval.
+He assured me that he knew this, for he had lots of relatives there. He
+had indeed once been called upon to furnish information in regard to
+myself and my family; and he felt assured that his report had reached
+the ears of the Prince. He felt convinced that, with the next decided
+turn in affairs, it would not be my son Richard, but myself, to whom an
+exalted position would be offered. He said that he intended to report
+my behavior of that very day, in a quarter where the courage which can
+face popular disfavor would be appreciated. He treated me more
+cordially than ever, and plainly signified that he felt assured of my
+good-will.
+
+I had never given him an occasion to joke with me, and when I replied
+that what he had told me was so great a surprise that I did not know
+how to answer him, he said that he fully appreciated my feelings. He
+furnished me with another bit of information, which was a much greater
+surprise. He told me that my son Ernst had, but a short time before
+that, applied at the office of the kreis-director[3] for permission to
+emigrate to America, and had requested them to furnish him with the
+requisite documents, at the earliest possible moment.
+
+Ernst still owed two years of military service, and his release could
+only be effected as an act of grace on the part of the government.
+This, the director added, presented no difficulty, if I chose to exert
+my influence. The whole affair seemed a riddle to me.
+
+Ernst had, in all likelihood, committed this hasty action during a
+sudden fit of impatience, and I determined to reprove him at the first
+opportunity. It seemed very strange that he should be so careful to
+prevent me from knowing of an undertaking which he would be unable to
+accomplish without my assistance.
+
+I must have looked very serious, for several old friends of mine
+approached me and assured me that in spite of the popular opposition
+they still were true and faithful to me.
+
+I feel tempted to give the names of a large number of wealthy
+farmers and magistrates, who are of much more consequence than
+Schweitzer-Schmalz, and who represent the very backbone of our country
+life. But when I have said that they are conscientious in public
+affairs and just and honorable in private ones, I have told all that is
+necessary.
+
+Among the guests there was the so-called "peace captain," a tall and
+well-dressed wealthy young dealer in timber. While still an officer, he
+had fallen in love with a daughter of the richest saw-mill owner in the
+valley. The father refused his consent to the marriage unless the
+lieutenant would give him a written promise to resign from the army as
+soon as a war should break out. The lieutenant did not care to do this
+and preferred resigning at once, which he did with the rank of captain.
+He had become quite conversant with his business, although there was
+something in his manner that made it seem as if he had just laid off
+his uniform.
+
+He still retained one trait of his military life, and that was an utter
+indifference to politics. It was merely to honor me that he attended
+the banquet; and besides, was I not the father-in-law of an officer in
+active service? The captain, whose name was Rimminger, seated himself
+at my side.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XVI.
+
+
+The banquet seemed to be drawing to a close, and conversation had
+become loud and general, when we were suddenly called to order and told
+that Funk was about to address us. I ought to mention, in passing, that
+Funk belonged to the next district, and was therefore not one of our
+voters. He ascended the platform. He generally seemed loth to ascend
+the tribune; but when there, his fluent discourse and ready wit enabled
+him to control the most obstinate audience.
+
+He began, as usual, by saying that it hardly became him to speak on
+this occasion. He was not a voter, and if he were to express the praise
+and the thanks due me, to whom he owed his present position, it might
+appear as if he were endeavoring to make his private feelings the
+sentiment of the audience.
+
+He repeatedly referred to me as the "estimable noble patriarch," and
+inveighed in fierce terms against those who would, by a vote of want of
+confidence, express their disapproval of the actions of their
+representative, who had followed his honest convictions instead of the
+opinions of this or that constituent.
+
+He then indulged in an explanation of his reasons for having voted with
+the opposition. He possessed the art of repeating the speeches of
+others as if they were his own. He repeatedly used the expression "a
+free church in a free state," and several times used the word
+"republic," when he would immediately correct himself in an ironical
+manner, and to the great delight of many of his auditors.
+
+Funk's words filled me with indignation.
+
+When I beheld him standing up before this audience and expressing such
+sentiments, I felt as if it were a punishment that I had richly
+deserved; for in his case I had assisted a man in whom I had not full
+confidence, to a position of honor and importance. I was so occupied
+with thoughts of the speaker that I hardly noticed what he was saying,
+until I was aroused by hearing him defend me against the charge of
+being a Prussian.
+
+"And even if he were a Prussian, we should not forget that the
+Prussians are Germans as well as the rest of us. We are far ahead of
+them, and for that very reason it is our duty to help them." And then
+he began to praise me again, and told them what a noble action it was
+that a man who had a pastor for one son-in-law, and one of the first
+nobles in the land for another, whose son was to-day a professor, and
+might to-morrow be a minister, to receive into his house a girl who had
+come to him naked and destitute.
+
+Uproarious laughter followed these words, and Funk exclaimed:
+
+"O you rogues! you know well enough that when I said 'naked and
+destitute,' I only meant _poor and without family connections_."
+
+He described me and my wife as the noblest of beings, and repeatedly
+referred to Martella.
+
+I asked myself what could have been his reason for introducing
+Martella's name before this audience; and then it occurred to me that
+he had cherished hopes that my son Ernst would have married his
+daughter, who was at that time receiving her education at a school in
+Strasburg.
+
+He closed by proposing cheers in my honor. They were immediately
+followed by cries of "Hurrah for citizen Funk!"
+
+Funk was impudent enough to walk up to me afterwards and offer me his
+hand, while he assured me that he had put a quietus on the opposition
+of the stupid bushmen, a term which he was fond of using when referring
+to the farmers.
+
+I declined to shake hands, and ascended the tribune without looking at
+him. "We have had enough speeches," cried several of the audience,
+while others began to stamp their feet and thus prevent me from
+speaking. Silence was at last restored, and I began. I am naturally of
+a timid disposition, but when in danger, I am insensible to fear, and
+quietly and firmly do that which is needed.
+
+I told them that Herr Funk had spoken as if he were a friend of mine,
+but that I here publicly declared that he was not my friend, and that I
+was no friend of his; and that if he and his consorts really believed
+the opinions that they professed, I had nothing in common with them.
+For reasons best known to himself, Herr Funk had dragged my family
+affairs before the assembly. I was happy to say that I had done nothing
+which I need conceal. And further, as Herr Funk had found it proper to
+defend me against the charge of being a friend of Prussia, I wished it
+known that I was a friend of Prussia, on whose future course I based
+all my hopes for the welfare of Germany.
+
+I should not give up my office until the term for which I was elected
+expired: when that time came they might reelect me, or replace me by
+another, as they thought best.
+
+Virtuous indignation aided me in my effort, and when I finished my
+remarks, Richard told me that he had never heard me speak so well. I am
+by nature soft-hearted, perhaps indeed too much so; but I can deal
+unmerciful blows when they are needed. There is an old saying that a
+rider should alight and kill the mole-cricket that he sees while on his
+way, for it destroys the roots of the grass. It was a similar feeling
+that made me refer to Funk in the way I had done.
+
+To the best of my knowledge, I had never before that had an enemy; now
+I knew that I had one. And an enemy may be likened to a swamp with its
+miasmatic vapors and noisome vermin. It had been reserved for my later
+years to teach me what it is to have enemies and how to meet their
+works.
+
+The worst of all is, that a fear of committing injustice makes us
+insincere. And when at last this fear gives way to one's horror of
+wickedness, they say, "He was not truthful; he was hypocritical, and
+simulated friendship for one whom he despised."
+
+Be that as it may, I was, at all events, glad that I would not again
+have to take Funk by the hand. It has been my great fault and
+misfortune that I could never learn to believe in the utility of
+falsehood. Perhaps it was nothing more than a love of comfort that
+actuated me; for it is very troublesome to be always on one's guard.
+Where I might have done myself good through shrewdness and foresight, I
+had simply made myself an object of pity.
+
+It seemed that the affair was not to pass over without a fracas. The
+anger which I had controlled found vent through another channel, none
+other than Rothfuss.
+
+I saw him standing in the midst of a crowd, and heard Schmalz cry out,
+"Let me talk; I would not soil my hands to beat the servant of that
+man!"
+
+"What?" cried Rothfuss; "I want nothing to do with the 'fat Switzer,'
+for wherever his shadow falls you can find a grease-spot."
+
+Uproarious laughter followed this sally. Funk forced himself into the
+midst of the crowd, and placing himself before Schmalz called out, "You
+had better hold your tongue, Rothfuss, or you will have to deal with
+me."
+
+"With you?" said Rothfuss, "with you? I have but one word to tell you."
+
+"Out with it!"
+
+"Yes," said Rothfuss, "I will tell you something that no human being
+has ever yet said to you."
+
+"Out with it!"
+
+"What I mean to tell you has never before been said to you--_You are an
+honest man._"
+
+Contemptuous laughter and wild shouts followed this sally, and, when it
+looked as if blows were about to fall, and the kreis-director
+approached and ordered them to desist, Rothfuss called out, "Herr
+Director, would you call that an insult? I said Herr Funk was an honest
+man. Is that an insult?"
+
+The officer succeeded in restoring order and we departed, taking
+Rothfuss with us.
+
+I had paid the full penalty of my acquaintance with Funk, but felt so
+much freer and purer than when I entered the banqueting room, that I
+did not regret what had occurred.
+
+Richard wanted to meet his train, and Joseph left for a point down the
+Rhine in order to close a contract for railroad ties. I went to the
+station with them, and when the train had left, I accepted the
+invitation of Rontheim, who had walked down to the railroad with us,
+and went home with him.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XVII.
+
+
+There are houses in which you never hear a loud word, not because of
+any previous agreement on the part of its inmates, but as a natural
+result of their character. He who enters there is at once affected,
+both in mood and in the tones of his voice, by his surroundings. Such
+is the peaceful household in which kind and gentle aspirations fill all
+hearts and where every one works faithfully in his own allotted sphere.
+
+I felt as if entering a new and strange phase of life when Rontheim
+ushered me into the richly carpeted and tastefully furnished
+drawing-room. I was cordially received by his wife, a graceful and
+charming woman, and his two beautiful and distinguished-looking
+daughters.
+
+Although in exile, as it were, the mother and the daughters had
+succeeded in creating a pure and lovely home, and had held aloof from
+the petty jealousies and small doings of the little town in which they
+were residing. Although they saw but little company, they exchanged
+visits with some of the so-called gentry. They had paid several visits
+to our village, and a friendly intimacy with my wife had been the
+result. She did not allow this, however, to induce her to visit the
+town more frequently than had been her wont. She carefully avoided
+excursions of any kind, from a fear that they might interrupt the quiet
+tenor of her life or render society a necessity.
+
+Rontheim's wife and daughters had been used to the life of a court, and
+even now acted as if with the morrow they might be recalled to court.
+When they accompanied the director, on his frequent official journeys,
+they would discover every spot in which there were natural beauties.
+Scenes that we had become indifferent to, through habit, or in which we
+saw nothing but the uses to which they might be put, had in their eyes
+quite a different meaning. They would spend whole days in the valleys
+where no one resorted but the harvesters, or on the mountains where
+they would meet no one but the foresters. They sketched and gathered
+flowers and mosses, and their tables and consoles were decorated with
+lovely wreaths of dried leaves and wild flowers. They would often
+assist the poor children who were gathering wild berries, and show them
+how to weave pretty baskets out of pine twigs. They were in frequent
+intercourse with our schoolmaster's wife, who was quite a botanist.
+
+The second daughter, who was interested in drawing, asked me about the
+new paintings in the Parliament House; and the elder daughter jokingly
+declared that it was a pity that one could never find out what had been
+played at the theatre until the day after the performance.
+
+I was forcibly impressed by the evident effort with which Herr Von
+Rontheim endeavored to suppress any sign of a consciousness of superior
+birth. He showed me a recently restored picture of one of his
+ancestors, who had been a comrade of Ulrich Von Hutten, and had
+distinguished himself during the Reformation. He intimated that
+although the noble families had built up the state, he cheerfully
+admitted that its preservation had fallen into other hands.
+
+His kind manner did not quite serve to veil a certain air of
+condescension.
+
+During the course of our rather desultory conversation, Madame Rontheim
+had rung for the servant, and had given her orders to him in a whisper,
+of which I heard the last words, "Please tell Herr Ernst to come in."
+
+The words startled me. Could she have meant my son?
+
+A few moments afterward, a bright-cheeked and erect-looking ensign
+entered the room, and saluted us in military fashion. I had forgotten
+that Rontheim's only son was also named Ernst, and I now recalled the
+fact of his being in my son-in-law's regiment. The ensign referred to
+the fact, and also told me that all of his comrades had regretted my
+son's leaving the army. His constant flow of spirits and fertility of
+invention, had won him the admiration of all of his companions.
+
+Madame Rontheim spoke of my daughter Bertha in the kindest terms, and
+praised the tact she had displayed in introducing a new element into
+their circle.
+
+The eldest daughter ventured to speak in disparagement of Bertha's
+friend, Annette, but the mother adroitly changed the subject, and began
+talking about Martella.
+
+As I felt that, in all probability, there had been all sorts of false
+tales in regard to Martella, I told them her story. When I ended,
+Madame Rontheim said to me, "In taking such a child of nature into a
+well-ordered and cultured home, you have pursued the very best plan. I
+feel assured that the result of your wife's quiet and sensible course
+will both surprise and delight you. Pray tell your wife that I have for
+some time intended to visit her, but have concluded to wait until it
+may be convenient to her and her charge to receive me."
+
+While seated with this charming circle at their tea-table--an
+institution which this family had introduced in our forest
+neighborhood--I had quite forgotten that Rothfuss was outside taking
+charge of the sleigh. But now I heard the loud crack of his whip, and
+bade my hosts a hasty farewell.
+
+When I got into the sleigh, Rothfuss said, "Madame, the baroness, has
+sent out a hot jug as a foot-warmer for you."
+
+On our way down the hill, Rothfuss walked at the side of the sleigh,
+and said to me, "She sent me some tea: it is by no means a cooling
+drink, but does not taste so bad after all; it warmed me thoroughly.
+Before I drank it, I felt as wet as a drenched goat. Ah, yes! One of
+your people of rank is worth more than seventy-seven of your stupid
+voters. In all of the crowd that we met to-day there were not a dozen
+people with whom I would care to drink a glass of wine."
+
+Rothfuss judged of all persons by their fitness as boon companions. He
+would drink gladly with this one, but would not care to drink with the
+next; and he would often say that there were some whose very company
+sours the wine they pay for.
+
+I felt sure that he had heard some one abusing me.
+
+When I left home in the morning, I felt as if supported by the
+consciousness of the respect and confidence of my fellow-citizens, but
+now--
+
+Suddenly the remarks of the kreis-director recurred to me.
+
+Had the confidence of one party been withdrawn from me, because it was
+suspected that the others were trying to lure me to their side? I have
+neither the desire nor the proper qualifications for a more exalted
+position in the service of the State.
+
+And what could Ernst's notion of emigrating have meant? "Who knows,"
+thought I to myself, "what I may yet have to witness on the part of
+this son who is always flying the track?"
+
+The night was bitter cold; the snow which had melted during the day had
+frozen hard, and our sleigh creaked and rattled as we hurried along the
+road.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+
+I have always discouraged a belief in omens, and yet when I saw the
+strange cloud-forms that floated before the face of the moon that
+night, shadowy forebodings filled my soul. The ringing of the
+sleigh-bells was full of a strange melody, and, down in the valley, I
+could hear the raging of the torrent which seemed as if angered at the
+thought that the frost king would soon again bind it with his fetters.
+
+The sleigh halted at the saw-mill. When I looked up towards the house I
+saw that there was a light in the room.
+
+"What are you doing?" I asked Rothfuss.
+
+"I am taking the bells off, so that the mistress may not hear us."
+
+Although we had supposed that no one had noticed our coining, we heard
+soft steps advancing to meet us when we reached the house. Martella
+opened the door for us.
+
+I entered the room. It was nicely warmed and lighted. The meal which
+had been prepared for me was still on the table.
+
+Rothfuss drew off his boots and went off to his room on tiptoe.
+
+"Do you not want to go to bed, Martella? Have you been sitting up all
+this time?"
+
+"Indeed I have; and oh, do take it from me!"
+
+"What ails you?"
+
+"Oh, what a night I have passed! I do not know how it all came about;
+but mother had gone to bed, and I sat here quite alone in this great,
+big house. I looked at the meal that was waiting for our master; at the
+bread that had once been grain, the meat that had once been alive, and
+the wine that had once been grapes in the vineyard.
+
+"It seemed to me as if the fields and the beasts all came up to me and
+asked, 'Where are you? What has become of you?' And then I could not
+help thinking to myself, 'You have so many people here--a father, a
+mother, one brother who is so learned, and another who is in another
+world, a sister who is a major's wife, and one who is a pastor's, and
+besides this, my own Ernst; and all these say: "We are yours and you
+are ours."' When I thought of that, I felt so happy and yet so sad. And
+then the two clocks kept up their incessant ticking. It seemed as if
+they were talking to me all the time. The fast one said to me, 'How did
+you get here, you simple, forlorn child, whom they found behind the
+hedge? Run away as fast as you can! Run away! you cannot stay here; you
+must go off. All these people about you have made a prisoner of you;
+they feel kindly towards you, but you cannot stay. Run, run away! Run,
+child, run!'
+
+"But the other clock, with its quiet and steady tick, would always say,
+'Be thankful, be thankful, be thankful! You are snugly housed with
+kindly hearts; do what you can to earn their kindness by your
+goodness.'
+
+"They kept it up all the time. All at once I heard the cry of an owl. I
+had often heard them in the forest, and I am not afraid of any of the
+birds or beasts. Then the owl went away and all was still. I don't know
+how it happened, but all at once I thought of summer and cried out
+'Cuckoo!' quite loud. I was frightened at the sound of my own voice,
+for fear that I might wake up the mistress; and when I thought of that
+I felt as if I could die for grief. And then again I felt so happy to
+think that the heart that was sleeping there was one that had taken me
+up as its own. When the large clock would say 'Quite right, quite
+right,' the busy little one would interrupt with 'Stupid stuff, stupid
+stuff; run away, run away!'
+
+"When the hour struck midnight, I opened the window and looked out
+towards the graveyard. I am no longer afraid of it; the dead lie there;
+they are now resting and were once just as happy and just as sad as I
+now am.
+
+"I do not know how all these things should have come into my mind. I
+felt cheered up at last, and closed the window. Everything seemed so
+lovely in the room, and I felt as if I were at home. At home in
+eternity, and could now die. I did not fear death. I had fared so well
+in the world--better than millions--and master," said she, kneeling
+down before me and clasping my knee, "I will surely do all in my power
+to deserve this happiness. If I only knew of something good and hard
+that I might do. Tell me if there is such a thing; I will do it
+gladly."
+
+It seemed that night as if an inexhaustible spring had begun to bubble
+up in the heart of the child.
+
+She sat down quite near me and told me, with a pleased smile, that
+mother had bidden her to go to bed; but that she had stealthily gotten
+up, had sent Balbina, the servant, to bed, and had herself watched for
+me; and that she now felt as if she did not care to sleep again.
+
+"I am living in eternity, and in eternity there is no sleep," she
+repeated several times.
+
+The child was so excited that I thought it best to engage her mind in
+some other direction. I asked her about Ernst's plan of emigration. She
+told me that he had had that in view some time ago, but had now given
+up the idea.
+
+We remained together for some time longer, and when I told her that she
+should always call me father now, she cried out with a happy voice:
+
+"That fills my cup of joy! Now I shall go to bed. He whom you have once
+addressed as 'father' can never find it in his heart to send you out
+into the world. I shall stay here until they carry me over to the
+graveyard yonder; but may it be a long while before that happens!
+Father, good night!"
+
+How strange things seem linked together! On the very day that Funk had
+so unfeelingly dragged the child's name before the public, her heart
+had awakened to a grateful sense of the world's kindness.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIX.
+
+
+Nothing so nerves a man for the battle with the outer world as the
+consciousness of his having a pleasant home, not merely a large and
+finely arranged household, but a home in which there reigns an
+atmosphere of hope and affection, and where, in days of sorrow, that
+which is best in us is met by the sympathy of those who surround us.
+Through Gustava, all this fell to my lot. Although the battle with the
+world would, at times, almost render me distracted, she would again
+restore my wonted spirits; and it is to her faithful and affectionate
+care that I ascribe the fact that the long struggle did not exhaust me.
+She judged of men and actions with never-failing equanimity, and her
+very glances seemed to beautify what they rested upon. Where I could
+see naught but spite or malice, she only beheld the natural selfishness
+of beings in whom education and morals had not yet gained complete
+ascendancy.
+
+She judged everything by her own lofty standard, but strange to say,
+instead of belittling men, this seemed to make them appear better. When
+she found that she could not avoid assenting to evil report in regard
+to any one, she did so with an humble air that plainly signified how
+grieved she was that men could be thus.
+
+Speaking of Funk, she would say, "I have no desire to hurt any one's
+feelings. In nature there is nothing that can properly be called
+aristocratic. In botany the nettle is related to hemp and to hops; and
+if Funk seems to have somewhat of the nettle in his composition, one
+should be careful to handle him tenderly, and thus avoid pricking one's
+fingers."
+
+It was during that very winter, in 1866, that the purity and dignity
+that were inborn with her seemed more than ever infused with new and
+added grace. She always lived as if in a higher presence.
+
+It soon proved that my anticipations of evil were overwrought. My
+compatriots were, for the greater part, in accord with me. On every
+hand I received assurances of that fact; and, above all, Joseph omitted
+no opportunity of repeating to me the respectful terms in which he had
+heard my name mentioned among the people. I really think that he was
+instrumental in causing others to bring these good reports to my
+notice. Martella had become the blessing, the life and the light, I may
+say, of our house. Her readiness to oblige, her adaptability and her
+desire for self-improvement, had so increased that we felt called upon
+to restrain rather than to urge their exercise.
+
+My wife had learned of Funk's attempt to injure us by dragging the
+child's name into publicity. Perhaps the news had been carried even
+further; for a letter reached us from my daughter, the pastor's wife,
+in which she informed us that the illness of her husband made such
+demands upon her time that she required an assistant about the house,
+and desired us to send Martella to her. She added that her husband
+joined her in this wish, because it seemed improper that Martella
+should remain in our house any longer. My wife was not unwilling to
+send Martella to her for a while; but I insisted that she should stay
+with us in spite of all idle talk.
+
+About that time we received letters from the major and from Richard,
+both of whom wrote without the other's knowledge, and to the effect
+that Prussia's proposal to the German Diet might lead to a conflict,
+the consequences of which it was impossible to foretell. Thus public
+and private affairs kept us in unusual excitement, when an unexpected
+event claimed our attention.
+
+A rumor had long been current in our family that we had relatives of
+high rank living in Vienna. Up to the year 1805, our village and the
+whole district had belonged to Austria. All of the more ambitious and
+talented among our people had been drawn to Vienna, either by their own
+desire to advance themselves, or by the inducements the government held
+out to them; for it was the constant aim of Austria to gain the
+attachment of the landed interests.
+
+At the beginning of the last century, an uncle of my father had moved
+to the Imperial city, where he attained a high position. He had
+embraced the Catholic religion, and had been ennobled. Ernst, who
+always called that branch of the family "the root brood," had long
+cherished the plan of hunting up our relatives, in the hope of thus
+finding a better opening for himself.
+
+Towards spring we received a visit from our neighbor, Baron Arven. He
+was accompanied by a young bridal couple. He introduced the husband,
+who was an officer at the garrison of Mayence, as a relative of mine.
+The wife belonged to the family of the Baroness Arven, and was from
+Bohemia. They seemed sociable and charming people, and both sides were
+inclined to make friends with each other, but without success. Our
+thoughts and feelings were pitched in different keys.
+
+The young couple left us in order to repair to the capital. On their
+departure, I gave them a letter to Bertha, and the Major. They wrote to
+me in the kindest manner, and remarked that they would be pleased if
+Ernst could assume the charge of the forests on their estate in
+Moravia.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XX.
+
+Spring had come, and the air was filled with the resinous odor of the
+pines. I was sitting by the open window, and reading in a newspaper
+that Bismarck had asked the Diet for a constituent national assembly,
+to be voted for directly by the people. Could it be possible? I took up
+the country journals: they reviled this proposal, and could not conceal
+their fear that the most powerful weapon of the revolutionary party had
+been destroyed.
+
+While I was sitting there, buried in thought, I heard a rider rapidly
+approaching. It was Ernst. He hurriedly greeted us, and showed us an
+order recalling him to his regiment.
+
+Martella cried out aloud. Ernst pacified her. He told us that he was no
+longer a subject of this country. He had given notice of his intention
+to emigrate, and that would protect him. It was spring-time, and the
+best season of the year to go forth into the wide world. I could only
+tell him that I doubted whether he would be allowed to leave the
+confederation.
+
+"Confederation!" he exclaimed; "what a glorious name!"
+
+He gave me a look that I shall, alas! never forget. He seemed to be
+collecting his senses, and as if struggling with his thoughts, and then
+said: "As far as I am concerned, my life is of no consequence to me.
+But, father, there will be war, in which what the books call Germans
+will be fighting against Germans. Have you raised me for this? Is this
+all that you are in the world for--that your son should perish, or even
+conquer, in a war between brethren? Either issue is equally
+disgraceful. I do not know what I would not rather do than take part in
+that."
+
+I endeavored to pacify Ernst, and told him that these were diplomatic
+quarrels, that would not lead so far after all. I could not conceive of
+the possibility of war. However, I consented to Ernst's request to
+accompany him to the borough town, in order to confer with the
+kreis-director in regard to the steps that were necessary. I sincerely
+hoped to obtain further particulars there, and felt that all would
+again be peacefully arranged.
+
+My wife had sent for Joseph and had asked him to accompany us, for she
+saw how fearfully excited Ernst was, and desired us to have a mediator
+with us. She judged wisely.
+
+"I shall return to-morrow," said Ernst to Martella, when all was ready
+for our departure.
+
+"And if you do not return to-morrow," she answered, "and even if you
+must go to war at once, nothing will happen to you. You are the
+cleverest of all; and if you care to become a major, do so; and I shall
+learn how to be a major's wife--for I can learn anything."
+
+She was wondrously cheerful; she seemed to have vanquished her fears,
+and thus, both for herself and Ernst, lightened the pain of parting.
+
+Joseph informed me that Funk was everywhere joyously proclaiming that
+now at last the crash must come, and that proud Prussia with its
+Junkers would be cut to pieces, or, to use his own words, demolished.
+Ernst beat the bays so unmercifully and drove so furiously, that I
+ordered him to halt, and insisted on Joseph's taking the reins. Ernst,
+in a sullen mood, seated himself beside me.
+
+In the valley we a saw lumber wagon halting on the road, and from afar
+recognized the horses as Joseph's.
+
+Carl, a servant of Joseph's, and son to the spinner who lived up on the
+rock, was surrounded by a group of raftsmen, woodsmen, and teamsters,
+who were all gesticulating in the wildest manner.
+
+We halted as soon as we reached the team. Carl, a handsome,
+light-haired fellow, with a cheerful face and good-natured eyes, came
+up to us and told us that this would be his last load; he had been
+summoned as a conscript, and would have to leave that very evening and
+walk all night, in order to reach the barracks in time.
+
+The old meadow farmer, who had joined the crowd exclaimed, "Yes,
+Napoleon is master. When he fiddles, Prussia and Austria must dance as
+he chooses, and the small folk will soon follow suit. Yes, there is a
+Napoleon in the world again. I knew the old one."
+
+We did not think it necessary to answer the man. While Joseph was
+giving his servant money to use by the way, others approached and
+declared that they, too, had been conscripted, and requested us to tell
+them why there was war.
+
+"You simple rogues," cried out Ernst, "that is none of your business!
+If you didn't wish it, there could be no war. You are fools, fearful
+fools, if you obey the conscription!"
+
+I snatched the whip from Joseph's hand, and beat the horses furiously
+while I called out to the crowd:
+
+"He was only joking!"
+
+Joseph assumed the task of bringing Ernst to reason. He declared that
+if I had not been present, he would have written the answer that Ernst
+deserved in his face.
+
+"Do so, you trusty Teuton!" replied Ernst.
+
+Speedily controlling himself, Joseph added, "Forgive me; but you are
+most exasperating. How can you bear to drag yourself and your father to
+the very brink of ruin with such idle speeches? You are unworthy of
+such a father."
+
+"Or of such a Fatherland," answered Ernst.
+
+I felt so oppressed that I could hardly breathe.
+
+We rode on for a little while, and at last Ernst inquired, in a
+submissive tone, "Will you permit me to smoke a cigar?" I nodded
+approval, and from that time until we reached the town, not a word was
+uttered.
+
+On the road that led up to the kreis-director's house, we saw the young
+iron merchant, Edward Levi, an honorable and well-educated young man.
+He was standing at the door of his warehouse, and saluted us in
+military fashion.
+
+Ernst beckoned to him to approach.
+
+"Have you not already received your discharge?"
+
+"I have; and you, I suppose, will now soon be an officer?"
+
+"So I have heard."
+
+We reached the director's house. The director could of course only
+confirm the fact that Ernst's notice of his intention to emigrate was
+as yet without legal effect. He furnished us with a certified copy of
+it, and added that he might be able to procure Ernst's discharge; but
+that, at all events, Ernst would be obliged for the present to join the
+troops.
+
+Rontheim believed that war was imminent, and I could not help noticing
+an expression of deep emotion in the features of the man whose face was
+always veiled in diplomatic serenity. In those days I heard the sad
+question which so often afterward would seem to rend our hearts:
+
+"What will become of Germany--what will become of the world--if Austria
+be successful?"
+
+I could easily see that it was as painful to him as it was to me to
+have a son go forth to war.
+
+On our way down the steps we met the director's daughter.
+
+She extended her hand to Ernst, while she said, "I congratulate you."
+
+"For what, may I inquire?"
+
+"Your betrothal."
+
+"Ah, yes; I thank you."
+
+"I presume your intended is full of sad thoughts now."
+
+"She does not do much thinking on the subject."
+
+"Is your nephew obliged to join the army?"
+
+"My nephew! Who can you mean?"
+
+"Julius Linker," blushingly answered the young girl.
+
+"No; he is not yet liable to military duty."
+
+"Will you be good enough to give my kindest greetings to my brother?"
+
+"With pleasure."
+
+On our way Ernst seemed quite amused, and indulged in jokes at the
+thought of Julius' being such a child of fortune. His life was
+evidently moving in a smooth current, for the half-fledged youth had
+already been lucky enough to win the love of so charming a girl.
+
+I felt quite reassured to find that Ernst's thoughts had taken another
+direction. He emphatically declared himself ready to join his regiment,
+and asked me to let him have some money. He thought there was no need
+of my accompanying him to the capital, but I felt loth to leave him,
+and, although I should not have done so, I promised to endeavor to
+procure his discharge.
+
+We again met Joseph, who expressed his regret that the conscription of
+his valuable servant Carl would oblige him to return to his home, for
+he had intended to accompany us to the capital.
+
+It was necessary for him, however, to go to the fortress, for he had
+accepted a contract to furnish fence rails.
+
+Joseph is a very active patriot, but he is quite as active as a
+business man. He has the art of combining both functions, and Richard
+once said of him with justice: "With Joseph, everything is a stepping
+stone, and all events contribute to the success of his business plans."
+
+We were seated in the garden of the Wild Man Tavern, when we heard a
+great uproar in front of the house of Krummkopf, the lumber merchant.
+
+A company of conscripts had marched up before the house, in which there
+resided a young man who had purchased his discharge from military
+service, and they cursed and swore that they who were poor were obliged
+to go to war, while the rich ones could remain at home.
+
+Joseph, who recognized many of his workmen among the young folks,
+succeeded in pacifying them.
+
+We accompanied Ernst to the railway. At the depot I found Captain
+Rimminger, the lumber merchant, who was just superintending the loading
+of some planks. When I told him that he ought to feel glad that he was
+no longer a soldier, he silently nodded assent. He did not utter a
+word, for he was always exceedingly careful to avoid committing
+himself.
+
+At the depot we saw conscripts who were shouting and cheering, mothers
+who were weeping, and fathers who bit their lips to control their
+emotion.
+
+At every station where Ernst left the train, I feared that he would not
+come back; but he did return and sat by my side quietly, speaking only
+in reply to my questions. For a while he would sit absorbed in thought,
+and then he would stand up and lean against the side of the railway
+coach, in which position he would remain immovable. I felt much grieved
+that the heart of this child had become a mystery to me.
+
+We arrived at the capital. I had lost sight of Ernst in the crowd, but
+afterwards found him talking with the ensign, the director's son. Ernst
+desired to go to the barracks at once. I accompanied him to the gate,
+which he entered without once turning to look back.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXI.
+
+
+I remained standing near the gate and saw constant arrivals of more
+young men. Men and women desired to accompany them inside the barracks,
+but were always ordered back by the guard.
+
+Carl, the son of the spinner who lived on the rock, was also among the
+arrivals. Without any solicitation on my part, he promised to keep an
+eye on Ernst.
+
+It had become night; the gas-lamps were lit, and yet I stood there so
+buried in thought, that the lamp-lighter was obliged to tell me to move
+on.
+
+There I was, in the capital in which there lived so many of my friends,
+and my own child; indeed, two of my children.
+
+Where should I go first? Our club-house was in the vicinity, and I went
+there. They praised me for having come so soon, for while I had been at
+the borough town they had telegraphed for me.
+
+They were in hourly expectation of a government order, convoking the
+Parliament. What we were expected to discuss no one knew; but every one
+felt that it was necessary for us to assemble. I could not bring myself
+to believe that war was really possible, and there were many who shared
+my opinion.
+
+Funk was there also. He offered me his hand in a careless manner, and,
+feeling that in such times enmity should be at an end, I shook hands
+with him.
+
+Funk rejoiced that the grand crash was at last to come. Prussia would
+have to be beaten to pieces, and a federation founded; for the present,
+with a monarchical head.
+
+The minister, who was well known as an arch-enemy of Prussia, had sent
+word to the committee of our party that he would come to us that same
+evening, and bring the order convoking us with him. He did not come in
+person, but contented himself with sending the written order. Of what
+use could we be when the harm had already been done. What were we?
+Nothing but a flock without any will of our own.
+
+I went to Bertha's house. I found her alone; her husband was at his
+post, busy day and night. It had suddenly been discovered that the
+troops were not fully prepared.
+
+I had not been there long, before her friend Annette entered, from
+whom as usual I was obliged to endure much praise. Annette found it
+quite--she was about to say "patriarchal," but checked herself in
+time--that I had come to assist Bertha.
+
+"Only think of it," she continued, putting all her remarks in the form
+of questions, as was her wont: "Would you have thought that Bertha
+would be much less resigned than I? I have always wished that I might
+be so gentle and self-controlled as Bertha; and now I am the quieter of
+the two. Have I not as much love for my husband as any woman can have
+for hers? Have I not given up everything for his sake? Now I say to
+myself, 'Did you not know what you were doing when you married a
+soldier? Is the uniform merely for the parade and the court ball?
+Therefore, rest content. In this world everything must be paid for. It
+is necessary to accept the consequences of one's actions.' Am I right
+or wrong?"
+
+Annette always closed with a note of interrogation, and of course I was
+obliged to respond affirmatively.
+
+Bertha smiled sadly, and said in a weary voice: "Yes, father, I must
+admit it; I have always thought that war was one of those things of
+which one only learned in the hour devoted at school to history. I only
+knew of the Punic wars and the Peloponnesian war--for we never got as
+far as modern history--and thought of these things as of what had once
+been. But I honestly admit that I did not think they would come to pass
+again in our time."
+
+"Just think of it, Bertha," said Annette, while she drew a thick volume
+from her satchel, "this is the Bible. You know that I never take
+quotations at second-hand, but prefer looking them up myself. This
+morning while the hairdresser was with me, it occurred to me that the
+Bible says the wife should leave her father and her mother for his
+sake. So I sent for the Bible, the very one that the dowager princess
+presented me with when I was christened. I hunted up the passage, but
+what did I find? Why, that for this the 'man would leave his father and
+mother,'--the man. Now just look, it says the man; and why should it
+say _the man_? He is not a domestic plant, like us girls!"
+
+The vivacity of the pretty and graceful woman cheered me, and I must
+admit that from that time my opinion of Annette changed. She seems
+imbued with much of that power of self-reliance which is a peculiar
+characteristic of the Jews; they are nothing by inheritence, and are
+obliged to make themselves what they are.
+
+But Annette seemed to guess at my silent thoughts, and continued, "Do
+not praise me, I beg of you! I do not deserve it. I am quite different
+when I am alone; then I am tormented with horrible fancies. And let me
+tell you, Bertha, when our husbands leave, you must keep me with you. I
+cannot be alone. I am beginning to hate my piano already. I do not go
+into the room in which it stands. Ah, here come our husbands!"
+
+We heard advancing steps. The Major entered, and greeted me politely,
+but seemed quite gloomy.
+
+I told him that I had brought Ernst.
+
+"I hope he will do himself credit," said the Major in a hard voice.
+
+I told him that the Parliament was about to reassemble, whereupon the
+Major with great emphasis said, "Dear father, I beg of you do not let
+us talk politics now. I have the greatest respect for your patriotism,
+your liberalism, and for all your opinions. But now it is my uniform
+alone that speaks; what is inside of it has not a word to say."
+
+He pressed both hands to his heart, and continued:
+
+"Pshaw! I, too, once believed in 'German unity,' as they are fond of
+calling it,.... and even had hopes of Prussia. But now we will show
+these impudent, mustachioed Prussian gentlemen what we are made of."
+
+I was careful not to reply to his remarks, in which I could easily
+notice the struggle that was going on within him. He was on duty; and
+it is wrong to talk to a man who is at his post.
+
+What sort of a war is it in which they know no other cry but "Let us
+show them what we are made of!"
+
+And if the victory is achieved, what then? An invisible demon sat
+crouching on the knapsack of every soldier, making his load heavier by
+a hundred-fold.
+
+We seated ourselves at the table. The Major seemed to feel that he had
+been harsh towards me, and was now particularly polite. He asked about
+mother, Martella, and Rothfuss. He told us that he had that day heard
+from our newly discovered cousin, in a letter from Mayence, in which he
+had expressed the hope that they might stand side by side on the
+battle-field, and thus again become bound to each other.
+
+The Major had nothing more to say. He poured out a glass of wine for
+me, and drank my health in silence. Annette used every exertion to
+dispel the dark cloud under which we were laboring.
+
+She asserted that her saddle horse seemed to know that it would soon be
+led forth to battle, and told us a number of marvellous stories about
+that clever animal. She was very fond of telling anecdotes, and had
+considerable dramatic talent.
+
+"Dear father," said the Major, "I believe I have not yet acquainted you
+with my darling wish."
+
+"I do not remember your having done so."
+
+"My request is, that when we leave, Bertha and the children should
+remain with you until the end of the campaign, which from present
+indications will not extend to your neighborhood.
+
+"They are now, at last, constructing a telegraph line through your
+valley--it has been deemed a military necessity, and that will enable
+us to hear from each other with dispatch."
+
+"And will you accept an unbidden guest?" interposed Annette. "I know
+that you will say 'yes,' and I promise you that I will be quite good
+and docile."
+
+I extended my hand to her, while she continued:
+
+"You know that it has for a long while been my wish to be permitted to
+spend some time with your wife. Iphigenia in the forest, in the German
+pine forest! Oh, how charming it was of your father-in-law to name his
+daughter so! Are pretty names only intended for books? Of course,
+Grecian Iphigenia should not knit stockings. Did not your father-in-law
+begin to translate Goethe's 'Iphigenia' into Greek, but fail to
+complete it? Is not Iphigenia too long a name for daily use? How do you
+address your wife?"
+
+"By her middle name, Gustava."
+
+"Ah, how lovely! 'Madame Gustava.' And the forest child? I presume she
+is still with you? And now I shall at last become acquainted with your
+noble and faithful servant, Rothfuss, who said that 'one who is
+drenched to the skin need not dread the rain.'"
+
+As far as our all-engrossing anxiety would permit it, Annette's
+volubility and liveliness contributed greatly to our relief.
+
+We had just left the table when Rolunt, the Major's most intimate
+friend, entered. He had at one time been an officer in the service of
+the Duke of Augustenberg, and had thence returned to his home, where he
+was now professor at the military school.
+
+Now political conversation could not be restrained, although the Major
+refrained from taking part in it.
+
+Rolunt was furious that, no matter how the war might end, Germany would
+be obliged to give an indemnity, in the shape of Nice, to France.
+
+We had the galling consciousness that one nation presumed to decide the
+affairs of another, with as much freedom as it would regulate the taxes
+or the actions of its own citizens.
+
+We remained together until it was quite late, and when we separated, it
+was with crushed hearts.
+
+The Major insisted on my staying at his house; the war, he said, had
+done away with all minor considerations.
+
+On the following day there was another session of the Parliament. The
+government demanded an extraordinary credit, which was accorded,
+although it was hoped that we might escape being drawn into war; for
+both the government and the legislature fondly expected that our
+troubles might be arranged by diplomacy.
+
+Who, after all, was the enemy that we were fighting against?
+
+I went to the barracks. I was refused admission. Fortunately, I saw the
+ensign approaching, and, under his protection, I was allowed to enter.
+Ernst, who had already donned the uniform, was lying on a bench. He
+seemed surprised to see me.
+
+"Pray do not say a word until we get outside."
+
+He received permission to go out for half an hour, and soon stood
+before me in his smart attire. There was something graceful and yet
+determined in his bearing.
+
+When we gained the street, he asked me whether there was any chance of
+his discharge.
+
+I was in a sad dilemma. I had taken no steps, because it was only too
+evident that my efforts would have been of no avail.
+
+It was this that made me hesitate in answering him, and Ernst
+exclaimed, "All right. I know all about it."
+
+My very heart bled, pierced as it was by the same sword that rent my
+Fatherland in twain.
+
+I endeavored to persuade my son that there are times when our own wills
+and thoughts are of no avail against the great current of Fate.
+
+"Thanks, father, thanks," answered Ernst, in a strangely significant
+tone.
+
+I could only add, "I feel assured that you will do your duty. Do not
+forget that you have parents and a bride."
+
+He seemed to pay but little attention to my words.
+
+He took off his helmet, and said, "This presses me so: I am unused to
+it. It seems to crush my brain."
+
+He looked very handsome, but very sad. We were standing before the
+office of the State Gazette, when suddenly the street seemed filled
+with groups of excited people, listening to a man who had climbed to
+the top of a wagon and was reading off a dispatch just received from
+Berlin, to the effect that there had been an attempt to shoot Bismarck,
+but that the ball had missed aim.
+
+"Curse him!" cried Ernst; "I would not have missed aim."
+
+I reproved him with great severity, but he insisted that one had a
+right to commit murder. I replied that no one would ever have that
+right, and that this deed had been as culpable as the assassination of
+Abraham Lincoln; for if any one man has the right to be both the judge
+and the executioner of his enemies, you will have to accord the
+privilege to the democrat as well as to the aristocrat.
+
+"Let us cease this quarrelling," he answered; "I have no desire to
+dispute with you. I am firm in my belief that one is justified in doing
+wrong for the sake of bringing about a good result. But, I beg of you,
+father, let us now and forever cease this quarrelling."
+
+His face showed his conflicting emotions, and he kissed my hand when I
+gently stroked his face.
+
+The crowd had dispersed in the meanwhile, and we proceeded on our way.
+
+Ernst suddenly stopped and said to me: "Farewell, father. Give my love
+to mother and Martella."
+
+He held on to my hand quite firmly for a moment or two longer, and then
+said, "I must go to the barracks."
+
+His eyes plainly told me that he would like to say more that he could
+not express; but he merely nodded, and then turning on his heel,
+departed.
+
+"Write to us often!" I called out to him. He did not look back.
+
+I followed after him for a while, keeping near enough to hear his firm
+step and the rattling of his spurs. I fondly hoped that he would yet
+return to me, and tell me of the thoughts that oppressed his heart.
+
+I met many acquaintances on the way, who saluted me and extended their
+hands. They wanted me to stop and talk with them, but I merely nodded
+and passed on.
+
+In my eager haste I ran against many people, for I did not want to lose
+sight of my son. There he goes! Now he stands still--now he turns.
+Surely-- At that moment a company of soldiers marched down the street
+to the sound of lively music; we were now separated. I could not see my
+son again. I returned to Bertha and the Major, and the latter promised
+me to keep a watchful eye on Ernst, and to send us frequent tidings in
+regard to him, in case he should neglect to write.
+
+I rode to the depot. I was fearfully tired, and felt as if I could not
+walk another step.
+
+As the trains were quite irregular, I was obliged to wait there for a
+long while.
+
+I felt--no, I cannot--I dare not--revive the painful emotions that rent
+my bosom. Of what avail would it be? My son was going forth to war, and
+I had brought him here, myself.
+
+"Brother fighting against brother." I fancied that I had been talking
+to myself and had uttered these words; but I found that they were
+frequently repeated by the excited groups that were scattered about the
+depot. All about me there was ceaseless turmoil. People were rushing to
+and fro, yelling, shouting, cursing, and laughing. I sat there absorbed
+in thought, not caring to see or hear anything more of the world, when
+a familiar voice said to me, "How charming, father, that I should meet
+you here!"
+
+My son Richard stood before me; he had finished his lectures and was
+about to return home.
+
+Accompanied by him, I started for home.
+
+Richard informed me of the political divisions among the professors,
+and thus afforded me a glimpse of a sphere of life entirely different
+from my own. Even the immovable altars of science were now trembling,
+and personal feeling had become so violent that the friends of Prussia,
+of whom Richard was one, could not appear in public without being
+subjected to insults. On our way home, we stopped for dinner at the
+garrison town, where we heard the most contemptuous allusions to the
+"Prussian braggarts," as they were termed.
+
+It was said that they had no officers who had ever smelt powder. That
+what had been done in Schleswig-Holstein had been achieved by the
+Austrians; and that if they ever dared go so far as to fight, they
+would be sent home in disgrace.
+
+I do not know whether they really believed what they said, or whether
+they were simply trying to keep up their courage. But, on every hand,
+one could hear them say, "They will not let matters proceed so far;
+they are loud talkers and nothing else."
+
+I was quite beside myself; but Richard begged me to remain silent. He
+thought it was well that matters had come to this pass.
+
+Whoever had brought on this war had assumed a great, but perhaps
+unavoidable, responsibility. It was the sad fiat of fate, and none
+could foretell where the sacrifice and suffering would end. History
+would march on in its appointed path, even though sin and suffering be
+its steppingstones.
+
+And then he pointed to our surroundings, and added, "Such fellows as
+these will never be converted by speeches; nothing but a thorough
+beating will teach them reason."
+
+I have found that sober history tells us very little of all those
+things. She brings the harvest under shelter and enters the result; but
+who stops to ask how the weather may have changed while the grain was
+ripening?
+
+But to us who live in the present, such things are not trifles; and I
+cannot help maintaining that the war of 1866 was forced on the people
+against their will, as far as I can judge, and I have spoken to many on
+the subject. The Prussians did not desire war; the conservatives did
+certainly not wish for it, for Austria was, spite of all, the bulwark
+of their principles. The liberals did not want it; nor did the soldiers
+go forth with cheerful hearts. But necessity had become incarnate in
+the brain of a single statesman: separation from Austria was the end to
+be gained, and though it went hard, that result must be achieved.
+
+But the operation was a difficult and a painful one.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XXII.
+
+
+Before the train left the station, the newsboys were running about
+offering copies of extra issues of the journals, with news that the
+Diet had raised the German colors: black, red, gold.
+
+And thus the Diet dared to unfurl the flag which we had always regarded
+with devotion,--for the sake of which we had been persecuted,
+imprisoned, or exiled. It seemed as if the holiest of holies had been
+denied and dishonored.
+
+"It is the death-bed repentance of a sinner who has not enough time
+left to do good in," said Richard, who divined the thoughts that were
+passing through my mind.
+
+A large company of soldiers was on the train, and went as far as the
+next garrison town.
+
+But how could they have found it in their hearts to sing?
+
+Haymaking had begun, the cars were filled with the fragrant odor of the
+newly mown grass. The laborers in the fields would look up from their
+work, and raise their scythes on high when they saw us pass.
+
+And now, when it seemed as if my Fatherland was to be laid waste and
+destroyed, I became more than ever sensible of my great affection for
+it.
+
+These woods, these fields and villages, were all to be laid waste, and
+shrieks of woe would resound from the flames. I felt it as keenly, as
+if beholding a beloved relative in the grasp of death.
+
+The train was just moving away from the station when I heard a soldier
+call out to me, "Grandfather!"
+
+I recognized him: it was my grandson Martin, the son of my daughter
+Johanna. He nodded to me, and when I turned to look at him, I saw the
+lieutenant collaring and buffeting him for speaking without orders
+while in the ranks.
+
+We had proceeded but a short distance when I observed that Funk was on
+the train. He kept at a distance from us. He had bought a large bundle
+of extra newspapers, which he distributed to the people at the
+different stations.
+
+When we reached our circuit town we repaired to the Wild Man Tavern,
+where, while waiting for a conveyance, we seated ourselves under the
+newly planted lindens. While sitting there, engrossed by thoughts of
+the country's troubles, I learned of another trouble nearer home.
+
+I am old enough to know something of human wickedness, but I admit that
+I am, even to this day, frequently surprised by the shape that human
+meanness will sometimes take.
+
+At a side table was seated Funk's special satellite--the baker Lerz,
+of Hollerberg. He was accompanied by his wife, and both looked about
+them with an air of serene contentment. The baker was a sensual,
+self-complacent man, who had a habit of smiling and moving his lips, as
+if he were smacking them at the thoughts of a feast he had just been
+enjoying. He had just been involved in an unclean piece of business, in
+which he had sworn that he was innocent, although, according to my
+conviction and the general belief, he had perjured himself in so doing.
+But what does such an unconscionable voluptuary care for that? When the
+peril was passed, all care was at an end.
+
+The baker approached me and inquired if I would like to ride home with
+him; for the government levies had rendered it difficult to obtain a
+conveyance. I declined; Fortunately, my neighbor, the young meadow
+farmer, who had been taking hay over to the railway station, was
+passing by at the time, and so I rode home with him.
+
+A little way out of the town, we came up with a young woman who was
+walking along the road. She had covered her head with a large white
+kerchief, and was carrying an infant in her arms.
+
+Her head was bent forward; and it is generally a sign of deep thought
+if one who is walking along a road does not look around at the rapid
+approach of a vehicle. And this woman was Lerz's victim.
+
+The meadow farmer, who was, usually, a man of few words, leaned back
+from his seat on the front bench, and whispered to me, "Such a fellow
+as Lerz ought not to be permitted to take an oath."
+
+The meadow farmer had for a long while been my worst enemy, simply
+because I had deprived him of his greatest enjoyment--venting his spite
+on others.
+
+Although it may, in these pages, seem as if I had cherished too high an
+ideal of the people, I desire right here to say that I have found among
+the lower classes that which is noblest and highest in man. But I have
+also found much that is mean and revolting. Envy and malice are
+characteristics almost peculiar to the farmer, and are especially shown
+about the time of irrigating the meadows. It affords him peculiar
+pleasure to wait until a neighbor has set his water-traps, and to sneak
+out and reverse them so as to make the water flow on to his own
+meadows.
+
+The authorities had forbidden the watering of meadows after two o'clock
+on Sunday morning, but it availed nothing. I appointed a servant who
+was to have the sole right of setting the water-gates and opening them
+again; and the meadow farmer could not forgive me for this. I had
+robbed him of the pleasure of wreaking his spite on others.
+
+It was not so much on account of the advantage he had gained thereby;
+but, like the rest of them, he had found it great sport to outwit the
+"gentleman farmer," as they called me.
+
+The meadow farmer really hated me and Joseph; for if it had not been
+for us he would have been the first man in the village. Wherever he
+went, they inquired, "How goes it with Waldfried?" or "How is Joseph
+Linker?" It annoyed him that they did not ask after him first of all.
+
+He would have been glad to take a share in politics, but was too mean
+to bestow the requisite amount of time upon such matters; and then he
+would say, "Such folks as Funk should not be permitted to put in their
+say; there is nothing behind him."
+
+We had just reached the saw-mill, down in the valley, when we saw a
+large hay-wagon coming along the road in the direction of the meadow.
+Martella sat on top: Rothfuss was walking beside the horses.
+
+Martella alighted. She looked quite troubled. She welcomed Richard, and
+asked me, "Where have you left Ernst?"
+
+"He is not with us."
+
+"Where then?"
+
+We had no time to reply before Martella called out, "So he must go to
+war after all!"
+
+"Of course."
+
+"Of course? Of course?" Martella asked repeatedly. She stopped for a
+moment, and removing the rake from her shoulder rested herself upon it.
+
+I told her that in all likelihood there would be no war, and that all
+the clamor was nothing more than angry threatening on both sides.
+
+"That is not true!" cried Martella; "you should not tell me an
+untruth!"
+
+"Martella, this is my father!" cried Richard.
+
+"And mine too," she interrupted; "forgive me! Because you are my father
+you should forgive me; if you did not you would not and could not be my
+father. Forgive me! Oh! they will shoot my good, kind Ernst!"
+
+She sat down by the roadside and covered her face with both her hands.
+In a little while, however, she yielded to our entreaties, and
+accompanied us to the house, but without speaking a word on the way. As
+soon as we arrived there, she hurriedly left us and hastened to the
+barn. In a few moments she returned and cried out with a loud voice,
+"Mother, Richard is here!"
+
+The child's temperament was strangely variable.
+
+My wife was especially delighted at Richard's return. "With one
+exception," she said, smiling (for she could not reconcile herself to
+Richard's remaining unmarried), "you always did the right thing at the
+right time. We need both a son and a Professor. Perhaps you will be
+able to make Martella understand what is meant by the words State and
+Fatherland."
+
+She told us that Martella, who was generally so quick of apprehension,
+found it impossible to form any conception of those ideas, and that,
+naturally enough, in her present troubles, this was doubly difficult.
+For, even in our eyes, the events as well as the duties of that sad
+period seemed like a horrible enigma.
+
+It seemed as if thinking of Martella had relieved my wife from the
+weight of her own trouble. When I informed her of the expected arrival
+of Bertha and the children, her face beamed with joy. She at once
+repaired to the rooms that they were to occupy, and seemed, in
+anticipation, to enjoy the thought of entertaining those who were
+dearest to her.
+
+I had told my wife nothing of Annette's coming. She was, however,
+gifted with a prophetic insight that bordered on the marvellous.
+Results which to others were yet invisible were, by her, discerned with
+unerring foresight. She at once devoted two large rooms opening on the
+garden to Annette.
+
+Martella hurried about, helping to get the house in order, and seemed
+as if there was nothing to depress her spirits.
+
+Rothfuss complained to me that the "forest imp," as he at times called
+Martella, left him no peace, day or night. She wanted him to tell her
+why people had to be soldiers, and why there was such a thing as war;
+and she had abused the Prince in terms that would secure her seven
+years in the fortress of Illenberg, if her remarks were reported to the
+authorities.
+
+She had once even wanted to run off to the Prince and tell him how
+wicked it was to command human beings to shoot one another, and that he
+should, at all events, give her lover back again, for the war was
+nothing to Ernst or to her.
+
+Rothfuss called the professor to his assistance.
+
+Richard declined the commission, remarking that it was not necessary
+for every maiden to know why her lover was forced to go to the wars,
+and that, in the present instance, he hardly knew the reason himself.
+
+Notwithstanding this remark, he essayed to speak with Martella on the
+subject, and I have never seen him so nervous and confused as on that
+occasion; for Martella called out to him, "Do not say a word: it is all
+of no use." Then she embraced him, and kissed him, and pressed him to
+her heart.
+
+Martella's ardent kisses had so surprised and confused him that it was
+some time before he could collect himself. I had never seen him so
+unnerved before. I believed that I understood the cause of his emotion.
+
+Martella was a riddle which to Richard seemed more difficult of
+solution than to any of us.
+
+What we had all failed to accomplish was brought about by the
+simple-minded Spinner.
+
+Had she been told that she could be of use, or had she divined it? She
+came up to Martella and said, "Child, your lot is a hard one; but look
+at me: mine is still harder. My best child, indeed my only one,--for
+the others had left me to starve,--has also gone to the war; and though
+a lover be ever so dear, he is not a son, as you will sometime know
+when you have a son of your own."
+
+After that, Martella was quite resigned. She had, of course, not
+acquired any idea of the significance of the word "State;" but she now
+felt that the fate of all beings was ordained by a great overruling
+power.
+
+Joseph kept us constantly informed of the excitement that reigned
+through the neighborhood. Funk was the chief spokesman. He announced
+that the time was about to arrive when Germany would become a free
+confederation like our neighbor Switzerland.
+
+I do not think that one of those loud talkers believed in the
+fulfilment of such hopes; but, for the time being, it afforded them an
+opportunity of indulging in high-sounding phrases. On the other hand,
+we knew that to "abolish Prussia," as their phrase ran, would simply be
+the first step towards preparing for Germany the fate of Poland.
+And yet my own kindred--my son, my son-in-law, and Martin, my
+grandson--were fighting to accomplish that very object.
+
+
+
+
+
+                              BOOK SECOND.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER I.
+
+
+We were seated on the balcony when we saw Bertha and her children
+coming up the hill towards the house. My wife at once arose, and opened
+the two folding-doors, as if with that action she were opening wide our
+hearts to receive them.
+
+Realizing the fact that there was no escaping from our troubles, Bertha
+had conquered her sorrow, and now appeared as fresh and cheerful as if
+she had just been drinking at the fountain of youth.
+
+As soon as the first greetings were over, my wife inquired about Ernst.
+
+Bertha had seen him but once, as his captain had sent him up the
+country to get transportation for horses.
+
+"That is bad; they should not have sent him there. O Ernst, poor, dear
+Ernst!" suddenly shrieked my wife.
+
+She grew pale and fell back on a chair. We feared that she would faint.
+Bertha rushed to her aid, but she speedily recovered herself, and her
+trembling lips were the only sign, of the emotion she had passed
+through. She did not tell us why she had found it so wrong of them to
+send Ernst on that errand. She accompanied Bertha to her room, and
+stroking the light locks of little Victor, whom she had taken on her
+lap, said, "He looked just as you do when he was a little boy, except
+that he had blue eyes."
+
+"Yes," said Bertha, "my husband has often noticed that Victor bears
+great resemblance to Ernst."
+
+"And Uncle Ernst promised me a horse," said Victor.
+
+"Did he?" said my wife, with pleased looks: "If he did that, it is all
+right, but sad enough for all. Still, others have their burdens to bear
+as well as we."
+
+Martella's first meeting with Bertha as well as with Annette, resulted
+in mutual attraction.
+
+Bertha was obliged to tell Martella all that she knew about Ernst, and
+while she was holding the hand of the strange child, the latter must
+have felt a consciousness of the candor and straightforwardness of
+Bertha's character, for she looked into her face with sparkling eyes.
+
+Martella asked Bertha whether Ernst had sent the broken ring by her.
+
+Bertha said he had not.
+
+She removed a ring from her finger and offered it to Martella, who
+declined it.
+
+When Annette offered both her hands to Martella, and said that she had
+for a long while been anxious to make her acquaintance, Martella was
+quite confused, and looked down towards the ground. When she raised her
+head, her eyes fell on a light green necktie which Annette wore.
+
+"How pretty it is!" were her first words.
+
+Annette immediately removed the tie, and fastened it about Martella's
+neck.
+
+"It is quite warm, yet," said Martella; and Annette replied, "How
+lovely! Let us regard that as a good omen."
+
+When Bertha, who rarely gave way to sentiment, returned and joined us
+again, she said, "Let us now be thrice as kind and loving to one
+another as we have been, and be indulgent with each other's moods. It
+is only by such means that we can manage to live through these terrible
+times."
+
+Bertha and her daughter Clotilde, a charming, graceful child about nine
+years of age, were so clever in anticipating every wish of my wife's,
+that, although it had always been her wont to be serving others and
+providing for their comfort, she was now obliged to let them have their
+own way.
+
+Martella seemed almost inseparable from Rothfuss, and Victor was always
+with the two. He accompanied them out to the fields and into the woods;
+and it was difficult to say which of the two was the happier, Rothfuss
+the old, or Victor the young, child.
+
+It would have been difficult also to say which of the two, Victor or
+Martella, cut wilder capers, for the young play-fellow with the soldier
+cap seemed to make her forget all her trouble. She was quite proud of
+her skill in leaping, and loved to display it.
+
+Bertha maintained that, in spite of rough manners, many of Martella's
+movements were full of wondrous grace; and when she would turn around
+five or six times on one foot, Victor could never imitate her.
+
+On the very day of her arrival, Annette awakened great interest in the
+village.
+
+She ascended to the top of the church steeple, where none of us had
+ever been. She waved her handkerchief from the little window in the
+belfry, until we took notice of her and returned her salute. All of the
+villagers who were not engaged in the fields had gathered in groups,
+and were looking up at the church steeple.
+
+When she joined us at dinner, she told us that she had already found
+out everything. The school-master had told her of the woods that had
+been planted by my wife, that she had already been at the Gustava
+Spring, and that the water had tasted as if it were pure dew.
+
+"Ah, how fortunate you are to own all this! The very air you breathe is
+your own."
+
+She talked incessantly, and many of her remarks were quite
+entertaining. She plied Richard with so many questions that he looked
+quite displeased, and soon left the table.
+
+"I can tell by the professor's looks that he is musical; is he not?"
+
+"Indeed he is; he is esteemed an excellent violincello player."
+
+"I can assure you that I asked no one, and I am so glad that my
+intuitions did not deceive me."
+
+While Annette was paying a visit to the school-mistress, Richard gave
+vent to his anger at her; but my wife pacified him. Annette could not
+enjoy the quiet possession of anything, and was always anxious to
+impart what she knew and felt to others. She was evidently of a very
+hospitable nature, and would, in good time, acquire repose of manner.
+
+During the first few days, while we were yet without news of any kind,
+and before the journals had given us any information as to the
+movements of the troops, Annette did not allow us to get a moment's
+rest.
+
+The way she worried us all, and Richard in particular, was quite
+provoking; and yet this lesser trouble made us forget the greater one.
+
+My father-in-law had converted the large corner room on the ground
+floor of our house into a veritable temple of beauty. He had, from time
+to time, purchased casts of the best antique statues, and had carefully
+arranged them along the walls and on pedestals, placing beautiful
+engravings between them.
+
+He had thus brought the immortal types of beauty into the depths of the
+forest. The room in which he had placed the statues, and which Richard
+jokingly entitled "Athens," was a favorite haunt of ours.
+
+Annette was greatly surprised to find such treasures with us, and said
+to Richard, "These undying types of a past great civilization are at
+home everywhere. It is because they no longer have, and indeed never
+did have, anything in common with the life of fashion, that they are
+thus immortal. Do you not agree with me?"
+
+She always insisted on having an answer to her questions. Then she
+would briskly add: "Now I understand the meaning of the Niobe; she is
+the old spinner who lives out on the rock." When we laughed at this
+conceit of hers, she told us, "Oh! I beg your pardon, I mean that she
+is the embodiment of a mother's grief in time of war."
+
+Pointing to a statue of Iphigenia, she inquired, "Herr Professor, can
+you tell me how the Grecian priestesses spent their time? Do you think
+it possible to be constantly offering sacrifices and uttering lofty
+thoughts?"
+
+Richard admitted that he could not give her the desired information;
+and Annette was quite delighted that she had posed the professor. She
+did not give up troubling him, however.
+
+All her notions of life in the country had been derived from books, and
+she was quite shocked to find that the mere money value or utility of
+trees was the only point of view in which they were regarded.
+
+Notwithstanding her overflowing, emotional temperament, she had quite a
+taste for details, and even for figures. At the first sight of a
+prettily situated village, she would always make inquiries in regard to
+the number of its inhabitants, their means, and manner of living. I was
+obliged to tell her all about my own household--how many acres of
+timber there were ready to cut, and how much was young timber; the
+amount of our annual production, how much live-stock my meadows would
+support, how much fruit my orchards gave me, and also how the work was
+divided amongst the four men-servants and three maids that we employed.
+
+She examined the whole establishment, from the stable to the loft. She
+seemed to take especial delight in the happy combination we had
+effected between the fruits of culture and the pursuit of husbandry.
+There was a certain air of solid comfort and good taste in our home. It
+had descended from the times of my father-in-law, and had been kept up
+by us.
+
+With good judgment, Annette thought that the very best site had been
+selected for our house. The hill beyond the hollow at the back of the
+house protected us on three sides, but was not near enough to deprive
+us of fresh air, or to keep out the gentle breezes that would come up
+from the valley after sunset and carry away the miasmatic vapors, thus
+affording us healthful and refreshing sleep during the night. A barn,
+which the meadow farmer had so placed that it destroyed part of the
+view down the valley, was a great eyesore to Annette.
+
+She asked Richard why the air with us was so cool and invigorating, and
+was very grateful when he explained the theory of the dew-fall to her.
+
+She was full of charming ingenuousness, for she once said. "I do not
+doubt that you enjoy the singing of the birds, but I honestly confess
+that I do not. It is pleasant to know that the little animal up in the
+trees is so joyful; but, nevertheless, there is no beauty in tones
+without connection or expression. I find that there are no more tones
+in the scale of the finch than in that of the barn-yard rooster; and
+why do we prefer the notes of the finch?"
+
+Richard often felt annoyed that Annette was constantly keeping every
+one about her on pins and needles, and seemed to desire his special
+approval of all that she did. He maintained that she was entirely
+deficient in mental balance.
+
+The temperaments of Annette and Bertha were in marked contrast to each
+other.
+
+When they were seated opposite each other and engaged in conversation,
+Bertha would bend forward, while Annette would lean back in her chair,
+as if immovable.
+
+Bertha's mere presence exerted a grateful influence, while Annette felt
+that she must always be doing something, in order to inspire others
+with an interest in her.
+
+Bertha, with all her affection for Martella, remained somewhat reserved
+towards her, while Annette was open and confiding, as with a sister.
+She was incapable of any other relations than those of perfect intimacy
+or absolute indifference.
+
+Richard noticed all these peculiarities, and when he mentioned them to
+me, I was almost startled to find how carefully he had been observing
+Annette.
+
+He was obliged, however, to agree with my wife when she said,
+"Annette's habit of requiring her friends to interest themselves in
+whatever engages her attention, is both innocent and childlike. A child
+will always think that its whip or its ball is of as much importance to
+others as to itself. Bear in mind, moreover, that Annette takes a
+lively interest in all that others do, and naturally enough supposes
+that they resemble her in that respect."
+
+Annette had gone from the school-house one day, to pay a visit to my
+nephew Joseph, who was a friend of her brother, the lawyer, who resided
+in the capital. She found that there were well-furnished rooms in his
+house, and a few days later removed there. She frankly admitted that
+she was too noisy for our home, and that it were better that she should
+visit us for a few hours at a time, instead of living with us.
+
+She at once set about rearranging the furniture and removing
+unnecessary decorations in her new quarters; and, on the next day,
+while the carpenters were busily engaged in making the changes she
+had ordered, she drove over to the city to visit the family of the
+kreis-director, with whom she had formerly been intimate.
+
+She returned in the evening, bringing their eldest daughter, whom she
+intended to keep with her as a companion. A large wagon carrying sofas,
+rocking-chairs, and all sorts of furniture followed.
+
+Although Annette had intended to lead a quiet and contemplative life,
+she might have been seen in the village at any hour of the day. She
+speedily acquainted herself with all of its features. She had, by
+rearranging the furniture in her own rooms, made them habitable and
+tasteful, and she now desired to effect a corresponding transformation
+in the houses of the wood-cutters; but the wives of the well-to-do
+farmers looked askance. Whenever she met one of the villagers, she
+would greet him or her politely, and would ask both old and young what
+they had had for dinner. She insisted that this was the most important
+of all questions. The people, however, found it great sport to answer
+her with lies.
+
+She had speedily become attached to the wife of the school-master, but
+disliked to go to the clergyman's house.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+
+
+Our clergyman was the son of poor parents. His father had been a
+beadle. He is without a single spark of genius, but is said to have
+distinguished himself by great application. He attends to his duties
+methodically, but in a cold and perfunctory manner. During the summer,
+he spends much of his time fishing; in the winter, he is almost always
+at home. He is well-skilled in that game of chess which requires but
+one player. He lost his father while he was quite young, and in order
+to be able to aid his mother and his many brothers and sisters, he
+married a wealthy, but half-witted girl, whom he never cared to take
+into society. Politics had no attractions for him.
+
+Formerly, if a beggar applied to him for alms he would have him sent up
+into his room, and would ask him, "What good will it do if I give you
+that which will only help you for a moment or so? Come and listen"--and
+he would then read the beggar a sermon, or a chapter out of the Bible.
+But, of late years, the beggars had piously avoided his house.
+
+Our school-master, on the other hand, is a clever and wide-awake man.
+He, too, had taken part in the political movements of 1848, but when
+placed on trial was acquitted. Ever since that time, he has held aloof
+from political affairs. He married a woman who is exceedingly clever,
+and who brought him some money besides.
+
+The clergyman has no children: the school-master has three--two sons,
+one of whom is a merchant down by the fortress; the other is a
+machinist, and resides in America. He is said to have quite a large
+business. The daughter is the wife of the inspector of roads. The
+school-master is quite proud that he can say, "If I were to give up my
+position to-morrow, I could afford to live without work"--a state of
+affairs to which the skill and economy of his wife has greatly
+contributed. The couple lead a loving and tranquil life. They are hale
+and hearty, and, as it often happens when two persons have lived
+together many years, they have grown to look very much alike. Their
+garden was filled with teeming flower-beds. Florists from the
+neighboring watering-places would come daily to purchase flowers, and
+thus the garden had become a source of considerable profit.
+
+But now that the war had emptied the watering-places, the flowers were
+left to perish for want of purchasers.
+
+Annette instructed the school-master's wife in the art of drying
+flowers, and making pretty bouquets of them.
+
+Carl's mother, who lived in a little house out by the rock, worked
+every day in the garden of the school-master's wife.
+
+Annette was attracted by the woman. She was short and thin, old and
+stooping, but had wonderfully clear and sparkling eyes, and Annette
+felt quite happy to think that this old woman, who was almost deaf,
+could by means of her eyes still have so much enjoyment.
+
+During the summer, the spinner, as had been her wont every year, would
+scrape off the bark from the branches of the elderberry tree, and
+afterward tie up the branches in bundles. Annette did great damage by
+explaining to her--she had only learned it herself the day before--that
+they would be used to make gunpowder. When the old woman heard that,
+she felt as if she could not bear to touch the wood; but, as she had
+undertaken the task, she was obliged to finish it, and so went on with
+her work, although it was not without murmuring.
+
+Through Annette's insinuating herself into the intimacy of others, much
+that happened in our village acquired clearer colors, and greater
+importance in my eyes.
+
+I told her the history of the spinner. She had had a husband, a tall,
+handsome man. He had been employed as a laborer on the road, but had
+wasted all his earnings at the tavern.
+
+Besides that, he had been a sportsman, and had loved, above all things,
+to roam through the woods with the forester and his attendants, in
+search of game.
+
+While these things were going on, the wife had, with her own earnings,
+reared four children, who were always among the tidiest in the village.
+Whenever anyone expressed pity that she had so thoughtless and
+inconsiderate a husband, she would say, "Oh, that's all right. If he
+were not so shiftless a fellow, he would never have married me; he
+would have gone and married some woman better, handsomer, and richer
+than I was."
+
+When the building of the railway was begun, he gave up his situation
+and went to work in the valley; but he would never bring home a
+groschen of money. Indeed, on one occasion, when he received a larger
+sum than usual, he drove up in a carriage with two comrades, and the
+three were not content until the last kreutzer had been spent.
+
+But yet with all this no word of complaint ever fell from the lips of
+his wife; and when, at last, her husband lost his life while blasting a
+rock, she bewailed his death, saying that he was the best man in the
+world.
+
+Two of her sons and one daughter were employed at Mulhausen; but they
+would not help the mother. Carl, who had been Joseph's servant, and was
+now with the troops, gave all his earnings to her, and would not suffer
+her to accept a gift from any one.
+
+When Annette knew this, she was all attention to the spinner; but it
+required much clever management to be able to do her a service. Besides
+that, it was awkward that the spinner was so indistinct of speech, that
+with the exception of her son Carl and the school-master's wife, there
+was hardly any one who could understand her.
+
+Richard and Bertha shook their heads while watching Annette's
+movements, and could not refrain from commenting on them. But my wife
+would always tell them that Annette was of an active temperament, and
+was only happy when assisting others. She also told them that Annette
+had interested herself for the baker Lerz's victim and her child, and
+that she had given the clergymen of the neighboring villages
+considerable sums to be distributed among the poor. And, further, that
+it was much to her credit that she would not allow herself to be driven
+away from her work by rudeness on the part of those whom she was trying
+to benefit.
+
+We soon had an amusing instance of this.
+
+One Sunday afternoon, while we were up in the arbor, Annette had seated
+herself with Rothfuss and Martella on a bench in front of the house.
+She was trying to find out from Rothfuss how much he loved his horses
+and cattle.
+
+Rothfuss knew nothing about loving them. All he said was, "Feed them
+well, and they will work for you."
+
+She was quite provoked that the tinkling of the bells of the cows that
+were grazing on the mountain patches was inharmonious. She said that
+she would buy bells that were in accord with each other, and present
+them to the owners of the cows.
+
+She conversed quite familiarly with Rothfuss and Martella, and asked
+them to look upon her as their companion.
+
+To which Rothfuss replied, "I have nothing against the Jews--they are
+all the same to me. In the place where I was born, there were lots of
+Jews, and I was on good terms with all of them. Two of them served in
+the same regiment with me; and in my village there was a splendid girl
+whom they called 'the little beauty;' she was strong and healthy and
+jolly. She loved to dance with me; and, if I could only have afforded
+to marry, I would have been bound to have her. And you may take my word
+for it, she would not have refused me.
+
+"You are a sensible woman; one can talk to you about all sorts of
+things. You are not like Baroness Arven, who once ordered me to take my
+cap in my hand while I was speaking to her. You are better than she is.
+
+"Yes, indeed; my first love was a Jewess.
+
+"And then there was Myerle the horse-dealer, who often came to see us.
+He looks just like you;--are you related to him? I know him intimately;
+he is a sharp fellow, and a man of his word, and always gives two crown
+thalers drink-money. Of late he has been trying to make it Prussian
+thalers, but that won't go down.
+
+"The Jews are just like us in everything. There is only one thing that
+they cannot do--they don't know how to drink; and they don't try it,
+either. But in all other respects they are just like us. 'He who is wet
+to the skin need not dread the rain.'"
+
+"And you, Martella," asked Annette, "what do you think of the Jews?"
+
+"I? I don't think of them at all. I want nothing to do with them. In
+the forest they always told me that my mother must have been a Jewess;
+but it is not true."
+
+"Who is your mother, then?"
+
+"Who? Why, Madame Cuckoo;--just ask her."
+
+Martella walked away.
+
+Annette joined us and told us all that had happened, adding: "One is
+always getting new and interesting ideas. Rothfuss and Martella,
+comparing their religion with mine, look upon themselves as nobles who
+vouchsafe me their favor. I accept it with thanks."
+
+My wife, however, looked over to us with a significant glance that
+seemed quite distinctly to say, "There, you can see now that she is
+free from prejudice, and full of imperturbable kindness."
+
+Notwithstanding her love and respect for us, Annette found great
+pleasure in her intimate relations with the neighboring family of Baron
+Arven. This may have been the result of her having formerly been kept
+in the background.
+
+Her constant journeyings to and fro were the occasion of our making
+some delightful acquaintances.
+
+Just beyond the boundary line, where I owned a large piece of woodland,
+there resided a young forester, who was of noble birth, and a relative
+of Annette's husband. We had before that been strangers to each other;
+but Annette knew how to draw him and his wife into our circle, and we
+were charmed by the simple manners of these highly cultivated people.
+
+Our family was so widely extended that we found it quite easy to trace
+a distant relationship to our newly discovered friends. The young wife
+was the daughter of a high official. Though living in the woods, she
+did not neglect her intellectual life, and found good music of great
+assistance in that regard. She had also been able to bring up sturdy
+boys; and we were quite pleased to learn that her only rule with them
+had been _truthfulness and obedience_. These two requisites had been
+firmly and inexorably insisted upon, and as a result the boys did their
+parents great credit.
+
+The new element that Annette had thus introduced into our circle often
+caused us to forget that the very next hour might bring us the saddest
+news.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III.
+
+
+It was eventide. The clear tones of the village bell filled the valley
+and were echoed back from the mountains opposite. The young woods down
+by the stone wall seemed transparent with the reflection of the rosy
+sunset, and all looked as if bathed in golden clouds.
+
+We were sitting in the arbor, and every one was probably thinking to
+himself, "Perhaps at this very moment men of the same nation--yea,
+brothers--may be murdering one another on the battle-field."
+
+In a low voice, and with an absence of all that resembled her usual
+excessive excitability, Annette remarked that my wife ought to feel
+very happy to think that she had planted yonder wood.
+
+At that moment we saw a carriage coming up the hill.
+
+"It is father!" exclaimed the daughter of the kreis-director, and ran
+to meet him.
+
+We observed that he opened the carriage door for her, and that she
+entered it and remained with him.
+
+Annette remarked that she had given orders that all telegrams should be
+sent to Herr Von Rontheim, who would forward them to us as speedily as
+possible. This must be a matter of importance, however, as he had come
+in person. But let his tidings be what they may, we would stand by and
+support one another.
+
+Rontheim entered.
+
+He brought us the news of a great victory gained by the Austrians, who
+were said to have penetrated into Silesia. His manner of imparting this
+was in accord with our feelings, and was quite free from any spirit of
+rejoicing. A brief telegram had brought the news.
+
+Rontheim seemed quite ill at ease and soon left, taking his daughter
+and Annette with him. A little while after that, Joseph arrived, and
+told me privately that he wished that Richard and I would come over to
+his house.
+
+I was struck with fear, and felt that there was bad news in store for
+me.
+
+Without knowing why, I felt alarmed.
+
+When I entered Annette's apartment, Rontheim was seated at a table on
+which there was a lighted lamp. In his hand there was a newspaper. He
+did not rise to receive me, but requested me to be seated.
+
+He grasped my hand firmly while he said, "You are a strong man, a just
+father--no father can be blamed for what his child may do.--Your son
+Ernst has deserted."
+
+Those were his words: I have written them down with my own hand. Could
+I, at that time, have believed that I would ever be able to do this!
+But to this day, I cannot tell what rent my heart and crazed my brain.
+All that I can recollect is that I felt as if a bullet were piercing my
+brain, and found it strange that I knew even that much of what was
+going on. I remember Richard's throwing his arms about my neck, and
+crying, "Father! Dear father!" and all was over.
+
+When I recovered consciousness my first thought was, "Why live again?
+Death has been conquered."
+
+The next thought that flashed upon me was, "But my wife!--She foresaw
+it all, yet how will she bear this burden?"
+
+Annette came up to me and seemed to guess at my thoughts, for with a
+voice choked with tears she said:
+
+"Do not tell your wife of this to-night. In the morning, when day
+approaches, if you wish me to tell her of this, I am at your service.
+But how cold your hands are!"
+
+She knelt down and kissed my hands.
+
+The director handed the newspaper to Richard. I noticed how his hand
+trembled while he held it. I asked to have it handed to me, and read
+the proclamation of my son's dishonor and the order for his arrest.
+
+When I at last started to return home, I was obliged, for the first
+time in my life, to lean on my son Richard for support. Annette had
+asked permission to accompany me. We declined her proffered aid. The
+kind-hearted, impulsive creature was all gentleness and desire to
+assist me.
+
+I arrived in front of the house. There stands the large and
+well-ordered house,--but no joy will ever enter there again.
+
+The wind from the valley was swaying the red beech to and fro; the
+fountain swelled and roared while its waters glistened in the broad
+moonlight. All this to be seen again and again, and yet--"daily
+suicide"--
+
+"What are you saying, father? What do you mean by those words?" asked
+Richard.
+
+It was not until then that I became aware of my having uttered them.
+
+For Ernst, for my poor child, no day would ever more begin with the
+love of life. "Daily suicide"--in this phrase his deed and its
+consequences seemed to concentrate themselves. I was obliged to sit
+clown on the steps, and not until then was I able to shed tears.
+
+How often Ernst had run up and down there! I could yet remember the
+first time that he climbed those steps on all fours, turning his pretty
+head with its light curls towards me when I called out to him, and
+waiting quietly until I would come and take him up in my arms!
+
+But now he had conjured up a restless demon whom no cry or supplication
+could exorcise.
+
+At this very moment I can distinctly remember how I wished that all the
+sorrow and pain might descend on my own head and be gathered up into my
+own heart, in order that I might bear them for others.
+
+"Master, why are you sitting at your own threshold like a strange
+beggar?" were the words with which Rothfuss surprised me. "I have
+already heard what our madcap Ernst has done; do not let that grieve
+you to death--that will do you no good. In this world, every one must
+carry his own hide to market. It is bad enough in all conscience, but
+there is courage in it for all. There are hundreds and thousands of
+them who would like to do what he has done; but they follow the drum
+with its rat-tat-tat, and put on airs into the bargain. Do you know
+what I think of this matter?--Do not interrupt me, Heir Professor; I
+know what I am talking about--I say that every large family must
+have its black sheep, and I would rather a thousand times have a
+good-for-nothing than an idiot, the very sight of whom makes one's hair
+stand on end.
+
+"Yes, indeed; my mother was right. Her favorite maxim was: 'Better sour
+than rotten,' and 'To be hard of hearing is not half so bad as to have
+poor eyes.'
+
+"In every family there is something; or, as the poor woman once said:
+'There is something everywhere,--except in my lard-pot, where there is
+nothing at all.'"
+
+Rothfuss would not rest until I got up again.
+
+I went up the steps with him and into the room. He drew off my boots,
+and was full of kind attentions.
+
+Addressing me in a whisper, he offered to tell the news to his mistress
+in the morning, as he thought that he was best fitted for the task.
+
+He meant to speak of it in such a way that she would take it as his
+stupid talk and give him a thorough scolding, and thus wreak her anger
+on him. He thought that would be the best way, because that would help
+to break the first shock of the news, and then it would be easier to
+endure the rest.
+
+The only other thing that troubled Rothfuss was how he might stop
+Funk's evil tongue. He felt sure that with the exception of Funk,
+others would be as much grieved as we were.
+
+That was the trouble. The news would enlist the attention of the busy
+world, those who pitied as well as those who rejoiced in the sufferings
+of others.
+
+But what matters the world: it can neither help nor hinder our griefs.
+
+I have experienced much bitter suffering:--I have gazed into the grave
+that had received all that had been dearest to me on earth, but no pain
+can be compared to that of grief for a son, who, though living, is
+lost.
+
+Morning had already dawned. The birds were singing in the trees; the
+sun had returned; all life seemed to awake anew; and at last I found an
+hour's sleep.
+
+"Destroyer of sleep!" were the first words I uttered when I awoke.
+
+How can he enjoy a moment's rest, or swallow a morsel of food while he
+knows that his parents are sorrowing for him.
+
+I have often been advised--it is easy enough to say the words--"Make up
+your mind to blot his name from your memory." But it is not so easy to
+follow such counsel.
+
+My wife softly slumbered through the whole night. Will she ever again
+have so refreshing a sleep?
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+The morning was bright and clear. We were seated around the breakfast
+table, every one of us doubly oppressed. We were grieved on our own
+account, and troubled by the thought that the mother's heart was soon
+to become rent by the sad tidings.
+
+Richard had told the news to Bertha.
+
+My wife seemed to be watching Bertha, and at last reproved her for
+having been weeping again. "It is our duty," said she, "to accept the
+inevitable with resignation. Mankind might well be likened to the
+plants in the field, which are obliged quietly to submit to the storm
+that descends on their heads."
+
+We exchanged hurried glances, but Bertha did not reply.
+
+"Will my wife be as strong in a few moments from now?" was the question
+I inwardly asked myself.
+
+Rothfuss was heard cracking his whip in front of the house. He was
+about to drive out into the fields, taking Martella with him.
+
+His intention was to tell her all that had happened as soon as he
+reached the fields, so that she might there spend her rage, and not
+annoy the household by her noise.
+
+Victor rode along with them.
+
+My wife inquired whether the newspaper had not yet come, or why I was
+not reading it, and wished to know what was the matter.
+
+The moment had arrived. I gathered up all the courage that was yet left
+me, and said, "We will take you at your word--'It is our duty to accept
+the inevitable with resignation.'"
+
+"What is it? Tell me."
+
+"Our son Ernst has--deserted!"
+
+"After all!" exclaimed my wife, while she laid her clinched fists on
+her heart, as if to prevent it from bursting, and with compressed lips
+stared into vacancy.
+
+Fearing that she would faint, the children and I rushed to her
+assistance.
+
+"Never mind; all will be over in a moment. I can now breathe again. And
+now, I beg of you all, be silent." She closed her eyes. We remained
+standing around her in silence. Not a sound was heard, save the rapid
+ticking of the clocks and the innocent singing of the thistle-finch.
+
+At last, she removed her hands from her face and gave way to a torrent
+of tears. With her hands folded on her breast, and softly, without a
+loud sign of pain, she thus lamented:
+
+"O my son! My poor son! My poor, unhappy child! You are now a fugitive
+in the wide world, and without a home--lost and distracted--a wandering
+proof of the confusion of our broken household, now rent in twain and
+bereft of peace. His heart is a wayward one. It is easier to spoil a
+human being than to improve one. Let him who believes that this war is
+just before God rise up and plunge his sword into my son's heart!"
+
+She had raised herself while uttering the last sentence; when she
+finished, she fell back in her seat again. She then suddenly and
+energetically sat up again, and asked, "Does Martella know of this?"
+
+I replied that Rothfuss had taken her out into the fields with him in
+order to tell her all.
+
+"It is well," she answered. "Give me the newspaper, that I may read the
+letter of arrest. This was the reason the director came to us yesterday
+and departed without saying good-by. Give me the advertisement which
+thousands are now reading--I am his mother."
+
+I was obliged to tell her that I had given the paper to Rothfuss, who
+had asked for it in order that he might show it as a proof to Martella.
+
+My wife nodded approvingly, and said, "Yes, Martella. Listen to what I
+am about to say. Ernst has run away because he was unwilling to fight
+in this fratricidal war. That is true enough, as far as it goes; I
+feel assured of that. But let me tell you something more--he is
+unfaithful--unfaithful to his parents, his brothers and sisters, and
+his betrothed. I beg of you, Henry, do not contradict me! Promise me
+one thing."
+
+"Whatever you wish."
+
+"You, my husband, and you, my children, faithfully promise me that,
+when I am no longer with you, you will firmly and inviolably cherish
+Martella as a child of the house and as one of the family."
+
+We promised all that she asked.
+
+"I have one other request to make. Whatever may happen, do not for a
+moment conceal aught from me; do no violence to yourselves for my sake.
+I can support everything as long as I know all."
+
+Her next wish was that we should all go out into the fields, for she
+felt sure that Rothfuss would not be able to control Martella, who, she
+feared, might run away and rush into suffering or death.
+
+Richard said that he would be able to assist Rothfuss, and that he knew
+the direction in which they had gone.
+
+He hurried away to meet them.
+
+"You had better go in and join them," we heard Richard say as he left
+the house, and then he ran off on his errand.
+
+A moment later, Annette joined us. Although usually quite courtly in
+her manner, she was now diffident and timid, and in heartfelt tones
+begged us to consider her as one of us, and permit her to assist in
+bearing our affliction.
+
+My wife extended her arms towards her, and for the first time embraced
+and kissed Annette.
+
+"I have brought smelling-salts and other restoratives," said Annette in
+a cheerful tone, while the thick tears were running down her cheeks.
+"But, dear Madame Gustava, you need nothing of that kind; you are as
+firm as a forest-tree."
+
+"Ernst will never again return to his forest," complained my wife.
+
+Neither Bertha nor I were able to utter a word, but Annette said to my
+wife, "You have a right to indulge in the deepest grief. I shall never
+attempt to persuade you otherwise. I know how galling it is when
+friends come and imagine that they can console us by smoothing over or
+belittling our griefs. It is well, after all, that I am with you. It is
+indeed true that I only feel your sorrows through sympathy, while the
+blow itself has descended on your heads. With all my sincere sympathy,
+there are hours when I can forget your sorrows, and am thus better able
+to be of use to you."
+
+My wife again took Annette's hand and pressed it to her own forehead.
+
+"Do you believe," said my wife, addressing Annette; "do you believe
+that Ernst sees his actions in their true colors?"
+
+"I do not."
+
+"I hope that it is so. Indeed, I really trust that my child does not
+reason clearly on this subject. I would rather have him think himself
+right in what he is doing; for he will then be able to endure his days,
+and to sleep peacefully at night."
+
+"How happy one is to watch the growth of bright, youthful memories in a
+child's soul; but after such a deed, it were kindest to wish that he
+might forget everything." And then turning towards me, she added, "I
+feel so badly to think that my favorite maxim is now dead."
+
+"Which?"
+
+"When I was asked how one could best bring up children, I would always
+answer, 'Let your married life be pure, for thus alone can you have
+good, righteous children.' But it seems that even this is no longer the
+case."
+
+No one replied. Annette told us that she had just received a dispatch.
+The tidings of victory were false, and the very reverse of the first
+news was the true report, for the Prussians had penetrated into
+Bohemia.
+
+"Ah, how soon there will be more grieving mothers! If the woful cries
+of all these mothers could be concentrated into one utterance, who is
+there that could hear it, and still live?"
+
+Thus lamented my wife. We sat in silence.
+
+Richard entered, saying, "Mother is right; she looks far ahead." He
+told us that Martella had shouted with joy when Rothfuss had told her
+of Ernst's flight; she had praised his adroitness.
+
+And Victor called out, "For shame! Uncle Ernst is a coward! For shame!
+Uncle Ernst is a bad man!"
+
+Martella raised the scythe and was about to hurl it at Victor, but
+Rothfuss fortunately parried the stroke. Martella now wrestled with
+Rothfuss, and called out to Victor, "You soldier's child! Keep quiet,
+you soldier's child!" She seemed to use the words reproachfully.
+
+Suddenly she exclaimed, "I know where Ernst is! I am going to
+him--away, away from all of you!"
+
+She started on a brisk run, but was caught in the arms of Richard, who
+was just coming up.
+
+When Richard told us all this, his voice seemed broken, and, for some
+time, he stood with his eyes cast on the ground. Then he went on to
+tell us that Martella had become quiet and gentle, and had willingly
+consented to ride home again, when he told her that mother wanted to
+see her; and that now she was down in the barn, and was sitting on the
+clover, waiting until she was sent for.
+
+Martella was called up to the house. When she entered the room, my wife
+requested us to leave. I have never learned what passed between them.
+
+I was quite surprised at what Rothfuss told me.
+
+When Richard caught Martella in his arms, she cried out, "No, no; you
+shall not kiss me!" and pushed him from her with such force, that he
+would have been thrown to the ground if Rothfuss had not come to his
+assistance.
+
+Richard had told us nothing of that.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER V.
+
+
+When Edward Levi, the iron merchant, came to out village, he cautiously
+went, first of all, to my nephew Joseph; he then sent for me, and
+handed me a letter from Ernst. It was written in a firm hand, and read
+as follows:
+
+
+"To my parents I say farewell. I leave my so-called Fatherland forever.
+
+"It grieves me to know that I must grieve you, but I cannot help it.
+
+"If thousands had done what I did, it would have been praised as a
+noble deed. Must we sacrifice ourselves to this degenerate Fatherland?
+
+"I cannot murder my compatriots, nor do I care to allow them to murder
+me.
+
+"Take care of Martella for my sake. I will write to her myself.
+
+                                         "YOUR LOST SON."
+
+
+"You must pluck such a child from your heart--you must forget him
+entirely."
+
+These were Joseph's words after he had read the letter. Many others
+spoke just as he did. But he who has ever heard the word "father" from
+the lips of his child, knows that this is impossible. From that time I
+always said to myself, "No day without sorrow." Do you know what it
+means never to have a pure, bright, happy day?--"no day without
+sorrow?" And yet, I admit it, I was not without hope. I felt a quiet
+assurance that Ernst would be all right in the end. How it was to be
+brought about, I did not know; but I felt that the seeds of
+indestructible virtue and purity were yet lurking amidst this mass of
+ruin and rottenness. There might yet be a turn in the tide of affairs,
+that would draw the current of my son's life into the proper channel.
+My wife mentioned his name only once after that. But her love for the
+child was stronger and firmer than her resolution.
+
+She took pains to be about and to keep up an interest in all that was
+going on: but, from the moment that she was shocked by the news of
+Ernst's desertion, it was evident that it cost her an effort to control
+her will.
+
+She seemed constantly tired. She rarely went out--hardly ever as far as
+the garden, where she would walk but a short distance before sitting
+down on a bench. She would often sit in an absent manner, gazing into
+vacancy, and when addressed would seem as if hurriedly collecting her
+thoughts.
+
+Martella had also received a letter. It contained a ring; but she would
+not show any one, not even my wife, what Ernst had written. Edward
+Levi, the iron merchant, acted with great good sense and delicacy. He
+attempted neither to explain things nor to console us; but gave us the
+simple account of how the affair had happened. If it had not related to
+my own son, and had not been so full of sadness, Ernst's ingenuity in
+the matter would even have afforded us amusement.
+
+It was late in the evening when he arrived at the town in which Levi
+resided. He went to the police-office at once, and ordered a forester
+whom he found there to produce Edward Levi, who arrived shortly
+afterward, and to whom Ernst used these words:
+
+"You have been a soldier and can be trusted. I shall confide my secret
+to you."
+
+He then informed him, with an air of great secrecy, that he had been
+ordered to enter the Prussian lines as a spy, and requested him to
+provide him at once with some French money and the dress of a Jewish
+cattle-dealer; and also to bring to him a cattle-dealer provided with a
+correct passport.
+
+After all this had been successfully accomplished, Ernst wrote the two
+letters and handed them to Levi, with instructions not to deliver them
+until three days had elapsed.
+
+He started off with his companion. On the way, he asked him to show him
+his passport: it was handed to him but not returned. He carefully
+instructed the cattle-dealer to address him by the name of Rothfuss.
+
+"Why, that is the name of the old servant that your father thinks so
+much of!"
+
+"That is the very reason I have chosen it; you will have no difficulty
+in remembering it. What is my name?
+
+"The same as the servant's."
+
+"No--but what is it?"
+
+"Rothfuss. Why, every child knows the name. Might I inquire--"
+
+"No; you need ask no questions."
+
+They journeyed on together as far as Kehl, where Ernst suddenly
+disappeared. The drover waited all day, in the vain hope of seeing him
+again, and at last returned home.
+
+Ernst had in all likelihood gone to my sister, who lives in the Hagenau
+forest, or to my brother-in-law, the director of the water-works on the
+Upper Rhine. Before leaving, he handed a bag of money that belonged to
+the state to Edward Levi, for safe-keeping.
+
+Joseph, who was always ready to assist others, at once offered to
+journey after Ernst, in the hope of overtaking him and consulting with
+him as to his future.
+
+I had instructed Rothfuss to make up a package of the clothes that
+Ernst had left behind him, and I was at Joseph's house when he brought
+the bundle there.
+
+Martella wanted to accompany Joseph; but, finding that he would not
+consent, she turned around to her dog, and said: "Pincher, go with
+Joseph and hunt your master!"
+
+The dog looked up at her, as if knowing what she said, and then ran
+after Joseph.
+
+While I was yet with Joseph, a copy of our newspaper came to hand; it
+had been sent to me marked.
+
+The marked passages read as follows:
+
+"Father Noah, the Prussian lickspittle"--I recognized Funk by these
+very words--"has allowed a dove to desert from his ark.
+
+"We cannot but regard the rumor that the father had urged his son to
+take this step, because of his own aversion to fighting against the
+beloved Prussians, as a malicious invention.
+
+"We do not believe the party of these beggarly Prussians, or this
+weak-minded old gray-beard, endowed with the requisite firmness.
+
+"But the noble Caffre's pride in his virtue must have received a
+fearful blow."
+
+I must admit that this low personal attack gave me much pain. I was,
+however, more grieved to think that party hatred could induce men to
+indulge in such abuse.
+
+Joseph remarked, "One should indeed always have an enemy, in order to
+find out what criticism and explanation our deeds may be subjected to."
+
+Joseph was a burgomaster. The game-keeper came to report to him.
+
+My very heart trembled with fear, and I felt ashamed of myself in the
+presence of the game-keeper.
+
+He had the description and order of arrest for my son in his pocket.
+
+One does not find how far and how deep honor has spread its roots,
+until it is lost.
+
+Unrest, the most hateful demon in the world, had been conjured up in
+our house.
+
+Now that our pride was broken, we at last noticed how proud we had
+been.
+
+One day, when walking through the village, I met the perjured baker,
+Lerz of Hollerberg. He extended his hand to me in a friendly manner.
+Did he regard me as one of his equals? I withdrew my hand.
+
+He shrugged his shoulders contemptuously and went on his way.
+
+The first neighbor who visited me was Baron Arven, who lives about a
+mile and a half from our house.
+
+I believe I have not yet referred to this man. His dignified and quiet
+demeanor betokened a really brave and noble character. He was just what
+he seemed to be--free from all pretence or deceit.
+
+I must add a few words in regard to his family. Following the bent of
+most of the dwellers in our part of the country, he had gone down the
+Danube and had entered the Austrian army. He afterward left the service
+and returned to the family estate, bringing with him a wife who was a
+native of Bohemia, and who held but little intercourse with the
+neighborhood. Her only familiar companions were the clergy.
+
+The Bishop had stopped there on two occasions while making his pastoral
+journeys.
+
+She led a life of seclusion in the castle, or rather the convent; for
+the estate on which they lived had, at one time, belonged to a
+religious order.
+
+The Baron had two sons, splendid fellows, who were serving in the
+cavalry. He is a member of our upper chamber. He is a man of but few
+words, but always votes with the moderate liberals.
+
+He has no respect for the people; their coarse morals and manners are
+repugnant to him. He does not deny that mankind in general have equal
+rights; but, as individuals, he would only accord them such
+consideration as their education, their means, or their social position
+would entitle them to. In this respect he is a thorough aristocrat.
+
+The farmers speak of him with love and veneration, although he is never
+friendly towards them. He is very active as the President of our
+Agricultural Association. He has the finest cattle and the best
+machines, and his special hobby is to stock the many woodland streams
+and lakes of our vicinity with fish.
+
+He is passionately fond of the chase and of fishing, and possesses the
+art of getting through with his day in the most approved and knightly
+manner. Rautenkron acts as his forest-keeper.
+
+That very day, the Baron came riding along, followed by his two fine,
+large dogs. He alighted at Joseph's house and saluted Annette, with
+whom he had become acquainted at the capital, for he spent several
+months there with his family every winter. The family of Von Arven
+owned an old mansion in the city.
+
+He came up to me, offered me his hand in silence, and seated himself.
+
+I could not help thinking of some words from the Book of Job, that had
+always so deeply affected me: "And none spake a word unto him, for they
+saw that his grief was very great."
+
+"My dear neighbor," he at last said, "I see that you, too, have been
+highly assessed in the impost of misfortune that every one of us must
+pay. I shall spare you any words of attempted consolation, and only add
+that there are thousands who would like to do just as your son has
+done."
+
+And then, in his calm and collected tone, he spoke of this horrid war,
+in which Germans were fighting against each other. Napoleon's darling
+hope was that Austria and Prussia might mutually weaken each other, so
+that he might be the master and the arbiter of peace, and could then
+dictate his own terms. Arven had at one time been an Austrian officer,
+and was naturally not partial to Prussia. He had an inborn aversion to
+Northern harshness; but with his knowledge of the organization of the
+Austrian armies, he felt free to say that Prussia would be victorious.
+Although both of his sons were in our army, he said this with great
+calmness.
+
+The Baron's presence exerted a gentle, soothing influence on our
+household. When I told my wife that he had expressed a wish to speak
+with her, she came into the room; and when the two were conversing with
+each other, it was like a beautiful song of mourning.
+
+The Baron's presence always produced a subdued tone, an atmosphere of
+quiet refinement--an influence like a subtile, pleasing perfume
+lingered in the room long after he had taken his departure.
+
+And now, when he was conversing with my wife, she gave utterance to
+thoughts that otherwise we might never have become acquainted with.
+When conversing with strangers, she revealed far more of her pure and
+elevated views of the world than when she was with us alone.
+
+Shortly after the Baron's departure, we were visited by Counsellor
+Reckingen, who came over from the city to see us. He usually lived in
+strict seclusion from the world. While sailing on Lake Constance, he
+had lost his young wife. He had plunged in after her, and had succeeded
+in reaching the bank with her, only to find that life had fled. Since
+that time, he had lived in solitude, devoting himself to the education
+of the little daughter who was left to him.
+
+Under these circumstances, I could not but appreciate his kindness in
+paying me this visit.
+
+He seemed to have become quite unused to conversation. He said but
+little, and soon went out into the garden in front of our house, in
+order to plant some rose-slips that he had brought with him.
+
+I was greatly gratified by the visit of a deputation of my
+constituents. It consisted of three esteemed farmer-burgomasters of the
+neighborhood. They made no allusion to the grief which had befallen me;
+our conversation referred only to the war; and when Martella brought in
+wine, they looked at the child with curious eyes.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+Ought we to bear the blame of our son Ernst's having wandered from the
+right path?
+
+By our example and precept we have guided our children in the path of
+virtue, but who can control their souls? I have caused many a fallow
+soil to bear fruit, and up on the bleak hills have raised sturdy trees.
+Nature's law is unchanging; but if not even a tree can mature without
+harm coming to it, how much less can a human soul be expected to do so.
+We have lived to see naught but what is good and proper in our son
+Richard. His development is so natural and consistent. In his earliest
+youth, he decided to devote himself to science. He has steadily
+advanced, swerving neither to the right nor the left, and has always
+been full of the conscious power of the clear and temperate mind that
+grasps the laws underlying the phenomena presented by the world of
+thought and of action.
+
+We can neither take credit to ourselves, in the one instance, nor
+acknowledge that we were in fault in the other.
+
+My wife had been true to herself, and yet full of resignation in the
+first shock of this bitter grief; but now there came an insurmountable
+desire to quarrel with her lot, and the puzzling question, "Why should
+this happen just to us?" was again awakened.
+
+I dislike to admit it, but truth forces me to say that this was brought
+about by the arrival of my daughter Johanna.
+
+Johanna also had her troubles. Her husband was sickly, her son was in
+the army, and she seemed chosen for suffering; but chosen by reason of
+a higher faith. With inconsiderate zeal, she attempted to awaken the
+same faith in us. At that very moment, she thought, when we were
+crushed and bowed down by sorrow, our redemption should take place. She
+assigned the impiety of our household as the cause of our son's
+disobedience.
+
+The education which my wife had received from her father was, as some
+would call it, a heathen one; for she had received more instruction
+from the classics than from the Bible.
+
+We were seated in our statue gallery. The door that led to the garden
+was open; my wife had been eagerly reading from a book, which she now
+laid aside with the remark, "That does one good."
+
+"What were you reading?" inquired Johanna.
+
+My wife made no answer, and Johanna repeated her question, when she
+said, "I have been reading the Antigone of Sophocles, and I find that I
+am right."
+
+"In what respect?"
+
+"It has renewed my recollection of an idea of my father's. When I was
+reading the Antigone aloud to him for the first time, he said, If a
+woman acted in this way, she would be doing right; but a brother should
+not have done so. With a sister, or with a mother, the natural law of
+love of kindred is above that of the state, which would have treated
+the brother as a traitor to his country. And in this lies the deeply
+tragic element--that innocence and guilt are so closely interwoven, and
+that two considerations are battling with each other. You men may pass
+judgment on Ernst; you require unconditional submission to the lawful
+authorities. You are right, because you are men of the law. But, with
+Antigone, I rest myself upon that higher law which is far above all
+laws that states may frame!
+
+    "'It lives neither for to-day nor for yesterday, but for all time,
+      And none can know since when.'
+
+"This book is to me a sacred one."
+
+"Mother!" cried Johanna, with a voice trembling with emotion, "mother,
+how can you say that, while I here have the only sacred book in my
+hand?"
+
+"In its own sense, that, too, is sacred; but it teaches me nothing of
+the deep struggles between the human heart and the laws of the state."
+
+"Mother," cried Johanna, kneeling before her; "here is the Bible. I
+implore you to give up those profane books; they cannot help you.
+Listen to the Word of God!"
+
+"To me he speaks through these books," answered my wife.
+
+"Mother, we are mourning for the lost son."
+
+"Our son is not lost; he is a sad sacrifice."
+
+Richard entered. Mother said to him, "Read me the story from the
+Gospel."
+
+"What do you refer to?" inquired Richard.
+
+"Mother means the Parable of the Prodigal Son," interrupted Johanna;
+and holding the Bible on high, she continued: "Here it is: Gospel of
+St. Luke, fifteenth chapter, eleventh verse."
+
+"Not you, but Richard, shall read it."
+
+"But, mother--"
+
+"Richard, I wish you to read it."
+
+He had just taken the book, when Annette entered. She asked whether she
+was disturbing them.
+
+My wife said that she was not, and requested her to sit down at her
+side.
+
+In a calm and full voice Richard read:
+
+"'And he said, A certain man had two sons:
+
+"'And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the
+portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his
+living.
+
+"'And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, and
+took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance
+with riotous living.
+
+"'And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land;
+and he began to be in want.
+
+"'And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he
+sent him into his fields to feed swine.
+
+"'And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine
+did eat; and no man gave unto him.
+
+"'And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my
+father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
+
+"'I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I
+have sinned against heaven, and before thee.
+
+"'And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy
+hired servants.
+
+"'And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way
+off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his
+neck, and kissed him.
+
+"'And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and
+in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
+
+"'But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and
+put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
+
+"'And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be
+merry:
+
+"'For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is
+found. And they began to be merry.
+
+"'Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to
+the house, he heard music and dancing.
+
+"'And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
+
+"'And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed
+the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
+
+"'And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out
+and entreated him.
+
+"'And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve
+thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandments; and yet thou
+never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends.
+
+"'But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living
+with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
+
+"'And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have
+is thine.
+
+"'It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy
+brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.'"
+
+When Richard had finished, he placed his hand on the open book and
+said, "This story has much dramatic interest. The father, the two sons,
+the servant, are clearly and strikingly drawn; and with correct
+judgment; the mother is not mentioned, for here it would not do to have
+double notes--a variation of emotion on the part of the father and one
+on the part of the mother. I might, indeed, say that a mother would
+have dwelt on the appearance her son presented on his return; while
+here it is left unnoticed. Further--"
+
+"What do you mean? You are not among your students," angrily
+interrupted Johanna.
+
+"You are right," continued Richard, with a quiet smile; "my students
+are polite enough to permit me to finish a sentence without
+interrupting me. I will also state, first of all, that this ingenious
+parable makes no mention of the sister. I do not know what a sister
+would have said in that affair."
+
+Johanna jumped from her seat in anger; her features seemed distorted
+with passion. She opened her mouth to answer him, but could not utter a
+word.
+
+"Shall I go on, mother?" asked Richard.
+
+"Of course; speak on."
+
+"In the first place, the pure spirit which here reveals itself is as
+fully acknowledged by us as by the pious believers.
+
+"To me the all-important point is, that it illustrates a view of the
+relation between parents and children, which is completely the reverse
+of that fostered by the ancient civilization, in which the children
+suffer for the sins of their parents. Just think of the curse of the
+Atrides. In our days, it is quite different, and the fate of the
+parents--their happiness as well as their sorrow--depends upon the
+conduct of their children.
+
+"The individual to whom such affliction comes is subject to the great
+and universal law of the newer life."
+
+"Is there anything else you would like to say?" inquired Johanna, in an
+angry voice. She had some time before that snatched the Bible out of
+Richard's hands, and had been reading in it ever since, as if she
+thought that the best way to counteract the influence of the heresies
+he had been uttering. With all that, she seemed to hear every word that
+was said.
+
+"I certainly have, if you will permit me. To me this story seems a
+repetition, in a new shape, of a subject already treated in the same
+book. The story of Joseph in Egypt is a family history that borders on
+the region of fable, narrated without any regard to the moral that
+underlies it, and yet representing to us the reward of innocence. This
+story which tells of a son who had been a real sinner, and for that
+reason was not permitted to return as a viceroy amid joy and splendor,
+but in the garb of a beggar, has another lesson for us. Viewed from the
+stand-point of the Old or New Testament, or even by our own feelings,
+it tells the story of redemption. Yes, every human being who falls into
+sinful ways, shall be obliged to eat the husks;.... but he is not lost.
+When through self-knowledge his soul has been humbled in the dust, He
+who never fails will lift him up again, for it is far easier to avoid
+sin than, before God and one's own soul, to confess having sinned."
+
+After a pause of a few moments, Richard continued: "There is an
+excellent painting of the Prodigal's Return. It is by Fuehrich. The
+artist has chosen the moment when the father is embracing his long-lost
+son, now kneeling at his feet; the son, however, dares not venture to
+embrace his father; bent down towards the earth, he folds his hands
+upon his breast in humble, silent gratitude."
+
+Johanna seemed to think that she might as well abandon all attempts to
+change our views of religious matters. She arose from her seat and,
+pressing the Bible to her bosom, left the room without uttering another
+word.
+
+"Come into the garden with me," said my wife to Richard. I was left
+alone with Annette. Great tears were rolling down her cheeks. After a
+little while she said that now she was at last really converted, but
+not in the way that the church would wish her to be. She could at last
+understand that the best consolation and the most elevating reflection,
+in time of sorrow, is to consider individual suffering a part of a
+great whole, and as a phase of the soul-experience of advancing
+humanity.
+
+She regretted that Bertha had not been with us. She felt sure, also,
+that her husband would have been a delighted listener. He had always
+felt attracted to Richard, although he had never become intimate with
+him.
+
+She hurried home in order, as I fancy, to write out for her husband's
+benefit her impressions of what she had just heard.
+
+Johanna left us that very day. She said that she now felt as a stranger
+in our home, and consoled herself with the thought that she could feel
+at home in the house of a Father whom we, alas! did not know.
+
+We were neither anxious nor able to prevent her departure. And why
+should I not confess it?--we felt more at our ease without her.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+As far as she could, Bertha led a self-contained and secluded life. She
+frankly admitted that she was not in the mood to worry about her lost
+brother; her heart was filled with thoughts of her husband, the father
+of her children.
+
+When haymaking began on the mountain meadows, Bertha would go out and
+assist in scattering the newly mown grass. She hoped that physical
+exercise would enable her again to enjoy the refreshing sleep of her
+childhood, and was quite happy when, in the morning, she found herself
+able to tell us that she had passed a night in dreamless sleep.
+
+Annette suffered greatly from the heat. Bertha, however, said that it
+was best to expose one's self to the sun, because the heat would then
+be less oppressive. She was quite delighted to see how the sun browned
+her own children.
+
+Annette again introduced the subject of the parable of the Prodigal
+Son, when Richard, with an ironical smile, replied, "I am glad to see
+that you can dwell on a subject and again return to it; and I shall
+only add, that in the Old Testament the history of a nation is
+conceived in a popular manner, while the New Testament is a history in
+which one exalted and idealized man serves as the sole and central
+figure. The real life of the family, the relations of parents and
+kindred, is not emphasized in the latter. Life, there, is isolated, and
+looks only towards heaven.
+
+"In the Old Testament, the life of the family is in constant action,
+and superfluous figures which serve no moral in themselves are also
+introduced.
+
+"To express myself symbolically, I should say Moses has a brother and a
+sister who are also important figures. Jesus, on the other hand, stands
+alone against the golden background, and no relationship of His is
+mentioned except that to His mother, which was afterward poetically
+invested with a higher significance."
+
+"Accept my thanks; I believe I understand you. If one were able always
+to regard individual suffering as merely part of the world's
+development, one would be saved from all pain," said Annette.
+
+Richard's look was one of surprise, almost of anger, at these words.
+
+When we were together, most of his attentions were for the daughter of
+the kreis-director. Her calm and gentle manner seemed to him the very
+opposite of Annette's; and it may have been his desire to let Annette
+see that cultivated womanhood consists of something more than
+incessantly propounding questions, or in keeping a man in a constant
+trot to prove his gallantry by providing for the intellectual
+requirements of the ladies.
+
+"I greatly fear," said Richard to my wife, "that Annette is one of that
+class of beings with whom everything resolves itself into talk, and of
+whom one might well say that what to us is a church, is to them a
+concert." And he went on to complain that, in the strict sense of the
+word, Annette did not have a nice ear; that where she thought she fully
+understood one's meaning, she usually misconceived it. When he had
+finished, my wife answered with a quiet smile:
+
+"Be careful: the professor is again showing himself in you. It seems to
+me that the professor finds it annoying to have listeners who are not
+all attention."
+
+Richard was a severe judge of his own motives and actions, and frankly
+confessed that he deserved the reproach. Nevertheless ne could not
+accustom himself to Annette's presence.
+
+He had much knowledge of men, and constantly lived in a certain equable
+atmosphere of his own; and the impulsive, changeable traits of Annette
+were therefore repugnant to him.
+
+She, too, felt the antagonism, and one day said to him, quite
+roguishly, "The forester is the type of many men. I had always thought
+that he found it refreshing to breathe the pure air of the woods; but I
+find that he is constantly smoking his vile tobacco."
+
+The petty war between Richard and Annette enabled us, for many an hour,
+to forget the greater war that was raging out of doors. Annette was
+quite anxious in her care for my wife, and could never fully gratify
+her desire to be with her always.
+
+Although Richard attempted to conceal it, it was quite evident that he
+had a decided aversion to Annette.
+
+He would sometimes spend whole days with Rautenkron the forester, and
+was more frequent in his visits to Baron Arven than he had formerly
+been.
+
+But in the evenings, when we were all together, Annette seemed to
+possess the art of drawing him out in spite of himself.
+
+And thus we led a simple and yet intellectual life, while, without
+doors, armies speaking the same language were arrayed against each
+other with deadly intent.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+"Pincher is here again; he could not find him," said Martella one
+morning. Her dog had returned during the night.
+
+At noon, Joseph returned from Alsace. He had not succeeded in finding
+Ernst, who had remained at my sister's house but one day, and had
+seemed excited and troubled while there.
+
+He had understood that Ernst had met some one at the railway station,
+as if by appointment.
+
+Joseph, who was always so cool and collected, seemed remarkably nervous
+and excited.
+
+I thought that he had perhaps seen Ernst after all, and was not telling
+us all that he knew; but he assured me, in a somewhat confused manner,
+that he had concealed nothing. He told me that he was out of sorts,
+simply because of the triumphant and malicious airs that the Alsatians
+had displayed. Business friends of his, among whom there was a deputy
+who seemed to be well posted, insisted upon it as a fact that the
+Prussian statesman had offered the French Emperor a considerable
+portion, if not all, of the left bank of the Rhine, on condition that
+the Emperor would not prevent him from using his own pleasure towards
+Germany, if conquered.
+
+The left bank of the Rhine! How often I, too, while in Alsace had heard
+it said that France must take possession of this left bank, as a matter
+of course; for the Frenchmen thought themselves the lords of creation,
+with whom it was only necessary to express a wish in order to have it
+gratified.
+
+Would I yet live to see the ruin of my Fatherland? At that very moment,
+Germans were battling against Germans, in order that the aims of France
+might be served.
+
+I asked Joseph and Richard whether they could conceive of such a thing
+as a German selling and betraying his Fatherland.
+
+We had no assurance of this, and thought it best to encourage each
+other's faith in humanity.
+
+The failure of Joseph's mission had only served to arouse my own deep
+sorrow anew.
+
+My son lost! When night came, I could not make up my mind to retire.
+For a long while, I sat gazing at the starry heavens, and the dark
+forest-covered mountains. Where is he now? Can it be possible that he
+is not thinking of us? He is in danger, and may work his own ruin. How
+gladly would I fly to his help, if I only knew how!
+
+At last one goes to his couch, thinking: "To-morrow something definite
+must be done." But the morning comes, and the deed is left undone. Thou
+hast waited this long, and shalt wait still longer. And thus the days
+pass by, while naught is accomplished. When I lay awake at nights,
+thinking of my son, I felt as if with him; and when, by chance, other
+thoughts arose in my mind, the one great grief would thrust them aside.
+It seemed as if my soul had for a time left the body and had now
+returned to it again.
+
+The fear of sleeplessness is almost worse than the reality; but one
+falls asleep at last without knowing how, and so it shall some day be
+with our final sleep.
+
+And, often, when the tired body had fallen asleep, the troubled soul
+would awaken it again.
+
+At these moments I would say to myself, "Life is a solemn charge." It
+went hard with me to renounce perfect happiness.
+
+One morning, when I was just about to go out into the fields, Martella
+came running towards me. She was almost out of breath, and told me that
+the captain's wife was over in the garden of the school-master's wife,
+and had fainted. She had received a letter with bad news. Her husband
+had been shot in the forehead, and was dead.
+
+My wife hurried on ahead of me, and stepped as quickly as in the days
+of her youth.
+
+When I reached the garden gate, Annette was already sitting on a bench.
+She had her arms around Gustava's neck, and had buried her face in my
+wife's bosom.
+
+She raised her head and said, "The flowers still bloom." Then she
+covered her face with her hands, and sobbed bitterly.
+
+My wife placed her hand on Annette's head, and said, "Weep on. You have
+a right to lament. Let them not dare come and say, 'Conquer your pain,
+for hundreds suffer just as you do.' Were there thousands to suffer
+this same grief, every one must suffer it for himself, and through life
+carry a wounded heart. You are very, very unhappy. You were life and
+joy itself: you must now know what it is to be sad. It is a hard
+lesson, and although I bear my burden, that will not lighten yours.
+That you must bear for yourself, as none besides you can."
+
+Annette raised her head, and when she saw me, extended her hand, saying
+at the same time:
+
+"You knew him well; but no one knew him as I did. He was a hero, with a
+soul as pure as a child's. Can it be? Can it be possible that he lives
+no more? Can a mere bullet put in end to so much beauty, so much
+happiness? Surely it cannot be! Why should it have been he? Why should
+this stroke fall on me? Forgive me, Bertha, you were stronger and more
+determined than I. And how your husband will mourn him! Victor, do you
+know what has happened? Uncle Hugo is dead! And in the very hour of his
+death I may have been laughing. Alas, alas! Forgive me for making you
+all so sad. I cannot help myself."
+
+We had not yet left the garden, when the kreis-director entered. He was
+accompanied by a tall gentleman who was a stranger to us.
+
+"Max, you here!" exclaimed Annette. "While I was happy, you did not
+come to me, but now you do come. How kind!"
+
+She threw her arms around his neck, and I then learned that he was her
+brother.
+
+We retired, leaving them together.
+
+I had known that Annette was an orphan. I now learned that her brother,
+who was a lawyer of renown, had given up all intercourse with his
+sister, because of her having embraced Christianity. He had wished her
+to remain true to the faith of her ancestors, and to contract only a
+civil marriage. For her husband's sake, however, she had embraced the
+Catholic religion. This was the first intimation I had of her being a
+Catholic.
+
+A sudden shower forced us to withdraw into the house.
+
+It is depressing to think that while we were absorbed by the deepest
+despair, a petty annoyance could cause us to flee. We entered the
+school-room.
+
+"There it is!" exclaimed Annette, pointing to the blackboard; "there it
+stands!"
+
+On the blackboard were the words, "War, Victory, Fatherland, Germany,"
+as a writing-copy for the children.
+
+"Children are taught to write it," said Annette, "but where is it? All
+life is a blackboard, and on it are written the words, '_Death_,
+_Grief_, _Tears_.'"
+
+The old spinner entered. She walked up to Annette, took her by the
+hand, and uttered a few words which none of us could understand.
+
+Annette called upon us all to bear witness, that from that very hour
+she would give the spinner a considerable annuity in case her son
+should lose his life; but that, even if he were to return in safety,
+she would nevertheless make her a yearly allowance.
+
+Her brother objected that at such a time it were wrong to make a vow.
+She could, from year to year, give the old woman as much as she thought
+proper; but that she ought not, at this moment, to make a promise which
+would be irrevocable, and for life.
+
+We all looked at him with surprise.
+
+He added that he, too would be happy to contribute a generous sum to
+the annuity.
+
+Annette returned to her dwelling, in order to prepare for her
+departure. Her orders were, that her rooms should remain in the same
+condition as she left them, as it was her intention to return.
+
+"Your master is dead," she said to the brown spaniel; "your eye tells
+me that you understand my words. You must remain here; I shall return
+again. He loved you, too; but rest quiet: we can neither of us die yet.
+You are well off--you can neither wish for death for yourself, nor seek
+it: you cannot think of these things. Yes, you are well off."
+
+I can hardly find room to mention all the strange images that were
+called up by Annette's words. Her richly endowed and many-sided mind
+was in unwonted commotion.
+
+The shower had passed away; the grass and the trees were radiant with
+the sunlight, and the lines of the opposite hills were clear and
+distinct.
+
+Annette stood at her window gazing into the distance, while she uttered
+the words:
+
+"While the earth decks itself with verdure and brings forth new life,
+it receives the dead. Let no one dare come to me again and say that he
+understands the world and life!
+
+"Where is the professor?"
+
+My wife was the only one who could quiet Annette, and she said, "If I
+could only go with you!"
+
+"You will be with me in spirit, I am sure," replied Annette.
+
+She extended her hand to my wife, saying, "I can assure you of this: I
+will so conduct myself, that you could at any moment say to me, 'This
+is right.'--I have been wild and wayward; I am so no longer; hereafter,
+I will be strong and gentle."
+
+The carriage drove up and we accompanied Annette down the hill as far
+as the saw-mill.
+
+There was a rainbow over our heads; it reached from our mountains to
+the Vosges.
+
+Annette held a handkerchief to her eyes. My wife and Bertha were
+walking on either side of her.
+
+The only time I heard her speak was when she said to Bertha:
+
+"Your husband has lost his best comrade. The Major will live; there
+shall yet be some happy ones on earth. I shall write you from the
+camp."
+
+Rothfuss was ploughing the potato field. He was walking with his back
+towards us.
+
+Annette called to him. He came out into the road and inquired what was
+the matter.
+
+"My husband is dead. I am going to bring him and lay him in the earth
+which you are now ploughing," said Annette in a firm voice.
+
+Rothfuss extended his hand to her. He seemed unable to utter a word,
+and was excitedly swinging his cap about with his left hand.
+
+At last, in a loud voice, and stopping after every word, he exclaimed:
+
+"I would--rather--not--be--King--or Emperor--than have--that--rest--on
+me."
+
+He returned to the field and continued his work.
+
+When we reached the valley, Annette said, "I shall not say 'good by;' I
+shall need all my strength for the other sad affair."
+
+She quickly stepped into the carriage; her brother, Rontheim, and the
+daughter of the latter following her.
+
+The carriage rolled away.
+
+On our way back to the house, my wife was several times obliged to sit
+down by the roadside. The sad events of this day had deeply affected
+her.
+
+We were seated under an apple-tree, when my wife, taking me by the
+hand, said, "Yes, Henry, how full of blossoms that tree once was; but
+May-bugs and caterpillars and frost and hail have destroyed it. And
+thus it is with him, too."
+
+She was not as demonstrative as I was; she could bear her sorrow
+silently; but the thought of Ernst did not leave her for a moment.
+
+When we got back to the house she fell asleep in the armchair, and did
+not awaken until sunset, when Richard, whom we had not seen all day,
+returned.
+
+He admitted that he had heard of Annette's bereavement, but had kept
+out in the woods to be out of the way, as he thought there were enough
+sympathizers without him, and that he could not have been of any
+service.
+
+My wife looked at him with surprise.
+
+Richard told us that during the rain-storm, which had been quite heavy
+in the woods, he had been with Rautenkron.
+
+The gloomy man had spoken of Ernst with great interest, and had
+incidentally inquired in regard to Martella. He was quite enraged that
+he, who never read a newspaper and did not want to have anything to do
+with the world, was obliged to know of this war, as one of his
+assistants and a forest laborer had been conscripted. He felt quite
+convinced, too, that Prussia would be victorious.
+
+For a long while there was no news from the seat of war, except reports
+of marching and countermarching.
+
+After that, there came a letter from the Major, who lamented the death
+of the Captain, and wrote in terms of admiration of the noble and
+composed bearing of Annette.
+
+Richard, who, during Annette's presence, had, as far as possible,
+affected solitude, was now again with us almost constantly.
+
+He spoke quite harshly of Annette, and said that she was always
+expressing a desire for repose and a quiet life, while at the same time
+she was constantly disturbing every one. She would allow no one to live
+in his own thoughts; her only desire was, that the thoughts and
+feelings of others should be the reflection of her evanescent emotions.
+
+He thought it likely, however, that she might emerge from the refining
+fire of a great grief, purer and firmer than she had ever been.
+
+"I know now," said my wife to me one evening, "why Richard went out
+into the woods. It was well of him."
+
+I did not understand it, and she, in order to tease me, refused to
+explain. She seemed quite pleased with her secret, and I was only too
+happy to see her smile once again.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+"Thank God, they have beaten us!" were the words with which Joseph
+entered our house the next morning, carrying an extra paper in his
+hand. In those words was concentrated the whole misery of those days.
+"If Prussia would only march into the South German palaces! That is the
+only way to bring about a proper understanding."
+
+This was the second idea that Joseph expressed.
+
+An armistice was concluded. Bertha wished to return home at once. A
+letter from her husband was received, requesting her to remain at our
+house, and informing her that he would join her there immediately after
+the return of the troops.
+
+He also informed us that he had received a letter from the widow of our
+Austrian cousin; her husband had lost his life at Koeniggratz.
+
+We also received news from Annette. In a few short words she informed
+us of her wretched journey with the corpse of him who had been all her
+joy, and had been sacrificed to no purpose.
+
+The postscript contained special greetings for Richard, both from her
+and from his friend, a medical professor, who had introduced himself to
+Annette as a friend of ours, and had been of great service to her.
+
+Sad tidings threw the village into excitement.
+
+Carl, who had been the favorite of the whole village, had fallen. It
+was both sad and gratifying to hear how every one praised him. Even the
+taciturn meadow farmer stopped me on my way to the spinner's cottage,
+and said, "He was a steady young fellow."
+
+If I had replied by asking him to contribute a stated sum for the
+support of the destitute widow, he would have looked at me as if I were
+crazy, to think of making such a suggestion to him. According to his
+views of life, poor people were sent into the world to starve, and the
+rich in order that they might eat to their heart's content and fill
+their iron cooking-pots with gold.
+
+The meadow farmer was accompanied by a peasant-prince from the valley
+on the other side of the mountains, where the succession falls to the
+minor, the youngest son inheriting the estate.
+
+It was said that the only daughter of the meadow farmer had been
+determined on as the wife of this young peasant. He had inherited a
+considerable sum in securities, and now sought a wife. Love did not
+enter into the question; all that was required was to keep up the name
+and the honor of the peasant-court; and, while a noble life cannot
+result from such a union, it generally proves a respectable and
+contented marriage.
+
+I remembered that there had been a rumor in the village that Marie, the
+daughter of the meadow farmer, loved Carl.
+
+When I drew near to the house of the spinner, I saw Funk coming out,
+Lerz the baker following him. I think Funk must have seen me; otherwise
+there could have been no reason for his remarking to his companion in
+quite a loud voice, "What do you think of your beggarly Prussians now?
+This is their work--to kill the son of a poor widow. If he had been a
+prince, they would have gone into mourning, and for seven weeks would
+have eaten out of black bowls and with black spoons!"
+
+It went hard with me to enter the widow's cottage, after hearing those
+words. The old woman, who had always been so quiet and contented, and
+who had never left her dwelling, unless it was to go earn her daily
+bread, was now quite urgent in her demands. She asked for money, so
+that she might go and witness the burial of her son, and know where
+they laid his body. She also wanted to go to the Prince, for whom her
+son had lost his life. She knew that she, a poor woman, had a better
+right to a good pension than the Captain's widow, who was a great lady.
+
+When my wife came, the old woman said, "You are better off than I am.
+Your son still lives, but mine is dead. They told me that you once said
+your son was more than dead. But, tell me, what does it mean to be more
+than dead? Ah, you do not know. The Prussian sought out the best heart
+of them all. He knew what he was about. Of all the thousands who say
+'mother,' there was no better child than my Carl. Your Ernst is also a
+good lad. They were born on the same day. Don't you remember? My
+husband was quite tipsy when he came home that evening. He was
+gloriously full, and so jolly! He must have known that he was soon to
+be the father of such a splendid boy.
+
+"Oh, my poor Carl! You may hunt the land through, but you will never
+find so handsome a lad as my Carl. He did not get his good looks from
+me; but his father was just as good-looking as he--nay, almost more so.
+
+"Ah, it will be a long while before you find so pretty a fellow as
+Carl--one who will sit down beside his mother of a Sunday afternoon and
+tell her merry jokes, so that her heart may be gladdened, although his
+own be sad.
+
+"Yes, go and seek another such as he!
+
+"Don't go away, Waldfried! There is no one left with whom I can talk.
+Or send Martella--to me she will do."
+
+On our way home, my wife gently said, "His regiment was not once in
+battle."
+
+This was the first intimation I had received of her careful reading of
+the newspapers. Ernst's regiment had not fired a single shot, and all
+our suffering had been to no purpose.
+
+We sent Martella over to the spinner's cottage, where she remained all
+night.
+
+On the following morning, Martella returned. She was quite joyful, and
+maintained that Ernst had been saved and would soon return to us.
+
+She had arranged everything with the old spinner. The two of them would
+go to the Prince, and the spinner would say to him, "My son is dead!
+but give me the one who was born on the same day, and wipe out all that
+stands against him!" Or else the spinner would say, "My tears shall
+wash away all the charges that stand written against him on the slate."
+
+It went hard to make Martella understand that this plan was nothing
+more than an idle dream.
+
+The battle was over, and peace had been concluded.
+
+Although Austria was separated from Germany, there was, as yet, no real
+Germany. While the high contracting parties were framing the chief
+clauses of their treaty, the Frenchman who was looking over their
+shoulders took the pen in his own hand and drew a black mark across the
+page, and called it "the line of the Main."
+
+The Major came home, and the joy of Bertha and her children knew no
+bounds. The Major, however, seemed unable to shake off a deep fit of
+melancholy.
+
+He was a strict disciplinarian. He never allowed himself to say aught
+against his superiors or their orders; but now, he could not keep down
+his indignation at the manner in which the war had been conducted. When
+a nation really goes to war it should be in greater earnest about its
+work.
+
+There was much distrust, both as to the courage and the loyalty and
+firmness of the leaders. While the Major's feelings as a soldier had
+been outraged, there were many other thoughts which suggested
+themselves to him as a lover of his country, and in regard to which he
+maintained silence.
+
+He told us that Annette had behaved with dignity and composure when she
+went to receive the body of her husband. But now it was evident that
+she had attempted too much; that she was unwell, and would be obliged
+until autumn to repair to the sea-side, where her mother-in-law would
+be with her.
+
+When the Major remarked that he had heard it said that in this war even
+slight wounds might prove fatal, because every one was so filled with
+mortification, on account of this unholy strife, that the very idea
+itself would serve to aggravate even the slightest wound, my wife
+exclaimed, "Yes, it is indeed so. There are wounds which are made fatal
+by the thoughts of those who receive them."
+
+We all felt that she was thinking of Ernst, and remained silent.
+
+The Major did not mention Ernst's name, nor did he inquire whether we
+had heard from him.
+
+He had heard of the death of Carl, and was just about to pay a visit to
+his mother, when Rothfuss came rushing into the room in breathless
+haste, and told us that Carl was down in the stable, and begged that we
+would go to his mother and gently break the news of his safe return to
+her.
+
+We had Carl come up to us, and learned from him that he had been cut
+off from his companions during a reconnoissance, and taken prisoner,
+and had thus by mistake been entered in the list of the killed.
+
+When he heard this, the Major inveighed furiously at the want of system
+that obtained everywhere.
+
+I decided that I would go to his mother, and that Carl and the Major
+should follow me a little while later.
+
+I went to the spinner's cottage. She sat at her spinning-wheel; and I
+could not help believing myself the witness of a miracle, for as soon
+as she saw me, the old woman called out, "Will he come soon?"
+
+She then told me that she had awakened during the night--she was quite
+sure it was not a dream--and had heard the voice of her son saying
+quite distinctly, "Mother, I am not dead--I will soon be with you. I am
+coming--I am coming!" And she had heard his very footsteps.
+
+"I went to the pastor's," she said, taking off one spindle and putting
+on a new one; "the pastor had given orders to have the church-bell
+tolled on account of Carl's death; but I will not allow it--my Carl is
+alive, and I do not want to hear the bells tolling for his death."
+
+I told her that in time of war there was necessarily much confusion,
+and that I, too, believed that her son was still alive, and would
+return again. I was just about to say that I had already seen Carl,
+when he stepped out from behind the wood-pile, and called out,
+"Mother!"
+
+The spinner remained seated, but threw her spindle to the far end of
+the room.
+
+Carl fell on his knees before her and wept.
+
+"You need not weep--I have done enough of it myself, already," said
+she. "But I knew it--you are a good child, and you would not be so
+cruel as to die before me. Get up and pick up my spindle. Have you
+eaten anything, Carl? You must be hungry."
+
+When Carl told her that he did not wish for anything, she replied,
+"Indeed, I have nothing but cold boiled potatoes. Now, do tell me, how
+did it seem when you were dead? You surely thought of me at the last
+moment? Tell me, did you not last night at three o'clock, wherever you
+were, say to yourself, 'Mother, I am not dead: I shall soon be with
+you--I will come soon--I will come soon?"
+
+Carl answered that he had really uttered those very words at the time
+mentioned.
+
+"That is right," said the old woman.
+
+She arose from her seat, took her son by the hand, and went on to say,
+"Now, come up into the village with me. Let us go with these gentlemen.
+Major, I thank you for the honor of your visit. I suppose I may go
+along with you?"
+
+We returned homewards.
+
+It was already known through the whole village, that the young man who
+had been lost and so sincerely deplored had returned. Friends poured
+forth from every doorway, while from the windows cries of "Welcome
+Carl!" were heard.
+
+On our way we met Marie, carrying a bundle of clover on her head. She
+threw her bundle away and hurried towards Carl; but when she came up to
+him she suddenly stopped, as if frightened.
+
+"Good-day, Marie. I am glad that you, too, have come to bid me
+welcome," said Carl.
+
+He extended both his hands to her, and she took hold of them, but did
+not utter a word.
+
+We walked on, and when I turned to look back, I saw Marie sitting on
+the bundle of clover, with her face buried in her hands.
+
+Rothfuss was the jolliest in the party.
+
+"Now one can see how untruthful the world is," he exclaimed. "Did not
+every one say how much he would give if only Carl were alive! He is
+here, now, and is alive again, and what do they give? Nothing. One
+ought not to do people the favor to die; anything in the world but
+death."
+
+We reached the house. Carl's mother walked up to my wife and said,
+"Madame Waldfried, here he is--my son Carl. Just as he has come back to
+all that is good, so will Ernst surely return. They were born on the
+same day--do you remember? There was a great storm at the time; and the
+nurse came directly from your house to mine. And at that very moment
+the lightning struck the tree that stands behind my house and tore it
+to pieces; and then the nurse said, 'This boy will see something of
+war.'
+
+"You did not believe in it, but it came to pass, nevertheless. Down in
+the valley there is a spring, and a mother's heart is like a spring,
+for it flows by day and night. Your Ernst--my Ernst--will return
+again."
+
+No one dared reply, but with Ernst everything was different.
+
+The old woman now begged that we would inform "the great lady," as she
+always called Annette, of Carl's return. The Major promised to do so;
+and when he and I were alone together, he mentioned Ernst's name for
+the first time, and informed me that the commander of his division had,
+in the presence of the entire corps of officers, expressed his great
+regret that his brother-in-law had deserted.
+
+Ernst had brought pain and disgrace on us all; but there was still
+another trouble in store for us.
+
+A letter reached us from Johanna, in which she informed us in short,
+hard sentences that her son Martin had died of the wound he had
+received; and that her husband, who had been an invalid for many
+months, could not long survive him. I told the Major of this, but kept
+the news from the rest of the family.
+
+On the day before the Major left us, we had received a letter from
+Ludwig in America. He was delighted to know that the Diet had been
+dissolved, and thought that he now saw the dawning of a great era for
+our Fatherland. The Americans already spoke with great respect of
+Germany, and of the power of Prussia and its leaders.
+
+There was a bitter tone in the remarks of the Major when he said, "Ah,
+yes; thus things seem to those who are far away, and get all their
+information from newspaper reports. If I only knew how I could turn my
+talents to use in the New World, I would ask for my discharge and
+emigrate to America."
+
+This man, who had never known anything of discord or dissension, was
+now, like many others, torn by conflicting doubts.
+
+The children had left; the house was quiet again, and winter
+approached.
+
+Martella seemed filled with new life, and was glad that she could be
+alone with my wife again. When Annette wrote to us that she would spend
+the whole or a part of the winter in the village, Martella said, "That
+is well, too: she is so entertaining to mother."
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER X.
+
+
+The Diet was again convoked; and I can hardly describe how hard I found
+it to leave my home and resume the disagreeable and exhausting
+occupations that now devolved on me.
+
+In company with Joseph, I drove into town, on my way to the capital,
+when Annette called to me from the warehouse of Edward Levi. Her
+mourning attire invested her with an air of majestic gloom; but her
+brilliant glance and her clear complexion prevented her black habit
+from looking too sombre. She must have noticed that I was pleased with
+this, for she said, "I am trying to recover my health, and avail myself
+of the two greatest remedies; I have just left the ocean, and shall now
+go into the woods. My mother-in-law has gone to Paris to join her
+daughter, who is the wife of our minister. She has an idea that one
+cannot exist, save in Paris. I shall come and see you; you and your
+wife can do me much good, and I may perhaps be of some use to you. I
+have never learned how to lead a life of repose. I shall now learn it;
+in your house I shall find the best school, and your wife will have
+patience with a sad, yet wayward pupil."
+
+She bought an ingeniously constructed stove with all sorts of cooking
+utensils belonging to it, and presented it to Carl's mother. Besides
+this, she had bought all sorts of new furniture for herself, as she
+intended to spend the winter at the village. She was so glad to see
+Rothfuss again that she left her carriage and got into ours, so that he
+might tell her of all that had happened during her absence. Her driver
+had been instructed to take all her new purchases up to Joseph's house
+and deliver them to her maid.
+
+I went on towards the capital, and Annette towards the village.
+
+On the way, Joseph told me that he had done very well by the war. The
+South Germans, he told me, had been such violent partisans of Austria
+because the greater portion of the proprietors in the neighborhood had
+invested their money in Austrian securities.
+
+Annette's brother had, however, in good season, called his attention to
+the fact that a great change was taking place in financial affairs.
+America had already successfully passed through a great war, and the
+current of capital was now tending in the direction of the United
+States, where its investment was both safe and profitable.
+
+Joseph's object in visiting the city was to dispose of his American
+bonds, which were then commanding a very high price.
+
+It has always been, and will ever remain, a marvel to me how Joseph,
+with all his real interest in public life, could at the same time
+manage to reap a profit from the movements of capital.
+
+I had the good fortune to travel in company with Baron Arven, who was a
+member of the Upper Chamber, and was also on his way to the capital. He
+seemed greatly depressed, and admitted that the realization of hopes
+one could not help entertaining sometimes produced new and unforeseen
+griefs.
+
+Thus it had been, he said, with the separation of Austria from the rest
+of Germany. It had long been recognized as necessary to the proper
+development of our own political life, and as an advantage to Austria;
+and yet, when it was brought about, it seemed more like a death that
+one had felt it his duty to wish for.
+
+From many hints that he threw out, I could not but feel assured that
+the painful political dissensions had been deeply felt by the Arvens,
+who were connected with the empire through so many family ties.
+
+The Baron invited me to take up my quarters, while in the capital, in
+his mansion, as his wife did not intend going there during that winter.
+I declined with thanks, as I had promised Annette to make use of the
+vacant dwelling that belonged to her.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+The deputies were all in a state of great excitement. There is no
+greater test of accord among a body of men than a sudden calamity. Just
+as, with an individual, a lazy resignation will, in times of doubt and
+indecision, alternate with vehement energy, and self-distrust succeed
+overconfidence, so did it happen with this large assembly. All felt
+that a bold operation was necessary, but who was to be the surgeon, and
+whence was he to come. It was necessary to wait for the hour of danger,
+and even then there was great reason to fear that when the treatment
+had been decided on, our cousin on the other side of the Rhine, who had
+been praised as the great saviour, might interpose his objections.
+
+In a secret session, we were informed of the stipulations that had been
+determined on by the North German Confederation in regard to a union of
+German forces, in case of coming danger. We were sworn to secrecy, for
+all were afraid of our neighbor in the west.
+
+My son-in-law, the Major, left on a long furlough. I have never yet
+been able to discover whether he passed his time in Paris or in Berlin.
+
+The work and the angry debates in Parliament taxed our patience and
+endurance to the utmost.
+
+When I returned to my home, I was frightened by my wife's appearance;
+her face showed the traces of great suffering. Although I took all
+pains to prevent her from seeing that I noticed it, she discovered my
+concern, and assured me that she was feeling quite well, but was
+sometimes weak; and that all would be right again in the summer, when
+she would accompany Annette to the springs. She was so active and
+cheerful that I silenced my fears. She had already learned of the death
+of our grandson Martin, and spoke of it with calmness.
+
+She informed me of Martella's kind and considerate behavior. Rothfuss
+had been sick again, and even now was only able, with great exertion,
+to drag himself about the house. Martella took charge of all his
+duties, and, what with this and her instructions from mother and
+Annette, was kept quite busy; but she was never so happy and cheerful
+as when full of work.
+
+My wife took great pleasure in explaining to me what strange
+counterparts Annette and Martella were.
+
+Annette was endeavoring to free herself from the effects of overwrought
+culture and to get back to simplicity. Martella, who had become
+conscious of her own simplicity, was vexed thereat, and with iron
+industry sought to acquire the rudiments of an education. Annette had
+always lived out of herself; Martella had always lived within herself.
+Annette had always tried to subject everything to critical analysis:
+Martella was merely artless impressibility.
+
+It was certainly a strange pair that my wife was teaching to keep step
+with each other.
+
+With great self-control Annette had accustomed herself to the quiet
+winter life of the village. She often said that she would leave in a
+few days. She seemed determined not to commit herself by any promise,
+in order that she might from day to day make new resolutions. When I
+told her that she was thus making both herself and us uncomfortable,
+she promised to remain until I should advise her to leave. She admitted
+that it was pleasant to her to be guided by another's will. She spun
+assiduously, and, like a diligent child, showed me the result of her
+labor.
+
+The old spinner maintained that Annette was learning all the secrets of
+her art. In spite of this, she was at times unable to control her
+restless spirits. She had the snow cleared away from the pond, and went
+skating on the ice, while half of the village stood around looking at
+her. My sons had sometimes skated on this pond; but it was quite a
+different sight to see the tall, handsome lady, with the black feather
+in her hat and the closely fitting pelisse trimmed with fur. She
+ordered a pair of skates for Martella, but could never induce the child
+to try them.
+
+Annette left us occasionally in order to spend a few days with Baroness
+Arven. On her return it would always seem as if a wondrous change had
+come over her.
+
+One day she came back in great excitement and exclaimed:
+
+"Oh, if I could only have faith! I think I shall have to administer
+chloroform to my soul."
+
+We could make no reply to this, and she soon again adapted herself to
+the quiet tenor of our life.
+
+I was obliged to introduce a change that gave me almost as much trouble
+as my opponents in the House of Delegates had done. It was necessary to
+engage some one to replace or assist Rothfuss. I could do nothing
+without his consent; several whom I had proposed he had rejected, and
+when I at last obtained Joseph's consent to engage Carl, Rothfuss was
+scarcely pleased, although he interposed no objections.
+
+Rothfuss always insisted that Carl, while a soldier, had behaved in the
+same way as the girl who said, "Catch me: I'll hold still."
+
+He had allowed himself to be caught. If Ernst had only been smart
+enough to do likewise!
+
+For the sake of his affection for Ernst, Carl submitted to this unjust
+reproach. He was indeed a brave and daring soldier, and felt provoked
+that during the whole war there had been nothing but marching hither
+and thither, back and forth, without once meeting the foe.
+
+Rothfuss and Martella had much to say to each other about Ernst, to
+whom Martella clung with unshaken confidence.
+
+Whenever the letter-carrier came, she was all anxious expectation, but
+had enough self-control to conceal her feelings for my wife's sake.
+
+My wife never mentioned Ernst's name, but ever since the day on which
+news had come from him, her sleep had been restless.
+
+When I returned from the session she said to me, "I am sure you have no
+news that you are concealing from me?"
+
+I could truthfully assure her that I had none, and after that she
+seemed as tranquil as if she had been speaking of an indifferent
+subject. And yet this grief preyed on her incessantly.
+
+Annette received many letters; and, as she could have nothing to
+do with any one without feeling a personal interest in him, she
+would always have something to eat and drink ready for the country
+letter-carrier. She soon knew all about the toil and trouble
+inseparable from his work, and also inquired in regard to his family
+circumstances, and assisted him as well as she could.
+
+She ordered a sheep-skin coat for him, but he was obliged to decline
+it, because in his walks over hill and dale the weight of it would have
+been insupportable. She presented the skin to a poor old man; and,
+indeed, tried to do good to every one in the village and neighborhood.
+The oldest house in the neighborhood is yet standing down in the
+valley. It is built of logs, and is known as _the hut_. The smoke fills
+the whole house and forces its way out through the crevices.
+
+Annette found this smoky atmosphere particularly grateful. She often
+went down to the hut, and the people would come from the houses near by
+and listen to her stories and her strange jokes. She was always in good
+spirits on her return.
+
+Annette had once encountered Rautenkron. She attempted to engage him in
+conversation, but he rudely turned on his heel; and when she was
+telling us of the manhater, my wife made a remark which I shall never
+forget:
+
+"This man must have come from a respected and well-to-do family, for
+the child of poor parents can never become a misanthrope."
+
+Although Annette kindly cared for the poor and did not permit herself
+to be repelled by any rudeness or vulgarity on their part, she was both
+severe and void of pity with the faults of those who were in better
+circumstances.
+
+Rimminger, who had taken his discharge and had married the only
+daughter of the rich owner of the saw-mill, endeavored, as an old
+comrade of her deceased husband, to bring about friendly relations
+between Annette and his household. She kept him at a distance, however,
+and expressed herself quite forcibly on the subject. She maintained
+that the young wife always looked like an _ennuied_ duchess, and was
+constantly trying to show that she had been educated in Paris.
+
+My wife said that she disapproved of such personalities. Annette looked
+at her with surprise and then cast her eyes to the ground.
+
+Our days were full of work, our evenings all leisure; and Annette
+called our attention to something that had never occurred to us. She
+found it very strange that there were no playing-cards in our house.
+She could not conceive how, living in the country, we could have
+overlooked this pastime. But we had never felt the want of it.
+
+Annette had a rich, musical voice, and would often read aloud to us.
+
+Joseph and his wife would come and listen, while Martella would spin so
+softly that one could not hear her wheel.
+
+Rothfuss would sit on the bench near the stove, and would artfully
+prevent us from noticing when he fell asleep. When the reading was
+over, he was always wide-awake, and would insist on being permitted to
+light the way to Joseph's house for Annette.
+
+In her letters to Richard, my wife described our pleasant genial life;
+and yet, for the first time, Richard did not visit us once during the
+whole winter. He regretted that he had an extensive work in hand which
+could not be laid aside, and believed that he was about to finish a
+novel and important contribution to his favorite science.
+
+Annette had procured various fugitive articles of Richard's that had
+been published in scientific journals, and during the winter had read
+all of his books, as well as an essay of his on the "Origin of
+Language."
+
+She once said: "I do not consider it vanity when a writer asks me,
+'Have you read such and such work of mine?' How can he believe that one
+faithfully listens to his words if one does not care to become
+acquainted with the best that he has done--the fruit of the deepest
+labors of his calmer hours?
+
+"I read the Professor's writings, and find much in them that I cannot
+understand; but he wrote them, and I read them for that reason, if for
+no other. And then again, I often chance on passages which are quite
+clear to me."
+
+My wife looked at me with a significant glance, and for the first time
+it occurred to me that it might be possible that Richard was in love
+with Annette, and for that reason held himself aloof from her.
+
+It was towards the end of February. There was grief among our nearest
+friends. Joseph's father died. On the day that he was buried, Annette
+received a letter informing her of the illness of her mother-in-law in
+Paris.
+
+I, of course, advised her to depart at once; and thus we were again
+left to ourselves. We all felt the void that Annette's departure had
+made, but soon after new and heavy troubles fell upon us.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+Days have passed in which I did not once take my pen in hand; I could
+not. Must I indeed write of this? What forces me to do so?
+
+"Above all things, leave nothing unfinished that you have once begun,"
+was a maxim of hers; and I must therefore tell of her death. When the
+fogs of autumn and the frosts of winter scatter the foliage of the
+trees, a branch may here and there be seen to which a few leaves are
+still clinging. Why should those alone have remained?
+
+My memory has remained true to me; but of that grief which seemed to
+divide my life I have but little recollection. I constantly thought of
+the saying of Carl's mother, "You are a good child: you cannot be so
+cruel as to die before me." From the garret, I looked on while they
+were filling up her grave. The spade shone in the sunshine. No one knew
+that I was looking on. Shall I again renew the feelings that then
+passed through my soul? Let it be so.
+
+My wife was ill. She uttered no complaint, but she was feeble, and took
+no interest in what was going on about her. During the day, she would
+sleep for hours; and at night, when she awoke, would seem surprised by
+the surrounding objects. During her sleeping hours, she may have dwelt
+in quite a different region; but she never alluded to it. The physician
+gave her but little medicine, and consoled us with the hope that the
+return of summer, and a visit to a watering-place, with cheerful
+companions, would help her.
+
+Annette soon returned to us. She was followed by my daughter Johanna,
+who had, in the meanwhile, lost her husband, and was accompanied by her
+daughter Christiane. She took up her abode with us. Her only son was
+living as a vicar in the Unterland.
+
+Assisted by Balbina, Johanna took charge of our entire household. When
+my wife told Martella that she had better submit to Johanna in all
+things, she replied, "I shall gladly do so; this was her home before it
+was mine; and I shall thus be better able to spend all of my time with
+mother." My wife indeed preferred to have this stranger-child about
+her; for Johanna could not help treating us in a patronizing, pitying
+manner, because we were not as pious as she would have us be.
+
+Spring returned, and my wife's health seemed to improve. I was quite
+happy again. At that time, I did not understand what the prudent and
+sensible physician meant, when he told me that it would be better for
+me to moderate my joy.
+
+All preparations for a journey to the springs had been made. Bertha had
+promised to join us there, and bring her daughter with her.
+
+Suddenly the physician decided that it would be better if my wife would
+remain yet awhile among the surroundings she was accustomed to. He was
+a young and kind-hearted man, constantly endeavoring to improve himself
+by study; full of love for his calling, and beloved by all throughout
+the valley. His visits now became longer than they had been. He would,
+at times, acquaint me with the details of his own life, and tell me
+that, although he had lost his wife while quite young, he endeavored to
+console himself by the remembrance of the happy days he had passed in
+her society. I listened to his words without giving them further
+thought; but afterwards it became clear to me why he had spoken so
+impressively on the subject.
+
+The days passed on. I gradually accustomed myself to the thought of my
+wife's illness; but when out in the fields, I would suddenly become
+alarmed, and imagine that something terrible must have taken place at
+the house. I would hurry home and find that all was going on as usual.
+
+Back of my house, where the road makes a descent, the young teamsters
+would crack their whips quite loudly. I observed that this startled
+Gustava, and she overheard me telling Rothfuss to ask the young fellows
+not to make so great a noise.
+
+"Do not interfere with them," said she. "A man who saunters along the
+road and has an instrument that is capable of making a noise, finds
+pleasure in using it. Do not stop him."
+
+I had never, before that, seen Rothfuss in tears; but when he heard
+those words, he wept, and that evening he said to me, "The angels who
+look down from heaven to see what we human beings on earth are doing,
+must be just as she is. She is no longer human--she will not stay with
+us. Pardon me: I am a stupid fellow to be talking this way. You know I
+am a simpleton, and do not understand such things. She is right,
+though; stupid people must always make a noise, be it with their mouths
+or with their whips."
+
+He had, however, in the meanwhile persuaded the youths not to crack
+their whips.
+
+My wife was determined that Annette and Bertha should go to the springs
+without her; and, as she would listen to no refusal, they were obliged
+to comply with her desire.
+
+Several weeks had gone by, when, one evening, the physician told me
+that she could last but a few days longer. I cannot describe my
+feelings at that moment.
+
+Joseph telegraphed for the children. They came.
+
+Strangely enough, my wife was not surprised by their speedy return. She
+conversed with them as if they had not been away more than an hour.
+
+The physician said that perhaps there might still be a chance to save
+my wife by injecting another's blood into her veins, and that, at all
+events, the attempt should be made. Johanna immediately declared her
+readiness, and though her offer was well meant, the manner in which it
+was made jarred on my feelings. She said that, as a daughter, she had
+the first right; but, if they did not want her blood her child must be
+willing.
+
+The physician declared that neither her blood nor that of her child
+would serve the purpose.
+
+The choice now lay between Martella and Annette, and when the physician
+decided in favor of Martella, her face brightened, and she exclaimed:
+
+"Take my blood--every drop of it--all that I have."
+
+Some of Martella's blood was injected into my wife's veins, and during
+the night, she gained in strength. But it was very sad to find that she
+had almost lost her hearing, and that the only medium of pleasure yet
+left her was the sense of sight.
+
+Martha, the eldest daughter of the kreis-director, had painted a
+picture of the view from our balcony, looking towards the woods down by
+the stone wall, and now brought it to my wife, who was delighted with
+it. The only figure was a hunter coming out of the woods.
+
+Martha told us that she could not draw figures, and that Annette had
+been kind enough to sketch the huntsman for her; and she kissed my
+wife's hands on hearing her say, "I think the hunter looks like our
+grandson, Julius."
+
+It was on the 22d of July, when she said, "Have a little pine-tree
+brought for me, from my woods, and placed here beside my bed."
+
+I sent Rothfuss out to the woods; he brought a little pine, placed it
+in a flower-pot, and I observed, while he was leaning over it, how his
+tears dropped upon the branches.
+
+He turned around to me and said, "I hope that will not harm the little
+tree."
+
+When I placed the tree at her bedside, she smiled and moved her left
+hand among its branches, but the hand soon fell down by her side.
+
+What wonderful powers of memory lie in a mother's heart! She would tell
+us of a thousand and one little stories and sayings of Ernst, and of
+his bright, clever freaks, with as much detail as if they had happened
+but the moment before; but, strangely enough, she did all this without
+mentioning his name. She praised his flaxen hair, and moved her hand as
+if passing it through his locks.
+
+"Do you not recollect how he once said, 'Mother, I cannot imagine how
+you could have been in the world without me: of course I have never
+been in the world without you'?"
+
+She repeated the words, "without you--without me," perhaps a hundred
+times during the night: and she was almost constantly humming snatches
+of old songs.
+
+In the morning, just as day was breaking, she turned around to me, and
+said with a smile, "This is his birthday." And that was her last smile.
+"This is Ernst's birthday."
+
+And when the lost son returned, there was no mother to receive him.
+
+Her silent thoughts had always been of him, but now they were deeper
+than ever.
+
+She had lost her hearing. Suddenly she exclaimed in a loud voice, "God
+be praised; Richard will marry her after all!" and then--I cannot go on
+with the story--I must stop.
+
+It was eleven o'clock (I do not know why I was always looking towards
+the clock that day) when she said, "Water from my spring."
+
+Richard hurried to bring it.
+
+What must his thoughts have been while on his way there and back!
+
+He soon returned, bringing the water with him, but she seemed to have
+forgotten that she had asked for it. When Richard lifted her up in bed,
+and placed the glass to her lips, she motioned him away.
+
+I heard a voice from without the house. A cold shudder came over me; my
+hair stood on end.
+
+It is the voice of our son Ernst!
+
+If Ernst were to come at this time! Could he have been drawn here by a
+presentiment of what is happening? And if he were here, what power
+could dare take him away from us, at this moment--and how will he enter
+his mother's presence?
+
+I hurried out. It was Julius--his voice is just like Ernst's. He
+brought a letter that Edward Levi had handed to him. It was from Ernst,
+and was dated at Algiers.
+
+I could not stop to read the letter. I could not remain away from the
+bedside--every moment was yet a drop of blood to me, and everything
+glimmered before my eyes. I hurried back to the sick-room; my wife
+looked at me with strangely bright eyes.
+
+"There is a letter here from Ernst!" I called out.
+
+I do not know whether she understood me, but she reached for the sheet
+that was in my hand, and held it with a convulsive grasp.
+
+I lifted her head, and moved it towards the cooler side of the pillow;
+she opened her eyes, and tried to raise her arms; I bent towards her
+and she kissed me.
+
+It was just striking the hour of noon, when she breathed her last.
+
+I tottered to her room at last; it seemed to me as if I must still find
+her alive; and when I was in her chair, I could not realize that I was
+seated there, and that she lay so near me, while I could do nothing for
+her.
+
+I do not know how it was, but I felt awed by the very silence of the
+place.
+
+Martella said, "I have stopped the clock; it, too, shall stand still."
+
+They had withdrawn the letter from her convulsively closed hand, and I
+read it. It has since disappeared--whither, I know not. I remember only
+this--that it contained news from Algiers, and that Ernst said in it
+that if Martella and Richard were fond of one another, he was quite
+ready to release her from any promise to him.
+
+With the exception of Ernst and Ludwig, all of my children were
+present. Many friends, too, were there. I recollect that I grasped the
+hands of many of them; but what avails that? They all have their own
+life left them--I have none.
+
+All arose to attend to the funeral. They set down the coffin in front
+of the house, and not far from the spring. They told me that my
+grandson, the vicar, delivered an impressive address in the name of the
+family. I heard nothing but the rushing of the water.
+
+How I reached her grave, or who led me, I know not.
+
+This alone do I know. I saw how Martella kissed the handful of earth
+that she threw into the empty grave, and when I returned homeward, the
+waters were still roaring in our fountain. It roars and roars.
+
+I felt borne down as if by a load of lead. Tears were not vouchsafed
+me. I could not realize that my hands could move, my eyes see--in fact
+that I was still alive.
+
+When I looked out again over the valley and towards the hills, it
+suddenly seemed as if my eyes had become covered with a film, and then
+all--the forest, the meadows, and the houses seemed of a blood-red
+color, as if steeped in the dark glow of evening.
+
+I closed my eyes for a long while, and when I opened them again, I saw
+that the meadows and the woods were green, and everything had its
+natural color.
+
+The water flows over the weir and bubbles and rushes and sparkles
+to-day, just as it did yesterday, and as it will tomorrow. How can it
+be possible that all continues to live on, and she not here. Do not
+tell me that nature can comfort us against real grief. Against a loss
+for aye she availeth nothing.
+
+If, in your closet, you have grieved because of insult and falsehood
+and meanness, do but go out into the fields or woods. While gazing upon
+the bright and kindly face of nature, or inhaling the sweet perfume of
+the trees and flowers, you will soon learn to forget such troubles. How
+weak is all the world's wickedness, when compared with such undying
+grandeur? That which is best on earth is still yours, if these things
+but preserve their sway over you. But, if your wife has been torn away
+from you, neither tree, nor stream, nor the blue heavens, nor the
+flowers, nor the singing birds will help you. All nature lives a life
+of its own, and unto itself, and of what avail is it all, when she no
+longer shares it with me?
+
+The first thing that recalled me to myself, was hearing the old spinner
+say to Carl, "Why am I yet here? She was so good and so useful, and I
+am nothing but a burden to you and to the world. Why must I stay
+behind? I would so gladly have gone in her stead."
+
+The poor people were gathered all about the house, and one old woman
+cried out, through her tears, "The bread she gave us was doubly
+welcome, for it was given cheerfully."
+
+I felt that my energies would never again arouse themselves. I cannot
+say that the thought alarmed me; I merely felt conscious that my mental
+powers were either failing or torpid. For days I could not collect my
+thoughts, and led a dull, listless, inanimate life. My children were
+about me, but their sympathy did not help me. Ernst's evil letter was
+the only thing that had any effect on me.
+
+I could not realize that what had once been life, was now nothing more
+than a thought, a memory.
+
+When I heard some one coming up the steps, I always thought it must be
+she returning and saying, "I could not stay away; I must return to you,
+you are so lonely. The children are good and kind, but we two cannot
+remain apart." And then I would start with affright, when I noticed how
+my thoughts had been wandering.
+
+When I walked in the street, I felt as if I were but half of myself. As
+long as she was with me I had always felt myself rich, for my home
+contained her who was best of all.
+
+No one can know what a wealth of soul had been mine; through her, and
+with her, I had felt myself moving in a higher spiritual sphere. But
+now I felt so broken, so bereft, as if my entire intellectual
+possessions had gone to naught. The children are yet here; but they are
+for themselves. My wife alone was here for me--was indeed my other
+self.
+
+Before that, when I awakened of a morning it was always a pleasure to
+feel conscious of life itself; but now with every morrow I had to begin
+anew and try to learn how to reconcile myself to my loss. But that is a
+lesson I shall never learn. My sun had gone down; I did not care to
+live any longer, because all that I experienced seemed to come in
+between her and me, and I did not wish to live but in thoughts of her.
+
+I looked at her lamp, her table, her work-basket--all these had
+survived her, are still here, and will remain. The one clock was never
+wound up afterward. From that day, there was but one clock heard in our
+room.
+
+I can now understand why the ancients buried the working implements
+with their dead.
+
+I looked out of the window. The neighbors' children were in the street;
+their noise grated on my ears. I could not but think how she once said
+to me, "Why should it annoy us? Is it anything more than the singing of
+the birds? The children are like so many innocent birds."
+
+All things remind me of her. I could sit by the window for hours and
+look at the chickens running back and forth, picking up crumbs, and
+watching the strutting cock.
+
+I must have been like a little child that, for the first time, begins
+to take notice of the objects that surround it.
+
+I seemed as if awaking from darkness, as if dreaming with my eyes
+open. Everything seemed new and strangely mysterious to me, although I
+had nearly attained my seventieth year.
+
+When, after many weeks, I again saw my face in the mirror, I was
+surprised at the saddened, sunken features of the old man. Could that
+be I!
+
+I had gone to the neighboring village to order a gravestone. On my way
+home, night overtook me. Suddenly a storm burst upon the valley. Like a
+child, I counted the interval between the lightning and the thunder. At
+first I could count up to thirty-two, afterwards only to seven; and
+then I stopped counting. I saw the houses by the roadside, and knew who
+lived in them here and there, I might have found shelter, but what
+should I do in a strange house, wet to the skin as I was? I kept in the
+middle of the road, on the broken stone. When I came to where the
+little bridge was, I had to wade through the water.
+
+I noticed that I was in the midst of the storm-cloud. How glorious it
+would have been to die at that moment--to be struck dead by lightning!
+
+"But my children, my children!" I uttered the words in a loud voice,
+but the thunder drowned my cries.
+
+The flashes of lightning succeeded each other so rapidly that they
+blinded me; I could see nothing more. I closed my eyes and held fast to
+a rock by the wayside. I had never heard such fearful roaring of the
+thunder, or seen such uninterrupted flashes of lightning. I stood still
+and concluded to wait there, while I thought of the many other beings
+who were also exposed to this storm; and at last, I could weep. I had
+not wept since her death, and now it did me good. The hail beat into my
+face, already wet with tears.
+
+Suddenly Rothfuss appears and exclaims: "Martella sends me. Oh, God be
+praised! there is a good bed waiting for you at home."
+
+Guided by Rothfuss, I reached the house. Although my family were
+greatly concerned as to the effect it might have, the shock that I had
+undergone had really benefited me. I slept until noon, and when I arose
+I felt as if breathing a new life.
+
+I must stop here. I cannot go on. I was obliged to learn how to begin
+life anew. When one has buried his dearest love in the earth, the earth
+itself becomes a changed world, and one's step upon it a different one.
+I trust that I shall not be obliged hereafter to repeat my lamentations
+for my own life. The first tranquillizing influence I found was in the
+statue gallery, with its figures from another world, so silent, so
+unchanging. We can offer them nothing, and yet they give us so much:
+they are without life or color, but they represent life in its
+imperishable beauty.
+
+Rothfuss offered me a strange solace. He said, "Master, there must be
+another woman somewhere in this world just as she was."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"I always thought that God only suffered the sun to shine because she
+was here, but I see that the sun still shines, and so there must be
+others like her."
+
+Martella, however, could not realize that she was dead.
+
+"It cannot be: it is not true: she is not dead. She is surely coming up
+the steps now. How is it possible that a being can remain away from
+those who love her so? I have one request to make. I wish you would
+give the pretty dresses to Madame Johanna and Fraulein Christiane; a
+few of the work-day clothes you can give to me, and the good woollen
+dress you can give to Carl's mother. Let no one else have any of her
+clothes. It would grieve me to the heart to know that a strange person
+was wearing anything that she had worn. Whoever wears a dress of hers
+can neither think an evil thought nor do an evil deed."
+
+My son Ludwig wrote a letter, in which he lamented my wife's death with
+all the feeling of which a son is capable, and yet spoke of death as a
+wise man should. My daughter Johanna lost the letter. I think she must
+have destroyed it on account of the heresies it contained.
+
+My consolation is that I have been found worthy of the perfect love of
+so pure a being; that, of itself, is worth all the troubles of life.
+Let what may come hereafter, what I have experienced cannot be taken
+from me.
+
+I have had a tomb-stone placed at her grave. It has two tablets on one
+are the words:
+
+                               "HERE LIES
+                      IPHIGENIA GUSTAVA WALDFRIED,
+                      _Born December 15th, 1807_,
+                        _Died July 23d, 1867_."
+
+On the other, my name shall one day be placed.
+
+
+
+
+
+                              BOOK THIRD.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER I.
+
+
+Life is indeed a sacred trust. I now began to feel that great and noble
+duties yet claimed me.
+
+I had become dull and listless. I had taken life as it came, resigning
+my will to outer influences, just as one without appetite sits down to
+a meal, merely to gain nourishment.
+
+I had become morbidly sensitive; every effort that was made to
+alleviate my sufferings and restore my accustomed spirits only served
+to pain me anew.
+
+I was now experiencing the worst effect of grief--indifference to the
+world.
+
+My path seemed to lie through dismal darkness; but at last I stepped
+out into the bright light of day and into the busy haunts of men.
+
+The village street leads into the highway; the forest-brooks flow on
+until they reach the river that empties itself into the ocean.
+
+Thus too has it been with my life.
+
+Yielding to Joseph's earnest wishes, I had made a collection of
+specimens illustrating every stage in the cultivation and growth of the
+white pine. When the collection was complete, I sent it to the great
+Paris Exposition.
+
+I received a medal of honor. I did not really deserve it; it should in
+justice have gone to Ernst, who had acquainted me with the results of
+his careful study of the subject.
+
+I have the diploma, and the medal bearing the effigy of Napoleon. I
+looked at them but once, and then enclosed them under seal. They will
+be found in the little casket that contains my discharge from the
+fortress and other strange mementoes of the past.
+
+Joseph asked me to accompany him to Paris, and would listen to no
+refusal. He wanted to acquaint himself with the new methods of
+kyanizing railroad ties, and insisted that he could not get along
+without my aid.
+
+I had not yet escaped from that condition in which it is well to resign
+one's self to the guidance of others.
+
+I saw Paris for the second time. My first visit was in 1832 or 1833,
+and was undertaken with the object of making the acquaintance of La
+Fayette. In those days we fondly believed that Paris was to save the
+world.
+
+Compared with what I now saw, all that had been done in the Parliament
+that was held in the High street of our little capital seemed petty and
+trifling.
+
+Though storms were gathering, Jupiter Napoleon sat enthroned over all
+Europe, and ruled the thunder and the lightning.
+
+I saw him surrounded by all the European monarchs, and often asked
+myself whether the world's life is, after all, anything but mummery.
+
+One day, while I was sitting on a bench in the Champs Elysees, and
+gazing at the lively, bustling throng that passed before me, I was
+approached by a Turco, who said to me:
+
+"Are you not Herr Waldfried?"
+
+My heart trembled with emotion.
+
+Was it not Ernst's voice? Before I could collect my thoughts, the
+stranger had vanished in the great crowd that followed in the wake of
+the Emperor, who was just passing by.
+
+I caught another glimpse of the man with the red fez and called out to
+him; but he had vanished.
+
+Had I been awake or dreaming?
+
+It could not have been Ernst. He would not have left me after thus
+addressing me. And if it were he after all! I felt sure that he would
+return; so I waited in the hope of again seeing the stranger. The
+people who passed me seemed like so many shadows, and I felt as if
+withdrawn from the world.
+
+Night approached, and I was obliged to go to my lodgings. I told Joseph
+of all that had happened. He stoutly maintained that I must have been
+dreaming; but nevertheless went with me the next day to the Champs
+Elysees where, seated on a bench, we waited for hours without seeing
+any sign of the stranger.
+
+On my journey homeward, I spent a whole week with my sister who lives
+in the forest of Hagenau. She can cheer me up better than any of my
+children can. Her excellent memory enabled her to remind me of many
+little incidents connected with our childhood and our parental home. In
+her house, I was, for the first time since my affliction, able to
+indulge in a hearty laugh.
+
+In the eyes of my brother-in-law, the medal awarded me at the
+Exposition invested me with new importance; he never omitted to allude
+to this mark of distinction, when introducing me to his acquaintances.
+On the 15th of August, Napoleon's _fete_ day, he actually wanted me to
+wear the medal on my coat. He could not understand why I would not
+carry it about with me constantly, so as to make a show of my medal of
+honor, notwithstanding the fact that the French consider their whole
+nation as the world's legion of honor. Every individual among them
+seems anxious to thrust himself forward at the expense of the rest.
+
+My sister privately informed me that the young sergeant whom I met at
+her house was a suitor for the hand of her eldest daughter, and was
+only awaiting the satisfactory settlement of the proper dowry on his
+future wife. He was a young man of limited information, but was very
+polite and respectful towards me. He hoped to win his epaulets in an
+early war with Prussia, which had been so bold as to gain Sadowa and
+conclude a peace without paying France the tribute of a portion of her
+territory.
+
+The young man evidently thought himself vastly my superior, and spoke
+of the future of the South German States in a patronizing and pitying
+tone. As I did not think it worth while to contradict him, he fondly
+thought that he was instructing me.
+
+As a German, I found the Hagenau Forest of especial interest, from the
+fact that a part of it had been presented to the town of Hagenau by the
+Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.
+
+I gave my brother-in-law many councils in regard to arboriculture; but,
+as the new ideas entailed work, he declined making use of them. He was
+very proud of his epaulets which were displayed in a little frame that
+hung on the wall; but he was devoid of all love for the forest, and
+indifferent to anything that helped the State without at the same time
+contributing to his personal advancement.
+
+I passed a delightful day with my brother-in-law the pastor.
+
+I accompanied him to church, and was greatly moved to once again hear
+German preaching and German hymns. The organist was one of the most
+respected men of the neighborhood, and was the owner of a large forge.
+
+I was introduced to him after the service. In the presence of others,
+he was quite reserved towards me; but during the afternoon, he visited
+the pastor, and, while we were seated in the arbor under the
+walnut-tree, we conversed freely in regard to the dangers that, in
+Alsace, menaced the last remnant of German institutions and the
+Evangelical Church.
+
+"France was happiest under Louis Philippe," said the pastor; and when
+the manufacturer ventured to inveigh against the Emperor, he replied
+that Napoleon was not so bad a man after all, but that the Empress was
+spoiling everything; that she was a friend of the Pope, and was
+endeavoring, at one and the same time, to destroy Protestantism and
+increase luxury.
+
+I returned home. Johanna superintended my household affairs, and also
+the farm, with great judgment.
+
+During the whole winter I was in delicate health, and in the following
+year I was obliged to visit the springs of Tarasp. Richard accompanied
+me.
+
+I was indeed unwell, for when I rode through the Prattigau and the wild
+waters of the Land-quart roared at the side of the road, it seemed to
+me as if the stream were a living monster that was climbing up and
+seeking to devour me.
+
+When on Fluella, I plucked the first Alpine rose. I wept. There was no
+one left to whom I could carry the flower that bloomed by the wayside.
+
+Richard regarded me for a long while in silence, and at last said,
+"Father, I know what it is that moves your soul. Let it content you
+that you did so much to make her life a lovely one."
+
+On those heights, where no plant can live, where no bird sings, where
+nothing can be heard but the rushing of the snow currents, where the
+fragments of rocks lay bare and bleak, and eternal snows fill the
+ravines, I felt as if I were floating in eternity--released from all
+that belonged to earth--and I called out her name--"Gustava!"
+
+Ah, if one could wait until death should overtake him in this cold,
+bleak region, where naught that has life can endure.
+
+I went on, and met people who had pitched their dwellings in lofty
+spots, in order to shelter and entertain tourists. My heart seemed
+congealed; but I can yet remember where I was when it again thawed into
+life. Neither the lofty mountains nor the mighty landscape helped me. I
+sat by the roadside and saw a little bush growing from among the
+rubble-stones and bearing the blue flowers called snakeweed. And it was
+there that I became myself again.
+
+But look! A bee comes flying towards the bush. She bends down into the
+open blossoms; she overlooks none of them, from the top to the bottom
+of the bush, but seems to find nothing, and flies off to another
+flower. On the next branch she sucks for a long while from every
+flower-cup.
+
+A second bee, apparently a younger one, approaches. She, too, tries
+flower after flower, and does not know that some one has been there
+before her. At last, however, she seems to become aware of the fact,
+and skips two or three of the blossoms until she at last finds one that
+contains nourishment for her.
+
+Here by the wayside, just as up above where human footsteps do not
+reach, there grows a flower that blooms for itself, and yet bears
+within it nourishment for another.
+
+I do not know how long I may have been seated there, but when I arose I
+felt that life had returned to me, and that I was in full sympathy with
+all that was firmly rooted in the earth or freely moving upon its
+surface.
+
+My soul had been closed to the world, but was now again open to the air
+and the sunshine of existence. From that moment, I felt the spell of
+the lofty peaks and lovely scenery, and, yielding to it, at last became
+absorbed in self-communion.
+
+I was again living in unconstrained and cheerful intercourse with human
+beings; and indeed I could not, at times, refrain from showing some of
+the well-informed Swiss that I met how carelessly and sinfully their
+countrymen were treating the forests. They complained that the
+independence of the cantons and the unrestrained liberty of individuals
+rendered it useless to make any attempt to protect the forests.
+
+I made the acquaintance of many worthy men, and that, after all, is
+always the greatest acquisition.
+
+We met the widow of our cousin who had fallen at Koeniggratz. She was
+exceedingly gay, was surrounded by a train of admirers, and flaunted in
+elegant attire. She nodded to us formally and seemed to take no pride
+in her citizen relatives.
+
+I must report another occurrence.
+
+On the very last morning, Richard had succeeded in plucking a large
+bunch of edelweiss. He was coming down the mountain where the wagon was
+waiting for us. Just then another wagon arrived, and in it was Annette
+with her maid.
+
+Richard offered the flowers to Annette.
+
+"Were you thinking of me when you plucked them?" she asked.
+
+"To be truthful, I was not."
+
+"Thanks for the flowers--and for your honesty."
+
+"I did not know, when plucking them, for whom they were; but I am glad
+to know that now they are yours."
+
+"Thanks; you are always candid."
+
+We continued our journey. On the way, Richard said, "Our cousin, the
+Baroness, is quite a new character; she ought to be called 'the
+watering-place widow.' She travels from one watering-place to another,
+wears mourning or half-mourning, is quite interesting, and always has a
+crowd buzzing around her. It were a great pity if Annette were to turn
+out in the same way."
+
+I replied, "If she were to marry, which indeed, were greatly to be
+desired, she would no longer be 'the watering-place widow.'"
+
+He made no answer, but bit off the end of a cigar which he had been
+holding in his hand for some time.
+
+On our way home, we rested in the shadow of a rock on a high Alpine
+peak, and there I found a symbol of what was passing between Annette
+and Richard--a forget-me-not growing among nettles.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+
+
+I reached home refreshed and invigorated. The china-asters that she had
+planted were blooming. Martella had decorated her grave with the
+loveliest flowers, and maintained that the wild bees affected that spot
+more than any other. Her memory gradually began to present itself to me
+as overgrown with flowers.
+
+I went to attend the winter session of the Parliament, and Martella
+accompanied me. We lived with Annette--she would take no refusal, and
+we were both at ease in her beautiful house.
+
+Annette always wanted to have Martella about her, but Martella had an
+unconquerable--I cannot say aversion, but, rather, dread of Annette;
+for Annette had an unpleasant habit of calling attention to every
+remark of Martella's, and had even quoted several of them in society.
+
+Richard, who, as the representative of the University, had become a
+member of the Upper Chamber, seemed provoked; not on account of my
+having brought Martella with me, but because I had allowed myself to be
+induced to stay at Annette's house.
+
+He hinted that Annette's marked hospitality was not caused by regard
+for me; and it really seemed as if she desired to see much of Richard
+at her house, although he had been cold and distant, and, at times,
+even scornful towards her. Nevertheless, he often visited us and
+allowed Annette to draw him into all sorts of discussions.
+
+One evening when we three were alone,--Annette had been invited to the
+house of a friend,--Martella said:
+
+"Richard, do you know what Madame Annette admires most in you?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Your fine teeth. She lets you use your good teeth to crack her hard
+nuts."
+
+Richard jumped up from his seat embraced Martella, and kissed her.
+
+Martella blushed crimson and called out, "Richard, you are so polite
+and yet so rude! Is that proper?"
+
+But Richard was quite happy to know that Martella had guessed at what
+had so often displeased him.
+
+Martella, who never wanted to leave me, one day suddenly expressed a
+wish to return home. Annette had on the previous evening taken her to
+the theatre, where a ballet had been produced in addition to the drama.
+A little child, representing a winged spirit, had descended from above,
+and Martella had called out in a loud voice, "That hurts!"
+
+All eyes were turned to Annette's box, in which Martella sat with her
+eyes wide open and looking towards the stage as if oblivious of aught
+else.
+
+Annette left the theatre with her. Martella could not be induced to
+utter a single word in explanation of her sudden fright. I was
+surprised to find how Annette bore this mishap, in which she herself
+had been subjected to the unkind glances of all the audience. "How
+strange," said she; "we are all, unconsciously, slaves of ceremony.
+There seems to be a tacit understanding that every member of a theatre
+audience or art-gathering must either remain silent or confine himself
+to one of two childish expressions--clapping the hands and hissing. And
+here this child is perfectly innocent, and I thank her for having
+solved another problem for me."
+
+In the morning, Martella wanted to go home. We accompanied her to the
+depot, and I telegraphed to Rothfuss to meet her at the station.
+
+My active labors for the Fatherland had restored me. In my solitary
+walks, my mind was now occupied by something besides constant thoughts
+of myself.
+
+Spring was with us again, and the wondrous power that revives the human
+soul had its influence on me.
+
+I was often invited to consultations in regard to matters affecting the
+common weal, and it seemed as if my little world was extending its
+area, when I made the acquaintance of many brave men, who lived in a
+neighboring district, and who kept alive their hopes for the future of
+our Fatherland.
+
+During the summer holidays, Richard paid us a visit. He and Baron Arven
+had stocked the forest-streams with choice varieties of fish. In some
+instances they had not succeeded in getting a pure breed; there were
+pikes among their fish.
+
+He was fortunate enough with several of the streams, but was greatly
+provoked to find that the farmers of the neighboring villages would not
+wait until the young brood had grown, and had already begun to catch
+the fish. He induced the authorities to threaten the farmers with a
+fine, but on the next day found the notice floating on the stream.
+
+He appointed a forester as watchman, and spent the night in a log cabin
+hastily built near by. Once they were fortunate enough to catch the
+thief.
+
+Richard and the forester brought the culprit before the authorities,
+and he was sentenced to six weeks' imprisonment. While we were seated
+at table, Richard expressed his satisfaction at the punishment which
+had been meted out to the offender. This made Martella as angry as I
+have ever seen her, and she became the more provoked when Richard
+quickly took down the mirror and held it up to her, saying:
+
+"Here, look at yourself; you are prettiest when you are angry."
+
+"It is nothing to you, how I look!" cried Martella. "Tell such things
+to your Madame Annette, but not to me."
+
+The color left Richard's cheeks.
+
+Annette had for several weeks been living in the neighborhood, with
+Baroness Arven, and Martella had hardly finished speaking, when we
+heard the clatter of horses' hoofs in front of the house. Annette and
+Baron Arven came riding up the road. The Baron congratulated Richard on
+having caught the first of the pirates, and Annette was in quite a
+merry mood.
+
+The Baron also brought us a piece of news that he had just received
+from his brother, the forester-in-chief, to the effect that my grandson
+Julius had been appointed assistant forester, and that the next
+official gazette would announce the appointment.
+
+We sent for Joseph. We were all very happy at the news, and Martella
+exclaimed, "That is the position Ernst wished for. But I congratulate
+Miss Martha with all my heart she will make a handsome young wife for
+the town forester."
+
+We had always avoided alluding to this connection, but now that it had
+been openly mentioned, we made no concealment of our joy.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III.
+
+
+Richard and the Baron rode over to the Wild Lake which they had
+intended to stock. Annette accompanied them.
+
+It was already night, but Richard had not returned; I was seated alone
+at the table, and waiting for him. It had always been his habit to tell
+us when he intended to remain out longer than the usual time.
+
+Martella entered. Her cheeks were flushed, and she said, "Father, send
+me away--wherever it be. I cannot remain here. It shall not be my fault
+if any one is bad."
+
+Trembling, and covering her face with her hands, she declared that
+Richard had told her that Ernst was unworthy of her, even if he were
+yet living, and that he would never return again. And after that he
+said--it was some time before she would tell what it was, and at last
+she exclaimed: "that he loves me with all his heart, and wanted to make
+me his wife! He! His brother! I would rather he should tie a stone
+about my neck, and throw me into the lake where his young fishes are! I
+could hardly believe at first, that he had said it, and answered him:
+'That is a poor joke: just think of how your mother would feel if she
+knew that you would joke in this way!' and then he swore that mother
+had said Ernst was untrue to me, and had for that very reason gone out
+into the wide world. Can mother have said that? My eyes would start
+from their sockets, before Ernst would forsake me. But let me never see
+Richard again. Never! Let me go away. You can send me away, but Richard
+cannot cease to be your son. Nor can I cease to be your child, but I
+can go away."
+
+It is impossible to find words for all that bubbled forth from
+Martella's soul. I pacified her, and she promised to remain until the
+next day.
+
+I sat up alone to await Richard's return. He did not come until near
+midnight.
+
+He wanted to bid me a short "good-night," but I detained him. He sat
+down and told me that the Baron and Annette had met Rautenkron down by
+the lake, and that he had ridiculed their undertaking. He had said, and
+rightly too: "Where there are no frogs, there is no stork; where there
+are no flies and worms, there are no birds or fishes. In what was
+called 'all-bountiful nature' one beast used the other for its blessed
+meal; and, besides that, the lake was entirely frozen over every
+winter, and had no outlet that was open through the whole year. If
+fishes were in it, they would become suffocated for want of air."
+
+Rautenkron had displayed much knowledge in the matter, but he would not
+consent to assist them. He was delighted, moreover, that nature
+contained much that was egotistic and was of no use to mankind. Thus
+spoke Richard.
+
+I was indignant. I could hardly conceive how Richard could talk about
+such subjects, and not make the slightest allusion to what had happened
+between him and Martella. I thought of Ernst's letter that I had
+received on the day of my wife's death. No one had seen it but I; for
+why should I have cared to spread the knowledge of Ernst's wickedness
+in offering his betrothed to another? Could it be that an open rupture
+with Annette had urged Richard to this unheard-of deed?
+
+I endeavored to stifle my indignation, and said, "You talk of the Wild
+Lake--Wild Lake, indeed; you have an unfathomable one in yourself."
+
+He looked at me with surprise.
+
+"What do you mean, father?"
+
+"How can you ask? You dare to touch that which should be holy in your
+eyes--the betrothed of your brother!"
+
+"Father, did she tell you herself?" he said hesitatingly.
+
+And I replied:
+
+"What matters that? Until now, I had always thought that you were even
+a better man than I was at your age; do not undeceive me."
+
+I said nothing more, and that was enough.
+
+On the following morning, Richard announced that he was about to
+depart, and it cost me a great effort to induce Martella to permit him
+to take leave of her. At last she came, on condition that I would
+remain present while Richard bade her farewell.
+
+Richard said:
+
+"Martella, you have a right to be angry with me, but I am angrier at
+myself than you can possibly be. I make no protestations, no oaths; but
+I pledge my honor as a man, that you will nevermore hear a wrong word
+or receive a wrong glance from me. Farewell."
+
+Thus, this trouble was arranged; but it seemed as if there could be
+nothing perfect in this world.
+
+I do not know whether Johanna had been eavesdropping, or how she
+happened to find it out; but, at dinner, she spitefully hinted at what
+had happened, for when we were talking of the imprisoned fish poacher,
+she said, "People who are without religion are capable of anything, and
+the irreligious ones who catch a thief are no better than the thief
+himself. They stretch forth their hands to grasp things that ought to
+be sacred in their eyes."
+
+During the whole of that winter I saw nothing of Richard, and received
+but one letter from him, in which he informed me that he had been
+offered an appointment at a distant university, and that, for many
+reasons, he would gladly have accepted it, but that the Prince had
+requested him to remain in the country. He added that he was now again
+able to say that his only happiness lay in the pursuit of science.
+
+It was a great pleasure to me to have Julius stationed in our
+neighborhood. He was so pure, so fresh, and so bright, that whenever he
+came to our house, his presence seemed like the odor of flowers.
+
+I am indebted to Julius for joys which even transcend those my children
+have given me, and my pride in my eldest grandson was now about to be
+mingled with that I cherished for my eldest son.
+
+My joy was fully shared by Rothfuss. He counted how many days it would
+be before Ludwig arrived, and said:
+
+"There are but seven steps yet--right foot, sleep; left foot, get up;
+or, taking it the other way, the two together make one step."
+
+The last days of waiting seemed long, even to me. Ludwig had
+particularly requested that I should not go to meet him.
+
+On the night before his arrival, I suddenly felt so oppressed that I
+thought I should die.
+
+I heard footsteps on the stairs, and, afterward, the breathing of some
+one in front of my door. Assuredly, he has wished to prevent my
+worrying--he is here already.
+
+"Who is there?"
+
+"It is I,--Rothfuss. I thought to myself that you would not be able to
+sleep, and then it suddenly occurred to me that everybody says I am so
+entertaining that I can put any one to sleep, and so I thought--"
+
+Rothfuss' allusion to this peculiar art made me laugh so heartily that
+I felt quite well again. After he left the room, I was obliged to laugh
+again at the thought of what he had said; and then I fell asleep, and
+did not awake until the bright daylight shone into my room.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+                                                   _May_ 28, 1870.
+
+"Good-morning, dear Henry," she said to herself, this day forty-six
+years ago, when she awoke on the last morning she spent in her own
+chamber.
+
+"Good-morning, Gustava," said I, opening my eyes. It was the
+anniversary of our wedding-day, and every year while we were together,
+these were the first accents from her lips and mine--in joy and in
+sorrow, always the same.
+
+And this very morning, when awakening, I heard her quite distinctly in
+my dream saying, "Good-morning, Henry." But I am alone. She has been
+snatched away from me.
+
+On this day our first-born returns from the new world. I am writing
+these words in the early dawn, as it will be a long while before I
+again have a chance quietly to set down my recollections. I will now
+prepare myself to go forth and meet my son.
+
+                                                     _June_, 1870.
+
+Ludwig and Richard have gone to the capital, and I have at last quiet
+and time to note down his arrival and his presence with us.
+
+I had just finished writing the above lines, on the twenty-eighth of
+May, when I heard Rothfuss drawing the chaise up from the barn to the
+front of the house. He then placed the jack-screw under the frame and
+took off one wheel after the other and greased the axles, singing and
+whistling while at his work.
+
+He saw me seated at the window, and called out in a joyful voice:
+
+"One waits ever so long for the Kirchweih,[4] but it comes at last.
+Martella is up already, and has been fixing up the beehives with red
+ribbons; the bees, too, are to know that joy comes to this house
+to-day. While busy at her work, she called out Ernst's name, as if she
+could drag him here that way. But to-day we must not let ourselves
+remember that any one is missing."
+
+There it was again. No cup of joy without its drop of gall.
+
+But the mind has great power, and one can force himself to forget
+things.
+
+It would be wrong towards my son Ludwig, if I were to mix other
+feelings with joy at his return; and it is also wrong towards myself
+not to permit a single pleasure to be without alloy.
+
+My spirits were, however, not a little checked on my being reminded of
+Ernst. Every nerve in me trembled, so that I began to believe that I
+would not be able to survive the hour in which I should again see
+Ludwig. But now the sad thought that had floated across my mental
+horizon soothed my excited nerves.
+
+Ludwig had sent me his photograph from Paris, in order that I might
+recognize him at once.
+
+He had placed the pictures of his wife and of his son in the same
+package.
+
+I read over his last two letters again.
+
+In a letter from Paris, dated Sunday, April 24th, he wrote:
+
+"Here I am in the midst of the hubbub in which the 'saviour of the
+world' is permitting the people to vote. It is truly a demoniac art,
+this power of counterfeiting the last word of truthfulness. In order
+that nothing may remain uncorrupted, the ministers declare that the
+question of the day is to secure tranquillity to the land for the
+future, so that, both on the throne and in the cottage, the son may
+peacefully succeed his father. The last lingering traces of modesty and
+purity are being destroyed; the last remnant of piety is appealed to in
+order to carry out the deceit.
+
+"How glad I should be, on the other hand, to bathe my soul in the pure
+waves of great harmonies. The thought that I shall enter my Fatherland
+in time to assist in celebrating the Centennary of Beethoven's birth is
+an inspiring and an impressive one to me."
+
+Joseph was at Bonn, awaiting the expected guests. He was again
+successful in combining high objects with business profits; he
+concluded a contract to build the festival building out of trees from
+the Black Forest.
+
+I looked at Ludwig's picture, and it seemed to me, indeed, as if I were
+looking at my father in his youth. All generations seemed to be
+combined in one, as if there were no such thing as time.
+
+Martella came into the room, dressed in her Sunday attire.
+
+"Good-morning, father," said she. "To-day you will hear somebody else
+say, 'Good-morning, father.'"
+
+I could not help wondering how Martella would appear to Ludwig. She
+seemed new to me. It seemed as if during the four years that she had
+been with us she had become taller and more slender. She wore the
+pearl-colored silk dress that had been my wife's, and had about her
+throat the red coral necklace that Bertha had sent her. Her
+unmanageable brown hair was arranged in the form of a coronet; and her
+walk and carriage were full of grace and refinement. Her face seemed
+lengthened, instead of being as round as it had once been; and her old
+defiant expression had given way to one of gentleness. Indeed, since
+the death of Gustava, a certain look of pain seemed to have impressed
+itself on her features, her large eyes had become more lustrous, and
+seemed full of unsatisfied longing.
+
+Johanna and her daughter had also arrayed themselves in their best
+clothes; at least, as far as that was possible with Johanna, for, since
+the death of her husband, she had always worn mourning.
+
+I rode off in the chaise with Rothfuss; Julius, with Johanna and her
+daughter, followed us.
+
+Martella remained in the house with Carl; and the schoolmaster's wife
+had come to assist in baking and cooking.
+
+When we reached the saw-mill, the miller said, "I have heard the news
+already--this is Ludwig's day."
+
+We drove on, and after a while Rothfuss said, "It seems to me that the
+trees are stretching and straightening themselves in order to appear at
+their best when our Ludwig goes by."
+
+When we arrived at the top of the last hill, Gaudens, who was breaking
+stones on the road, said: "Ludwig will have to own that the roads are
+not kept better in America than here." It was strange how the news of
+his return had been noised about.
+
+At the last village before reaching the station, Funk came out of the
+tavern and called out, "Rothfuss! Stop!"
+
+Rothfuss turned towards me with an inquiring look, and I told him to
+stop.
+
+Funk now informed me that he had succeeded in inducing the members of
+Ludwig's party to refrain from receiving him at the railroad station
+with a festive procession. He did not wish to interfere with the family
+festivities; but on the following Sunday, the friends of freedom would
+take the liberty of greeting Ludwig as one who belonged to mankind.
+
+I could only reply that I could decide nothing for my son,--that he was
+free and would act for himself.
+
+Funk went back into the tavern. We drove on. Rothfuss remarked, "That
+fellow is like a salamander; when he tries to climb a rock and falls on
+his back, he turns about and is on his feet again quicker than
+thought."
+
+We were much too early when we got into town, and I walked about the
+streets as if I had never been there before, and as if there were
+nowhere a chair on which one might rest.
+
+It suddenly occurred to me that I ought to have sent my picture to
+Ludwig, so that he might know me; I had grown a full beard since his
+departure, and it would grieve me if he did not at once recognize me.
+
+I decided at once. There was yet time enough to have my beard removed;
+and when I returned, Johanna and Rothfuss were greatly astonished by
+the change in my appearance. But I did not tell them my reason for
+removing my beard.
+
+I had a presentiment that Ludwig would bring Ernst with him. I note
+this down, because we frequently speak of fulfilled presentiments, but
+never of those which are not fulfilled.
+
+At the depot, there were numbers of emigrants who were about to leave
+the valley. I knew many of them, and they guessed at my innermost
+thought; for now one, and then another, would come to me and say, "If I
+learn anything about Ernst, I will write to you immediately."
+
+The locksmith's widow was there, with her three children. The children
+had bouquets in their hands, and I begged them to stand aside until the
+first meeting was over.
+
+A young stone-cutter who lived at a village in our neighborhood, and
+was employed in the shops at the depot, greeted the locksmith's widow
+in the most friendly manner. He held her hand in his for some time, and
+she seemed pleased thereat. How strange that at such moments one can
+see more than is transpiring about him! It suddenly occurred to me,
+"Who knows--they may yet be a couple."
+
+The Inspector invited me to his dwelling; I accompanied him. A short
+time afterward, he returned and told me that the train had been
+signalled. He led me down the steps and remained at my side. Now we
+hear the whistle;--now the train is coming round the curve; now it is
+slacking its speed. No one is beckoning to me from the car windows. Can
+he have failed to come? Many passengers alight; but I see no sign of my
+son.
+
+Suddenly a guard calls out to me, "Herr Waldfried, you are to come this
+way!" He opens the door of the car and I am lifted up into it.
+
+I hear a voice exclaim, "Father!" and I know nothing of what happened
+for some time afterward.
+
+"Grandfather, give me your hand," says another voice. But, before that,
+I am embraced by a lovely woman, who sheds tears of joy.
+
+Leading my son with my right hand and my grandson with the left, I
+walked out as if marching in triumph. My daughter-in-law was escorted
+by Johanna and her daughter.
+
+Suddenly Ludwig dropped my hand and called out, "You here, Ernst?"
+
+"I am not your brother Ernst; I am Julius, the son of your sister
+Martina."
+
+"Where is Rothfuss?" inquired Joseph, who had also come on the train
+with Ludwig.
+
+I had already seen him. He stood aside, lighting one match after
+another, and seemed to be waiting for Ludwig to come to him to get a
+light for his cigar.
+
+At last he threw the match away and called out, "Hurrah! Shout till you
+burst your throats!"
+
+They all shouted "hurrah," and when Ludwig and his son had shaken hands
+with Rothfuss, and the wife had taken him by the hand, Rothfuss said,
+"She has a firm hand; you have done this thing well, Ludwig."
+
+A middle-aged man, erect in figure, and with a red mustache, was
+looking after Ludwig's luggage. Ludwig now called to him, "Willem, just
+leave those things and come here. Here, Rothfuss, let me recommend to
+you my servant and friend, Willem. Shake hands with each other, and be
+good friends."
+
+Rothfuss extended his hand, and asked, with an air of doubt:
+
+"He speaks German, of course--does he not?"
+
+"Yours to command; I know nothing else."
+
+It was on a Saturday, and the Jews of the little town were accustomed
+on that day to loiter about the station. We were just about to leave,
+when the Jewish teacher came up to me and said, "Herr Waldfried, the
+verse in the Bible which tells of Jacob again seeing his son Joseph,
+applies to you. It says, 'And Israel said unto Joseph, Now let me die,
+since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.'"
+The words of the little old man did me much good.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER V.
+
+
+Funk had been unable to deny himself the pleasure of being on hand.
+
+When we passed the garden of the "Wild Man" tavern he stood at the
+fence, surrounded by several of his companions. They lifted their
+foaming beer-glasses on high, and cried, "Long live Ludwig, the
+republican!" Ludwig merely nodded his thanks, and then said to me:
+
+"Father, let us get in and ride home."
+
+The carriages were awaiting us.
+
+I wanted my daughter-in-law to sit with me, but she insisted that
+Ludwig and Wolfgang should do so, while she joined Johanna and the rest
+of the party.
+
+Rothfuss, who at other times took so great a pleasure in cracking his
+whip, now sounded it but lightly.
+
+"Rothfuss, how long have you been with us?" asked Ludwig.
+
+"Longer than you have been in this world," was the answer.
+
+My grandson, Wolfgang, laughed out loud, and told us that his father
+had prophesied that very answer.
+
+As we drove through the village, every one came to the windows to greet
+us.
+
+We were passing the house of the kreis-director. The family were seated
+in the garden, and we were obliged to stop with them for a little
+while. The roses were lovely, and the faces of our friends were bright
+with kindness.
+
+The husband, the wife, and the daughters welcomed the new-comers most
+cordially, and the wife handed my daughter-in-law a bouquet of roses.
+
+Their son was also present. He had become a lieutenant, and his
+countenance seemed to combine the clear, bright expression of the
+mother, with the sternness of the father.
+
+Julius and Martha were standing a little way off, beside a blooming
+rose-bush, and when I said to Ludwig, "Behold your future niece," they
+were both so suffused with blushes, that they resembled the roses. My
+daughter-in-law embraced Martha, and was afterward embraced by the
+Privy Councillor's wife.
+
+Ludwig urged our departure for home, and the charming woman thanked us
+heartily for the short visit we had paid her. In the meantime, Rontheim
+had opened a bottle of wine and filled our glasses.
+
+Our glasses clinked; we emptied them, and started on our way; and
+Rothfuss said, "The Privy Councillor did the right thing in pouring out
+some wine; eating and drinking is the best half of nourishment." Ludwig
+laughed heartily.
+
+Ludwig held me by the hand while we drove along the valley road.
+
+"The houses have been rebuilt," he said, pointing towards the right
+bank of the stream. It was there that, during the uprising of 1848, he
+had been in command, and where the houses had been burned to the
+ground.
+
+"We have him in a sack; if we could only keep him there for ourselves
+for a couple of weeks," called out Rothfuss.
+
+My grandson did not understand him, and I was obliged to explain how
+Rothfuss always managed to catch my very thought.
+
+I had wished to be able to have Ludwig's society for myself, and to
+give no one a part of him, except of course his brothers and sisters.
+From a few remarks of Ludwig's, I gathered that he was aware of my
+thoughts, and the first thing he said to me was a text for all that
+followed.
+
+"I have not forgotten mother's saying, and it has often been a guide
+for me: 'We have part in the world, and the world ought to have part in
+us.'"
+
+It seemed to me that Rothfuss was laughing to himself. I had been
+mistaken, however, for Wolfgang, who was seated on the box with
+Rothfuss, now called out, "Father, Rothfuss is crying!"
+
+"Is there anything that such an American wouldn't notice?" replied
+Rothfuss, sitting upright on the box, and cracking his whip with all
+his might.
+
+"And so the new road through the valley is finished," said Ludwig; "I
+suppose Antonin built that. It would have been better, though, if they
+had carried it along the other bank."
+
+The new road had, however, only been laid out as far as the boundary
+line; from there unto my dwelling, which was fully two hours distant,
+there was only the old road, which was in a horrible condition.
+
+"Father," exclaimed Wolfgang, "here are the boundary posts that you
+told me of."
+
+"Yes," said Ludwig; "this is yet old Germany. Here, there is still
+separation."
+
+I believe that I have not yet mentioned that I live near the border.
+Our village is the last point in our territory, and further down the
+valley is the beginning of the neighboring principality.
+
+How strange! There was so much that we wished to speak of to one
+another, and the first subject of conversation was the laying out of
+the new road.
+
+And it is well that it is so; for this helps one over the heart-throbs
+that otherwise would be almost insupportable.
+
+Ludwig had mentioned mother, and for the present she was not referred
+to again.
+
+He had a quick glance, and always thought of what might benefit the
+community; and when Wolfgang expressed his delight at the wild, rushing
+valley stream, Ludwig said to me, "That stream could do much more work.
+There is a fortune floating there, thrown into the water, as it were,
+and flowing away from our valley out into the ocean."
+
+"To whom does water-power belong?" inquired Wolfgang.
+
+We gave him the desired information, and this question was a happy
+proof of his active, inquiring mind.
+
+"Over yonder," said Rothfuss, "there is a miller who has his
+water-power direct from the heavens." He pointed to the house of the
+so-called "thunder miller," who had built his mill in such a way that
+its wheel would only go after there had been a storm.
+
+The ground for some distance before we reached the tunnel, was covered
+with cherry-trees with straight trunks, the branches of which looked
+like a well-arranged bouquet; and on the heights were the beech-trees
+with their red buds, and one could follow the gradual development of
+the foliage.
+
+"Look, Wolfgang," said Ludwig, "you can see here how spring gradually
+climbs up the mountain side."
+
+"Father," exclaimed Wolfgang, "the people in the fields are all looking
+up at us."
+
+"They all know grandfather," replied Ludwig; and, turning to me, he
+explained: "It seems strange to the boy, for the American never looks
+up from his work, even if seven trains of cars rush by within ten paces
+of him."
+
+At the boundary line, Gaudens greeted us.
+
+We halted there for a while. He came up to the carriage, stretched out
+his hand, and exclaimed, "Do you know me yet?"
+
+"Certainly I do; you are Gaudens."
+
+"Yes, it is easy to find me; from here around the corner, down to the
+Maiengrund is my district. I was in the revolution too, but I lied my
+way out. Yes, Ludwig, you have wandered about a great deal in the wide
+world. It is best at home, after all; isn't it? Is this your son?"
+
+"It is."
+
+"God bless him. And what a splendid wife you have!--What a pity about
+Ernst; he has such a good heart and is such a sensible fellow, and yet
+commits such wicked and foolish tricks. All I wish for is to have a
+place where I might have some little extra profits from fruit and grass
+by the road; nothing ripens here but pine cones."
+
+When Wolfgang shook hands with him at parting, he said, "He has a soft
+hand; he cannot swing the pickaxe as you did when you were building
+your first road."
+
+"How lovely it is here," said Wolfgang. "Here you know every one, and
+every one knows you; you cannot meet a stranger."
+
+He was right; it is so; and this makes a full life, but a hard one too.
+
+We left the forester's house, where the forester's pretty wife, holding
+a child on her arm, greeted us. Our way lay along the crest of the
+mountain, and looked down into the valley, where the haystacks were
+scattered about the meadow, in the hollow, and along the hillside.
+Ludwig said:
+
+"Whenever I thought of home, this view of the valley always came back
+to me. I was walking here once with Ernst, while he was yet quite a
+little fellow, and he said to me, 'Ludwig, look at the haystacks. Don't
+they look like a scattered herd of cows on the meadow?'"
+
+He must have noticed that his allusion to Ernst had agitated me, and he
+added, "Father, we must be strong enough to think calmly of the dead
+and of the lost ones."
+
+When we passed the woods that belonged to Uncle Linker and me, Ludwig
+was delighted to find how nicely they had been kept.
+
+He then inquired about Martella, and when I said that she had a strange
+aversion to America, and disliked to hear it mentioned, he replied:
+
+"Do you not believe, father, that she has an unexplained, and perhaps
+sad, past, which is in some way associated with America?" I was
+startled;--the case seemed to present new and puzzling difficulties.
+
+Ludwig was pleased with the meadow-valley where he had arranged the
+trench with sluices. In very good seasons, there were four crops; but
+one was always sure of at least three. The value of the meadow-farmer's
+property had in this way been doubled.
+
+Down by the saw-mill, we met Carl, who was just using the windlass to
+drag a large beam from the wagon.
+
+He turned around as we approached and saluted us, and Ludwig's wife
+said, "What a handsome fellow! He is just as I have imagined all your
+countrymen to be."
+
+We alighted, and walked up the hill and on towards the village.
+
+When Ludwig saw the churchyard, he removed his hat from his head,
+remained standing for a moment in silence, and then walked on briskly.
+
+At the steps of the house he extended his hand to his wife and said,
+"Welcome to the house of my parents!"
+
+Martella was standing on the piazza: she stood there immovable, holding
+herself by the railing.
+
+"That pretty girl there, with large staring eyes, is Ernst's betrothed,
+I presume?" said Ludwig.
+
+I said, "Yes."
+
+We went up the steps and entered the room. Without speaking a word,
+Martella offered her hand to every one of the new arrivals. She seemed
+absent minded and was silent.
+
+My daughter-in-law and Wolfgang were surprised to find that we still
+had fires in our stoves.
+
+A little pleasantry at once made us all feel at home with one another.
+I told my new daughter-in-law how happily I had lived with my wife, but
+that even we had been obliged to adapt ourselves to each other's ways.
+
+From the earliest days in autumn until far into the summer, it had been
+our custom to have our sitting-room heated every morning and evening.
+At first it went hard with me, but after a while we accustomed
+ourselves to the same outer temperature, and the nicely warmed room at
+last became a great comfort to me, whenever I returned from the fields.
+
+"I understand perfectly, and thank you for telling me of mother first
+of all," said my daughter-in-law.
+
+Martella remained silent and reserved towards the newcomers, and, for
+the rest of the evening, we did not see her again. She remained in the
+kitchen and instructed one of the servants to serve the meal. With the
+help of the schoolmaster's wife she had prepared us a fine feast.
+
+Wolfgang suddenly asked to see the family woods, and as it was still
+broad daylight, Ludwig took him out to gratify his curiosity.
+
+I was left alone with my daughter-in-law, and when I conducted her
+through the house and showed her, above all things, the apartment with
+the plaster casts, her pure and tranquil nature became revealed to me
+for the first time.
+
+When Ludwig returned, he expressed great pleasure with the fountain
+that mother had ordered to be repaired at the time the new forest path
+was laid out. He promised to send to the iron foundry at once, and
+order a pretty column with a pipe through it.
+
+"Mother inspired me with an affection for this spring," said he. "While
+building the aqueduct, I thought of her almost every day; and along the
+space where the pipes were running under ground, I planted pines, in
+order that pretty woods might grow there, and the temperature of the
+water always remain the same. Of all the great and impressive things I
+beheld in America, one little monument impressed me most of all; it was
+that to Fredrick Graff, who built the waterworks of Philadelphia."
+
+Night approached. We were seated in the arbor, and Wolfgang exclaimed,
+"The stars shine more brightly here than elsewhere."
+
+"The dark woods make it appear so," said Ludwig. And just over the
+family woods, seeming to touch the tops of the trees as if fixed there,
+a star glistened and shone with a brightness that was marvellous even
+to me.
+
+Ludwig conducted himself with great self-control and moderation. He
+spoke slowly and in a low voice, in order to keep down all agitation.
+
+Long after the new-comers had retired to rest, Rothfuss and I were
+still sitting in front of the house.
+
+Rothfuss could not come to an understanding with himself. He said, "Our
+Ludwig is still the same, and is changed for all; he has not grown, and
+yet he is larger."
+
+He told me that Ludwig had come out into the stable to him, and when he
+had told Ludwig that the sorrel horse was the son of our gray stud, he
+had taken the horse firmly by the mane and said, "Rothfuss, you have
+been faithful to my father; I cannot fully recompense you for it, but
+express a wish and I will do what I can for you."
+
+Rothfuss had heard no more of what was said.
+
+He could not help crying like a child; and now he would like to know
+what he ought to wish for. He said that he wanted no one to advise him;
+he must find it out himself. For a long while, neither of us spoke a
+word. There was not a sound to be heard, save the bubbling of the
+fountain in front of the house.
+
+I retired to my room, but could find no rest, and sat by the window for
+a long while.
+
+It seemed to me as if an invisible and inaudible spirit was wandering
+through the house and bestowing upon it peace and quiet, above all
+other spots upon this earth.
+
+Just then the watchman called the hour of midnight; the window of
+Ludwig's chamber opened, and Ludwig called out, "Tobias, come and see
+me to-morrow: I have something for you."
+
+"Are you still awake?" cried I.
+
+"Yes, father; and when I heard the watchman I knew for sure that I am
+at home. Now I understand the proverb, 'He who does not wander, does
+not return.' It is only among strangers that one learns to appreciate
+his home.
+
+"But now go to sleep. Good-night, father."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+"The Herr Professor has arrived," were the words with which Martella
+greeted me early the next morning. I must observe that Martella now
+always spoke of Richard as "Herr Professor." The meeting of the
+brothers was a most affectionate one.
+
+Ludwig's wife and Richard were friends at once. She introduced herself
+to him as the daughter of a professor, and Richard's impressive manner
+seemed to please her greatly.
+
+Wolfgang was greatly moved, and whispered to me:
+
+"I can now for the first time, say the best words: 'grandfather,'
+'uncle;' and"--turning quickly to Johanna--"'aunt;' to Julius I have
+already said 'cousin,' and I shall soon have more cousins."
+
+The brothers were soon involved in a most zealous discussion of the
+great questions of the day. Richard warned Ludwig against permitting
+the demagogues to make use of him, as their only aim was to foment
+disturbance, and to abuse all existing institutions. They were wholly
+without lofty or honest aims of their own. When he warned him to be on
+his guard and not to permit this or that one to influence his views of
+affairs in the Fatherland, Ludwig replied: "With your permission, I
+shall begin with you." Richard observed that, just as time helps to
+correct our judgments, in regard to past events, so does distance aid
+us in criticising contemporary history. It may take ten years before we
+can see the Europe of the present in the light in which it appears to
+the unprejudiced American of to-day; and when he asked Ludwig whether
+we might not cherish the hope that he would now remain in the old
+world, Ludwig answered that, with all his love of home, he did not
+believe he would be able to give up the perfect independence of
+American life.
+
+"And what do you think on the subject, my dear sister-in-law?"
+
+"I am of the same opinion as my husband."
+
+Richard expressed a wish that Ludwig might, at some future day, take
+charge of the family estate, as there was no one else who could do it.
+It seemed to me, indeed, that, in all that he said, Richard was trying
+to determine Ludwig to unite his fortunes with those of the Fatherland.
+
+Ludwig, who had come by way of France, could tell us much of the great
+excitement that had been produced there by the _plebiscite_.
+
+The brothers were agreed that the expression of the popular will had
+been accompanied by fearful deceit on the part of the authorities; but
+they did not agree as to the object contemplated by that deceit.
+
+"I was often obliged," said Ludwig, "to think of our old schoolmaster,
+who explained the philosophic beauty of the Latin language to us by the
+fact that _volo_ has no imperative; but the author of the 'Life of
+Caesar' has shown us, by means of the _plebiscite_, that _volo_ has an
+imperative."
+
+Ludwig asserted that the majority of educated Frenchmen hated and
+despised Napoleon; for all the large cities, with the exception of
+Strasburg, which gave a small majority on the other side, had voted
+_no_. At the same time, what they hated and despised in him was just
+what they themselves were; for every individual Frenchman really
+desires to be a Napoleon; and the _no_ that a portion of the army had
+voted, simply meant, "We want war." Napoleon had undermined every sense
+of duty, and the misfortune of France was that no one there believed in
+the honesty or the unselfishness of another creature.
+
+"I have also made the acquaintance of French emigrants in America. It
+is, of course, unfair to judge of a nation by its emigrants; but I
+could not help being struck by the fact that those whom I met had no
+confidence in any one."
+
+Richard, on the other hand, had a very good opinion of the French. He
+told us that about the time he was working in the library at Paris, he
+had travelled much through France, and had made the acquaintance of
+Frenchmen of every station in life.
+
+"The French are industrious and temperate, and a people of whom that
+can be said, has a noble destiny awaiting it. They have a great desire
+to please, which makes them agreeable, and gives all their work the
+impress of good taste. They are fond of all that partakes of the
+decorative, whether it be a glittering phrase or a badge. If that
+which, from its very nature, ought to be general, could gain
+distinction for them--if there could be an aristocracy in republican
+virtue, I cannot help believing that the Frenchmen would be unbending
+republicans."
+
+"Yes," said Ludwig; "and they are humane, also. The vain and conceited
+man is usually generous and communicative: he thinks he has so many
+advantages that he is glad to bestow a share on others, and is annoyed
+and almost angry if they do not care to accept his bounty; for he
+considers their declining it as a want of belief in his superiority,
+and is surprised to find that others do not hunger and thirst for the
+things that he regards as delicacies."
+
+The brothers became involved in all sorts of discussions, and, although
+Richard was the younger of the two, he showed, in a certain patronizing
+way, how pleased he was to find that the school of experience had
+moderated Ludwig's views. For the brothers agreed on one point--that,
+as there was no one church which could alone save mankind, so there was
+no one form of government which could alone make all men free. After
+all, everything depended on the honesty and the morality of the
+citizen, and, for that reason, it could not be maintained that the
+republican form of government was a guarantee of freedom, or that a
+monarchy necessarily implied a condition of servitude.
+
+The brothers now understood each other better than they had done in
+former times.
+
+Richard always occupied himself with general principles, while I can
+only interest myself in particulars. The first question that I ask
+myself is, How does the rule apply to this or that one? Richard is
+different. He has no eye for isolated cases, but a far-seeing glance
+where general principles are concerned. He looks upon everything from a
+certain lofty historical point of view. He regards the hilly region in
+which we live with the eye of an artist and a scientist, noticing the
+elevations and the depressions, without giving a thought to the people
+who dwell among them. He does not see the villages, much less a single
+villager.
+
+My experience with Richard solved a question which had always been a
+riddle to me. He has no love for the people, and is, nevertheless, an
+advocate of liberty. Until now, I could not understand how it was
+possible; now it is clear to me.
+
+Advocates of liberty are of two classes. The one class ask for it as a
+logical necessity; the other are disappointed when the people, or
+portions thereof, become obstinate or prove themselves unworthy of
+freedom. The former have nothing to do with mankind, but simply busy
+themselves with the idea of liberty, and are, for that reason, more
+positive and exacting and less given to fine talk.
+
+Formerly, Richard had been dissatisfied with all of Ludwig's actions
+and opinions. He was opposed to all that was violent; but now Richard
+had become the more liberal, and Ludwig the more conservative, of the
+two. It was in America, where the tendency seemed towards a loosening
+of all restraint, that Ludwig had for the first time learned to attach
+importance to the preservation of established institutions. While they
+were yet children under the instructions of Pastor Genser, who
+afterward became my son-in-law, the two boys had given much of their
+time to music. To listen to Richard playing the violincello and Ludwig
+playing the piano, was one of the greatest pleasures that our household
+afforded Gustava and myself.
+
+Ludwig has given up music, and they can now no longer play together.
+But when I heard them talking in unrestrained converse, and observed
+how the one transposed the mood and the thoughts of the other into his
+own key, and developed it, adding new combinations of ideas; and when I
+noticed how the eye of either speaker would, from time to time, rest
+upon the other with a joyful expression, it seemed yet more beautiful
+and more grateful to my heart than any music could be. And withal, each
+temperament preserved its own melody. Richard looked forward for some
+event that would mark a turning-point in the affairs of men, or for the
+advent of some great man, to utter the command, "Come, and follow me."
+Ludwig added that liberation could only be brought about by one who
+possessed a cool head and a firm hand, so that, without swerving a
+hair's breadth to either side, he could put in the knife where it was
+needed.
+
+Richard, with more than his wonted animation, spoke joyfully of being
+released from the opposition party, and when Ludwig approvingly said
+that the time was now coming for Germany in which those who were
+dissatisfied with its laws and institutions would not be the only free
+ones, Richard again urged him to consider how hard it would be if no
+one of us should take charge of the estate, and it should thus at some
+day fall into the hands of strangers.
+
+"That is no misfortune," replied Ludwig. "Our posterity may again
+become poor, just as our ancestors were; all property must change hands
+at some time or other. To encourage the fond desire of retaining
+possession of a so called family estate, savors of aristocratic
+feeling."
+
+Richard was struck by this reply, and said: "You are more familiar with
+the history of the Indians than I am; but do you recollect the reply of
+the chief whom they were endeavoring to persuade to move off with those
+who belonged to him, into another territory--'Give us the graves of our
+ancestors to take with us?' And, Ludwig, over there is the grave of our
+mother."
+
+There was a long silence after that, and Ludwig merely replied, "You do
+wrong to urge me so."
+
+Martella had been sitting near by while the two had been carrying on
+their familiar conversation. In all likelihood, she had understood but
+little of what was said, for, while discussing the improvement of the
+whole world, they indulged themselves in vistas of the distant future.
+But Martella would look first at one and then at the other, and then at
+me, nodding approval each time. And afterward, when she and I were
+alone together, she said, "Father, your eyes told me how happy you
+were, and you must have thought just as I did; did you not? Ah, if
+Ernst only knew how his brothers are here talking with each other from
+their very hearts! Indeed, if he were here he would be the most
+sensible of all, for there is no one like Ernst."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+Ludwig's servant entered and inquired whether he might accompany
+"madame" (meaning Johanna) to church.
+
+"You may go," replied Ludwig to the servant, who saluted in curt
+military style and left the room.
+
+Richard inquired where the man was from, for his pronunciation would
+prove him a North German.
+
+Ludwig replied, "Yes, he is a specimen of North German discipline and
+reliability.
+
+"Although he was willing to work at anything, he was almost perishing
+with want when I made his acquaintance. I took him into my service, and
+every order I gave was executed by him as implicitly as if he were
+obeying an imperative law of nature.
+
+"One evening I had an appointment to meet several persons at the town
+hall; I took him with me, and said to him, 'Willem, wait here for me.'
+
+"I entered and had a lengthy interview--forgot Willem, and left through
+another door.
+
+"The next morning I came back to the town hall, and there stood Willem.
+
+"'What are you doing there?' I asked.
+
+"'_Ik warte_.'[5] said he.
+
+"He had waited there all night, and would probably have waited the
+whole of that day, if I had not by chance come there.
+
+"After that, we always called him 'Ik-warte.'"
+
+We were so happy together. It was one of those moments that one wishes
+might be prolonged forever, and in which one dreads to move from his
+seat for fear of breaking the spell. Our happiness was, however, not to
+be of long duration.
+
+The locksmith's widow came, bringing her children with her. They
+brought a pot of fine honey, and fresh garlands of daisies and violets.
+
+Ludwig advised the children--they were two girls and a boy--above all
+things not to consider themselves Americans; for if Germans would work
+as they do in America, they could do just as well as the Americans.
+
+The widow said that she would like to have a talk with Ludwig alone,
+for she looked upon him as the guardian of her children. Ludwig
+promised to pay her a visit at an early day.
+
+She was about leaving when new guests arrived.
+
+Funk called, but he had discreetly sent in advance his parade horse,
+Schweitzer-Schmalz, who was attired in the national costume she was so
+fond of, with large, round, silver buttons. He walked along with an air
+of great importance, with his bull neck, his face shining with good
+living, and his thick eyelids, from beneath which his little eyes cast
+their contemptuous glances. He was followed by the village lawyer, a
+man of pleasing appearance, and, indeed, a noble being who had but one
+fixed idea, and that was that the world was to be protected against all
+corporalism.
+
+Funk followed after these two fit companions of his. He had not been in
+my house for four years.
+
+Schweitzer-Schmalz was the first to speak, and uttered a short, hearty,
+"Welcome, Ludwig!"
+
+For the first time, he avoided his haughty manner of treating every one
+as "little fellow." The tall, commanding appearance of Ludwig awed him.
+
+After that, the lawyer delivered a somewhat longer and quite fervent
+speech, and I was obliged to beg Richard to keep quiet, for he
+whispered to me, "All this so early in the morning, and without an
+audience of empty bottles!"
+
+Funk extended his hand in silence and nodded significantly, as if he
+meant to say, "You know already what I mean."
+
+Martella brought wine and glasses. It hurt me to feel that she was in
+the presence of Funk, who had, years ago, so maliciously dragged her
+name before the political meeting.
+
+I had told Ludwig nothing of my rupture with Funk.
+
+Funk inquired about several who had been their companions in revolution
+and who had emigrated. Of many, Ludwig could give no information, while
+of some he could give us good report, and of many others, sad news.
+
+Ludwig disapproved of the emigration fever.
+
+The turn that the conversation had taken did not seem to Funk's taste;
+but Ludwig was able to direct it as he desired, and, addressing himself
+more especially to the lawyer, he spoke of the intimate relations that
+existed between our country--South Germany in particular--and America.
+
+Owing to their innate energy, and in spite of want, misery and
+ignorance of the language, the proportion who succeed in attaining
+wealth, position, and honors is much larger with the first generation
+of emigrants than with their children who are born in America.
+
+Statistics had proven that, in spite of want and temptation, the first
+generation offered far fewer objects for the jails than did the second.
+On the other hand, the former were more largely represented in the
+insane asylums.
+
+Funk was evidently displeased, and emptied his glass at one draught.
+Although he laughed, he seemed ill at ease when Schweitzer-Schmalz
+said, "There you have it. I have always told you little folk may
+emigrate; but the right sort of a man," he said, stroking his fat belly
+at the same time, "knows where he is best off, and keeps at home."
+
+"I believe that you are also one of the deceived ones," said Ludwig,
+supplementing his remarks. "You cannot know, or, at all events, only
+know it superficially, that the projectors of new railroads attempt to
+help the price of their shares by encouraging emigration into the
+territory traversed by their road, and that many who get gratuities by
+them do not even know this."
+
+Funk suggested that a festive gathering of people from the village and
+surrounding country should take place on any Sunday that Ludwig might
+fix upon. The meeting was to be in honor of his arrival. At this time
+he was doubly welcome, for he would assist in dispelling the Prussian
+pestilence.
+
+"I see you are still fond of set phrases," replied Ludwig, and added:
+"How strange it is since the congress of Vienna, all friends of the
+Fatherland have been clamoring for a man who, with firm hand and shrewd
+judgment, would, regardless of consequences, force Germany into unity;
+and now that he is with us, they hurl stones at him. And do you know,
+Professor, what it is that particularly pleases me in Bismarck?" he
+exclaimed roguishly.
+
+"How should I know?"
+
+"He has fortunately one of those rare names that can be pronounced the
+same in all languages."
+
+"We had thought we should meet an old republican--an enemy of tyrants!"
+exclaimed Funk.
+
+"I have not changed in that respect," answered Ludwig. "The question
+whether a republic or a monarchy should be preferred, is about the same
+as if one were to ask which is better, meat or farinaceous food? All
+depends upon the manner in which the food is prepared, and upon the
+digestive powers of the stomach. But don't let us dispute now. I trust
+we shall have a chance yet to discuss these matters more calmly."
+
+"What day have you determined on?" inquired Funk.
+
+Ludwig said that he desired no such compliment. He preferred to renew
+his acquaintance with the people and their circumstances in a quiet,
+unobtrusive manner.
+
+The church bells began tolling, and Funk said: "Perhaps you wish to go
+to church? You have probably grown religious, too?"
+
+"Thanks for catechizing me," said Ludwig.
+
+"Ah, I forgot to address you as 'Colonel,'" said Funk.
+
+"That makes no difference, although my rank is that of colonel. I was
+promoted at the front, and it is the greatest pride of my life that I
+did my duty in the war for wiping out slavery."
+
+I do not know whether it was shrewdness or arrogance towards his
+companion or ourselves, that induced Schweitzer-Schmalz to assume his
+wonderfully self-complacent air.
+
+"Yes, Colonel," said he, "another American war would not be so
+unpleasant to us after all?"
+
+"What do you mean by that?"
+
+"Why, that we gained one great advantage from it, or, as my student
+says, 'pitch.'"
+
+"I do not understand you."
+
+"Yes," began Schweitzer-Schmalz, after emptying his glass, "your father
+doesn't like rosin; but, for the little farmers, the pine-trees which
+give rosin are just like so many milchcows. I have a piece of woodland
+that I milked hard, because, so long as the war lasted, no rosin came
+from America, and the price of ours went up very much."
+
+Richard could not refrain from remarking on the wonderful connection
+that made changes in one country affect the most distant portions of
+the globe. And thus the visit, which had promised to be so
+disagreeable, ended quite pleasantly.
+
+Funk and his companions left, and when Richard was about to speak of
+Funk's emptiness, Ludwig replied:
+
+"You are deceived in him. He is full of what we, in America, call
+'steam.' He has a restless spirit of enterprise."
+
+My daughter-in-law and Johanna went to church together, and Ikwarte
+followed after them.
+
+The watchman came, and Ludwig gave him a considerable present.
+
+After that, Ludwig requested me to accompany him to the statue gallery,
+where he said: "Father, I have brought nothing for you; but I know that
+your greatest pleasure is to do acts of beneficence; let me, therefore,
+place this sum of money in your hands, so that you may distribute it
+according to your best judgment. If I can do good through you, I shall
+be doing good to myself; and, as mother is no longer living, I must ask
+you to attend to this for me."
+
+I doubt whether in yonder church there was one heart more piously
+inclined than ours were on that day.
+
+But it seems that nothing in life can remain perfectly pure and
+undisturbed.
+
+We were just about sitting down to dinner, when a wretched-looking
+creature, called Wacker, entered. He lived in the neighboring valley,
+and had once been a comrade of Ludwig's at the Polytechnic school. He
+had left school at an early day, in order to take charge of a beer
+brewery, and had become a drunkard. His place had been sold out, and he
+now wandered about from one little tavern to another, where he would
+spend the day between maudlin curses and drunken slumbers. When he
+entered the house, it was only noon, and he was already intoxicated.
+
+"Brother," he exclaimed, "give me one of your California lumps of gold;
+or, if that is asking too much, see that I have free tap for one year
+at the 'Lamb.' Here is my hand. If the war begins again, I will help.
+Give me hand-money--throat-money--throat-money!"
+
+He offered his hand to Ludwig, who declined it. I saw his indignation;
+his glance fell on Ludwig's wife and on Wolfgang, for the latter seemed
+surprised that the degraded creature should address his father in such
+familiar terms. Wacker begged for a gift, but Ludwig refused it with
+the words, "Get some employment, and then I will help you, but not
+before."
+
+Wacker replied in vile, abusive terms.
+
+Ludwig instantly collared him and led him from the room.
+
+We could hear him cursing, after he got out into the road; and then he
+staggered down the hillside.
+
+There was something cold and hard as iron in Ludwig's manner towards
+all except his nearest kindred, to whom he was kind and gentle.
+
+This interruption was a shrill dissonance in our Sunday's pleasure. We
+soon forgot it, however.
+
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VIII.
+
+In the afternoon, Julius and his betrothed visited us, and, in a little
+while, letters containing uniform messages were sent in all directions.
+The Professor, my daughter-in-law, Wolfgang, Johanna and her daughter,
+Julius and his intended, all wrote; for every one was to have a
+separate invitation to the great family gathering on the following
+Sunday. At Ludwig's request, all of our relatives were informed that he
+insisted on their making the journey at his charge. Those who did not
+need it should state the amount, nevertheless, and if they so wished
+might give it to the poor. In this way, no one who could not afford the
+expense would be prevented from undertaking the journey.
+
+Rothfuss and Ikwarte walked off to town to mail the letters, of which
+there were nearly fifty. To my sister who lived in the Hagenau forest,
+I wrote in person.
+
+Rothfuss had told Ikwarte all that he had done for Ludwig, and was not
+a little surprised to receive, instead of praise, a nod of disapproval
+and the reproach, "It was not right, after all." He told me of it, and
+could not understand how that "up there in Prussia," they were not all
+opposed to the government and glad to deceive it. He seemed to think
+that Ikwarte, and all like him, were exceedingly simple.
+
+Rothfuss was as jealous of Carl as a reigning prince of the heir
+apparent. He noticed that Ikwarte was well inclined toward Carl, whose
+good looks and military air were much in his favor, and he went so far
+as to confide to Ikwarte that Carl had suffered himself to be taken
+prisoner in order to avoid fighting.
+
+After that Rothfuss was the sole favorite of Ikwarte, who hardly
+bestowed a glance on Carl, and barely answered his questions.
+
+A soldier who voluntarily allows himself to be captured! He could not
+understand how such a man could walk erect, and on Sundays wear his
+soldier's cap with the red pompon.
+
+"He knows nothing about oxen, but he is a first-rate judge of horses,"
+said Rothfuss, speaking of Ikwarte; "and he holds the plough as if he
+were screwed fast to it. And he can work, too; that's certain. And he
+is modest. Instead of saying 'No,' he always says, 'I am not sure;' and
+instead of saying 'Yes,' he says, 'It is so.' He can't sing, nor even
+_yodel_; and the greatest praise he gives any one is to say, 'He is a
+steady fellow.' And when he wishes to say that you are right, he says,
+'It agrees.' And he is not at all inquisitive; he never asks who any
+one is."
+
+Willem was just as sparing of words as Rothfuss was lavish of them; and
+it was a droll sight to watch the two sitting together. I think that
+each one considered himself the superior of the other and patronized
+him accordingly. Rothfuss did it with words, Ikwarte with glances. He
+evidently regarded Rothfuss as an old child; and Rothfuss, in turn,
+looked upon him as a poor awkward being who had not learned how to
+express himself properly. When they spoke to each other, they always
+screamed at the top of their voices; each only understood about half of
+what was said by the other, and they thought they might help matters by
+screaming.
+
+Rothfuss could hardly be brought to believe that Ikwarte had not
+emigrated on account of his being unable to endure German oppression;
+but Ikwarte was without a trace of political opinion. All that he knew
+of the state was that one should serve it as a soldier and pay taxes.
+Of Ludwig, he said, "My master is a man, and a man of his word at
+that."
+
+Towards his master, he had a certain feeling of implicit and dutiful
+obedience; he was fond of saying, "Let everything be well grounded."
+
+Rothfuss consoled him with the words: "Don't mind it, if they try to
+tease and worry you here. If you plant a strange tree in the forest,
+the stags will rub their horns against it and tear the bark, but the
+tree is not harmed, after all."
+
+Rothfuss was quite beside himself with laughter when Ikwarte asked him
+what bodily infirmity had prevented my two servants, who had not been
+soldiers, from entering the army. He could not understand that we still
+drew lots in our neighborhood.
+
+Ludwig had gone to the capital to make various arrangements for the
+family meeting, and I remained at home working in the forest with Carl
+and Ikwarte, whose clever ways and even temper greatly pleased me.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+The schoolmaster's wife and Martella had decorated our steps and the
+doorway with flowers and garlands, to the great delight of all of us,
+and Ludwig in particular. But on the second day, Ludwig said to
+Rothfuss:
+
+"Take down the wreaths; nothing is uglier than to let flowers hang
+until they wilt."
+
+"He is right," said Rothfuss, smiling. "My mother always said that
+Sunday clothes should not be worn on week days. Ludwig's mother had
+good sense, and so had mine."
+
+On the third day, Ludwig said, "Father, I shall now leave my wife and
+son with you for a few days."
+
+He sent his little trunk ahead, and, throwing his plaid over his
+shoulder, took up his walk through the valley and over the mountains.
+Richard, who was obliged to examine several candidates for the doctor's
+degree, accompanied him.
+
+I felt surprised that Ludwig should leave me so soon, but by noon it
+was clear to me that he had acted wisely. His wife and son were much
+more at their ease when they found themselves alone with me; for, with
+all his kindness, there was something commanding in Ludwig's manner
+which made every one feel as if under restraint while in his presence.
+
+His wife was quiet and self-contained, and, seeing that I noticed this,
+told me that she had been living on a lonely farm with her father, who
+was very sparing of his words, and that she had thus acquired a habit
+of silence. After her marriage and her father's death, which soon
+followed it, Ludwig had been obliged, by his engagements as constructor
+of water-works, to spend days and weeks away from home. It was not
+until the last year, when they had moved into a city, that he was more
+at home; but, even then, public affairs claimed a great share of his
+time. During the war, he had been in the field with the army for at
+least two years.
+
+She had seen much trouble. She was but twelve years old when the family
+emigrated to America. During the first few years, her parents employed
+themselves as teachers; and when, in rapid succession, the mother and
+her brother and sister died, she and her father moved to the farm.
+Assisted by a couple of free negroes who helped in the field, she was
+obliged to conduct the whole household. The two children she had lost
+had died because medical assistance could not be obtained in time, and,
+for that reason, they had moved to the city. Their eldest son had died
+while Ludwig was in the army, fighting against the secessionists.
+
+She gently hinted that it was her wish to remain in Europe, but that
+she would not urge this, as she feared Ludwig would not find a large
+enough field for his energy. She said that he was accustomed to
+constant and varied activity, and stood very high at home.
+
+It was with some hesitation that she asked me whether I objected to the
+fact of her having only been married by civil process, and that
+Wolfgang belonged to no church. I reassured her, for I felt well
+satisfied that Johanna had already made persistent attempts at
+conversion in this quarter. My daughter-in-law became much attached to
+Joseph's wife and the school-master's. She was very fond of raising
+flowers, and determined to take many different kinds of seeds back to
+America with her.
+
+While the presence of my newly found daughter was a quiet pleasure, my
+grandson was an incomparable joy to me. He was at my side from morning
+till night. I think he must have asked Martella to tell him what
+pleased me, for he seemed to anticipate my every wish.
+
+I showed him our own saw-mill, and also the one that belonged to the
+village. He readily understood the principle of the machinery, and
+seemed to have quite a store of general information.
+
+I had a little nursery of forest-trees; it was well situated. Martella
+was always my best assistant: she knew all about planting and how to
+care for the plants that had been raised from the seed, and, morever,
+had a watchful eye for the grubworm. Since she came to us there had not
+been one of these to destroy the seed.
+
+I now went there with Wolfgang, and his first question, on seeing the
+thriving bed, was whether it were still early enough in the year to sow
+seeds of forest-trees.
+
+We had some soaked one-year-old seeds. We marked his name in the
+ground, and he laid the seeds in the furrow, after the subsoil had been
+trodden down so that the seeds might at once have firm soil in which to
+take root. After that, we placed loose and fertile earth on top.
+
+I explained to him our manner of working: how we mixed lime with the
+barren soil of the heath, and thus produced the best and most
+nourishing soil for the young shoots; how the seed should be sown after
+spring had fairly set in, and how, after the tender plants had reached
+the age of two years, they should be transferred to the nursery, there
+to remain until their fifth year, when they were to be set out in the
+place they were finally to occupy; how the new nursery should not face
+directly towards the north, on account of the absence of light, and
+because the plants could not then be transplanted to land exposed to
+direct rays of the sun, on account of their not being accustomed to
+such intense light.
+
+"Grandfather, how long does it take, after planting the seeds, before
+the plant shows itself through the soil?"
+
+"Two, or, at the most, three weeks; it generally shows before that
+time."
+
+I shall never forget the look that Wolfgang then gave me, and it moved
+my heart to think that my grandson, who was born in America, had
+planted his name in German soil.
+
+I asked Wolfgang if he did not wish to accompany me up into the woods
+where my wood-cutters were at work. He took my hand in silence.
+
+I took my gun with me, for I was on the lookout for a fox which had its
+cave a short distance from the road; but it had slipped out with its
+young ones. I handed my second gun to Wolfgang; we shot wild pigeons,
+and my setter brought them to us, laid them down before Wolfgang, and
+looked up into his face.
+
+I must be brief, however. I have always been fortunate enough to see
+something more in the forest than merely so many cords of wood. But how
+weakly words describe the sunshine, the forest-breezes, the singing of
+the birds, or cheerful walks through shady groves, with resting-places
+on heights where the lovely valley is spread before one's eyes. It had
+never been so charming as on that very day.
+
+We met Rautenkron, and he was carrying two young does whose mother had
+been driven away by a strange hound. I introduced Wolfgang to him; but
+he shook his head and made no reply.
+
+"What a sullen, gloomy man," said Wolfgang. "Can one become so in these
+lovely woods, so full of sunshine and the songs of birds? But yet he
+must be good, for all that; he carried the does."
+
+I felt obliged to explain how that might have come about. The roe lures
+the dogs on false scents, in order to save its young ones.
+
+We heard sounds of a church-bell coming up from the valley, and met
+Rautenkron's laborers carrying their caps in their hands; they passed
+us in silence.
+
+I explained to Wolfgang that these were Catholics, and that they were
+praying.
+
+I grasped his hand, and said, "Since you confess no especial form of
+religion, it is doubly your duty, both for your own sake and for that
+of freedom, always to remain brave and steadfast, so that people shall
+not be able to say--"
+
+"I know already, grandfather, what you wish to say. You can depend upon
+me."
+
+We continued our walk up the mountain, which was known as Silvertop.
+From its peak one can see far over the mountain-peaks, with their
+dark-green mantle, in which the ravines form majestic folds. There were
+remnants of a fire at which the forest-laborers had prepared their
+noonday meal. I threw a few handfuls of brushwood on the fire; the
+flames arose on high. Wolfgang exclaimed: "Grandfather, it was just
+like this! It was just so that I saw you in my dreams. And now I can
+remember what you said. It often annoyed me to think that I had
+forgotten it; the voice was powerful, and said, 'The water nourishes
+the tree, and the fire destroys it; the water roars, and the fire
+gently sleeps.' Thus ... and so on."
+
+Wolfgang's eye glowed with a strange expression, and I had just opened
+my lips to address him, when he vehemently motioned me away with both
+hands, and, gazing into the distance, said in an impressive tone, "Yes,
+I hear the sound; it came from the blazing fire."
+
+                  Far above us,
+                  In the heavens,
+                  Hovers now
+                  The darkening cloud.
+                  Still united,
+                  Soon divided;
+                  Now creating,
+                  Now destroying:
+                  Joined divinely,
+                  Fire and water
+                  In its bosom,
+                  Peaceful, dwell.
+
+The youth looked about him as if in ecstasy, and then grasping my hand
+in both of his, he said: "Yes, grandfather; daring my illness I saw you
+standing in the forest at such a fire. You can ask father--but you
+believe me, don't you?"
+
+"Of course."
+
+The countenance of the youth seemed illumined with joy.
+
+We seated ourselves on a bench, and silently gazed at the distant
+prospect.
+
+At last Wolfgang spoke. "Grandfather, now I have it. In your forest
+garden are your grandson trees. The seed comes from the trees that you
+planted. And now I know something. I know it quite positively, but I
+can keep it to myself. Father always says that one should not be too
+hasty in talking of important things that one intends to do; it is best
+to sleep on them first. If one is of the same mind the next morning, it
+is all right. I shall tell it you tomorrow, but not to-day. My idea is
+a good one, and I think it will please you as much as it does me."
+
+We took up our path, and stopped where some woodcutters were rolling
+the trunk of a tree down the mountainside; it bounded over young trees
+in its way, and Wolfgang said. "Won't it crush them?"
+
+"Oh, pshaw!" said a wood-cutter, "They'll straighten themselves again.
+We have to do the same thing ourselves."
+
+We reached the spot where my woodmen were at work. Wolfgang at once
+took hold of an axe and helped them lustily. But here, too, he showed
+his good judgment. He was not hasty, as novices usually are, and soon
+succeeded in copying the manner of the workmen.
+
+We kept up our walk until we reached the mountain lake. The last time I
+had been in this spot was twenty years ago, with Gustava; and now it
+seemed as if I were there for the first time in my life.
+
+There lay the lake, surrounded by steep, pine-covered walls; not a
+sound was heard, save at times the roaring of the trees, and the solemn
+beating of the waves against the shore. The sun shone on the water, and
+its ripples sparkled like so many glittering diamonds.
+
+"Do you come here often?" asked Wolfgang.
+
+"No; the last time I was here was with grandmother, twenty years ago."
+
+It went hard with me to leave the lake. Who knows whether I shall live
+to return there again? It will ever remain unchanged; for generation
+after generation shall come here, as to a shrine, and yield itself up
+to the mysterious influence of the place.
+
+When we at last started to leave, I was often obliged to turn and look
+back. I constantly felt that now it must be full of its awful beauty,
+and that I had seen it for the last time.
+
+It was towards evening when I reached the house. I had not been so
+tired for a long time; for climbing forest-clad mountains, while
+excited by emotions, be they ever so joyous, is apt to exhaust one. But
+I was looking forward into a happy future.
+
+When I awoke on the following morning, Wolfgang stood at my bedside,
+and said: "Grandfather, it has rained during the night; our plants are
+thriving beautifully. Now I can tell you--I have determined to become a
+forester."
+
+I had, on the previous day, explained to Wolfgang a beautiful provision
+of nature; how, when, through accident, the growth of the main trunk of
+the pine-tree is interfered with, a side branch becomes converted into
+the main trunk. None of my sons had become foresters, and now Julius
+and Wolfgang were side-branches that made up for it.
+
+I believe it was fortunate that Wolfgang's resolve to become a forester
+sprang from his affection for the forest, and not from his love of the
+hunting.
+
+Unfortunately, the other motive had been Ernst's. I had often warned
+him, but in vain.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER X.
+
+
+A few days after that, I was surprised by a newspaper article, which
+had been written by my son Ludwig.
+
+I have preserved it. It read as follows:
+
+                  "THREE QUESTIONS AND THREE ANSWERS.
+
+"All hail to the friends of my youth, and of my Fatherland!
+
+"Every one has a right to address three questions to me; and, as it is
+not one of the pleasures of life to repeat the same thing a hundred
+times, I hope I may be permitted to answer in this public manner.
+
+"_First_: How goes it with you, and do you intend to remain with us?
+
+"It goes well with me. For the first few years I spent in America, I
+had hard times; but I worked my way through. I am not rich, but have
+enough. I married a German, the daughter of Professor Uhlenkemp. I lost
+my eldest son during the war with the South, and have another son
+sixteen years of age, who belongs to no religious denomination.
+
+"As to my remaining here, or leaving, I am for the present, unable to
+answer.
+
+"_Second_: What do you think of emigration to America?
+
+"_Answer_: The United States afford elbow-room and freedom, and are a
+good refuge for people who are willing to work hard in order to achieve
+independence. But he who emigrates must make up his mind to forego many
+pleasures, with which we at home are so familiarized that we do not
+know that we are enjoying them; just as we do not miss the drink of
+fresh, pure water, until it can no longer be had, and do not think of
+the pure air while it is ours to breathe.
+
+"_Third_: How do you find Germany?
+
+"I find only halves of Germany; but they must and will--who knows how
+soon--become a whole Germany.
+
+"The German people have become more practical and well-to-do than they
+were formerly. As far as I have been able to observe, there is an
+abundance of well-directed energy; great activity in all that pertains
+to the trades, to science or to art, and enough liberty to achieve what
+is still needed to make a complete whole. Let all remain strong and
+firm, and, without faltering, faithfully labor for the common weal.
+
+"These are my answers; and to every one whom I meet and find true to
+the Fatherland and to liberty, I shall cordially extend the hand of
+fellowship.
+
+                             "LUDWIG WALDFRIED,
+
+                                   "Hydraulic and Civil Engineer,
+
+                                                        "Chicago."
+
+This explanation of Ludwig's naturally caused me some surprise. But it
+was practical, at all events, although the reference to Wolfgang seemed
+unnecessary, and calculated to provoke unpleasant comment.
+
+I soon became aware of its effect, in a manner which, at first,
+promised to be unpleasant, but afterward proved for the best.
+
+Although Annette was still living in our neighborhood, I have not
+mentioned her for some time. She would ride over to see us, but paid us
+only short visits, and would occasionally inquire about the Professor,
+as she, too, now termed Richard.
+
+She seemed provoked at him, and probably felt resentment that the
+friendship, and, perhaps, affection, which she had offered him were not
+returned.
+
+She visited the spinner and the schoolmaster's wife; she greeted
+Martella and Rothfuss, but her whole manner seemed strange and
+constrained. I soon knew the reason for this; for Johanna expressed her
+satisfaction that Annette, who had been so worldly, had at last been
+saved; "for," as she said, "safety can be found even in the Catholic
+faith."
+
+The Baroness and her clerical assistants had succeeded in drawing
+Annette into their toils.
+
+One day, Annette came to us looking pale and greatly excited. She said
+that, although I had so many guests, she begged me to permit her to
+stay with us for a few days. She frankly confessed that she had, now
+and forever, broken with the Baroness and all her adherents. The
+Baroness had endeavored to bind all who were in the faith to break off
+intercourse with our family; for it is written, "woe to that man by
+whom the offense cometh," and the worst offense had issued from our
+house. The fact that my daughter-in-law considered herself a wife,
+although her marriage had not been solemnized by a clergyman, might
+have been passed over in silence; but the public proclamation of the
+grandson's want of religion was exasperating.
+
+Annette had determined to flee from such fanatical surroundings.
+
+I told her of Wolfgang's power of self-control, and how he had held
+back a resolution which illumined his whole being until he had quietly
+matured it; and Annette exclaimed, "Yes; that is the best religion;
+that is a holy spirit."
+
+I was obliged to restrain her from expressing herself thus to Wolfgang.
+On the following day, Ludwig returned; and this afforded her an
+opportunity to unbosom herself to him. At their first meeting, he
+conceived a great liking for her.
+
+He told her of the great family gathering that was to be held.
+
+As she was not related by ties of kindred, she did not wish to remain
+with us.
+
+But Ludwig induced her to stay; and when he and I were alone, he said,
+"I cannot understand why Richard does not sue for her hand; she seems
+to be made for him."
+
+I told him that, on her deathbed, mother had said, "He will marry her
+for all."
+
+I now felt satisfied that Gustava had, in all likelihood, referred to
+Annette. Ludwig felt sure of it; but, as if at the same time marking
+out his own course, he said, "Father, do not let Richard notice our
+feelings in this matter, or we may frighten him away."
+
+Wolfgang's desire to become a forester met with the glad approval of
+his father, who said: "It will soon turn out with the American forests
+just as it does with the fishes of the sea. One cannot always be
+harvesting and preying on others; it is necessary to plant and to
+cultivate as well."
+
+He requested Annette, who was very much interested in Wolfgang, and
+spent much time with him, not to interfere with his wonted equanimity;
+for she was constantly trying to discover how Wolfgang felt when he saw
+a church-steeple, or heard the church-bells. She had just emerged from
+an atmosphere which was religious to the exclusion of all other
+considerations, and the youth was therefore a mysterious and marvellous
+contrast to all that she had left behind her. He seemed to her the
+representative being of later centuries; and she tried to discover how
+things would be after our generation. She was pleased to call Wolfgang
+'Emile, and reminded us of Rousseau's work of the name.
+
+Ludwig's wife avoided Annette, who, in her impulsive way, had at once
+desired to cultivate intimate relations with her. Conny, who was quiet
+and reserved, had a dread of the restless fluttering of such a being as
+Annette.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+
+One evening, Martella came to me, and, with a timid manner to which I
+was quite unused in her, asked me to allow her to return to Jaegerlies,
+with whom she had formerly lived. She had heard that the old woman was
+sick, and at the point of death. She had left her quite suddenly, and
+now wanted to return; and thought it would be far better if she were
+not to come back until our guests had left.
+
+She extended her hand to me, and said, "I promise you that I will
+surely return."
+
+Her behavior puzzled me; and when I endeavored to find out why she
+really wished to leave, she said that it might be a stupid feeling, but
+she had a constant presentiment of some great misfortune near at hand.
+
+I tried to persuade her that there were no grounds for this uneasy
+feeling, as Ludwig, his wife, and Wolfgang all treated her as one of
+the family. She persisted in her determination; and I at last reminded
+her that she had promised my wife never to leave me.
+
+"I did not think you would remind me of that," she said; "but, of
+course, if you fall back on that, I shall remain here even if they try
+to drive me away."
+
+Martella might well feel anxious, for she was a living proof that our
+family was incomplete; she, too, had been obliged to accustom herself
+to constant sorrow, and to learn to lead a life tranquil and resigned.
+
+Nearly all to whom invitations had been sent, promptly answered that
+they would come. My sister wrote that she would bring her daughter, and
+her future son-in-law; but, that, on account of his duties, her husband
+would be unable to leave home. My brother-in-law, the pastor, who lived
+in Alsace, was also unable to come.
+
+With every letter that came, I felt as if I must read it to my wife.
+Who could so help me to celebrate such a day, as she would have done?
+The life of the best of children is really for themselves. It is only
+the wife who lives entirely for and with her husband--one life
+consisting of two lives inseparably united. Inseparably! They have been
+separated, and a portion yet lives, leading a fragmentary existence.
+
+I succeeded in repressing my emotions, and prepared myself for the
+great joy which was yet vouchsafed me.
+
+On his return from his short trip, Ludwig had much to tell us, giving
+us quite a medley of merry and sad experiences. He had met many of his
+old comrades; and, among others, had visited his most intimate friend,
+a Professor at the teachers' seminary, in a town of the Oberland. The
+Professor was a model of quiet unobtrusive learning.
+
+"I am shaping my block of stone," were the Professor's words: "what
+place it may occupy in the great Pantheon I do not know; but,
+nevertheless, I fulfil my little task as well as I know how."
+
+He felt quite sad to find one of his old comrades in the very position
+he had occupied twenty-five years before. He might have become one of
+the best of men, for he has a good wife, and fine children; but he is
+the slave of drink, and is intoxicated from morning till night. Indeed,
+in the country one must constantly renew his intellectual life, or
+there is danger of giving way to drunkenness.
+
+Ludwig had also visited his uncle, the Inspector of the water-works at
+the Upper Rhine, under whom he had worked for a year. He regretted his
+inability to attend our festival, but promised to send his son; and
+Ludwig was quite pleased when he told us how his uncle had said:
+
+"The Rhine seems as if lost, and does not know whither it should flow.
+It is against nature that one bank of a stream should belong to one
+country, and the opposite bank to another."
+
+Sister Babette and her family were the first to arrive; and, shortly
+after their first greeting of Ludwig and his family, they inquired for
+Martella. She was delighted to find that they were so much interested
+in her, and also to obtain from them some little news in relation to
+Ernst's short stay with them. Even Pincher recognized the Alsatians.
+
+The bridegroom-elect, who was now an officer of the customs, had come
+in his uniform, and was quite condescending in his manner, as if he
+intended, with every word, to say, "I am superior to you all, for I am
+a Frenchman." And yet, in spite of this, he had the very German name of
+Kraeutle.
+
+Annette did him the favor to speak French with him. He was quite
+delighted, and Annette asserted that he and his bride were ashamed of
+the Alsatian language; when speaking French, they evidently felt that
+they appeared at their best, and to ask them to forego that pleasure
+would be much the same as requiring one never to wear his Sunday
+clothes.
+
+Annette was embroidering a silk ribbon; and Richard picked up the end
+of it and held it in his hands. But she generally managed to spoil the
+effect of her pretty speeches, and added that people could talk French
+without having ideas; but that, when speaking German, they noticed the
+absence of costume, and were ashamed thereat. When she uttered these
+last words, Richard dropped the ribbon he had been holding, and walked
+away.
+
+Annette was happy whenever she could express her pleasure with any one,
+and Ludwig was not wrong in saying:
+
+"She will be one of the best of wives when she is once a mother. Now
+she is fluttering about, hither and thither; is herself restless, and
+disturbs others."
+
+With every hour, new guests arrived, and Martella said: "It was stupid
+of me to have wanted to go away; I am needed here, where there are so
+many strangers--no, not strangers--O dear Lord, so many beings who
+belong to one! If mother were only living yet, she could help me love
+them. O dear father, when we step over into eternity, and meet all the
+beings who belong to us--so many! so many! Indeed, father, you are now
+experiencing a part of eternity."
+
+And it was so.
+
+But I felt that age was coming on me. I could not walk about much, and
+was obliged almost constantly to remain seated in my room, where they
+all came to me. To see Wolfgang and Victor together, was to me joy
+unutterable. My sister asserted that, when a child, I had looked just
+as these two now did. I cannot imagine that I ever looked so elegant
+and distinguished-looking.
+
+After the Major joined us, the customs officer became much quieter in
+his manner; for the Major had come in full uniform.
+
+Johanna, who, since Ludwig's arrival, had become even more reserved and
+austere, seemed to find the meeting with her son, the vicar, a pleasant
+change. Nothing daunted by my presence, she complained to him that,
+with a sister-in-law who had only been married by a civil magistrate,
+and with a nephew who had not even been christened, she felt as if
+living among heathens.
+
+The vicar, who was more liberal in his views, and yet felt quite at
+home in his vocation, pacified his mother, and she concluded to take
+part in the family festival.
+
+The eldest son of the inspector of the water-works came with his two
+sisters, and the Major was delighted to find that this young man, my
+godson, had determined to follow the sea.
+
+Ludwig told us that a sea-captain had assured him that the naval cadets
+were principally recruited from the inland provinces, while the sailors
+naturally came from among the dwellers along the sea-coast.
+
+The medical counsellor, who had formerly been director of the jail in
+which Ludwig and Rothfuss had been imprisoned, but who had now retired
+on a pension, was also among the guests, and Rothfuss was delighted
+beyond measure to meet him again.
+
+Baron Arven did not fail to offer his congratulations. He seemed quite
+surprised to find Annette dressed in colors. He cordially greeted us
+all, and constantly addressed Ludwig as "Colonel." He remained but a
+short time, and had probably only visited us in order to show that it
+was his desire to keep on good terms with us, and that he wished to
+have nothing to do with any enmities or unpleasant feelings which other
+members of his household might cherish towards us.
+
+Ah, I thought I could have given the names of them all, but I find it
+impossible. The hearty greetings of so many guests had so fatigued me,
+that I slept until late on Sunday morning. When I awoke, I heard a
+lovely chorus, accompanied by an harmonium; and, after that, a
+quartette of female voices.
+
+This was the first intimation we had of Conny's powerful and
+sympathetic contralto voice.
+
+The other voices I recognized at once. They were Bertha's, Annette's,
+and Martha's.
+
+If it was pleasant to see Wolfgang and Victor together, it was,
+perhaps, yet more lovely to see the sympathy between Conny and Bertha;
+and Martella expressed my own feelings, when she said, "Dear sister
+Conny, you did not have the happiness to know mother, but Bertha is
+very much like her."
+
+When I at last joined all my kindred, there was a new surprise in store
+for me. Before retiring, I had inquired about Julius. I do not know
+whether you have already observed it, but he is a special favorite of
+mine. He is well-off in every respect--well provided for, both
+intellectually and in regard to the world's goods, though without great
+riches or luxury. He is like a healthy forest-tree; without bright
+blossoms, but silently thriving, nevertheless. I shall not indulge in
+further praise of him, for he dislikes praise.
+
+And now Julius came and told me that Ludwig had obtained a dispensation
+for the marriage of the young people without the delay of publishing
+the banns. Rontheim and his wife had at first been disinclined to
+consent to such haste, but Ludwig had persistently urged them. And now
+it was determined that the wedding should take place to-day, and that
+his cousin, the vicar, should marry them, for Martha had insisted that
+they should be married by a clergyman. Whereupon Ludwig said: "We are
+certainly very tolerant towards these believers."
+
+I had ceased to be surprised by anything.
+
+We marched towards the church to the sound of music, the ringing of
+bells, and the noise of cannon, which the mountains re-echoed. But when
+we reached the spring, which, as I afterwards learned, had been
+decorated by Martella, I felt a pang. Why could Gustava not have lived
+to enjoy this? And then, repressing the sad thought, I let joy descend
+upon me, and said to myself, "Keep thyself erect, and in health, so
+that thou mayest not disturb the happiness of the many who belong to
+thee."
+
+When we reached the spring at the edge of the woods, we halted. What to
+us had seemed impossible, Ludwig had already accomplished. The iron
+column was already there, and around it were stone seats, and also a
+high bench, where people might lay aside their burdens.
+
+"One learns these things in America," said Ludwig. "There they do not
+care for yesterday, and do not console themselves with the hope of
+to-morrow: all must live in the present."
+
+After leaving the church, where the wedding was celebrated in a simple
+manner, we marched in procession to the family woods, where, by
+Ludwig's orders, great tables had been erected; and on our way there he
+told me how clever Ikwarte had been in the work.
+
+I cannot find words to speak of the great table in the woods.
+
+Before we seated ourselves, we were all obliged to remain perfectly
+still for a short time. Ludwig had made arrangements to have the whole
+group photographed. They all say that I look very sad in the picture;
+it may be so, for I could not help thinking, "Where is Ernst now? Does
+the sun that now shines on us, shine on him too?" It is especially
+pleasant to see Martella and Rothfuss in the background, holding each
+other's hands. Annette is also in the family picture; her eyes are
+downcast, while Richard is looking towards her. Since the loss of her
+husband, she had never laid aside her mourning, but to-day she wore
+colors.
+
+The Major's speech at the dinner was even better than the vicar's in
+the church.
+
+Martella's best and only treasure was Ernst's prize cup. She had placed
+it before me on the table, and Annette had wound a garland of flowers
+around it.
+
+After the Major's speech, the wine-cup travelled the rounds of the
+whole table.
+
+After the clinking of glasses, and the drinking of healths, the
+conversation had become loud and excited; after that, all became as
+noiseless as in a church during silent prayer. It was one of those
+pauses that ensue after the soul has unburdened itself, and when, for a
+moment, there is nothing new to engage it.
+
+And during that pause I could hear Annette saying to Conny, "Yes, dear
+Conny, I, as a stranger, beloved and loving in return, can speak more
+impartially than relatives can. I cannot describe the mother to you;
+and yet I have seen her to-day, or at least her counterpart. When
+Julius was standing at the altar, he had her very expression. He
+resembles her more than any one--he has her eyes.
+
+"Ah, what a pity that you did not know her! She was full of life, and
+yet gentle withal; and when she spoke with you, she never looked to
+right or left. She never tried to create an impression, and yet in her
+presence one always felt exalted; and while her glance rested on one,
+it was impossible to indulge in vile or ignoble thoughts. What to
+others seemed exalted and great, was with her a matter of course. She
+practised and expressed all that is highest as easily as others say
+'Good-morning.' In her hands, even the common-place became invested
+with beauty. She judged of people with love, and yet with freedom.
+
+"Thus, she once said, 'I felt inclined to be angry with Baroness
+Arven, because she does not understand her excellent husband; but he,
+on the other hand, does not do his wife justice. She is created for
+society--for interesting, witty small talk--and he desires to feed her
+soul with thoughts of nature and Fatherland. Fanaticism, in every one
+of its thousand shapes, endeavors to force its own convictions on
+others, and this is both good and evil at the same time.'
+
+"She said something to me which I have worn as an amulet, and it is,
+after all, but a simple maxim.
+
+"When I complained to her that it was so difficult with me to fix the
+proper relation towards others, she replied:
+
+"'Child, you do not maintain the right distance between yourself and
+others. With every one, even though it be a Rothfuss, you move into
+most familiar contiguity.' Her words impressed me deeply, and were of
+great help to me.
+
+"She understood herself, and that made every one else feel on sure
+ground. When one felt depressed or sad, without hardly knowing why, the
+mere fact that you were suffering was enough to arouse her sympathy:
+and that would always cure the pain.
+
+"But what avails it to speak of separate disconnected traits. I might
+as well try to give you an idea of a glorious symphony by singing a few
+bars of one of its melodies. When with her I felt in a higher world."
+
+Thus spoke Annette. She did not seem to notice that all were silent
+while she was talking.
+
+And then Bertha and Conny arose from their seats and covered her with
+their caresses.
+
+I could not move from the spot. I saw Richard rising, but he sat down
+again at once.
+
+Ludwig turned to him and said: "Her mind and her exterior correspond.
+At first she does not impress one as wondrously beautiful; but, day by
+day, she grows in loveliness."
+
+This invocation of my wife had, for the time being, invested the
+festival with a certain solemn impressiveness; but soon mirth burst all
+bounds, and the young couple again became the centre of joy.
+
+Rontheim was so happy that he drank fellowship with the Major, with
+Ludwig, and with Richard. A blissful feeling of brotherly affection
+seemed to unite all.
+
+Rothfuss afforded us great amusement. He wore a bouquet in his hunter's
+coat, and another, with a red ribbon streaming from it, in his hat.
+"Colonel," he called out to Ludwig, "may I be permitted to say one
+word?"
+
+"Have you made up your mind what to wish for?"
+
+"No; this is something else. All I wish is that you shall say 'Yes,'
+and that will do."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"Listen. You are Colonel of the negroes--of the blacks--and there are
+people who say that negroes are not human beings. Now listen! What is
+it that man alone can do, and that neither horse nor ox nor stag can do
+like him?"
+
+"Why, _speak_, to be sure."
+
+"Wrong: The beasts do speak; but we are too stupid to understand them.
+No; I mean something quite different: _man alone can drink wine_. If
+the negroes can drink wine, they are men just as we are. Tell me, can
+negroes drink wine?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"All right, then. Here's to the health of our black brethren."
+
+He emptied his glass and was about to walk away, when Richard called
+out: "Stop! I ask all to join me in drinking the health of the great
+man who has solved the question of slavery, in wine. Long live our
+great philosopher--Rothfuss!"
+
+It seemed as if the cheers would never end, and Rothfuss called out,
+"To-day I will get jolly drunk seven times at least--no, seven times is
+not enough!"
+
+When we at last arose from the table, I inquired for Rothfuss. I was
+concerned about him, for he had been acting like a crazy man.
+
+Ikwarte said that, although Rothfuss showed signs of having drunk too
+much, he had gone up into the woods and had taken a bottle of champagne
+with him.
+
+They hunted and hunted, and at last found him. He was asleep, and the
+empty bottle was lying on the ground by his side.
+
+"Oh," he complained, "why did you wake me? I died so happy. To die
+drunk is the best way, after all; now, I've got to die over again. No
+matter; I'll wait for master, and then we will ride to heaven in double
+harness; or, if the parson is right in what he says, to hell. It's all
+the same to me; I shall stay with master."
+
+Then he embraced Ludwig, and repeatedly said to him; "Let me go to jail
+once more for you." They managed to get him home without further
+trouble.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+The newly married couple left; but the young people were averse to
+breaking up, and kept up the dance until long after nightfall. A little
+circumstance occurred which greatly excited Martella.
+
+Julius's friends had come in their smart hunter's suits; even
+Rautenkron had overcome his scruples, and attended the festival,
+although he did not join us at table.
+
+We were told that Rautenkron had always been angry that Martella was
+permitted to keep her own dog, and Pincher, moreover, had a special
+aversion to Rautenkron.
+
+At the same time that Rothfuss was being looked up, a terrible barking
+and yelling arose. The strange dogs had fallen upon Pincher, and it was
+even said that Rautenkron had called out to his dog, "At him, Turenne!
+Break his neck for him!"
+
+When they at last succeeded in separating the dogs, Pincher was dead,
+and Martella's lamentations were heart-rending. She indulged in
+expressions that I would not have expected of her: "It was the only
+living thing that belonged to me, and that Ernst had left me. Now I am
+all alone in the wide world!"
+
+When I spoke to her, she hastily said, "Forgive me; I am sometimes very
+silly."
+
+She could not bear the sight of the dead dog, and begged that he might
+be buried in the woods.
+
+In the meantime, Rautenkron was explaining to Wolfgang that his
+ambition to become a forester was based on a false ideal; that dealing
+in rags was a much prettier occupation. For then one need know nothing
+of the people who once wore the rags; but that the forest people were
+all cheats, and, if they could, would convert the trees into as great
+cheats as they were.
+
+We were still engaged watching the dancers, and it was a great pleasure
+to see Wolfgang dance with Clotilde, the Major's daughter. Wolfgang
+arranged an American dance, which was so wild that it evidently
+originated with the Indians.
+
+The young Alsatian couple also joined in the dance.
+
+Carl had allowed Marie to dance with another one of the village lads,
+and stood holding the hand of Martella, whom he had led to the dancing
+floor. She said that she did not wish to dance, and that for tenfold
+reasons she ought not to, especially as her betrothed was far away. But
+all persuaded her. Rothfuss--who, having been aroused by the music, had
+gathered himself up again, and was now seated at the table by the side
+of Ikwarte--was especially anxious that she should dance.
+
+When Martella began to dance, a great change seemed to come over her.
+There was something uncanny in her features and in her eyes.
+
+Nearly all of us left the dancing floor, and Annette requested Martella
+to go with us.
+
+"Oh, no," she exclaimed, while her eyes rolled and her lips quivered;
+"I have now begun, and I cannot stop so soon. Good-night, my lady."
+
+She remained, and all were filled with admiration of her light
+movements and her wonderful _tours de force_.
+
+"Why, you can jump about like a squirrel, and fly like a bird," said
+Rothfuss.
+
+"So I can," cried Martella. "Do you know how it is when one of the
+cuckoo's brood leaves its nest in which the simple tomtits have fed it?
+None of you have ever seen it, but I have. I, too, am one of the
+cuckoo's brood. It flies away it flies away. Play on, fiddlers. Let us
+have the cuckoo's song. Keep quiet, all of you; I will dance for you."
+
+And then she began to dance, raising herself and bending towards the
+ground again as if she really had wings; and all were delighted.
+
+When she stopped all cried out, "Again! again!" and the Alsatian
+exclaimed, "_Da-capo!_"
+
+Ikwarte arose and said, "Miss, do not let them abuse your good-nature;
+do not let them make a fool of you. There is enough of it."
+
+"This is not your affair," exclaimed Carl, "you Prussian!--you
+starveling!"
+
+"I have nothing to say to you," answered Ikwarte; "you are not worth
+answering."
+
+Martella danced again, to the great delight of all.
+
+But while she was dancing, one could see that it took several of the
+lads to hold Carl.
+
+When the dance was over, Carl rushed up to Ikwarte, and cried:
+
+"You cursed Prussian! why do you think that I am not worthy of being
+answered?"
+
+"I have no respect for a man who would put himself in the way of being
+captured."
+
+"Is that it?"
+
+"Carl, take none of the Prussian's impudence," called out Martella. "It
+is the Prussians' fault that my Ernst had to go forth into misery. Pay
+him up for it!"
+
+And then followed terrible scuffling and fighting.
+
+Ikwarte seemed, at first, unable to realize that he was actually
+involved in a fight; but when he saw that matters were in earnest, he
+seized Carl, and held him as firmly as in a vise. Rothfuss urged them
+on, for fighting was his delight. They were at last separated, and then
+Martella threw herself on the ground, tore her hair, and cried out, "It
+is all my fault! It is my fault! I am ruined!"
+
+Rothfuss succeeded in leading her away. She tried to escape from him
+and to run out into the woods, saying, "Anything rather than go back
+home, for I don't deserve to go there."
+
+He succeeded, at last, in inducing her to enter the house of Carl's
+mother. Accompanied by Annette and Conny, I went there to bring her
+home, and was startled when I saw what a change had come over the poor
+child. Nevertheless, her agitation had not disfigured her; she seemed
+more lovely than ever--almost supernaturally beautiful.
+
+"O father!" she cried. "Indeed, I have no longer the right to use those
+words. I knew it; I felt a presentiment of it all, and I wanted to go
+away. Why didn't you let me go? I don't belong here, and now less than
+ever. The worst that could have happened to me has happened. I have
+relapsed into savage folly. And yet she who is up there said, 'Do not
+lose faith in yourself and in your goodness, and you can accomplish
+everything.' The worst punishment is mine, for I have lost faith in
+myself. I may become crazed again any moment; I no longer believe in
+myself."
+
+When Conny and Annette spoke to her in their kind way, she exclaimed,
+"Every kind word of yours gives me new pain. Scold me, beat me, kick
+me--I deserve such treatment, and shall find it less painful than kind
+words that I do not deserve. I was so happy in thinking that I had
+accomplished all, but it is not so. Now I see how much love and respect
+you all had for me; and when Ernst returns I shall tell him everything.
+He may scold me heartily, for I have deserved it."
+
+We conducted her to the house, where we found Ikwarte, whose appearance
+seemed the very opposite of what it usually was. He seemed as if
+crushed, and continually said, "Colonel, I admit that it was highly
+improper on my part, especially as it happened in a strange land."
+
+Ludwig took it all in good part, and laughingly remarked that North and
+South Germany had again been scuffling with each other. Then he
+apologized for Ikwarte, by saying that he could not stand wine; that,
+except when taking communion, he had not tasted a drop of wine up to
+his twentieth year.
+
+Ikwarte stood by, nodding his assent and pulling his red mustache.
+After that, he went off with Rothfuss.
+
+In the meanwhile, Martella sat crouching on the floor in a corner of
+the room.
+
+Ludwig softly said to me, "Now is the time to let Martella tell us who
+and whence she is."
+
+I thought that as the child was overmuch agitated, it might be better
+to wait until the next day; but he insisted that this was the proper
+time.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+Ludwig went up to Martella and said, "Martella, there is a woman in
+America who knows you."
+
+Martella jumped to her feet and, brushing her hair from her face with
+both hands, asked, "How do you know that?"
+
+"I will tell you how, when you have told your history. Will you do so?"
+
+"I will. It is well and proper that I should. But no one shall be
+present but you and father. Forgive me, kind ladies," she said,
+addressing Conny and Annette in an unwonted tone. "I can only tell this
+to father and to brother."
+
+She drank a few drops of water, and then, seating herself behind the
+table that was next to the wall, began:
+
+"I can only remember as far back as my sixth year. I have no distinct
+recollection of anything that happened before that time. We lived in a
+city on the Rhine,--I believe it is called Mayence. There are two sorts
+of soldiers there--Prussians and Austrians. The Austrians have white
+coats, like the cousin who once visited us with Baron Arven. Under the
+small golden mirror in my mother's room on the opposite wall, there was
+quite a large glass that reached from the ceiling to the floor there
+was a portrait of a handsome officer, whom I believe I have already
+seen. My mother always addressed him as 'Prince,' and he laughed when
+she did so. His eyes were of a light blue; I cannot recall any of his
+other features. My mother would often say to me, while she pointed to
+the picture, 'Martella, do not forget, this is your father. He has
+great love for me, and for you too.' It was a long while before I knew
+how my mother gained her living. She would sleep until near mid-day,
+and would often stand on her toes, or walk on them around the room.
+Then she would suddenly let herself fall to the ground, spring up again
+and take long steps. Then she would place herself before the mirror,
+and bow and kiss her hands to herself. Once she looked so lovely, with
+a thin gauze-like robe about her body, and various kinds of gauze over
+that. She looked just like a beautiful bird, and almost like the
+peacock down in the garden. And I was prettily dressed also. I had
+wings on my shoulders, and they had two mirrors for me, so that I might
+see how I looked in front, and in the back. And I had golden shoes on,
+and had to learn how to spread out my hands and then bring them
+together quite slowly. With a girdle around my waist--it was golden,
+and studded with diamonds--I floated in the air, and could hear the
+people screaming with delight and clapping their hands; but I could not
+see where I was, or how many people were there. We rode home in a
+carriage--I can recollect that, but cannot remember what happened for
+some time afterward. One day, my mother showed me a man who wore a
+green dressing-gown and had curled hair; then she said to me: 'My
+child, this is your father now--you must say "father" to him.'
+
+"He spoke to me, but I could not understand what he said; and mother
+said, 'The child is worth ten thousand florins, and can earn a great
+deal of money.'
+
+"About that time, I often heard the word 'America,' and, as I was told
+to call everybody 'uncle,' I once inquired where 'Uncle America lived?'
+whereupon they laughed very loud, and the man with the curled hair,
+whom I had to call father, kissed me.
+
+"There was a maid living with us, who would always say, 'You poor
+child, you must go to America, among the savages. O you poor child!'
+
+"And one morning, I heard them say that we would go to America that
+day. Down by the Rhine there was a great crowd and noise, and when we
+were on the vessel, some one said, 'Keep your seat here, or you will be
+left behind?' And when all was confusion on shipboard, I stealthily
+crept on shore, and hid myself behind some hogsheads in which the bees
+were humming; they did not trouble me. I heard the ringing of the bell,
+and the paddling of the wheels--but did not move. I had a little
+satchel full of cakes, which I ate.
+
+"The embroidered satchel had been presented to me by the Prince, whose
+picture hung under the mirror. I still own it; it is the only memento I
+have of that time. And we had a dog whose name was Pincher, and for
+that reason I called my poor departed dog by the same name.
+
+"When at last evening came, I crept out of my hiding-place, and saw a
+great crowd gathered about an old woman who was sitting on the ground
+and lamenting: They have purposely left me behind; they did not want to
+take me with them!'
+
+"The people told her they would help her, and would give her money that
+she might follow her relatives. But she always replied, 'No, I will not
+do that; they do not want me.' And they gave the old woman money and
+went on their way. And when they had all gone, I said to her, 'Take me
+with you; I am worth ten thousand florins.'
+
+"Then she laughed and said, 'Indeed you are!' And then I told her that
+I had secretly remained behind--that I did not want to go to America.
+
+"She laughed again, and took me on her lap, saying: 'That is right. We
+two will stay together.'
+
+"And we wandered far and near, and she told every one that I was her
+granddaughter. We received many gifts, and every one told me that I was
+so pretty; and I told the old woman--her name was Jaegerlies--that I
+had wings, and she said, 'I believe it: they will grow again when I am
+dead.' But I am telling you silly stuff--am I not?"
+
+"No, no; go on."
+
+"At last we reached yonder forest, and then Jaegerlies said, 'Let us
+stay here.' She had acquaintances who lived in the neighborhood, but
+she had no desire to meet any one, as they always laughed at her
+because her folks had left her behind when they emigrated to America.
+
+"The gifts that we had received, had enabled us to buy cooking
+utensils, coverings for our moss beds, and a goat; and of food we could
+always have plenty.
+
+"The summers were pleasant, but the winters were not so. We caught many
+birds, which served as food.
+
+"I was also sent to school, and it was quite humiliating to me to be
+always told that I was a 'Jew girl.' I did not know what was meant by
+Jew, but I knew, that it was intended as a term of disgrace. I am not
+sure, but I think my mother was a Catholic.
+
+"And thus I grew up and could wield the axe as well as the strongest
+wood-cutter; and no one dared to lay a finger on me.
+
+"You might blind-fold me, and I could, by my sense of smell, recognize
+trees or their leaves. I carried a serpent's egg on my person; I had
+found it one morning between eleven and twelve, and had pocketed it. I
+had also a gift of finding wild honey, and the bees never harmed me
+when I took the combs. I was once employed that way, when Ernst came up
+to me. He acted as if he were about to punish me for what I had done;
+but I told him that this was not breaking of the laws of the forest,
+and that it was not poaching. And then he said to me, 'You are wild
+honey yourself.'
+
+"Thus Ernst found me and brought me here, where I now am. But I do not
+deserve it. They say that Ernst is in Algiers, with the wild Turks.
+Give me some money that I may go to him--I can find him.
+
+"But tell me now, Ludwig, how do you know that my mother is in
+America?"
+
+"I know nothing of it; I simply guessed so, because you always have
+such a fear of America."
+
+"So you are the son of such parents--and yet can lie? Your mother in
+heaven will never forgive you for that."
+
+Ludwig was moved by this apostrophe, and asked Martella to forgive him.
+She nodded assent and shook hands with him and with me, saying at the
+same time: "Father, I shall do nothing more but what you tell me to do.
+I shall never again act of my own free will."
+
+"Were you always called Martella?" inquired Ludwig.
+
+"No."
+
+"How, then?"
+
+"Conradine."
+
+"Who gave you the name of Martella?"
+
+"Jaegerlies."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Because, she said, 'No one will know you by that name, and if they
+seek you they cannot find you.'"
+
+"But how did she chance on that name?"
+
+"That you ought to have asked her. And that is enough. Good-night."
+
+Martella walked away.
+
+Ludwig afterward told me that he had been making inquiries over in the
+valley where Jaegerlies had been living. He could not understand why we
+had not done so long before. Now it might be very difficult to discover
+anything, as Jaegerlies had died a few days before.
+
+He had learned, from the neighbors, that she often spoke of America in
+a mysterious and indistinct manner, and that, together with Martella's
+aversion to the very mention of America, caused him to question her in
+the way he had done.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+In spite of Martella's and Ikwarte's trouble, the great feast was
+pleasantly remembered in our house and throughout the village. Annette
+said: "Whenever I gave a large entertainment, it always grieved me to
+see the many people, who had just been together so cheerful and so
+lively, suddenly disappear. And it was always especially agreeable to
+me when several of my more intimate friends would remain. We would then
+gather together for a little quiet enjoyment, and so a smaller and more
+congenial circle succeeded the larger one; for that reason, I think
+some of us ought to remain here."
+
+I saw Richard looking at Annette, and it was the first contented, happy
+glance I had ever seen him direct towards her. He had intended to
+leave, but now concluded to stay. It seemed as if, in spite of
+themselves, they had always chanced on points on which they could not
+agree, but now at last, and to their great delight, found themselves in
+accord.
+
+Annette had greatly changed. She would no longer suddenly bound from
+one subject to another. Her manner had become calmer. She had learned
+how to put her questions modestly and yet firmly, and also how to be
+quiet.
+
+Once she said, "Martella has told us what is the severest punishment.
+It is this: to lose faith in one's self, and to learn that excitement
+and weakness place us in the hands of chance or of strangers, and cause
+us to express the very things that we have desired most of all to keep
+within ourselves."
+
+The festival brought painful consequences to Rothfuss, Ikwarte, and
+Carl, as well as to Martella. They went about without saying a word,
+and Annette, who was anxious to help, and quick to sympathize with
+others, tried her best to cheer them up.
+
+One morning, we were sitting in the garden. Richard and Conny had gone
+over to the village, and Ludwig said to Annette, "We do not know how to
+thank you for having given my wife so true and feeling a description of
+mother."
+
+Annette now expressed her delight with Conny, and when she asked Ludwig
+how he had made her acquaintance, he said,
+
+"If father does not object to hear the story over again, I will tell
+you."
+
+I consented, and Ludwig went on:
+
+"The Americans have one thing in common with the old Romans; whenever
+they found a city, they provide, above all things, for pure water.
+There happened at the time to be a lively discussion in regard to the
+building of water-works. I hoped that the contract would be assigned to
+me, and travelled about for some distance through the neighboring
+country, in order to find the best springs. A mountain brook whose
+stream could easily be led into another, seemed to me best adapted for
+the purpose.
+
+"I followed it up to its source, and was fortunate enough to find rich
+and copious springs. I had been wandering all day, when, towards
+evening, I saw a log-cabin half-way down the hillside. I walked up to
+it, and at last reached the house. The doors were open, and a dog, that
+seemed to be the only guardian of the place, jumped towards me as if
+glad to welcome me. I went into the entry and called out, but no one
+answered. I opened the door, and found a cosy, pretty room.
+
+"Mother always used to say that the walls of a room are an index of the
+culture of its inmates. There were two engravings, copied from the
+paintings of the great masters, an open piano, and above it a bust of
+Mozart. I ventured to approach the piano. Mozart's G minor symphony lay
+open on the music-desk.
+
+"Although I had not touched an instrument for a great while, I felt a
+great longing to touch the keys.
+
+"I began to play, and felt as happy as a skilful swimmer breasting the
+waves. I played on and on, forgetting where I was; and when I stopped
+and looked around, I saw a fine-looking old man and a lovely, blooming
+maiden standing in the doorway.
+
+"I suppose I need not tell you more.
+
+"I remained in the hospitable house over-night, and soon discovered
+that my host was a refugee, and had been a comrade of father's.
+Constance, or, as she was familiarly called, Conny, became my
+betrothed, and afterwards my wife; and our son, who was born on the
+anniversary of Mozart's birthday, received his name.
+
+"Our marriage is a happy one, blest with perfect harmony in thought and
+feeling.
+
+"When I entered the army my wife merely said, 'You are doing right.'
+
+"When my eldest son died, she was deeply afflicted, but soon resigned
+herself to the thought that all must make sacrifices.
+
+"I was not a good commander--not that I was deficient in courage or
+endurance; but soldiering must be studied just like other things. My
+long experience in topographical studies, was, however, of great use to
+me. I had a quick eye for the advantages and the disadvantages of
+positions on our side, or that of the enemy. On the other hand, the
+Southerners had much better leaders than myself and many others who,
+like me, had not studied the art of war.
+
+"Now you know the most important facts; and I must stop, for I see
+Conny and Richard coming."
+
+They came, and Annette had enough self-command not to betray what she
+had just heard.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+Richard and Ludwig left with the intention of entering Wolfgang at the
+forester's school. Richard and Annette now understood one another, and
+Richard's parting words were: "I think you will do well to remain here
+for some time. Your stay will be of benefit to yourself as well as to
+others."
+
+Annette made no answer, but I could not help observing how her breast
+heaved with emotion.
+
+She and Conny seemed also to be on excellent terms with each other.
+
+Annette now understood how the intellectual life can be kept up, and
+even developed, in solitude, and, as usual, she was always delighted to
+find words in which to couch a new impression. She said to me, "There
+are hermits of education as well as of religion, and they attain the
+highest degree of development."
+
+She often expressed her admiration of Conny's light hair, and
+endeavored to persuade her that it might be dressed in a far more
+effective style than the braids in which she wore it. Conny, however,
+did not care to act on this suggestion of Annette's.
+
+On his return, Ludwig told me that he would not be able to remain
+through the summer, unless he had some fixed occupation. He was anxious
+to carry out a plan for a new and large builder's mill. He would be
+willing to superintend the erection of the building, but did not have
+enough ready money to undertake the enterprise. When I told him that I
+was no better off than he, Annette asked that she might be permitted to
+advance the sum. I declined, but, as Ludwig at once accepted her offer,
+I could make no further objection.
+
+"Father," exclaimed Ludwig, with unwonted enthusiasm, "I firmly believe
+that water-power will assist us to solve the great labor question.
+
+"What we are about to undertake makes me, in many respects, feel both
+free and happy. I hope to be able to set the two great levers of our
+age--enterprise and economy--in operation. I felt the so-called social
+question as a personal affront. I asked myself, 'Are you so old that
+you need fear a great change? In your younger years, you felt offended
+when you heard the old ones say, that is overdone, or utopian or
+demagogical, or whatever it might be, but now you use these very terms
+yourself.' I honestly examined myself in this, and felt obliged to act
+as I have done.
+
+"If we domesticate industry, and open new sources of profit to those
+who dwell in the neighborhood, we are strengthening the best possession
+we have in this woodland region--our love of home.
+
+"Love of home is a life artery, which, if not killed, is at least
+compressed by emigration.
+
+"The old maxim advises us to remain at home and gain a living among
+those whom we know best. We extend its application by enabling others
+to do as we would do. We must learn how to keep up with the progress of
+the age. At first, we sent rough logs down the stream, towards Holland;
+now we send planks; and after this we must send them doors and
+window-frames and steps."
+
+It was a pleasure to hear him explain his plans. He was determined that
+the people hereabouts should have better doors and windows, steps and
+flooring, than ever before. Besides that, he would see that there
+should be pretty designs for balconies. "The result of all which will
+be, that both we and our countrymen will make lots of money. Actions
+which are for the benefit of the general public will, if managed
+rightly, turn out to the profit of the individual."
+
+Annette wanted to know whether he would not destroy all individuality,
+by attempting to provide people with ready-made houses just as they
+could buy ready-made clothes.
+
+"That is what I propose to do," exclaimed Ludwig, cheerfully. "All
+should be uniform, for, after all, every one wears his coat in his own
+peculiar way. And I think I can anticipate another objection you are
+about to make--that the machines will disturb the landscape."
+
+"That is my meaning exactly."
+
+"And there are thousands who think just as you do. But mankind must
+accustom themselves to new ideas. It is the question of spinning-wheel
+or sewing-machine over again. Just as, in old times, the spinning-wheel
+occupied the most exalted station in the household, so does the
+sewing-machine now occupy the place of honor; and the spirit of beauty
+and the force of custom will soon adorn the latter as it once did the
+former--although that was a simple machine, while this is a complicated
+one."
+
+"Thanks," said Annette, extending her hand to Ludwig; "you are really a
+citizen of the new world."
+
+Ludwig's plan was to connect an island which lay in the valley-stream
+with the mainland, by blasting out and turning in some rocks from
+shore. He would thus be able to turn what had heretofore been useless,
+to good account, and at the same time increase the water-power. He went
+to work in true American style, and was delighted when I told him that
+the raftsmen were not allowed to pass down the stream except during two
+hours of the day, and that we could thus arrange our time in such a way
+that they would not interfere with us. He felt pleased that the people
+were no longer allowed to dilly-dally about their work, but were
+obliged to make use of an appointed time. He decided that the time for
+floating the rafts past the island should be fixed for the dinner hour,
+when the workmen in the mill were taking their rest.
+
+"Ah," said he at last, "I can remember the very minute when mother
+explained to me what work really is. We were standing at the
+blacksmith's shop when she said to me, 'Look, Ludwig, this pound of
+iron is worth but a few _groschen_, but a pound of watch-springs is
+worth many hundred _thalers_. This shows you what labor is.' The
+recollection of that moment at the blacksmith's shop has remained alive
+in my memory ever since. I can yet see the blacksmith's journeyman at
+his work, forging the spikes with which the rafts were held together,
+and while he was shaping one spike the other was heating in the fire. I
+have always worked on the same principle."
+
+We were visited by Annette's brother, who was just from Wildbad, and
+told us that on the day previous the French Ambassador had left there
+under instructions to visit the King of Prussia; and, it was further
+rumored, to bring it about that no German Prince should ascend the
+Spanish throne. There was great excitement everywhere, and he thought
+it hazardous to invest large sums in new enterprises; especially so for
+those who were near the French borders. The air seemed heavy as with an
+impending storm, and no one could tell how soon the cloud might burst.
+
+Napoleon would be obliged to justify the new lease of power that the
+_plebiscite_ had given him; he would find it necessary to furnish
+amusement for the French, who looked upon a war with us as a most
+agreeable diversion. Anything would serve him as an excuse.
+
+For this reason, he thought it his duty to dissuade Annette from
+joining in our enterprise. He was willing, however, to advance the
+required sum out of his own funds, for, after all, there must be peace
+at last; and, if the undertaking should prove successful, it was his
+intention to transfer either the whole or a half of his share to
+Annette.
+
+Ludwig wanted to employ none but discharged soldiers. He had no
+confidence in workmen who had not served in the army; and, as the
+stonecutter had been a soldier, he appointed him as chief of the
+stone-masons. He engaged an older man to superintend the erection of
+the building, who had been recommended as thoroughly honest; and it was
+Ludwig's intention to take him back to America with him.
+
+We learned that this man had formerly been an officer of engineers. He
+had been obliged to resign, and now led a simple and industrious life,
+eating and sleeping with the quarry-men. It was only when at work, that
+one could notice that he was of a higher caste. But he seemed to have
+no judgment of his own, and always required instructions; when he
+received these he would execute them with care and precision. He was a
+man of very few words, and always seemed as if seeking something which
+he either could not or dared not name.
+
+And then Ludwig sent for Wacker, the dissipated fellow who lived in the
+valley beyond the mountains. He was only slightly intoxicated when he
+arrived, and Ludwig said to him, "Wacker, I will give you a good
+situation on one condition: you may get drunk three times; but after
+the third, you will be summarily discharged. If you are agreed, all
+right; and I shall only add, beware of the first time: it will not cost
+you your situation, but it will make an inroad on your capital."
+
+For a while, Wacker conducted himself properly; but he gave way at
+last. He had his three drunks, and was consequently discharged.
+
+It was now time to begin measuring and other preparations, and to
+employ the laborers; for the first thing in order was to regulate the
+bed of the stream.
+
+Annette found great pleasure in watching the progress of the building.
+
+Ludwig had ascertained where the stream had the greatest fall. He had
+an instrument, by means of which one can, while on land, quickly
+ascertain the descent of the current; and this, too, afforded Annette
+much amusement. She was anxious to know whether the power of water was
+measured by so many horse-power. In her desire for information, she was
+constantly asking questions. Ludwig, being more practical than Richard,
+was naturally more indulgent with Annette's questionings. Annette had,
+moreover, ceased to speak as if she felt herself a privileged person;
+she had become more simple and retiring in her ways.
+
+One day when Annette exclaimed, "Ah, what a pity to make the pure water
+work so!" Ludwig imitated her voice, and replied, "Ah, what a pity that
+the beautiful horses must draw Madame Annette's carriage!"
+
+Annette blushed crimson; but she controlled herself, and said, "You are
+right; I spoke quite childishly."
+
+"Oh, you angel!" cried Ludwig; "a woman who can say, 'You are right; I
+have been wrong,' really is a marvel."
+
+We received permission to carry the road farther down the mountain, and
+in that way secured the best place to store our material.
+
+There was another obstacle which we were obliged to overcome, and one
+of which we had never thought. The Englishman had leased the right to
+fish in the valley, from the villagers and farmers along the banks of
+the stream; and he now attempted, through the courts, to enjoin us from
+blasting the rocks; for just there was the best spot for trout.
+
+Ludwig went before the court in person, and he succeeded in having the
+injunction set aside.
+
+Before that, the Englishman had been a mere stranger to us; but now he
+was our enemy, and would not deign to bestow a glance on us. When any
+one of us walked or drove by, he would turn his back on us.
+
+In all this trouble, Ludwig was calm and kind; but careless work made
+him so indignant that he characterized it as crime and villany. He was
+dissatisfied, because, in their own home, he found that the German
+workmen had two great faults--they were awkward, and wasted too much
+time. In the new world, these very people would act quite differently.
+
+Annette wanted to erect kitchens down by the banks of the stream
+for the workmen. She had already discussed the matter with the
+schoolmaster's wife, and the locksmith's widow was ready to assist; but
+the people took no interest in the affair.
+
+Although she had already made up her mind, the locksmith's widow
+considered it her duty to consult Ludwig in regard to her marrying
+again. She had chosen the young stone-mason, who was hardly as old as
+she.
+
+The wedding took place on a Sunday; and Annette busied herself
+conjecturing how the three children must have felt at their mother's
+marriage.
+
+We were obliged, out of compliment, to be present at the marriage
+feast; and Schweitzer-Schmalz, who was a relative of the bridegroom,
+called out, at the top of his voice, that the bridegroom had not needed
+to marry so soon for fear of being obliged to go to war again. The
+blatant Prussian would not venture to try conclusions with France; and
+if he did really attempt it, the real Germans, that is, the South
+Germans, would not assist.
+
+In a loud voice, he retailed the wisdom of the popular journals; and I
+verily believe that he did it with the intention of drawing us out.
+
+Ludwig whispered to me, "It is not worth while trying to convert this
+man; events will teach him."
+
+Although I did not believe there would be war, Ludwig looked forward to
+it with great certainty, and only feared that we might neglect the
+proper moment to let the whole world see that it was France that was
+wantonly and impiously forcing war upon us.
+
+We went down to the valley stream in order to see that no accident
+should happen while the rocks were being blasted.
+
+Ludwig superintended the blasting in person. With Annette and Conny, I
+was stationed down the road, while Rothfuss and Martella were on the
+other side, in order that all might be warned of the danger.
+
+Suddenly there was a loud report which reverberated through the valleys
+and the forests; the blasting was a complete success.
+
+Soon after, we were assembled on the road, and even the quarry-men were
+with us, when Ikwarte, accompanied by one of the forester's men, came
+running up to us, out of breath, exclaiming, before he reached us:
+
+"War has been declared!"
+
+The forester brought me a message informing me that France had declared
+war, and calling on me to repair to the meeting of the Parliament at
+once.
+
+Ludwig gave instructions that the work should be continued without
+interruption, and placed the completion of the new building in charge
+of the engineer. That very evening he accompanied me to the capital,
+Martella going with us.
+
+The Englishman stood by the bank, angling.
+
+It was not until after I had left home, that I began to realize what
+was in store for us.
+
+
+
+
+
+                              BOOK FOURTH.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER I.
+
+
+The great crisis which we have dreaded and yet hoped for has at last
+arrived. We are again obliged to contend with our hectoring neighbor,
+whose lust of power goads him to trample on our rights. We must fight,
+if we wish to endure; and will all Germany be united? If in this
+juncture we are not as one, our ruin is assured, and will be richly
+deserved.
+
+To know that the decisive moment is at hand, and that you cannot
+actively participate--that you are only a single wave in the current,
+is at once an oppressive and an exalting thought.
+
+In my mind, I go over the list of my fellow-members in the Parliament.
+The decision seems to hang in doubt. Eccentricity is still rampant, and
+decks itself with all sorts of revolutionary ideas.
+
+And how is the Prince inclined? Were it better if it rested with one
+man to decide whether we should have war or peace?
+
+And there is another bitter experience that is forced upon us in
+periods of doubt and indecision; namely, that fixed principles begin to
+waver.
+
+I found it a great comfort to have Ludwig with me. He was so thoroughly
+in sympathy with me, and yet, at the same time, a foreigner. He had
+become a citizen of the New World, in which he had lived over twenty
+years, and his views were freer from prejudice than ours could be.
+
+In spite of the declaration of war on the part of the French
+government, the ravings in the French Legislative Chambers, and the
+outcry in the streets of Paris, I yet encouraged a hope that war might
+be averted. But Ludwig thought--and I was obliged to agree with
+him--that it were both treachery and folly now, when the right was on
+our side, not to accept the battle which would thus only be postponed.
+For this constant waiting and watching for what others may do, is a
+painful state of dependence.
+
+Ludwig was younger; his pulse was steadier. He had already fought in
+this country with undisciplined crowds, and, in the United States, had
+taken part in the great war.
+
+He said in confidence that if he had known that the decision was so
+near at hand, he would have kept on better terms with Funk; because, at
+that moment, the great object was to gain his allegiance and that of
+his party, in which there was no lack of noble enthusiasts. Ludwig held
+that, in politics, it was not alone permissible, but even necessary, to
+use strategy and double-dealing.
+
+Martella so urgently entreated me to permit her to accompany us, that,
+for her sake, Ludwig's wife remained at home.
+
+At the village down by the railway station, and at nearly every
+station on the road, I was asked whether I believed there would be war,
+and whether I would advise the people to drive their cattle into
+out-of-the-way ravines and valleys, and to hide their household goods,
+on account of the threatened invasion of the French hordes.
+
+I took great pains to explain my views; but, at the second station,
+Ludwig said: "Father, you are giving yourself unnecessary trouble. The
+people do not wish to learn anything. They think that you cannot know
+any more about it than they do. They simply ask you idle and anxious
+questions, just as they would at other times, 'What kind of weather do
+you think we will have?' Father, do not pour out the deepest feelings
+of your heart."
+
+After that, I replied that one could not say much upon the subject; and
+I observed that the people, were more respectful because I was so
+reserved. They assumed that, as I was a delegate, I was fully informed
+on all subjects, and neither dared nor desired to unbosom myself.
+
+It was rather late, but not too late. From that day, I learned that it
+is not best to open one's soul to another and reveal all that is within
+it; and for that reason, it is said of me that, since the beginning of
+the war, I am a changed man. In those days, I learned things that never
+were suffered to pass my lips.
+
+The first one whom we met at the capital was my son-in-law, the Major.
+
+"What is the opinion in the army?" inquired Ludwig.
+
+The Major looked at him steadily, and, after a pause, answered,
+"Opinion? In the army there is obedience." With forced composure, he
+added, "As far as I know, the army neither debates nor votes."
+
+He turned to me and said that this time we were better prepared than
+four years ago.
+
+I asked whether the army orders had already been promulgated.
+
+He shrugged his shoulders, and evidently did not care to divulge
+anything. He told me, though, that since the evening previous, he had
+been advanced to the rank of colonel, and had been placed in command of
+a regiment. When I spoke of this, as indicating that the Prince had
+decided for war, he lapsed into silence.
+
+We soon parted, regretting that we could not go to his house, for
+Annette had already prepared quarters for our reception.
+
+I then went to our club-house and learned that our party was already
+broken up. The Funk faction--I must give it this name, although he was
+not its leader--held separate meetings.
+
+Ludwig determined logo at once to the meeting of Funk's party, because
+it was important above all things to know what was being done there.
+
+"I believe in Lincoln's maxim," said he, "that 'it will never do to
+swap horses while crossing streams.'"
+
+In little more than an hour, he returned and told us that he had been
+coldly received, although the leadership was shared with Funk by two
+members who had once been among his most intimate friends. He was now,
+however, able to tell that their plan was to insist on neutrality. They
+did not dare to think, much less to speak, of an alliance with France.
+Their intention, however, was to call together a large meeting of the
+popular party, in order to exert a moral influence on Parliament, and
+perhaps to overawe it.
+
+At our meeting, we were expecting the arrival of the prime minister;
+the right wing of our party sided with the ministry.
+
+The minister did not come; but sent one of his councillors, who
+informed me that the session would not be opened unless a quorum of
+delegates was present.
+
+He told us that there was great disorder among the telegraphs.
+
+After the councillor had left, Loedinger, my old associate and
+prison-mate, told me in confidence, that he expected a _coup d'etat_.
+He felt that the Prince had no desire to take counsel with the country,
+and had determined that his glory as a warrior should be shared by no
+one.
+
+Loedinger was one of those imaginative persons who, whenever they form
+suspicions against any one, carry them to their extremest consequences.
+
+The President, who was a member of our party, told us under the seal of
+secrecy, that the reason for delaying the opening of our session was
+that they might first ascertain what action the delegates in the next
+state would decide upon.
+
+We were thus held in anxious suspense.
+
+During the night, I found it impossible to sleep; and Ludwig, who was
+in the next room, called out to me: "Father, you must sleep; to-morrow
+will be a trying day. Just think of it!--the Emperor of Germany--I
+should say, the King of Prussia--must also sleep to-night, and he is
+three years older than you are."
+
+Yes, it was on that night, the 16th of July, that my son announced the
+German Emperor to me. I could not help smiling with joy, and at last
+fell asleep. And, strange to say, I dreamed that I was again at Jena,
+and that the fantastic mummery of those days was being renewed. Because
+I had a round head and a ruddy complexion, I was termed the "Imperial
+Globe," and they maintained that, with my large stature and broad
+shoulders, the imperial mantle would fit me best of all. They placed it
+on me, and I was obliged forthwith to distribute offices. And suddenly,
+I was no longer the Emperor, but Rothfuss, who laughed most terribly.
+I, too, was obliged to laugh--and, laughing, I awoke.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+
+
+When I opened my eyes, Ludwig stood at my bedside and said, "You have
+slept well, father, and it is well that you did. You will need all your
+strength to-day; for to-day it will be--Good-morning, Germany."
+
+I cannot describe how my son's presence helped to strengthen me. I felt
+that, with his power added to mine, I was doubly prepared for all that
+might happen.
+
+There is nothing more encouraging, in troubled times, than to have a
+faithful friend at one's side,--a truth which was proved to me on that
+day and many a time since.
+
+I could not help recounting my strange dream, and when I added that it
+gave me incomparable joy to think that the day had at last arrived in
+which one might say the hearts of all Germans throbbed in unison,
+Ludwig begged me not to talk so much. He said that he could sympathize
+with me, and feel what a satisfaction it must be to me, after having
+fought and suffered for fifty years, at last to witness the fruition of
+my hopes, even though the price paid be war and bloodshed.
+
+He was indeed right. He responded to all my feelings; I may indeed say
+that he anticipated them.
+
+When I reached the street, the throng was such that it seemed as if all
+the houses had been emptied of their inhabitants. Here and there, were
+groups talking aloud, and before the printing-office of the principal
+newspaper, it was almost impossible to work one's way through the
+crowd.
+
+It was there that I met an old friend, the incorruptible Moelder. In
+1866 he had resigned a high position under the state, in order,
+thenceforth, to devote himself to his Fatherland, and, above all, to
+the cause of German unity.
+
+"It is well that I meet you," he said; "we have war now, and have
+stolen a march on the French. Here, in the capital, the majority of the
+citizens are on our side, but in the country, as you well know, the
+so-called popular party is to a certain extent in the majority. The
+common people are not so willing to follow our advice, for they are in
+the hands of the clergy and the demagogues, who, for a little while
+longer, will travel together on the same road. For this reason, we have
+issued the call for a mass meeting at the Turners' Hall for this
+evening."
+
+"Would it not be best for us delegates to hold aloof from it?" I
+inquired.
+
+"No; it is too late for that. You will have to speak there, and so will
+your son from America. We did not care to arouse you so late last
+night, and I have, therefore, on my own responsibility, signed your
+name to the call. But look!"
+
+I saw crowds standing at the street corners, and reading a large
+placard, calling on all whose hearts beat with love of Germany to meet
+together--and I really found my name at the foot of it.
+
+I could not object; our actions were no longer at our own disposal.
+
+Excited crowds filled the streets during the whole day. The whole
+population seemed like one restless being in anxious suspense. It was
+said that the telegraph wires had been connected with the palace, and
+as the people knew nothing of this before, the information caused great
+surprise. The afternoon paper brought the official news that they had
+wanted the King of Prussia to address the French Emperor in an humble
+letter, in which he was particularly forbidden to refer to the
+relationship existing between the French Emperor and the Prince of
+Hohenzollern, who had been elected King of Spain--a pleasant
+preparation for what was to ensue in the evening.
+
+I did not see the Colonel during the whole day, but his friend,
+Professor Rolunt, hunted me up; and, from the manner in which he spoke
+of our project, it seemed to me that my son-in-law approved of it, and
+that the popular movement about to be set on foot, was not looked upon
+with disfavor by the government. Moreover, the Professor had become
+very cautious, and was known to stand well with government circles. He
+was believed to be an anonymous contributor to the official organ.
+
+In the evening, we repaired to the place of meeting.
+
+Moelder arrived, and with pale and trembling lips, told us:
+
+"It is rumored that the friends of the French will attempt to break up
+the meeting. But I have called on the Turners. They are all on our
+side, and your son stands as well with them as he once did."
+
+The proceedings began.
+
+Moelder was the first speaker. I have never seen any one more excited
+than he was. His lips trembled, and he held fast to the rail with a
+convulsive grasp, while he began:
+
+"We do not desire to become Prussians; but we wish to be Germans, as we
+must and shall be. Is there one among you who would dare to utter the
+accursed words, 'Rather French than Prussian!' If there be one who
+dares to think it, let him dare to say it."
+
+He paused for a while, and then exclaimed:
+
+"Is there such a one among you? Answer me! Yes or no!"
+
+"No!" resounded from a thousand throats, and he responded with joyous
+voice, "Then we are all friends." He then concluded his address,
+eloquently maintaining that to attempt to remain neutral were both
+treachery and folly.
+
+A young advocate who had been defeated in the recent elections, by one
+of the clerical party, followed. He spoke with that studied eloquence
+which talks glibly and in nicely rounded phrases. He concluded by
+demanding that the whole meeting should proceed to the palace and
+request the Prince to discharge his hesitating ministry; or, at all
+events, the one minister who seemed to be unpatriotically inclined.
+
+Enthusiastic and joyous shouts of approval were showered upon him.
+
+I saw the danger that threatened, and asked for the floor.
+
+"There has been enough talking; it is time now for deeds!" cried a
+voice in the assembly, and it seemed as if the crowd were already on
+the move.
+
+My heart stood still. We were no longer masters of our own actions.
+
+Then Ludwig cried out, in a voice so powerful that the very walls
+seemed to tremble, "If you are men, listen! My father wishes to speak."
+
+"Hurrah for the King of the Turners! Let old Waldfried speak! Silence!
+Order! Let old Waldfried speak!"
+
+It was a long while before the shouting and the cheering ceased, and I
+think I spoke the right word at the right time.
+
+I had a right to refer to my past, and to explain to them that it would
+only create disturbance and confusion to adopt such violent measures
+before anything had really been decided upon. If I were the Prince, I
+would not yield to their wishes until the voice of the representatives
+of the people had been heard.
+
+The temper of the meeting changed, and I received many signs of
+approval.
+
+When I had finished, there were shouts of, "We want to hear the King of
+the Turners speak!"
+
+Ludwig mounted the rostrum; but so great was the applause, that it was
+several minutes before he could speak.
+
+At last he began, in a cheerful tone, saying that we Germans were still
+full of the haughty arrogance of youth, and that this very meeting was
+a proof of it.
+
+Then, with words that carried conviction to all who listened, he told
+them how the events of the last year had been a blessing to the
+emigrants in America; a blessing, indeed, which could not thoroughly be
+appreciated by those who were yet at home. The German had been
+respected, if he could call himself a Prussian; but now the time had
+come when the word _German_ must be an honored name. And if, as some
+maintained, the South Germans are the real Germans, let them prove it.
+
+If the Prussians are not yet Germans, they shall, and must, and will
+become so. They delivered us from the real Napoleon; they will also be
+able to free us from the counterfeit one. The first was not made of
+gold, but this one is mere pinchbeck.
+
+"I have fought against negro slavery; now the battle is against the
+slavery that French ambition would submit us to."
+
+While Ludwig was speaking, the chairman handed me a little slip of
+paper, on which were written the words, "Your son knows how to allow
+the heated steed to cool off before tying him."
+
+Ludwig could, indeed, direct the mood of the meeting at will.
+
+To the great amusement of his audience, he said that he had the rare
+good fortune of having been born near the boundary line, and that,
+consequently, the first object he had become sensible of, were the two
+brightly painted posts which stood side by side on the road; and that,
+while yet a child, he had often looked up to the trees in the woods, to
+see whether they knew to which of the posts they belonged.
+
+"And when I returned, the abject life that we had been leading was
+again brought to my mind. On the one side marked by the bright post,
+all is Catholic, and on the other side all is Protestant, because in
+those times the people were obliged to accept their so-called religion
+from their masters.
+
+"Allow me to take a comparison from my own trade. It requires many
+strong posts to make the scaffolding of a building. The departed
+martyrs for German unity were the scaffolding. It has been torn down,
+and now we behold the building, pure and simple, firmly and regularly
+built, and appropriately adorned.
+
+"Or another simile: Have you ever observed a raft in the valley stream?
+It floats along slowly and lazily, but when it reaches the weir it
+hurries; and then is the time to find out whether the withes are strong
+and hold the planks firmly together.
+
+"The German logs must now pass through the weir. There is a cracking
+and a straining, but they hold fast to each other, and right merrily do
+they float down into the Rhine and out into the ocean.
+
+"The bells in the neighboring state have a different tone from ours;
+but if the two are in accord, the effect is so much the more beautiful.
+And from this moment let all bells chime in harmony."
+
+Ludwig had the rare faculty of introducing apt illustrations while his
+audience was all aglow with enthusiasm, and thus kept the meeting in
+the best of humor and ready to agree with him when he concluded by
+saying: "We have been patient so long--for more than half a century:
+indeed, ever since the battle of Leipzig--that we can well afford to be
+patient for a few days, perhaps only a few hours longer."
+
+The meeting which had been so excited closed with singing. It was on
+that evening that I heard "Die Wacht am Rhein," for the first time. It
+must, before that, have been slumbering on every lip, and had now at
+last awakened.
+
+The young advocate who had proposed the immediate removal of the
+minister, whispered to me, "I thank you for having defeated my motion."
+
+I looked at him with surprise, and he continued: "I do, indeed, thank
+you. The only object was to show the friends of the French that even
+though it might require extreme measures, no demand that liberalism
+could make would surprise us."
+
+That sort of worldly wisdom was not to my taste.
+
+The chairman then put the following resolution to a vote:
+
+That we would remain true to the articles of confederation and to the
+German cause, with all our means and at every sacrifice.
+
+They shouted their approval with one voice; and now he closed the
+meeting with a few cheerful remarks, announcing that we would adjourn
+to the garden, where the beer was very good, and where there would be
+no more speeches except the clinking of the mugs.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III.
+
+
+"Father, you had better go home; you need sleep. I will accompany you
+to our quarters, but I must return again, as they all insist upon my
+doing so."
+
+Ludwig and I took our way through the streets. They were still filled
+with a surging crowd, and in front of the palace the entire guard was
+under arms. They had evidently made preparations against a popular
+disturbance.
+
+When I arrived at the dwelling, Ludwig left me.
+
+Annette was still awake, and informed me, as soon as I entered, that a
+member of the cabinet had been there, had left word that I should come
+to the palace that evening, and that if I would mention my name at the
+left entrance I would be admitted. He had also said that, no matter how
+late it was when I returned, I should not fail to come. I said that
+there must have been some mistake--that they probably meant my son
+Richard, or Ludwig; but Annette repeated that "Father Waldfried" had
+been especially mentioned.
+
+I replied that I was so tired that I would have to leave it until the
+next day, but Annette thought that such a command must be implicitly
+obeyed, and believed that the Prince himself desired to speak with me.
+
+I repaired to the palace. The whole of the left wing was illuminated.
+
+When I gave my name to the lackey at the foot of the staircase, he
+called it out, and a secretary appeared and said, in a respectful
+voice; "The Prince awaits you."
+
+I pointed to my workday dress, but was assured that that made no
+matter.
+
+I ascended the staircase. On every hand there were guards. I was
+conducted into a large saloon, where the secretary left me. He soon
+reappeared, holding the door open and saying, "Please enter."
+
+I went in. The Prince advanced to meet me, and took me by the hand,
+saying: "I thank you sincerely for having come. I would gladly have
+allowed you to rest overnight, but these times do not permit us to
+rest. Pray be seated."
+
+It was well that I was allowed to take a seat.
+
+The Prince must have observed that I was almost out of breath, and
+said: "Do not speak; you are quite exhausted. Permit me to tell you
+that, in this trying hour, I repose full confidence in you. I have, for
+a long while, desired to make your acquaintance. I have known your son,
+the Professor, ever since he was at the university."
+
+He added other highly complimentary remarks.
+
+A pause ensued, during which I noticed, on the opposite wall, a picture
+of the deceased Princess, who, as I had often heard, had been a great
+benefactress to the country during the famine of 1817. This picture
+revived my recollections of Gustava, and I felt as if I were not alone,
+but as if she were with me.
+
+All this passed through my mind during the few moments of silence.
+
+The Prince went on to say that he had been informed of what I had said
+an hour ago at the popular meeting. It had, for several days, been his
+desire to act in union with me, but that he had entertained doubts on
+various points,--among others as to whether I could attach myself to
+him; and that the information he had just received had at last aided
+him to form his conclusion.
+
+"Excuse the question, but are you a republican?"
+
+"I have sworn to support the government," was my answer.
+
+"Are you a republican in theory?"
+
+"In theory? The days of Pericles and Scipio are reflected in the soul
+of every German who has received a classical education, and, logically
+considered, a republic is the only form of free government. But neither
+the life of nature, nor that of human history, is absolutely logical,
+for actual necessity sets aside the systems erected by abstract
+reason."
+
+"That is well, and we shall, therefore, no doubt agree on all that
+follows. But let me ask you one other question: Do you candidly and
+heartily desire the continued existence of my sovereign dynasty?"
+
+"Sovereign--no; dynasty--yes."
+
+At these words the Prince arose from his seat, and hurriedly walked
+across the floor. It seemed as if he involuntarily placed a distance
+between himself and me. He remained standing in a dark corner of the
+room.
+
+There was a long pause, during which nothing broke the silence except
+the ticking of the little clock on his table.
+
+Such words had never been uttered in those halls. I had done my duty;
+but I distrusted the Prince. Although suspicion is foreign to my
+nature, his entire behavior aroused it in me. The Prince returned,
+and stood opposite me, while he rested his clenched fist on his
+writing-desk. The full light was streaming on his face.
+
+"Explain yourself more fully," he said.
+
+"Your Highness," I replied, "what I said to you was said after full
+reflection."
+
+"I feel assured of that; but speak out fearlessly."
+
+"I have fought, thought, and lived for this during my whole lifetime.
+If we are to gain a real Fatherland, the princes must relinquish their
+claim to sovereignty: that belongs only to the whole.
+
+"The growth of the idea of German unity has been in geometrical
+progression. During the period of the rotten restoration, from the
+battle of Leipzig down to 1830, those who entertained it might have
+been counted by hundreds, or, at most, thousands, and they were to be
+found only among the cultured or learned classes. After 1830, they were
+counted by hundreds of thousands, and after 1848, by millions; and
+to-day the thought of German unity is alive in all who know that they
+are Germans.
+
+"One system of laws within our borders, a united army, and united
+representation in foreign lands. But the league of the states, that
+through joy and sorrow have achieved unity for themselves, should be
+faithfully preserved. The forest is one united whole, and yet every
+tree has its individual life.
+
+"Your Highness, I live near the borders. The obstinacy of the Vienna
+congress has so cut up the country that we are obliged to go out of our
+state to get salt. I have fields and woods beyond the boundary post,
+and this has given rise to a thousand and one annoyances. Even the
+protection of the forests, on which depends the life of our landed
+interests, is obstructed by the diversity of laws. The hailstorm we had
+last week paid no regard to boundary posts."
+
+From the depths of my heart, I said: "Your dynasty, you and your house,
+should remain our chief; but they should be subject to the greater
+commonwealth."
+
+"Subject?" said the Prince. He evidently expected that I would withdraw
+or modify the word; but I felt that I could not do so.
+
+And then he took my hand in his and said:
+
+"I knew that these were your thoughts; I assumed as much. But I feel
+grateful that you have allowed me to hear them from your own lips. Do
+you believe that the majority of my--or our--people feel as you do?"
+
+"No, I do not believe so. That is, they do not feel so to-day, but they
+will to-morrow. Deeds--deeds of sacrifice--are the most powerful
+instructors; they teach men what they should think, and even find a
+voice for what has been slumbering in their souls, but which--through
+pride and anger, or through want of courage--they have not even dared
+to think of."
+
+"You are not an enthusiast."
+
+"I do not believe I am one. The people love the princes from force of
+habit, and will be none the less glad to love them when reflection and
+reason permit them to do so."
+
+"Have you ever had the desire to occupy a position of authority under
+the government?"
+
+"Certainly; it was my greatest desire, and I believe--"
+
+"You ought to be President of the ministry."
+
+I replied that I was a practical farmer, and had never been in the
+government service.
+
+"Tell me how you have become what you are," said the Prince, taking a
+seat opposite me.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+"I shall gladly tell you all."
+
+"The less reserve on your part, the greater my thanks."
+
+"I was one of those who were persecuted on account of what at that time
+was called demagogism.
+
+"The soldier who guarded me--he is now a servant in my employ--informed
+me that I had been sentenced to death, and offered to change clothes
+with me, in order that I might escape. I refused the offer and
+remained. We were not sentenced to death, but to imprisonment for ten
+years. Ten years! A long, long night stared us in the face.
+
+"Your Highness has taken me by the hand. Your father declared that he
+would never voluntarily offer his hand to me or my confederates,
+although it were necessary to do so if we meant to give him a pledge of
+our allegiance.
+
+"You cannot remember the circumstance.
+
+"After being imprisoned for five years, we were pardoned, and I and two
+of my prison-mates were elected members of the Parliament.
+
+"The Jurists objected to our assuming the privileges of citizenship.
+
+"The House which acknowledged our election was dissolved, naturally
+enough, by Metternich's order. A new one met, and, as we had in the
+meanwhile been re-elected, it confirmed the validity of our election.
+Your father--I fully acknowledge his many acts of benevolence--was
+obliged to extend his hand to us in order that we might take the oath.
+
+"There are no words that fitly describe the wicked man who lived in the
+imperial city, and to whom the sovereign German princes were obedient
+subjects. In future days it will seem incredible, that, in obedience to
+orders from Vienna, the German princes ordered our youth, under heavy
+penalties, to desist from improving their physical strength by
+gymnastic exercises.
+
+"Perhaps you never knew that even singing clubs were forbidden, and
+that officials who had been connected with them were regarded with
+suspicion.
+
+"Is it conceivable that a government which forbids physical development
+by means of gymnastics, and spiritual elevation by means of song, can
+for a moment have faith in its own stability?
+
+"I am not easily moved to hatred; but, even now, the name of that man
+fills me with indignation.
+
+"What crime had we been guilty of? Why, only this: with a youthful
+confidence in solemn promises, we had simply held fast to the idea that
+Germany had freed itself from the Corsican yoke in order to become a
+free, united empire.
+
+"You cannot conceive, your Highness, how many noble-hearted men were
+thrown into dungeons, or driven into exile in those days. Who can
+measure what noble gifts ran to waste.
+
+"When I think of these things, a sad picture presents itself to my
+mind's eye.
+
+"Among our fellow-prisoners at the fortress, there was a young man who
+had already begun to lecture at the university.
+
+"His father was an eminent philologist, and had been removed from his
+professorship for permitting himself, while lecturing, to indulge in
+expressions in favor of liberty. In a material sense, he was,
+fortunately, well-to-do. His family owned a large estate in the forest
+country, whither he repaired, taking with him his collections of
+antiques and his books.
+
+"The son sickened while in prison, and a wasting fever undermined his
+youthful strength; and, as his days were numbered, the physician at the
+fortress requested the authorities to release him.
+
+"I have positive information--as the sister of that young man afterward
+became my wife--that our Prince, your father, was willing to grant the
+discharge. But, before it could be carried into effect, it was
+necessary to ask for Metternich's permission--and Metternich refused
+it.
+
+"The commandant of the fortress held me in great esteem, and permitted
+me, on his own responsibility, to be placed in the same cell with the
+sick prisoner.
+
+"I nursed him faithfully, and watched his every movement. I shall never
+care to recall the thoughts that passed through my mind during the long
+days, and still longer nights, that I passed at his bedside. He was
+slowly sinking; for confinement was killing him, and yet no word of
+complaint ever fell from his lips.
+
+"His father came and--could you imagine it?--was not allowed to
+converse with his son except in the presence of a guard.
+
+"Then came his sister, only fifteen years old--but of that no matter at
+present.
+
+"The noble martyr died. He was buried in the village at the foot of the
+fortress.
+
+"While these things were going on, there was dancing and dining at
+Court, and Metternich was writing witty _billet-doux_.
+
+"You, of course, have never heard of these things.
+
+"Through the bars of our prison, we could look out into the
+fortress-yard and see the coffin placed on the wagon that was to carry
+it to the grave. But why should I revive the anger and sense of
+disgrace that filled our hearts at that moment? And who, on the other
+hand, would have the right to condemn us prisoners if, when at last
+free, we should indulge in deeds of vengeance?
+
+"Your Highness will understand that I am only telling you of these
+matters so that you may have an idea of the sacrifices that were made
+to bring about the result which is now to be consummated through a
+struggle of life and death."
+
+"I know it--I know it well; pray go on."
+
+I plucked up my courage and continued: "My parents died while I was a
+prisoner. When I was at last discharged, I had lost all taste for a
+clerical calling. I was down in the village standing by the smithy, saw
+the blazing fire and watched the heavy hammers, and I yearned for just
+such hard manual labor. I begged the smith to take me as his
+apprentice, and he at once handed me a hammer. I was there but a week,
+when the father of the young man who had died in prison came and took
+me to his estate."
+
+"And you married his daughter?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And does she still live?"
+
+"No; she died, as I am unfortunately forced to believe, through grief
+on account of the desertion of our youngest son just before the war of
+1866."
+
+"I know it, I know it. I hear that your son is serving in the French
+army in Algiers? I know," he said, interrupting himself when he saw my
+painful agitation, "what grief this son has caused you. If it were in
+your power to send him word, he might, if he would deliver himself up
+of his own will, be received back into the army with some trifling
+punishment, and might afterward by his bravery distinguish himself, and
+all would be well again. But, of course, at present, communication is
+impossible either through diplomatic or private channels."
+
+I was obliged to admit that I did not know of Ernst's whereabouts.
+
+Strange it is how a poet's words will suddenly come to one's aid.
+
+"My son is like a different man,'" said I, with the words taken from
+the history of my friend; and I was myself astonished by the tone in
+which I spoke. I had enough self-command to say that our present
+troubles required that all should be united, and, that we should,
+therefore, not complicate them by introducing our own personal
+interests; nor did I conceal the fact that I had lived down my sorrow
+on account of Ernst, and had almost ceased to be haunted by the thought
+of him. It pained me, nevertheless, to listen to the well-rounded,
+sentences in which the Prince praised the Roman virtue that indulged my
+love of country at the expense of my feelings as a father. He seemed
+pleased with this conceit of his, and repeated it frequently. I felt
+quite disenchanted.
+
+Thoughts of Ernst almost made me forget where I was, or what I was
+saying, until the Prince requested me to resume my story, unless I
+found it too fatiguing.
+
+I continued:
+
+"When I think of the times before 1830, I see opposed to each other
+extravagant enthusiasm and impotence, courageous virtue and cowardly
+vice, chaste and devoted faith in the ideal, and mockery, ridicule, and
+frivolous disbelief in all that was noble--the one side cherishing
+righteousness, the other scoffing at it. In other words, on the one
+side, Uhland; on the other, Metternich.
+
+"My relations with my family, with the community in which I lived, and
+even in a wider circle, were happy enough. But the thought of my
+distracted Fatherland remained, and filled my heart with grief that
+could not be assuaged. I lived and suffered for the general good, and
+my associates did the like; but the storm-cloud was always impending
+over us, and we were obliged to learn how to go about our daily work
+with fresh and cheerful hearts, although danger threatened; to be
+patient for the sake of the people, and to look into our own hearts for
+strength.
+
+"The best men of our Fatherland were deeply anxious to be up and doing,
+but we were condemned to the worst lot of all: a life-long opposition.
+
+"While we were languishing for healthy political action, our minds were
+filled with a bitter and consuming protest against the miserable
+condition of our affairs.
+
+"It is hard when one's whole being is in conflict with his
+surroundings."
+
+I went on to tell him of the great hopes that the spring of 1848 had
+inspired us with, and that I, too, had had the good fortune to be
+permitted to assist in building up the great Fatherland, and to have
+been in the confidence of the best men of my time. I told him of the
+sad days when our so-called "Rump Parliament" was dispersed by the
+soldiers, and also spoke of my son Ludwig.
+
+"I understand that your son has become a man of great ability and force
+of character, and that he distinguished himself in the war with the
+slave States?" said the Prince.
+
+I was surprised to find how well he was informed.
+
+And then the Prince added, in an animated voice: "You are an
+enthusiastic friend of Prussia?"
+
+"I am; for in Prussia I recognize the backbone of our national
+existence; she is not prepossessing, but steadfast and reliable.
+
+"I lived at the time of the war of liberation; many who were of my age
+took part in the war that saved us. Our section stood with Napoleon,
+but Prussia saved Germany. She has dallied a great while before
+claiming her reward for that service; but at last she receives it."
+
+The Prince arose, and, resting both hands on his writing-table, said,
+"That is the very reason I sent for you. Both they and we--both high
+and low--must extinguish the memories of 1866. We have all much to
+forgive, and much to learn."
+
+And then the Prince asked me whether I believed that the majority of
+the House of Delegates agreed with us?
+
+I was obliged to express my doubts on that head.
+
+"I have made up my mind, however," exclaimed the Prince, "whether the
+delegates agree with me, or otherwise. You are an old, tried soldier.
+Are you ready to ally yourself with me--no, not with me--with the
+Fatherland?"
+
+"How?"
+
+"Call it a _coup d'etat_, if you choose--we dare not let names frighten
+us--these are times in which legal forms must be disregarded. Are you
+willing to accept the presidency of my cabinet, so that your fair name
+may lend its lustre to my actions? You shall bear testimony to my love
+of country."
+
+"I am willing, your Highness, to sacrifice the short span of life that
+is yet left me; but I am not an adept in state affairs."
+
+"That is no matter; others will attend to that. What I require is the
+moral influence of your presence. Your son-in-law, Colonel Karsten, is
+willing to accept the portfolio of Secretary of War."
+
+I informed the Prince that I would be obliged to insist on important
+conditions: not from distrust of him, but of his noble associates who
+had deserted us in 1848, and had used us liberals as cat's-paws.
+
+I told him that, in my opinion, Germany would either emerge from this
+war as a great power, or disappear from the roll of nations.
+
+"We hope for the best, and we must conquer, for defeat would be
+destruction."
+
+As a first condition, I requested the Prince to give me a written
+assurance that he resigned all privileges which would interfere with
+German unity.
+
+He smiled. I do not know whether it was in scorn, or whether he had not
+heard my last words. He rose, placed his hand on my shoulder, and said,
+"You are a good man."
+
+I, too, was obliged to smile, and answered, "What else should I be,
+your Highness?"
+
+"Is not what you demand of me equivalent to an abdication?"
+
+"No; it is nothing more than retiring to the position held by the
+princes before domestic dissensions enabled Louis XIV. to wrest Alsace
+and Lorraine from the German Empire."
+
+It was with an air of embarrassment that the Prince said:
+
+"Here is my hand. I have a right to do this, and desire to be the first
+to hail the victorious King of Prussia as Emperor."
+
+The Prince touched a bell, and a lackey entered, whom he told to bid
+Colonel Karsten come.
+
+My son-in-law Minister of War, and I president of the cabinet! Was it
+all a dream? My eye fell on the picture of the deceased Princess, and
+it seemed to resemble Gustava and to smile upon me.
+
+The Colonel entered. He remained standing, in the erect attitude of a
+soldier.
+
+The Prince informed him, in a few words, that we agreed with each
+other, and submitted a proclamation with which the Chamber was to be
+dissolved, in case the majority should decide for neutrality. For the
+present, this was to be kept a secret.
+
+The Prince then withdrew.
+
+Arm in arm with my son-in-law, I returned to my dwelling.
+
+To think of all that had happened to me during that one day
+
+Could this be myself? I could scarcely collect my senses.
+
+Ludwig had not returned, and I was almost glad that it was so, for I
+was not permitted to reveal what had been secretly determined on.
+
+Martella was still awake. She came to meet me with the words:
+
+"Father, you have heard news of Ernst. Did the Prince give you his
+pardon?"
+
+I could not conceive how the child could have had this presentiment,
+and when I asked her, she told me that a brother of the porter at
+Annette's house had returned from Algiers and had told her about Ernst.
+
+I could not enter into Martella's plans. What mattered the life of a
+son, or the yearning affection of a girl? I scarcely heard what she
+said--my heart was filled to overflowing; there was no room left for
+other cares.
+
+One memory was revived. Years ago, the Privy Councillor had told me
+that I was well thought of at court. At that time it was scarcely
+probable. But could it have been true, after all?
+
+Morning was dawning when I reached my bed. I felt that I would never
+again be able to sleep, and only wished that I might live a few days
+longer, so that, if nothing else was left, I might plunge myself into
+the yawning abyss for the sake of my country.
+
+It was fortunate that the session was not to begin until noon. I slept
+until I was called.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER V.
+
+
+The Colonel came and told me that the troops were under orders.
+
+I was startled. I shuddered at the idea of using force against our
+fellow-citizens, and felt as if I could by my own strength, oppose and
+conquer the demon of dissension. I felt assured that I must succeed,
+and as confident as if success had already been achieved.
+
+Ludwig accompanied me through the streets; they were even more crowded
+than on the day before.
+
+Annette and Martella had preceded us, in order to secure good seats. It
+was with difficulty that we forced our way through the crowd. Ludwig
+was obliged to shake hands with many whom we met, and was often greeted
+by men whom he did not recognize, and who seemed annoyed that, in spite
+of the changes that twenty-one years had made in them, he did not at
+once address them by their names.
+
+A company of soldiers were mounting guard before, the House of
+Parliament. Ernst Rontheim, son of the Privy Councillor, was in
+command. He saluted me in military fashion.
+
+I gazed upon the vigorous youth, with his ruddy face and bright eyes,
+and asked myself: "Will he this very day be forced to command his
+troops to fire upon his fellow-citizens?" Did he know how full of
+danger his post was? It required a great effort, on my part, to refrain
+from speaking to him. At that moment, the minister of war arrived, and
+the young officer called out, "Present arms!"
+
+In the ante-chamber, and in the restaurant attached to the House, there
+were many groups engaged in lively and animated discussions, in which
+the speakers accompanied their remarks by forcible gesticulations.
+
+The three members who had been fellow-prisoners o f mine at the
+fortress, were still faithfully attached to me. The one whom we had
+termed "The Philosopher" had distinguished himself by new theories in
+political science, and the other two were eminent lawyers.
+
+Only one of the members of the old student corps had gone over to the
+radicals, but he was recognized as the most independent and the purest
+of men, and was everywhere spoken of as "Cato."
+
+The others had remained true to our colors; and one who was known as
+Baribal called out "What! Bismarck? If that black devil will bring
+about union, I shall sell my soul to him!"
+
+I spoke with "Cato," when no others were by, and he frankly confessed
+that he feared that this war would strengthen monarchism, and that,
+therefore, he still was, and ever would be, a republican.
+
+"We have, thus far, been forced to act against our wishes, and have
+complained in secret," he said, "but if we conquer in this war, we
+shall have voluntarily become subjects, and be happy in the favor of
+their high mightinesses. I am not a subject, and do not wish to become
+one."
+
+He gave me a fierce look, and I felt obliged to tell him that he could
+not be at his ease while receiving honors from people whom he despised.
+
+He did not feel that war was inevitable, but was inclined to favor it,
+if the German princes would promise that the constitution of the German
+Empire, as proposed in the Frankfort Parliament, would be adopted in
+the event of our success.
+
+"Cato" assured me that even if we were to bring about a union, it would
+be such only in name. Organic life cannot become a harmonious whole
+unless there is freedom of action; and therefore, we must, first of
+all, insist on guarantees for freedom.
+
+"Why do you," said he in conclusion, "who aided and abetted the
+Frankfort Parliament, never mention it?"
+
+When I told him that this was political orthodoxy, he paid no regard to
+what I said.
+
+Funk once furtively looked towards me, and then turned to his neighbor,
+with whom he conversed in a low voice.
+
+Various members who, it was evident, desired to take the lead, were
+walking up and down absorbed in thought.
+
+I heard that telegrams had been received to the effect that France
+would not consent to further delay, and insisted that all must be
+absolutely neutral or else avowedly take sides.
+
+Loedinger, my former prison-mate, approached me and said that it would
+be necessary to prevent any conclusion being reached on that day, and
+that we should govern ourselves by the course that the neighboring
+state decided upon.
+
+I asked him whether the party had determined on this. He said, "No,"
+and told me that his only object was to bring about a postponement in
+case the probable issue seemed adverse to us.
+
+I felt that this would be impossible. I entered the chamber more
+agitated than I have ever been. I had never in all my life been obliged
+to conceal anything, and now I had to face my associates with a weighty
+secret on my mind. I saw the ministers enter and take their seats, and
+could not help thinking, "You will soon be seated there."
+
+One minister whom we knew to be of our party came down to where I was
+sitting and shook hands with me. He spoke with confidence and
+hopefulness.
+
+I noticed Funk pointing at me, and could hear the loud laughter that
+followed on the part of the group that surrounded him.
+
+The President took his seat; the ringing of the bell agitated me; the
+decisive moment approached.
+
+I looked up. Annette nodded to me. Richard was seated at her side.
+
+I was obliged to drive out all roving thoughts, for it was now
+necessary to concentrate all my energies on one object.
+
+The proceedings began. My friend Loedinger, who had been seated at my
+side, was the first speaker, and supported the motion in favor of
+taking the field. He spoke with great fervor, and invoked the spirits
+of those who had gone before us.
+
+"Would that the mighty spirits of the past could descend to us this
+day," were his words, while his own utterances were those of a spirit
+pure and beyond reproach. When he finished his remarks, a storm of
+applause followed. I grasped his hand; it was cold as ice.
+
+Funk requested the President to preserve order in the galleries, and
+said that this was not a Turners' festival.
+
+The President reminded him that he knew his duty, and meant to perform
+it, and that Funk, in his eagerness, had only anticipated him.
+
+The next speaker was "Cato." He unearthed all the grievances that
+Prussia had inflicted on the patriots. He called on the spirits of
+those who had fallen during the war of 1866, and said they might well
+ask those who now counselled aiding Prussia, "Are you willing to stand
+side by side with those who murdered us in a fratricidal war?"
+
+When he closed, it was evident that his words had deeply moved the
+assembly.
+
+I was the next to have the floor, and explained that, although brothers
+may quarrel among themselves, they are brethren nevertheless, and that,
+when an insolent neighbor endeavors to invade and destroy their home,
+they must unite to defend it. Addressing my opponents, I exclaimed,
+"You know full well what the decision will be, and I am loth to believe
+that you desire to embarrass or disgrace it by opposition and
+dissension."
+
+Great excitement followed this remark, and prevented me from going on.
+I was called to order, but the President decided that my remarks had
+not been personal.
+
+I endeavored to keep calm, and to weigh every word before uttering it.
+
+In spite of this resolution, I forgot myself, and aroused a perfect
+storm of anger, when I expressed my deepest convictions in the
+following words:
+
+"You who are seated on the other side do not believe in neutrality. Ask
+yourselves whether this be an honest game that you are playing.
+Neutrality is a hypocritical word which, translated into honest German,
+means willingness to aid France, a Rhenish confederation, and treason
+to the Fatherland!"
+
+I was called to order and was obliged to admit that I had gone a little
+too far.
+
+The President interrupted the debate, and inquired whether the Chamber
+would permit him to read a telegram which had just been received, and
+was of some importance in relation to the subject under consideration.
+
+"No! No!" "We are debating this among ourselves!" "Our deliberations
+must be free and untrammelled!" "No outside parties have a right to
+interfere!" cried the one side.
+
+"Yes! Yes!" "Let us have it!" "Read it to us!" cried the others, and
+all was confusion.
+
+The President at last restored order, and then informed us that the
+telegram was from the House of Parliament of the neighboring state. He
+desired to know whether he might read it to the assembly. He would
+permit no debate on the subject; those who were in favor of the
+reading, would simply rise.
+
+The majority arose, and Loedinger was almost trembling with emotion
+when he grasped my hand and said, "Brother, the day is ours!"
+
+The President read the telegram. It was to the effect that a small
+though decided majority of the Parliament of the next state had
+determined that their forces should take the field.
+
+Then followed, both on the floor and in the galleries, a few moments of
+terrible confusion and excitement.
+
+Order was at last restored, and the President announced that the
+business would now be proceeded with.
+
+I had the floor.
+
+"Make no speech--ask for a vote at once," said Loedinger, as I arose. I
+acted on his advice.
+
+The vote was taken; the majority was ours.
+
+Loud shouts of joy filled the air, but I felt happier than all the
+rest. I had been saved from a fearful danger.
+
+Annette's carriage stood in a by-street, awaiting us. We rode to our
+dwelling, and, when I reached there, I felt like one who, after long
+and weary wandering over hill and dale, can at last sit down and
+rest. And while I sat there, with myriad thoughts passing through my
+brain, I could not help thinking, "The dream of my youth has repeated
+itself--they only tried the mantle on me."
+
+Shortly after that, Ludwig returned home to join his wife and to look
+after his workmen.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+How often we had yearned for unity of feeling, and an interchange of
+sympathy with our compatriots! How sad it was to keep in our path with
+the knowledge that the feelings and aspirations of those whom we met
+had nothing in common with our own!
+
+The unity of feeling had at last been brought about. Every street had
+become as a hall of the great temple in which love of country testified
+its readiness to sacrifice itself. Every valley resounded with the
+joyful message, "Awake! Our Fatherland has arisen in its might! Hasten!
+for the battle is not yet over. The soul of him who falls will live on
+in the comrade who marched at his side. Now none can live for himself
+alone, but for the one great cause."
+
+After my sad bereavement, life had ceased to be aught but duty, and I
+would have been ready, at any time, calmly to leave the world. But now
+my only desire was to live long enough to witness the fruition of the
+hopes which, during my whole life, had filled my soul.
+
+My children and grandchildren, each in his own way, showed their love
+of country.
+
+Society at large was now like one great family, united in sentiment.
+
+The vicar was the first of my family to visit me. He came to offer his
+services as chaplain to the troops. Julius followed soon after. It had
+gone hard with him to leave his wife, but he was happy to know that he
+could at last serve his country. It moved me deeply when he told me of
+the courage and resignation his wife had shown at parting. He was
+accompanied by his brother-in-law, the lieutenant, who joyously
+confessed that he was filled with hopes of glory and rapid advancement.
+He drew his sword a few inches from its scabbard, and said, "This blade
+has lost patience--it is all athirst."
+
+My grandson Wolfgang returned from the forester's school.
+
+"Grandfather, have my pine-seeds sprouted?" was his first question.
+
+"They do not grow so fast, my child; the bed is still covered with
+brushwood."
+
+He wanted to enter the army as a volunteer, and was quite sad when we
+told him that foreigners would not be accepted, and that it would,
+moreover, take a good while before he could learn the drill. He could
+with difficulty reconcile himself to the fact that he was not permitted
+to take part in the war, and with a voice full of emotion, exclaimed,
+"Although my name is growing on its soil, I am not allowed to fight for
+Germany!"
+
+Wolfgang was accompanied by Annette's nephew, the son of Offenheimer
+the lawyer. He desired to offer his services as a volunteer. He was a
+comrade of Wolfgang's, and a student in the agricultural department of
+the forester's school. His face was marked by several scars, and
+although he was not of a quarrelsome disposition, he had been in
+several duels. He had served in the Young Guard, which, during the past
+few years, had been recruited from the students of Gymnasiums and
+polytechnic schools.
+
+I inquired whether his father consented to his entering the service,
+and he answered me in the affirmative.
+
+Shortly afterward, his father entered the room. In a few words he told
+us that he had expected this war, and then, turning to his sister, he
+remarked that his son Alfred had entered the regiment which had
+formerly been the Captain's, as Colonel Karsten could not take him in
+his regiment. He also told me that he had fully determined, in case the
+war resulted in our favor, to withdraw from practice, and to devote
+himself to public affairs.
+
+Offenheimer was an able, clear-minded man, of liberal opinions, and
+free from prejudice; and yet it seemed as if this vow of his had been
+made in order to assure himself of the success of our cause and the
+preservation of his only son.
+
+Annette had always observed a certain distance with her kindred, and
+was, indeed, kinder to Martella than to her own nephew. But now, the
+war and the unanimity of feeling which it had induced, seemed, even in
+her case, to awaken new sympathies.
+
+On the following morning, when I was preparing for my journey homeward,
+a messenger came from the palace to inform me that the Prince required
+my presence. And now I went, in bright daylight and with a peaceful
+soul, to the same place that I had approached during the night,
+ignorant of what was in store for me. I was happy to know that the
+serious charge, which I was hardly fitted to undertake, had not been
+imposed on me, and I was, at the same time, encouraged by the feeling
+that I had shown my willingness to do all in my power.
+
+On the staircase, I met the French ambassador, who had just received
+his parting audience; and thus I saw the last French ambassador who
+witnessed our dissensions.
+
+The antechamber of the Prince's apartments was full of life and bustle.
+Adjutants and orderlies were constantly coming and going.
+
+I saw my son-in-law, but only for a few moments. He shook me by the
+hand, and said, "My regiment marches through your valley; I shall see
+you again at home."
+
+I was called into the Prince's presence. His cheeks were flushed and
+his eye sparkled. He took me by the hand and said: "I can only briefly
+thank you. I shall never forget your fidelity and your candor.
+Unfortunately, I can be of no service to you, for you need no favors;
+but my heart shall ever be filled with gratitude to you."
+
+His kind words so moved me that I was unable to utter a word in reply,
+and the Prince continued: "Like you, I am forced to remain at home. It
+is well and proper that princely rank does not require its possessor to
+command his armies. Leaders have been selected, from whom we have a
+right to look for the greatest results with the least bloodshed. Excuse
+me; I regret that I cannot speak with you any longer. I shall be glad
+to have you visit me soon again."
+
+He shook hands with me again, and I was about to withdraw in silence,
+when a lackey entered and said that a daughter of mine had requested to
+see the Prince, and begged that she might speak with me in his
+presence.
+
+"Let her enter. You had better remain here, Herr Waldfried."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+The door was opened and in rushed Martella, who threw herself on her
+knees at the Prince's feet and exclaimed: "Your Highness, Prince by the
+grace of God, be gracious and merciful! Give me my betrothed, my Ernst!
+I shall not rise from this spot until you have restored him to me
+again!"
+
+The Prince gazed at me in surprise, and I told him that this was
+Ernst's betrothed.
+
+The Prince extended his hand to Martella. She kissed it and covered it
+with tears, when he said to her:
+
+"I shall do all that I can."
+
+"Oh, God is gracious to you! you are all-powerful. O how happy you are
+that you can do all these things! I knew it!"
+
+The Prince said that he was occupied at the moment; that she might go,
+and he would attend to all that was necessary afterwards.
+
+"No, no!" cried Martella; "not so. I shall not leave in that way. Now
+is the right time. Let the whole world wait until this is done."
+
+"I have already informed his father that the deserter will receive but
+a mild punishment, if he now returns and helps us to fight for our
+Fatherland."
+
+"Yes, yes; I believe all that; but I must have it in writing, with a
+great seal under it, or else it is of no avail, and your subordinates
+will not respect it.
+
+"O Prince! the winter before the fearful war you were hunting in the
+district to which my Ernst belonged, and he had much to tell me about
+you; and he said that, if one considered how you had been spoiled, it
+was wonderful to find our Prince so well behaved, so just and upright a
+man.
+
+"And Rothfuss said, 'In such a war as that of 1866, the Prince would
+have been just as willing to desert as Ernst was, if he only could have
+done so; but he could not get away.'"
+
+The Prince gave me a look full of meaning, while a sad smile played on
+his lips. Suddenly he turned to Martella and asked, "And do you know
+where your lover is?"
+
+"Yes; he is with the savages in Algiers. He, too, was a savage, but, by
+this time, he must have become tamed. O Prince! give me the writing,
+and what you write will be set down to your credit in heaven!"
+
+The Prince seated himself, and then looked up from his desk and asked,
+"But what will you do with this letter of pardon?"
+
+"Let your gracious Highness leave that to me. Just you write--and
+blessed be the pen and the ink and your hand--"
+
+I implored her to remain quiet, so that the Prince could write, and she
+grasped my hand with one of hers, and with her other pointed towards
+the Prince's pen and moved her finger as if following its every stroke.
+
+When the Prince bad finished writing, he lit a lamp, and Martella
+exclaimed: "Oh, if Ernst were only here, that he might thank you! But
+mother, who is above, knows of this already, and joins me in thanking
+you."
+
+Her vigor and beauty, her touching voice, the powerful and dazzling
+brilliancy of her eyes, all seemed as if increased by an irresistible
+charm.
+
+The Prince attached the seal to the document and handed it to her with
+the words, "I wish you success;" and, turning to me, added, "I am glad,
+at all events, that I have been able to be of some service to you."
+
+Martella was about to kneel to him again, but he begged her to
+withdraw.
+
+We went through the antechamber and down the steps, and, when we
+reached the foot of the staircase, Martella suddenly stopped and said:
+"I have something in which I can keep the letter of pardon. I still
+have the embroidered satchel, but now I will put in it something better
+and sweeter than the cake it once held."
+
+When we left, the guard was just marching up to the palace, and the
+band was playing "Die Wacht am Rhein." A crowd extending farther than
+the eye could reach joined in the song, and Martella exclaimed, "The
+whole world is singing while--" and then her clear voice helped to
+swell the chorus.
+
+No one was happier at Martella's good fortune than Annette, who, to
+give vent to her joy, overwhelmed Martella with presents.
+
+Richard rushed into the room, exclaiming, "The Crown-Prince of Prussia
+has been appointed commander of the South German forces!" His face
+beamed with emotion, and he triumphantly declared that this would seal
+the union of North and South Germany.
+
+Although the younger members of my family were full of ardent courage,
+Richard had more determination and elasticity of spirit than any of
+them. We had at one time mockingly called him "Old Negligence." But he
+was no longer the man who procrastinated in all things, and who, while
+conscientious withal, was nevertheless so swayed by a thousand
+imaginary obstacles that it was difficult for him to make up his mind
+on any subject. He told us that he had offered to accompany the
+commander of our army; he had written enough of history in dead
+letters, and now he was anxious to witness living history, and perhaps
+to assist in making it.
+
+Annette had ordered the servant to bring wine, and Richard exclaimed:
+"O father! it has come at last. Self-reliance now fills every heart,
+and that is the rock of safety for the whole nation. I see it now; a
+new element has entered our German world--a feeling that we are all
+one. It is not a mere conglomerate of many thousand individuals; it is
+something quite new and exalted--a divine revelation--the fire of pure
+patriotism. We stand in the midst of a pillar of fire; every individual
+is a spark; of no value by itself, but only as a portion of the pillar
+of fire."
+
+Richard's tall and commanding form trembled with emotion.
+
+Annette placed her hand upon her heart and exclaimed, "And I too--I
+too."
+
+She had stretched forth her hand, but suddenly cast her eyes upon the
+picture of her dead husband, and buried her face in her hands.
+
+After a short pause, she said to Richard:
+
+"Your mother announced this to me. 'He will live to see the day,' she
+said, 'on which great things will happen to the world and to you all.'
+I did not understand her words then, but now I believe I understand
+them."
+
+Richard replied, "How strange it is that you should be thinking of
+mother at this moment; for I was thinking of her at the same time.
+
+"Ah, father, when mother asked for water from her spring, and I ran
+through the village down into the valley, and was nothing but a child
+running to fetch a draught that would cool her parched lips and,
+perhaps, save her, I could not, at times, help thinking of the story
+told by Apuleius--how Psyche was obliged to bring water from the rocky
+springs of the Styx.
+
+"And, father, hard and puzzling as it then was to understand how trees
+and houses could exist, and that men were working in the fields, while
+the breath of life was flickering and expiring--now, all is clear
+to my vision. I shall go off with the army; and if I can do nothing
+more, I will, at all events, endeavor to refresh the spiritual and
+physical wants of the children of the Fatherland for the sake of our
+mother--unity. It would be glorious and happy to die when filled with
+such emotions; but it is more genuine and more brave to persevere in
+small services and sacrifices."
+
+Annette, with her hands clasped upon her breast, gazed at Richard.
+Bertha entered the room at that moment, and, by her presence, brought
+about a calmer and serener atmosphere than we had just been moving in.
+
+Bertha, four years before, had been full of unrest; but now, her calm,
+equable disposition manifested itself in all its beauty.
+
+"That war," she said, "was an unnatural one, but this contest is waged
+in a holy and just cause, and its consequences must therefore be calmly
+accepted. And things, too, have changed with my husband; for now
+fortune smiles upon him."
+
+She told us that an association had been formed under the auspices of
+the Princess, for the purpose of aiding the families of those who were
+obliged to go to the war, and to prepare aid for the sick and wounded.
+
+"I shall be one of you," exclaimed Annette. "I, too, wish to do my
+share in the good work. And, Professor, I shall remember your words,
+'It is braver to persevere in small services and sacrifices.'"
+
+Richard soon left for the university town, where he had yet to make
+some preparations before starting with the army. He grasped Annette's
+hand, and it seemed to me as if he held it longer than usual; but he
+only said, "We shall meet again."
+
+His long face, with its large, full brown beard, bright blue eyes, and
+arched forehead, seemed more beautiful than ever, and his splendid,
+powerful form seemed almost heroic.
+
+In the evening I was crossing our principal street, and met Annette
+carrying several packages under her arm.
+
+War kills one weakness which in men is insufferable, and in women
+difficult to bear; namely, false pride.
+
+In such times, who can stop to think how he may appear to others? You
+are nothing more than a wonderfully small fraction of a great and
+complete whole. And it is this idea which makes you great, and lifts
+you above all petty thoughts.
+
+How absurd we had grown to be. It had come to be regarded as improper
+for a well-dressed man or woman to carry a package while in the street;
+the dress of the ladies was so fashioned that they were obliged to use
+their hands to prevent it from dragging, and thus it was impossible for
+them to carry even the smallest package; but now all that was changed.
+
+Annette told me that she and some other ladies were about to take a
+course of instruction from a surgeon, in the art of dressing wounds.
+She said this simply and unostentatiously.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+While Martella and I were on our way to the depot, in order to return
+to our home, we were encountered by a dense and impenetrable crowd.
+
+What could be the matter?
+
+"The Crown-Prince of Prussia is coming."
+
+We stopped.
+
+The sounds of distant music were heard mingling with the joyous shouts
+of thousands of voices. It was the cry with which a race welcomed its
+brothers from whom it had long been estranged, and who were now
+advancing to save it. How this must have stirred the heart of the
+Crown-Prince!
+
+I was so wedged in by the crowd, that I could see nothing. Martella had
+ascended some steps back of me, and called me to follow her; but it was
+impossible to do so.
+
+I heard a carriage approach; the men who were in front of me spoke of
+the splendid appearance, and the calm, yet determined expression of the
+Prince.
+
+"Father!" exclaimed Martella, "he looks just like him--indeed, more
+like Richard."
+
+The crowd at last scattered, and cheers were still heard in the
+distance.
+
+We started for home. The railway on the other side, which for some
+distance ran into our valley, was obstructed. They were momentarily
+expecting an invasion of the French, and, after that day, the other
+line was only to be used for military trains.
+
+We rode on for a part of the way, and, at the intersection, met a large
+crowd of persons from the watering-places. They had suddenly been
+obliged to give up the springs and the amusements that had there been
+at their disposal.
+
+The gambling banks are closed, it was said. I hoped that they might
+never again be reopened.
+
+Ludwig and his servants were there awaiting me. I also met Carl, who
+had been conscripted, and with him were two of the meadow-farmer's
+servants.
+
+Carl laughed while he told us how the meadow-farmer grumbled that he
+was now obliged to harness and feed his oxen himself. He cheerfully
+added that Marie could do the service of two laborers.
+
+His joyous face made it plain that before leaving home he had come to
+an understanding with Marie. When he spoke of her he pressed his left
+hand to his heart. I think he must have had a keepsake there.
+
+When Carl saw Ikwarte, he went up to him and extended his hand saying:
+"I forgive you. I cannot remain at enmity with any one whom I leave
+behind when I go forth to battle. Forgive me, too."
+
+Ludwig asked Ikwarte, "Willem, would you like to go?"
+
+"I am waiting until the Colonel gives me leave."
+
+"You have never asked my permission."
+
+"I have waited until the Colonel would speak of it himself."
+
+"Pray speak a few kind words to my mother, for my sake," said Carl; and
+I saw the old spinner sitting on the lower step of the depot. She gazed
+into vacancy as if she were dreaming with open eyes.
+
+"This gentleman will take you home with him," said Carl to his mother.
+
+"Then you will not take me along? I must go home--home--home," said the
+old woman; and Carl told me that Rothfuss had brought the conscripts to
+this spot, and was in a neighboring inn where he was feeding the
+horses.
+
+I endeavored to persuade the spinner to control her feelings. She
+murmured a few words that I could not understand, and which Carl
+explained to me. She had, by hard savings, gotten seven thalers
+together, and wanted Carl to take them with him, because he would need
+them while away; and that now she was quite inconsolable, because he
+wanted to leave the money at home with her.
+
+I took the money from her, and promised to send it to Carl whenever he
+should need it, through my son-in-law the Colonel.
+
+"And how is the great lady?" said the old spinner. "She ought to have
+married my Carl--she always looked at him with so much favor; and if he
+were now married, he would not have to go to war."
+
+His mother's words were unintelligible to me, and it was with a sad
+smile that Carl interpreted them.
+
+"Why have you not told her about Marie?"
+
+"I have done so, but she wishes to know nothing about her."
+
+Ludwig, accompanied by Ikwarte, started towards the Rhine. He said that
+he did not yet know how he could take part in the war, as he was an
+American citizen; but he was resolved not to remain a quiet spectator.
+
+Carl's parting from his mother was heart-rending. She refused to get on
+our wagon, and Carl, with tears in his eyes, lifted her in his arms and
+placed her there. During the greater part of our journey home, she
+bewailed the loss of her son, and we drove on in silence, for we felt
+so sad that we could not utter a word.
+
+Martella was the first to speak, saying, "It is, after all, the
+greatest happiness to have a mother."
+
+I could well understand what it was that agitated her.
+
+Up at the top of the mountain, where we always stopped to rest our
+horses, there is a large and shady beech-tree, to which was fastened
+the image of a saint.
+
+While at a distance I could see a white object on the tree, and when I
+drew near, I recognized it. It was the proclamation of the King of
+Prussia, in which, in simple but well-considered words, he declared
+that he was forced into waging this war.
+
+Soon after that, I met Joseph, who was delighted to see me again. He
+had engaged the guard of the stage-coach that passed by there every day
+to fasten the "extra" papers to the tree, so that the forest laborers,
+who at this point separated in order to repair to their different
+villages, could know what was going on.
+
+On the following day, the young Catholic pastor of the village had the
+words of the heretical king removed from the tree on which the holy
+image had been placed, and was about to lodge a complaint against
+Joseph for his sacrilegious conduct. But, on the advice of a lawyer who
+belonged to his own party, he desisted, and the tree, to this day, is
+known as "the newspaper tree."
+
+I crossed the boundary line and was in our own territory. The people
+were busily employed in changing the bed of the stream; and the newly
+married stone-mason asked me whether work would be continued during the
+war. I told him that it would be, and that we intended to give
+employment to the people as long as possible.
+
+Shortly after that, I even employed the old spinner's two sons who had
+been ordered out of Muehlhausen; and it was a very happy thought to do
+so, as the younger of the two was an excellent cabinet-maker.
+
+I walked on. All along the roadside I had planted pear-trees; they were
+laden with fruit. Will the enemy pluck the fruit or destroy the trees?
+
+I saw the young meadow-farmer. He was setting his water-gates, and
+appeared as unconcerned as if we were living in peaceful times. When I
+passed, he looked up from his work, and said, "The war does not affect
+me, thank God. None of my kindred are in it."
+
+The first house in the village belongs to the meadow-farmer. He had
+relinquished the farm to his son, and was now living on a pension which
+the latter had settled on him. When he saw me, he called out, "Now you
+have it! The accursed Prussian is at the root of the whole affair; but
+the Frenchman will give him a beating, for he has caught hold of the
+wrong fellow this time."
+
+At home all were in good spirits, and for the first time in a long
+while, I found myself in some sort of sympathy with Johanna.
+
+"It will soon be seen," she said, "whether the godless Frenchmen are as
+willing to sacrifice themselves for their country as we are."
+
+She praised the King as a God-fearing man; but to me he was simply a
+righteous German.
+
+A happy change had taken place with Johanna's daughter. She had always
+been sickly, and had thought herself of no use in this world; but now
+she knew nothing more of sickness. She had determined to join a society
+which had just been organized by the wife of the Privy Councillor, in
+order to obtain instruction in the art of nursing the sick and wounded.
+
+I was now again in my own calm and peaceful home. Rothfuss informed
+me that during my absence parties had been there to buy up oats and
+hay,--we still had a good supply left from last year,--and Rothfuss had
+promised the refusal of it to Kuhherschel, whom he always favored.
+
+The old hay was sent off, and the new was brought in. In Carl's place
+we engaged a Tyrolese farmer. The early barley was harvested, the
+ground was ploughed over again, and the potatoes were dug up. How long
+would affairs remain thus? The enemy might break in on us the very next
+day, as we were very near the border. Our enemies claimed that they
+were fighting in the interests of civilization, but sent Asiatic hordes
+against us.
+
+The schoolmaster's wife told us that Baroness Arven had left for
+Switzerland, taking a great amount of luggage with her.
+
+I was determined to await the enemy in my own home, and when Johanna
+asked me whether she, too, could go to the city and try to be of some
+use, I consented.
+
+"But you will remain with me, Martella, for you do not fear the
+French?"
+
+"Oh, I am not afraid of them," answered Martella.
+
+She had only answered the latter portion of my question, but I did not
+think of that until afterwards.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+My solitude was soon broken in upon by a visit from Baron Arven. I was
+astonished to find him looking so sad. "Is there still so much of the
+old Austrian officer left in him?" I asked myself. He soon relieved me
+of all doubts on that head, and, in a tone which showed how he had
+struggled with and conquered his grief, told me that in many things,
+and especially in religious matters, he and his wife had not agreed. He
+had, at last, conquered himself, and had determined to let her have her
+own way; but now--he said it with apparent reluctance--the long-impending
+rupture had occurred, under circumstances almost too terrible to bear.
+Although he knew that, as a Czech and a Catholic, his wife hated Prussia,
+he could hardly believe his ears when she said, "All saints be praised!
+The French are coming! Our deliverance is at hand!" Her words had
+provoked him into unpardonable vehemence of language.
+
+He hardly dared say it, but she had actually made a French flag, with
+the intention of displaying it as soon as the enemy should arrive,--an
+event of which she had felt perfectly assured. He never thought that
+his wife had political opinions of any kind, because mere abuse of
+Prussia does not argue the presence of political convictions. He had
+carefully avoided affronting her feelings as a Czech; for he well knew
+how the Czechs resent the fact of their being dependent on German
+culture. But he could never have believed that her hatred of Germany
+could have carried her so far as to allow her to connive at the
+correspondence with France, which was carried on under cover of her
+address, and with complete ignorance, on her part, of its origin.
+
+The village clergyman had been to see her, and must have given her
+strange information, for she now insisted on leaving for Switzerland at
+once.
+
+"God be praised!" said I, "let her go." I told him that her intended
+departure was already the topic of common talk.
+
+The Baron, however, feared that her course might be fraught with evil
+consequences to the whole neighborhood, as he thought that her fleeing
+to Switzerland might awaken a panic.
+
+To me, it seemed as if he were trying to justify his course in allowing
+her to leave. I assured him that no one doubted his patriotism, and he
+begged me not to divulge what he had told me.
+
+I succeeded in reassuring him, and he seemed to recover from his
+depression. He felt that I fully sympathized with him. And can anything
+be sadder than to find that one's love of country is opposed and
+ridiculed in his own home? The antagonism which had so long been veiled
+under courteous forms, now broke forth with redoubled venom and fury.
+
+"Your hearty sympathy does me good," said the Baron; "and I feel like a
+changed being since I have unbosomed myself to you--just as if I had
+withdrawn my hand from a bleeding wound, which can now flow freely."
+
+I understood him. Grief which has been long repressed, and at last
+finds vent in words, renews itself while the sufferer speaks of it.
+
+When I mentioned this to him, he took my hand and held it in his for a
+long while.
+
+"But we must not think of our own little lives," he added; "great
+questions now claim us. If France should fail of success, she is still
+France; but if we meet with defeat, we shall become the prey of
+others."
+
+I learned from him, for the first time, that the opposing bishops had
+handed in a protest against the promulgation of the doctrine of Papal
+infallibility, and that, as the measure had been determined on, in
+spite of their protest, they had left Rome.
+
+When I told him of what had happened in the city--omitting, of course,
+all mention of my interviews with the Prince--his features assumed an
+expression of cheerfulness.
+
+He was about to leave, when Martella entered, and asked, "May I show it
+to the Baron?"
+
+Before I could answer her question, she took the letter of pardon from
+her satchel and spread it out on the table, at the same time saying
+that Rothfuss and Ikwarte were foolish enough to think that it was of
+no account, because it came from so petty a prince.
+
+Baron Arven assured her that the paper would be of immense importance,
+if Ernst could be found again.
+
+"Now I shall not ask another person," joyfully exclaimed Martella;
+"that seals it doubly--and just see how nicely it fits into my little
+satchel!"
+
+She replaced it in the satchel and rubbed her hands over the
+embroidery, which represented a dog carrying a bird between his teeth.
+
+The Baron rode off just as the letter-carrier arrived. He brought me a
+letter from my sister-in-law, who lives in the forest of Hagenau. She
+wrote to tell me that, on account of the war, her daughter's marriage
+had been hastened, and that, as there was danger that the incendiaries
+might come, she had instructed her daughter to remain at Strasburg, to
+which place she had sent all her stores of linen and other valuables.
+In case any of our ladies were alarmed, she would be willing, she
+wrote, to place them under protection at Strasburg.
+
+About that time, we had sorrow in our house on account of the death of
+old Balbina. She had been our faithful servant for thirty years. When
+we attempted to console her by saying that she would recover from her
+illness, she would answer, "Don't mind me; I shall go to my good
+mistress, and she will give me the best place."
+
+It was not until after my wife's death that I learned how much she had
+done for this servant, for then Balbina said to me:
+
+"I was very wicked, but she converted me."
+
+"Wicked? why, what could you have done?"
+
+"I committed a theft when I had only been in the house a week. She
+caught me and spoke to me in private, saying: 'Balbina, I dare not send
+you off; for then you will steal from others, just as you have done
+here. I must keep you with us until you conquer this habit.' And it
+turned out just as she said, for during the thirty years I've lived in
+this house, my hands and lips have never touched a morsel that was not
+mine."
+
+Balbina died without receiving extreme unction. She regarded her
+confession to my wife as having fully absolved her.
+
+We never interfered with the religious opinions of our servants, but
+when the priest told Balbina that Protestants would not go to heaven,
+she answered, "I don't want to go to any other heaven but the one where
+my mistress is."
+
+We were now on the high road towards political unity, but was not the
+antagonism in religious matters greater than ever before?
+
+Ludwig wrote to Conny, informing her that he would soon return. She
+often told me that her father, had, until his dying hour, cherished a
+love of the Fatherland, and that no two men had ever had more beautiful
+and affectionate relations with each other than Ludwig and her father.
+
+Their projected journey to Italy was out of the question. How could
+they now find pleasure in works of art? Ludwig would not rest content
+until he could, in some way, be of service to his country.
+
+Suddenly, there was great commotion in the village and cries of "The
+French are coming!" were heard.
+
+Lerz the baker had been driving along the valley-road at full tilt, and
+had called out to the people who were working in the fields, "Unhitch
+your horses! the French are coming!" They took the animals from their
+wagons and ploughs and hurried homeward. But it soon turned out that
+the news was false.
+
+I do not think that this was wanton spite on the part of Lerz. He
+swore--although his oath was of but little value--that a farmer from
+down the valley had told him that he had seen the French. The rumor had
+indeed been spread far and near, but no one could tell who had started
+it.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER X.
+
+
+What could it have been that made me feel so proud when my
+fellow-citizens elected me as their delegate? I was still full of
+self-love, for, when I searched in my own heart, for the real cause, it
+lay in a self-complacent satisfaction in the fact of my being the
+chosen representative of many others.
+
+All this was now changed. Now none were chosen, but all were called.
+The whole people had become freed from egotism, and no one was
+isolated. Of course the sacrifice was not made without a pang. All
+thoughts were no longer centred on one man, but were directed towards a
+great invisible object which was cherished by the whole people.
+
+Sunbeams seemed to light up every tree and house, and the whole world
+seemed to have undergone a change.
+
+And how all felt drawn towards each other; they had ceased to be
+strangers--we could not have enemies in our own land.
+
+I met Funk and could not avoid shaking hands with him and saying, "I
+admit that you thought you were acting for the best, in all you have
+done."
+
+"Thanks for your good opinion," answered Funk, while he barely
+returned the pressure of my hand. I made no reply. I had followed my
+own convictions, and that is always well, even though others do not
+approve of one's course.
+
+I drove to town with Joseph, in order to attend the weekly market. It
+had never been so numerously attended, for every one that could manage
+to procure a vehicle, or get away from home, hurried to town in order
+to learn what was going on in the world. And, besides that, all wanted
+to assure themselves whether it would be best to sell supplies to the
+dealers at present prices, or, to wait for an advance, and run the risk
+of being plundered by the French in the meanwhile.
+
+It was soon seen who believed that the Germans would succeed, and who
+believed in the French. Schweitzer-Schmalz, and a large number who
+followed his example, sold their hay, their oats, and their bacon.
+
+Joseph speedily became the centre of a large crowd. He excels us all in
+knowing how to adapt himself to people of every kind. His fine, large
+figure and cordial manner make him a universal favorite, while his
+well-known riches are not without weight.
+
+The crowd were impatient, and complained that we had not yet heard of
+any actual hostilities. He asked them:
+
+"Have you never been in a saw-mill?"
+
+"Certainly we have."
+
+"Well, how do they manage there? They set the wheel and let the water
+run until the log is in the proper position; then they go ahead and saw
+it right through. Have a care. The Prussian, or, as we had better say,
+the German, waits until the log is in the proper position, and then he
+goes to work with seven saws at once."
+
+Joseph understood the feelings of the people, and felt especial
+satisfaction that Schweitzer-Schmalz seemed quite lonely and deserted
+in the midst of the crowd. He simply smiled, when Schweitzer-Schmalz
+said, "This little fellow. Joseph is all talk, like the Prussians."
+
+Joseph and I called on Martha, for I had promised Julius to visit his
+wife as soon as possible.
+
+We found her and the rest of the family calm and resigned, although the
+son and the son-in-law were in the field.
+
+For the first time since I had known him, the Privy Councillor revealed
+a sense of his noble birth. He dwelt on the fact that, as a member of
+one of the oldest families in the land, he belonged to the order of St.
+John, and that he and Baron Arven would soon enter on their duties as
+members. He explained to me that it was an old order, but that a man
+like myself might also become a member. I had never thought of that
+before, but now it struck me forcibly.
+
+The ladies requested me to accompany them to the courthouse, where the
+Sanitary Commission was to assemble. On the steps, I met Remminger, the
+so-called "peace-lieutenant."
+
+He seemed quite agitated, and urgently requested me to accompany him to
+the house of his father-in-law, where he wanted me to act as umpire. He
+gave me no further information, but said that I should find out all
+about it when we arrived there.
+
+I found the family in great distress. The lieutenant, who had left
+the army on account of marrying the daughter of Blank, the rich
+lumber-merchant, had become quite an adept in his new calling, but had
+been even more devoted to the pleasures of the chase. He had just
+announced his intention to enter the army again; in justice to himself,
+he could not remain a mere looker-on in the moment of danger.
+
+Old Blank maintained that this was a breach of promise, and I saw how
+the lieutenant clenched his fists when he heard that expression; but he
+controlled himself and calmly explained the matter, stating, at the
+same time, that he asked me to decide between them.
+
+I knew all about Blank. He was one of those men of whom one can say
+nothing evil, and nothing good. All that he asked of the world was to
+be left undisturbed while attending to his business and adding to his
+wealth. He was a zealous reader of the newspapers, and would smoke his
+good cigar while enjoying them. It suited him best when there was lots
+of news. Others might act for the state, the district, and even for the
+community, so that he might read about what they had done. He could not
+realize that one who belonged to his family could care to exert himself
+for the general good. I saw this in every word that he uttered. I
+allowed him to speak for some time without replying.
+
+"And what is your opinion?" I said, addressing the lieutenant's wife,
+who stood by the window, plucking dead leaves from the plants that were
+placed there.
+
+"Shall I call in our three children, so that you can ask them?" she
+answered, in a harsh voice.
+
+"Little children have no opinions as yet; but their parents ought to
+think for them."
+
+I asked old Blank whether he would be satisfied with my decision.
+
+"Since you ask in that way, you are, of course, opposed to me, and for
+that reason I say no."
+
+I saw that I could be of no use, declared that I would not attempt to
+decide, and left the family to settle their dispute among themselves.
+
+When I left there, I was the more pleased to meet the Councillor
+Reckingen, who lived in the town, and who had visited me shortly after
+Ernst's flight. He had conquered his feeling of loneliness and grief at
+the shocking death of his wife. He lived alone with his only daughter,
+and had devoted all his time to her education. She was just budding
+into womanhood.
+
+This man, who had always seemed troubled and absentminded, now
+approached me with a cheerful smile, and said that he had the good
+fortune to be again permitted to enter on his calling; and that, as a
+result, his child, who had been so constantly with him that he had
+begun to be alarmed for her future, would now be obliged to accustom
+herself to a life of self-reliance and activity; for the wife of the
+Privy Councillor had already expressed her willingness to have his
+daughter stay with her during the campaign.
+
+We were standing by the stream, where the water rushes over the dam
+with a mighty roar, and he said:
+
+"You are like me; in great times all little troubles disappear, just as
+the thundering of these falling waters drowns all other sounds."
+
+I passed a delightful hour with the Councillor in his lovely garden,
+which was carefully and tastefully kept. He had been very fortunate in
+cultivating roses, and I was obliged to permit him to pluck a lovely
+one for me from every bush.
+
+"She loved roses, and cared for them above all things," were his words
+while he handed me the nosegay.
+
+According to promise, Ludwig returned, bringing Ikwarte with him. He
+had written to Conny and Wolfgang to come to town. He told us that he
+had caused his name, and also Wolfgang's and Ikwarte's, to be entered
+with the Sanitary Corps. They wore the white band with the red cross on
+their arms, and soon started in the direction of the Rhine to join the
+main army.
+
+Conny went home with me.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+When we reached the saw-mill, a wood-cutter was waiting for me, and
+told me that Rautenkron, the forester, urgently requested that I would
+come to him at the bone-mill which lay in the adjacent Ilgen valley.
+
+The wood-cutter told me that one could hardly recognize
+Rautenkron--something horrible must have happened to him.
+
+I found Rautenkron seated in the bone-miller's room. He said to the
+miller, "Put enough bones into your kiln, old Adam, so that you may
+keep away for an hour, and then go and leave us by ourselves."
+
+The miller left.
+
+"Take a seat," he said, in a tone to which I was unused in him; his
+features and his manner seemed changed.
+
+After a forced laugh, he thus began: "I have bought my bones back from
+this man--I had sold them to him for a bottle of gentian; and it used
+to amuse me to think how my noble self would, at some future time, be
+converted into grass and flowers on the hillside, and perhaps furnish
+food for cattle.
+
+"But, pardon me," he said, interrupting himself; "forgive me, I beg of
+you; I ought not to address you in that tone. Forget this, and listen
+to me with patience. I will confide my last will to you; you have often
+provoked me, but now I am glad that you are here. The thought of you
+followed me in the woods, sat by me at my bedside, and has deprived me
+of rest. I have always wanted to learn what your weak side was, and now
+I have found it out.
+
+"My father was a worldly-wise man. He divided mankind into two
+classes--charlatans and weaklings. He maintained that in all that is
+termed love, be it love of woman or love of the people, there is a
+large portion of charlatanry, which at first consciously, and afterward
+without our knowing it, deceives both ourselves and others. You are not
+a charlatan--but you are vain.
+
+"Do not shake your head, for it is so. Of course, vanity is not a vice;
+but it is a weakness, for it shows dependence on others. You offered
+your hand to Funk, because you felt too weak to have an enemy running
+about in this world. Since I have made that discovery and convinced
+myself on that point, you no longer worry me. You too have your share
+in the misery that belongs to the species of vermin that terms itself
+man. It is out at last--now I have nothing more against you. Indeed, I
+cannot better prove this than by the fact of my asking you to help me.
+Usually, I have not required the assistance of others, but now I need
+yours; and I think that is enough to make you feel that you must aid
+me."
+
+I consented, but in my own mind I felt a dread of this man, who, in his
+bitter candor, seemed much more terrible than when taciturn.
+
+"I request, nay I demand--" he continued--"do not interrupt me; let me
+speak for myself.
+
+"Do you know who I am? For years, I have been called by a strange name.
+You cannot imagine how pleasant it is to be so constantly a masker, in
+the mummery known as life. I shall not, at present, mention my true
+name, but you may rest assured it is an old and a noble one, and
+related to that of Johannisberg.
+
+"My father--he was indeed my father--had become reduced, and he led a
+merry life, although I did not know where the means came from. At a
+later day, I discovered all. He purchased a captaincy for me.
+'Purchased,' he said, but it had really, so to say, been presented to
+him. He had carried others' hides to market; perhaps a couple of human
+skins to be tanned. His master had many of these tanners in the state
+_vade mecums_ known as prisons.
+
+"I was, as I have told you, a captain at Mayence, and my father lived
+near there, at Wiesbaden. He was known as Hofrath.
+
+"I do not know whether what people call conscience ever pricked him,
+but he was always merry and fond of good living, and enjoyed it as much
+as the stupidest monk might do. He would always say to me, 'Conrad,
+life is a comedy; he who does not take it in that light, but looks upon
+it in a serious manner, spoils his own game.'
+
+"I thought I had much to tell you, but I have not. My story is simply
+this:
+
+"My father had a habit of asking me about my comrades,--what they were
+doing, what they were thinking of, and to whom they wrote; and I
+faithfully told him all I knew. You may believe me! I, too, was once
+open-hearted. But, one day, two of my comrades were suddenly cashiered.
+Letters of theirs had been found--not found, but sought--which, it was
+said, contained treasonable expressions. All of us at the garrison were
+beside ourselves with surprise, and I suspected nothing.
+
+"Until the year 1848, our regiments had recruiting stations where
+soldiers were enlisted and received a good bounty. In a Gallician
+regiment which formed part of the garrison of the fortress--there were
+also Italian regiments in it--a very clever young Pole had been
+enlisted. He learned the drill, was a good horseman, and his captain
+wished that he would study German, in order that he might become an
+officer; but he did not care to do so, and said that he could not
+write. One day we learned that he had deserted. They found a letter
+from him, although he had said that he could not write. It was in
+choice French, thanked the captain for his kind treatment, and added
+that he had come and gone by the command of others, high in station.
+For some days they spoke of the fact that the Russians were even more
+successful than we as spies. For this man had evidently joined us only
+in order to inform himself as to the disposition of the Gallicians. It
+did not strike me at first, but afterward I could not but notice the
+fact that they always talked to me about spies.
+
+"A young Prince joined our regiment. He became an intimate associate of
+mine, and seemed to take a special liking to me. My father seemed much
+pleased with this, but gave me less money than he had formerly done. I
+was obliged to borrow from the young Prince and to ask favors at his
+hands. Yes, the world is wise, if one only knew it at the right time. I
+found it out too late. Is it not ingenious, and does it not do all
+honor to the human intellect, to discover that it is well to incur an
+obligation in order to acquire more perfect confidence on the part of
+those to whom we owe a debt? Although the lynx out there is ever so
+cunning, it cannot do such work; that is reserved for the image of God.
+
+"One day my father said to me--yes, my father--'Conrad, (that is my
+baptismal name), 'you are now employed at the officers' quarters; the
+adjutant of the post cannot be trusted; be careful that you get hold of
+something that involves him; but let it be in writing. That aroused my
+suspicions that something was wrong. One day, a fellow-officer said to
+me, 'There is a spy in our regiment,' and all the other comrades
+laughed. I challenged the one who had thus spoken to me, and--shot him.
+
+"But I am anticipating--I must first tell you of another matter. I
+always had a great desire to be a forester. I often begged my father to
+permit me to leave the army, but he would not consent. And I would have
+been so glad to marry and live quietly in the woods; for I had a child,
+a lovely, beautiful child.
+
+"And then, on account of the duel, I was imprisoned in the citadel. No
+comrade visited me.
+
+"When I left the prison, my child and the mother had vanished. She had
+received a letter, in my handwriting--my father knew how to imitate the
+writing of others--in which was contained a considerable sum, to enable
+her to emigrate--and she had left. A companion of hers in the ballet,
+who had been a suitor for her affection, and had, heretofore, been
+rejected, had accompanied her.
+
+"My papers had been confiscated, and I feel quite sure that it was done
+at my father's instance, for he distrusted me, and wished to get me out
+of harm's way.
+
+"Among them there was also a memento of my beloved; it was a little
+narrow red ribbon tied in a knot and torn off at both ends. She had
+given it to me in a happy moment, and I had fastened it on a sheet of
+paper and had written under it 'talisman.'
+
+"All of my papers were returned to me, but not the ribbon. My father
+had sent it in the letter to my beloved, and had, moreover, written, in
+my name, 'By this sign I request you to obey the bearer of this in all
+that he may require of you.'
+
+"My father said to me: 'She whom you call your wife has left by my
+orders.' Through a former friend of hers, I received a letter in which
+she asked me whether I had caused the child to be taken from her;
+because it had suddenly vanished about the time the vessel was
+leaving."
+
+"What ails you? What alarms you?" suddenly exclaimed Rautenkron.
+
+I controlled myself and begged him to go on with his story.
+
+"I left my father and led an adventurous life. Pshaw! I have even been
+croupier at a gaming-table. And there I heard that my father was dead.
+On the day before, I had seen him staking rouleaus of gold--he had not
+recognized me.
+
+"By chance I made the acquaintance of Baron Arven, and through him I
+received the appointment of forester in his woods, after having, as
+assistant-forester, learned my profession from Hartriegel.
+
+"I bear a strange name, and shall die with it. But, before I die, I
+shall put my living bones to use.
+
+"I could not make up my mind, but now something has helped me to
+decide. The engineer whom you are employing down by the new mill which
+you are building is one of my victims. I recognized him at once,
+although he has changed greatly. I do not know whether he remembered
+me, but I almost believe that he did. He looked at me carelessly and
+then turned away. It is well that I have had a look at one of my
+victims. That destroyed the last traces of indolence and the desire to
+hide myself from the world. I must and will live. The French are
+coming. They have made all preparations to burn our woods. The little
+spectacled forest Junker--you know that I dislike him; he still acts,
+the proud and overbearing corps student, and, besides that, is happily
+married, has a fine hearty wife and boys like young wolves. I have
+always avoided him; but I met him to-day and he handed me the French
+newspaper, in which it is joyfully proclaimed that our woods will soon
+be in flames. When I read that, I fled. That was enough for me. I am a
+good shot. If they wish me to, I can single out my man among the enemy
+and bring him down at the first fire. The little forest Junker has
+promised to look after my duties as forester. He said that would be the
+same as helping in the war, as he could not leave home. Let him make a
+virtue of it if he chooses. My woods are in safe hands, and I can go."
+
+He now requested me to use my influence with my son-in-law, the
+Colonel, and I faithfully promised that I would.
+
+I asked him whether he had no memento of the mother and the child. He
+said that he had none.
+
+"And has the child, perhaps, a keepsake from you?"
+
+"I can remember none. But, yes! When I saw it for the last time, I
+brought it cakes in a satchel on which was embroidery representing a
+dog holding a bird between his teeth."
+
+My hair stood on end.
+
+"What was the name of your child?"
+
+"Conradine."
+
+"Then all agrees--Martella is your child."
+
+And the man seized my arm as if he would break it, and gave a cry like
+a felled ox.
+
+After a while, he regained his self-control. We hurried to the village.
+On the way, he told me that he would now confess to me that he had had
+a letter from Ernst. He was in Algiers; had entered the army there and
+had become an officer. He had told me nothing about it, because he had
+thought it was of no use. Ernst had also given him messages for his
+betrothed: but he had always kept them to himself. "Spare me all
+reproaches," he concluded; "I am punished bitterly enough. Oh, if they
+had only been united! How shall I utter the word 'child,' and how can I
+listen to the word 'father'?"
+
+When, after leaving the saw-mill, we began to ascend the hill, he
+called out in a hoarse voice: "It was here, in this spot, that she
+stepped down from the wagon in the twilight. Here, by this very tree, I
+heard her voice. It was that of her mother--I could not believe it at
+the time. Here, by this very tree."
+
+Rothfuss came towards us. "Have you seen her--is she with you?"
+
+"Whom do you mean?"
+
+"She is gone off with Lerz the baker, who has become a sutler. Oh, the
+damned hound!"
+
+"Who?"
+
+"Martella is gone!"
+
+Rautenkron grasped a young tree by the roadside, and broke it in two;
+then he sank on his knees. We lifted him up.
+
+"It is right thus. So it should be," he said. "Here, on this very
+spot--do you remember?--I warned you when your wife went to bring her
+home. Tell me, wise man, what was that? I heard something in her voice,
+and did not wish to believe it. Turenne," he said, turning to his dog,
+"you killed her dog. Be quiet; I told you to do it."
+
+He followed us to the house, but did not utter a word on the way.
+
+We went to her room. She had taken nothing with her but the embroidered
+satchel, which, before that, had always hung over the mirror; and also
+Ernst's prize cup. The clothes that she had inherited from my wife she
+had carefully arranged and placed to one side.
+
+We asked Rothfuss how long it was since she had disappeared.
+
+They had been hunting for her ever since the morning of the day before,
+but in vain. No sign of where she had gone could be found.
+
+Rautenkron left the room and went out into the garden. He sat there for
+a long while, holding his rifle between his knees. I begged him to
+return to the house with me. He was looking on the ground, and did not
+raise his head. I asked him to give me his rifle. He looked up towards
+me, and, with a strange smile, said: "Don't be alarmed; I am not such a
+fool as to shoot myself."
+
+I walked away. A little while afterward, I heard a shot, and hurried
+out again. Rautenkron sat there, holding his gun with both hands, but
+his beautiful brown spaniel lay dead at his feet.
+
+When he saw me, he exclaimed:
+
+"Now I am quite alone. I had intended to give Turenne to you, but it is
+better thus. The beast might have been stupid enough to long for me."
+
+The sound of drums was heard from over the hills. The Colonel arrived
+with his regiment, and all hurried out to meet him.
+
+And the Englishman stood at the brook, angling.
+
+
+
+
+
+                              BOOK FIFTH.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER I.
+
+
+Trumpets sounded, drums rolled, and songs from thousands of voices were
+heard in the valley and on the hills. All was joyous commotion. Thus,
+singing, does a nation take the field for its protection and salvation.
+
+In the midst of anxiety for great things, for one's country, we ought
+to be troubled by no mere personal cares. But who can avoid them? The
+general sorrow is infinitely divided, and every one must bear his
+share.
+
+That my son-in-law, two grandchildren, and a faithful servant had gone
+to face the dangers of the battlefield, was a sorrow like that which
+many thousands besides myself had to bear. What a heavy burden is that
+borne by the lonely widow down by the rock! But the knowledge that one
+child is already in the whirlpool of trouble, and is dragging another
+after him--that has been given to me alone. How often it occurred to me
+at that time: had my wife but lived to see the uprising of our
+Fatherland! It was better thus. She was spared the sight of our
+youngest son enrolled in the enemy's ranks. That phrase from the Bible,
+which, when thinking of her, I had so often consoled myself with,
+remained true: "But for the elect those days shall be shortened." Why
+had Rautenkron, after keeping his story so long to himself, now
+divulged it? Had the secret become too burdensome? And why did he cast
+the load on me? Enough, I had to overcome it.
+
+The presence of my son-in-law had given me new courage, and I agreed
+with Rothfuss, who said, "When the Colonel is about, every one is more
+erect in his movements. Yes, he commands even when he says nothing."
+
+I had never seen the Colonel thus. Such joviality beamed from his face
+that a glance from him was strengthening and reassuring. His only fear
+was that a premature peace might be concluded with the insolent
+successor of the tyrant, before all was decided by battle!
+
+Our village and the entire neighborhood were in commotion while the
+regiment was quartered there. They even constructed a redoubt on
+Silvertop.
+
+My son-in-law confided to me that the redoubt was perhaps unnecessary,
+but that his men would lose their good qualities if allowed to lounge
+about idly; he also hoped that the news of their doings would spread
+across the Rhine.
+
+The peasants became refractory, and appointed a deputation, and among
+them was their ruler, the meadow farmer. They said that they had not
+forgotten how dreadfully the French had behaved in 1796, on account of
+the building of a fortification in the neighborhood. But the Colonel
+announced that whoever opposed any military ordinance, would be
+brought before a court-martial and shot forthwith. From that moment my
+son-in-law received the name of "Colonel Forthwith." Several of the
+most notable farmers from the neighboring valley, earnest, patriotic
+men, led by the burgomaster of Kalkenbach, wanted me to help them to an
+interview with the colonel. They complained that a young lieutenant
+wanted to destroy the bridges over the creek, and that he was about to
+cast burning rosin and tar-barrels into the stream, without reflecting
+that he thereby ran the risk of setting fire to the whole valley.
+
+The Colonel countermanded this at once. He sent small detachments
+hither and thither in all directions to build camp-fires on all the
+hills, leaving often only men enough about them to keep up the fires,
+which were visible from across the Rhine.
+
+People were to be made to believe that a large army was collected here,
+and he therefore notified all the towns and villages lying far beyond
+our valley, of the fact that large numbers of soldiers would be
+quartered there. On the houses they would chalk the number of men and
+of horses that were to be provided for. To judge by appearances, it
+seemed as if hundreds of thousands were at hand.
+
+The Colonel asked Rothfuss if he knew any French sympathizers. He
+evidently wished that the French should get the most alarming news from
+us. Rothfuss thought that Funk would be his man; but when my son-in-law
+consulted me about Funk, I dissuaded him from employing such an
+instrument. Rothfuss then brought us the news that a journeyman baker
+from Alsace, who had worked for Lerz, was prowling around and preparing
+to return home.
+
+The Colonel got Rothfuss to carry the news to this journeyman, that
+more than a hundred thousand men were encamped in the forest. The few
+pieces of artillery under his command were constantly moved from place
+to place, so that all were led to suppose that he had a large number of
+guns.
+
+The Colonel had orders, in case the enemy should advance on us, to
+destroy the roads; we supposed that Napoleon's plan must be to separate
+North and South Germany by a sudden invasion. This was no small matter:
+we were the first who would have to resist the shock of the enemy's
+advance, and, so far as I could learn, I felt that the main forces of
+Germany could not furnish us with immediate protection. We would be
+sacrificed first, and afterwards would be helped by an offensive
+movement from the Middle Rhine region.
+
+Rautenkron received, provisionally, the uniform of a hospital steward;
+for the Colonel was waiting for permission to enroll him. I was present
+when he asked Rautenkron:
+
+"Do you speak French well?"
+
+"Perfectly."
+
+The Colonel whispered something to him; but Rautenkron with burning
+cheeks, cried:
+
+"I can never do that; never!"
+
+He then talked confidentially and excitedly to the Colonel; I believe
+he imparted to him his real name.
+
+The Colonel then ordered him, as he was so well acquainted with the
+wooded heights, to attend to the further extension of the camp-fires on
+their tops.
+
+Conny carefully helped in attending to the wants of the numerous
+garrison. The soldiers were treated in the best manner by the
+villagers, all of whom were anxious to do their share in the good work.
+
+The old meadow farmer was the only one who did not show himself. He,
+who was always either at his door or window, and who stopped every
+passer-by to have a chat which should drive dull care away, lay in his
+little back room and declared that he was ill.
+
+Carl's mother, on the contrary, did not stay in her house for a minute.
+She would approach one group of soldiers after another, and ask each
+man if he had a mother at home. And then she would begin to talk of her
+Carl, how he was in the lancers, and how they could hunt through every
+regiment and not find a better or a handsomer fellow. The two sons, who
+were working as carpenters, had estranged themselves from their mother.
+They lived down in the valley, and did not even visit her on Sundays.
+They boasted in the taverns that they could sing French songs.
+
+While all this bustle was going on, I was constantly searching for
+Martella.
+
+Rothfuss was of opinion that she had escaped in male attire; for,
+wherever he asked after Lerz, the baker,--he had quickly lost all
+traces of him, however,--he was told of a young man that had been in
+his company, and who would never enter the room with him.
+
+The Colonel had, of course, no time to sympathize with my concern about
+Martella, and once when I spoke of her he said:
+
+"We should be glad to be thus rid of her. Such a creature does not,
+after all, belong in our family. You and mother have very likely been
+wasting all your kindness on an unworthy person."
+
+I did not agree with him. Yes, now at last I could understand many
+things in Martella' s disposition that had heretofore been mysteries to
+me. But I dared not talk about them, and the time to mourn for a single
+grief had not arrived.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+
+
+On the evening of the last day of July, the Colonel returned, heated
+from the effects of a long ride. A sharpshooter brought in a despatch.
+He opened it, and forthwith sent his adjutant off; then he asked me to
+have a good bottle of wine brought up, and to sit down beside him. He
+confided to me that his detachment was getting ready to march, that he
+would move off by daylight, and that he would leave but a few men
+behind to attend to the campfires. I became much moved on Bertha's
+account, and asked the Colonel whether he had any wishes which he
+desired to have attended to.
+
+"No," answered he, "my will is in the hands of Herr Offenheimer, the
+lawyer. But the time is come for me to speak to you, dear father, of
+myself. Perhaps we shall never be together again. I do not wish to
+leave the world and not be really understood by you."
+
+And so, leaning back in the large chair, he began in his peculiarly
+sonorous, firm voice: "I do not like to speak of myself. I have learned
+to move through life with closed lips. You are my father, and were my
+comrade in a bold and hazardous undertaking. I am your pupil, although
+you have shown great discretion in keeping everything from me which
+might interfere with the profession I was to follow. Without your
+knowing it, I developed at an early age. When crossing the prison yard
+as a boy, I often saw the brother of Bertha's mother leaning against
+the iron bars; The picture of this refined man, with his delicate
+features, his large eye, his white brow, and light beard, haunted me in
+my dreams. Do criminals look like that? I do not know whether my
+childish heart put that question, but I believe it did. I stood on the
+balcony as they carried his body away. I saw it placed on the wagon. At
+that moment a feeling awoke in me that there are other and higher
+objects in this world than princes, discipline, parole, epaulettes, and
+orders.
+
+"On that same day, I heard, for the first time, the words, _German
+unity_. It became a sort of secret watchword for me; of that I am sure.
+My father spoke of the noble enthusiast; the post-adjutant called him a
+demagogue. I looked the word up in my Greek dictionary.
+
+"I entered the military school. I learned about the Greek and Roman
+heroes; I heard of Socrates, and always pictured him to myself like the
+pale man behind the prison bars. I soon became reserved, and kept my
+thoughts to myself; outwardly I was obedient and punctilious. My father
+became commandant of the capital; as ensign, I was appointed as page to
+our Prince. I was present at the great festivities in honor of the sons
+of Louis Philippe, who were visiting our Court. I heard some one in the
+crowd say they were only princes of the revolution. I studied modern
+history in secret. The Opposition in our Parliament was also often
+discussed. I heard some names mentioned with derision and hate--yes,
+with scorn. These men were pointed out to me in the street. I did not
+understand how they could thus walk the streets, since they were in
+opposition to our Prince.
+
+"The year 1848 came. The men that had been named with scorn became
+ministers of state; they were entitled the saviours of the Fatherland.
+
+"On that 6th of August, on which we did homage to the regent Archduke
+John, I was as in a dream. The face of that man behind the prison bars
+accompanied me everywhere. That for which he suffered and died--had it
+not come? What are we soldiers? Are we nothing but the body-guard of
+the Prince? Against whom are we fighting?
+
+"Soldiering does not allow of much thinking. In the spring of 1849 we
+took the field. The first order I gave was directed against the
+revolutionary volunteers; the first man I killed looked wonderfully
+like him who had been behind the bars. I tried to forget all this, and
+succeeded. Then I met you and Bertha.
+
+"What has happened since, you know; what went on within me I will not
+bring to light.
+
+"For a long time I have lived quietly, and have worked industriously. I
+desired, above all things, to be a good soldier; to be well grounded in
+my profession.
+
+"I had asked for leave of absence to fight the Circassians; I wanted to
+see real war. Leave was not granted me, but I was appointed as teacher
+in the school for non-commissioned officers. I studied many things
+there, and worked earnestly with my friend, Professor Rolunt.
+
+"In 1859 I felt our alienation most bitterly. We were not allowed to
+join in the Schiller festival. What would our civilization be without
+our poets? Whole dynasties of princes can be wiped away, and no one
+misses them; but just think of Schiller's name and works being
+obliterated! And why should we soldiers not join in the festivities?
+Has he not elevated our Fatherland and all of us? But he who would have
+dared to give utterance to such thoughts at that time would have been
+cashiered.
+
+"In the year 1866, I had the good fortune to fight against a foreign
+foe in Schleswig-Holstein, and while at the front was promoted to a
+captaincy. I had a major who was, now that I consider it, merely
+stupid, and who was, therefore, of most revolting military orthodoxy.
+Had he not been of noble birth, he would scarcely have been made a
+woodcutter. As it was, he barely managed to get himself advanced in
+grade. As long as I was a lieutenant, it was easier to bear; but when I
+was made a company commander, I was inwardly rebellious and had to
+remain silent. Yes, you political gentlemen complain of tyranny, but we
+suffer far more from it than you do. Discipline is necessary, but to
+bear with such blockheads who disgrace you, and can do nothing but
+curse and swear--and this fellow did not even understand his duties--is
+harder than you think.
+
+"The year 1866 came. No one, not even you, could see what was going on
+within me. My misery began. What are we? Were we to have a different
+commander every day? We were--now I can utter the word--praetorians,
+nothing else; and Prussia is quite right in altering our military
+system. We must know who our chief is. Up to now, we merely fought as
+soldiers, and dared not ask what the end would be. Everything was
+discipline; we partook of the Lord's Supper on account of discipline,
+and as an example for the troops.
+
+"When Annette's husband fell, I thought him lucky; I had a wife and
+child, and yet wished for death. That fratricidal war was fortunately
+soon over. I can see now that it was necessary for our preparation. My
+feelings always revolted at the recollection of it, but now events are
+at hand which will remove those memories. I shuddered when I learned
+that monuments were being raised to those who had fallen in 1866. Now I
+can see that they have died twice over for their Fatherland; they had
+already sacrificed their hearts while living. Our profession is now at
+last in entire sympathy with the nation's wishes, and it is revolting
+that those who call themselves 'liberals' refuse to acknowledge the
+'casus belli.'"
+
+"Is the Prince aware of the patriotic ideas which you have kept to
+yourself for so long a time?" I asked as the Colonel paused.
+
+"No! at least I do not think so! He merely knows that I sometimes write
+for our Military Journal, and that I am a good soldier. I never dreamt
+that I would be appointed Minister of War. And on that night I knew
+that we were simply to act as a reserve, and to be a sort of target for
+the enemy's bullets. You must surely have been of the same opinion."
+
+I could not boast of having been so wise.
+
+But the time had not come to think of the past. The Colonel gave me a
+copy of his will, which I was to deposit with the recorder. He did this
+calmly, without showing the slightest emotion. A few hours later we
+went to bed.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III.
+
+
+The _reveille_ was sounded. The soldiers marched off, and nearly the
+whole town, young and old, followed them on their way. When I saw these
+merry men, and thought in how short a time so many of them would lie
+down in death, I became oppressed with the thought that I had raised my
+voice for war. But this feeling soon passed away. We are acting in
+self-defence, and this will bring about a happy ending, for we shall no
+longer have to live in dread of the insolence and presumption of our
+neighbors.
+
+The soldiers sang as they marched along, and up by the newspaper-tree
+sat Carl's mother, looking at them passing by. Marie stood at her side,
+but the old woman motioned her away, and when I asked her to return
+home with us, she said:
+
+"I have seen the thousands and thousands of mothers, who bore them all
+in pain, and have cared for and raised them, floating in the air over
+their heads. O my Carl! Have you heard nothing of him yet?"
+
+We found it difficult to get her back to the village. Marie walked
+along at her side, and said:
+
+"Do you know what I should like to be?"
+
+"What?"
+
+"Do you hear the hawk that is circling in the air over the hill-top?
+Alas, you cannot hear him, but you can see him. Like him, I should wish
+to fly, and I would fly to Charles and back again, and tell you
+everything."
+
+The village and the country round about had been in an uproar; but now
+that the troops had left, everything was wonderfully quiet. Rothfuss
+was right; for if we had not seen the occasional remains of a
+camp-fire, we would not have known that the soldiers had been there.
+The old meadow farmer, who had been pensioned off by his son, and whom
+the departure of the troops had aroused, sat at his door, and seemed to
+enjoy watching the little pigs that were disporting themselves in the
+gutter.
+
+A little coach stood before him, in which lay a child that he had to
+feed with milk; for his son wanted to get all he could from his father.
+He thought of nothing but the increase of his property, and acted
+meanly towards his father. He made him presents of the cheapest kind of
+tobacco, so that he should not buy an expensive sort; but the old man
+saw through the trick, and gave the tobacco money away, so that his son
+should not inherit it.
+
+I gladly avoided all intercourse with these people.
+
+As I approached the house, the old man beckoned to me to come to him,
+and, like a child, told me of his latest pleasure.
+
+"I kept them locked up in my room as long as the soldiers were here.
+Soldiers have a great liking for such tender morsels. I used to be so
+myself."
+
+I knew, of course, that he was talking about his pigs, and he added as
+a sort of consolation:
+
+"Yes, yes, Mr. Ex-Burgomaster"--he gave me my title--"yes, yes, you are
+also retired at last, and squat by the stove. Yes, yes, we are old
+fellows and must stick at home, while the young ones are out yonder,
+fighting the enemy."
+
+The old man kept on steadily smoking his pipe, and talked of war times,
+and particularly of the Russian campaign, of which he was a survivor.
+But on this day I could not listen to him, and while walking home I
+began thinking, am I really fit for nothing but to observe from afar
+the great deeds that are now being wrought?
+
+Just as I was turning away from the old man, his son, the meadow
+farmer, came along with a large load of hay, and said in a mocking
+manner, "The French let us gather our hay; our houses will burn so much
+the better when they come to set them on fire." Then he added with
+malicious pleasure, "Your house is insured, but there is no insurance
+on your woods." Here he laughed aloud. When troubles are on us, a man's
+true nature shows itself.
+
+After telling me his fears, he repeated them more fully to Rothfuss.
+The latter shifted his pipe from one side of his mouth to the other,
+and asked, "What would you give not to suffer any damage?"
+
+"How? what do you mean?
+
+"They won't hurt my house; my father has the cross of St. Helena. And I
+have no cash. I can swear that I haven't a farthing in the house."
+
+He spoke the truth, for he had buried his money.
+
+"You need no money; it's something else. Do you know the story of the
+dragon of Rockesberg?"
+
+"What do you want? What do you mean?"
+
+"Why, to quiet the dragon, they had to sacrifice a maiden."
+
+"Those are old tales. Don't try to make a fool of me. If you want a
+fool, whittle one for yourself."
+
+"Stay! I know how you can buy yourself free. You needn't deliver your
+daughter Marie to the dragon. Will you promise to give her to Carl in
+case everything should turn out well?"
+
+"Ho! he'll never come back."
+
+"But in case he should?"
+
+"Well--do you think that will be of any use?"
+
+"Certainly. Such a promise will save you."
+
+"You ought to be ashamed of yourself for being so superstitious. You
+are a fool," said the meadow farmer, and went off.
+
+The exciting events of the last few days had so entirely exhausted me
+that I could not keep my eyes open in the day-time, if I sat down; and
+I was so tired. I still refused to believe that I was growing old. But
+I was strongly reminded of it, for I feared to die. Formerly, since I
+stood alone, I thought death an easy matter; now I wanted to live long
+enough to be laid in the soil of a united Fatherland.
+
+I was much refreshed by the arrival of Julius's wife. When I awoke from
+my afternoon nap and saw her standing before me, it seemed as if it
+were my wife in her youth. She had a most charming presence, and the
+resignation with which she bore her separation from husband and brother
+gave great impressiveness to her manner. Every movement of hers had a
+quiet grace. She lived in entire harmony with my daughter-in-law Conny;
+and these two children, who had now become mine, petted and caressed me
+with such kindness and consideration, and listened so attentively to
+all I said, that I could speak to them of things which I usually kept
+to myself. Martha was an adept in making remarkably beautiful bouquets
+out of grasses and wild flowers, and when I entered the room in the
+morning, I always found a fresh nosegay on the table. She was such a
+pleasant table companion that the dishes tasted twice as good, and I
+soon regained my strength.
+
+Marie often came to visit me. Martha felt very kindly towards the girl;
+besides, there was a bond of union between them, for each had her
+greatest treasure in the field.
+
+Marie had hitherto confided in no one in the village; for it would be
+contrary to the peasant's standard of honor to tell any one how she
+loved, and what her father made her suffer. Her grandfather
+strengthened her in her love, and when I said that the old fellow did
+it merely to hurt his son's feelings, Martha declared I was wronging
+him.
+
+Martha, like my wife, embellished what she looked upon. The light of
+her eyes made all things radiant with light, and as a happy young wife
+she was particularly inclined to favor and give consolation in an
+unhappy love affair. Forgetting all her own troubles, she gave me a
+lively account of the patience and energy with which Marie worked,
+while her father would go about the house, scolding and cursing,
+because he now was forced to do things which his servants had formerly
+attended to. Yesterday, while she was engaged in stacking some green
+clover, the father called out in the direction of the shed behind the
+cattle-rack. "To whom are you talking there?"
+
+"To him."
+
+"To whom?"
+
+Marie shoved the clover aside, and said, "Father, look at me! Can you
+not see that it is written here that Carl loves me? There is not a spot
+in my face that he has not kissed. See here, father, look at this
+half-ducat. We chopped one in two; Charles has the other half. There!"
+
+Then she piled the clover up again so that her father should not see
+her. He kept on cursing and swearing. She was glad, however, that she
+had spoken out at last. Still, Marie was greatly embarrassed. The
+little circle in which she moved was her world, and she could not bear
+being talked about by the world, for preferring the son of the poorest
+cottager to the son of the rich miller.
+
+On the other hand, she took great pleasure in hearing Carl discussed.
+He had always said, "I don't like it that Marie is so rich. I don't
+need much. If I have enough to eat and drink and my clothes, I am
+satisfied; and if I have any children, they shall be like me in this
+respect. I do not care to be like the great farmers, and have money in
+the funds. I do not find that they are happier, more jovial, and
+healthier than their servants."
+
+The schoolmaster also spoke of Carl: "He was my best pupil, and learnt
+the most; and when, as a soldier, he received his first furlough, he
+came to visit me first of all. He waited before the door until the
+school was dismissed, when he accompanied me home and thanked me. Yes,
+he will succeed in life."
+
+In short, Carl has the qualities which we wish the people to possess:
+he is bright, clever, and active; is not dissatisfied with his lot, and
+is modest and frugal.
+
+Martha did not merely place the flowers from the meadow before me, she
+also brought blossoms from the kind hearts of our villagers; for, as
+beautiful flowers grow among nettles, so can genuine feeling be found
+coupled with rudeness. We had to return to our quiet life, for, in
+spite of our heavy thoughts which were far away, the present demanded
+our attention.
+
+In irrigating our meadows, we were frequently forced to protect
+ourselves against the tricks of the meadow farmer. The traps are set in
+the evening, and at night or early in the morning they are drawn up;
+for the meadows need cool water, that which the sun has warmed being
+injurious.
+
+As the meadow farmer did not sleep well, he used to go out to the ditch
+and turn our water into his meadows.
+
+Rothfuss found this out, and I caught the meadow farmer stealing the
+water. He feared the French, and yet he tried to rob his neighbors.
+
+Martha, when she heard of this, thought that his love for his meadows
+might excuse this wickedness; but my daughter-in-law reproved her with
+a severity which I had never observed before. She looked upon such
+trespassing as being a most serious matter; for the growth of all that
+belongs to us out of doors depends on public confidence.
+
+Alas! how we cared for such little matters, while such great affairs
+were being settled yonder. The French might come upon us at any moment.
+But it is always thus. You stoop to pick a strawberry, and do not
+notice the mountain range. Why, as I was walking through the woods I
+was delighted at the prospect of a good crop of huckleberries. This is
+of importance to the poor people; for the productions which those who
+are better off do not care to cultivate, furnish food for the poor.
+
+On the evening of the 1st of August, I was again on top of the
+Hochspitz Mountain, where Wolfgang had been with me the last time. The
+whole valley of the Rhine was bathed in the glow of the setting sun,
+which filled the air like a golden stream, and beyond lay the blue
+Vosges Mountains.
+
+What is going on there? Will the French soon be here, killing and
+burning as they go?
+
+To protect the pine-tree seeds against the birds, Wolfgang had placed
+brushwood over the spot on which he had sowed them. This had already
+become dry, and the leaves, therefore, covered the ground from which
+the young plants were starting.
+
+On my way home I could hear the murmur of the brook below; and
+everything was so still, that I could even hear the noise made by the
+fountain in front of my house. Sometimes the shrill sound of the
+saw-mill would be carried up to me by the breeze. The grain-fields were
+in bloom; a nourishing haze lay upon them; the forest-trees were
+silently growing; the sun shone so clear by day; the moon was so bright
+by night. We seemed to be separated from that world in which a dreadful
+slaughter was just beginning.
+
+The next morning I looked from out my quiet home, into the far
+distance. It had rained during the night. Everything was cooled off,
+the sun shone brightly, and the air from the fields was most
+refreshing. We had brought in our hay the day before, and the
+thunder-storm during the night had nourished the meadows. It seemed as
+if the myriads of refreshed plants joyfully gave token of new vigor. I
+said to myself: Thus may it be with our country and our people;
+perhaps, while you slept, a dreadful storm--and, let us hope, a
+beneficent one--may have passed over us.
+
+Just then Joseph brought the news: "Fighting has begun. We have been
+beaten at Saarbruecken."
+
+"None of our people are there: only Prussians are there," cried
+Rothfuss.
+
+Joseph saw how angry these words made me, and, to turn away my wrath,
+he begun to tell about Funk, who was down in the tavern boasting of his
+knowledge of French, and saying that he would get along with the
+Frenchmen. He also had several little books for sale, from which the
+ordinary French phrases could be learnt.
+
+Funk went about in jack-boots, carrying on a heavy business in grain,
+butter, and bacon with the army. Schweitzer-Schmalz had advanced him
+money for the purpose. He boasted of his generosity in putting the poor
+fellow on his feet, but at the same time had wisely bargained for the
+lion's share of the profits.
+
+An hour afterwards, the wife of the councillor sent word that the news
+of our defeat was false.
+
+That afternoon a message came from Hartriegel, informing us that, from
+the top of a hill in his neighborhood, a great movement of the opposing
+armies could be seen. I hurried up there with Joseph, Martha, and
+Conny. The engineer, who had been engaged at a neighboring stone-quarry
+while the troops had been stationed about us, reappeared and
+accompanied us.
+
+We stood on the top of the tower of the ruined castle and gazed over
+into Alsace, where we could see the movements of the battle.
+
+It was going on near Weissenburg, the region which was so familiar to
+me. Looking on thus from a distance, with fear and trembling as we saw
+the sudden flashes, the clouds of smoke, the burning villages, and
+hearing, occasionally, the sound of the guns which the echo from the
+hills brought us--all this oppressed me so much that Martha persuaded
+me to take some wine. It went hard with me to do so, for I first had to
+drown the thought of the many men yonder who might be restored to life
+if we could but wet their lips.
+
+Martha prayed; I could only think of the new epoch that was just
+beginning. Happiness and victory must be the share of those who desire
+their own good and that of others. One great step was already gained,
+for the war had been carried into the enemy's country.
+
+We did not return before nightfall. Joseph drove to town to bring the
+latest news. The morrow came, so calm and clear. What has been the
+result?
+
+At noon a shot was fired down at the saw-mill; this was the signal that
+Joseph was to give in case we had triumphed. He came and brought the
+news of the glorious victory at Woerth.
+
+"We have beaten the French on their own ground," he cried; "it _was_
+their own ground, but it must be ours again. Our boys were there," he
+added, after a pause. "Father! sisters! let us be prepared for
+everything."
+
+Our resolve was a timely one.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+Martha, who had hitherto shown such self-possession, was now seized
+with the greatest anxiety. She changed color constantly. She tried in
+vain to control her feelings, but at last her anxiety as well as mine
+became so great that we drove to the city. The crops were being already
+gathered from such fields as lay facing the south; nearly all the
+reapers were women.
+
+While driving up the hill towards the court-house, I saw Edward Levi,
+the iron merchant, turn about suddenly as he caught sight of us and go
+towards his house. That was not the way he usually received us; so at
+once I feared that there was some bad news awaiting us, and that he did
+not wish to be the first one to tell it to us.
+
+We halted before the court-house, but no one came to the windows; no
+one came to meet us. We went upstairs into the hall. The councillor's
+wife stood by the round table in the centre. She kept her hand on the
+table for a moment; then advancing towards Martha, and taking her hand,
+she said, "I awaited you here; I did not wish to cause you any emotion
+on the stairs, much less in the street. Your brother--dear Martha--your
+brother--died--an heroic death."
+
+She said this with a firm voice; but when she had finished, she sobbed
+aloud and embraced Martha. The latter sank down beside her. We raised
+her; her faintness was of short duration, and her mother whispered,
+"Don't be alarmed! the shock will not harm her."
+
+"My brother!" cried Martha, "I shall never see you more; never call you
+brother again. Pardon me, mother, I distress you instead of helping
+you. Where is father?"
+
+"He is gone to the battle-field with Baron Arven. He has telegraphed
+that he is bringing the body with him. Ludwig, Wolfgang, and that
+sturdy Ikwarte are of the greatest assistance to him."
+
+"Where is my sister?"
+
+"She is at work in the town-hall. That is the best, the only thing to
+do--to care for others while you are bowed down with grief. As soon as
+you are restored, we will go to work together. Only do not idly mourn
+now! I have had your brother's room put in order; we will take charge
+of some wounded man and nurse him."
+
+Martha looked wonderingly at her mother. How was such self-control
+possible! That is the blessing which long and careful culture brings,
+while it, at the same time, strengthens the moral sense. Her mother was
+dressed with care; she looked as she did in more peaceful days, and
+displayed no emotion, deeply as her heart was torn by the loss of her
+dearly beloved son. She told me that a messenger had come after
+bandages and to get help for the battle-field, and that her husband had
+sent word by him that the young lieutenant had been the first officer
+that had fallen. He had not been rash, but had moved forward at the
+head of his men with steadfast courage, had broken the ranks of the
+enemy, and, while crying, "The day is ours! the day is ours!" he had
+fallen with a bullet in his heart.
+
+Martha was now restored, and a half hour after our arrival we were on
+our way to the town-hall. Her sister, who was engaged in cutting out
+garments, came towards us, gave Martha her hand, and repressed the
+rising tears. She spoke softly to Martha: she evidently begged her not
+to give vent to her grief before those who were present. Martha
+accompanied her quietly to the table, and helped to spread out the
+linen.
+
+The daughter of Councillor Reckingen, who was just budding into
+womanhood, and who had hitherto been a stubborn, proud girl, lording it
+over every one, sat among the workers and was in entire harmony with
+them, while her father had cast aside his grief and joined his comrades
+in the field. She was placed specially in Christiane's charge.
+
+The children, who were making lint in the basement, were singing the
+song of "The Good Comrade"--in the hall upstairs everything was still.
+Orders were given quietly, and the women and maidens passed silently to
+and fro. It seemed as if some one was lying dead in the adjoining room;
+but, above all this affliction and sorrow, there was a spirit which had
+never before shown itself among those present. All class distinctions
+had ceased, for all were united in their sympathy for their fellow-men.
+
+Why does this spirit of friendship, this unanimity, appear only in
+times of trouble and sorrow; why not in every-day life?
+
+I felt sure that this union of hearts would remain with us and beautify
+our lives, and this thought was strengthened by the remark of the lady
+at whose side I sat, who said, "You see,--this activity is the
+salvation of many, as you can perceive in your grand-daughter
+Christiane. She is untiring, and the dissatisfied air her face used to
+wear is gone. We are now all united. It will not last; but hereafter
+the thought that there once was a time when the children of the poorer
+and of the upper classes did not ask 'Who are you, after all?' will
+greatly benefit us."
+
+I stayed in the city. The next evening, just as it was growing dark,
+the councillor arrived with his son's body. The whole town, young and
+old, was collected at the railway station. The children carried wreaths
+and flowers, the bells were ringing, and thus was the body taken from
+the station to the churchyard. After a hymn was sung, the clergyman
+delivered his address. What could he say? He explained in few words
+that this was not an ordinary funeral, but that we were now parts of
+one great whole, even in death.
+
+The father, mother, and sisters cast the first clods of earth on the
+young hero's coffin; the grave was then filled in and covered with
+flowers.
+
+We had buried the first one who had died for the union and independence
+of our Fatherland. I was staying with the family which had thus lost
+its only son. They sat at home in silence; indeed, what could be said?
+
+The parson had added a text from the Bible, and had made some earnest
+remarks thereon; yet I thought, and am sure that these stricken ones
+thought as I did, that all political feeling is foreign to that holy
+book. Patient endurance here, and the hope of better things beyond,
+suit a nation that is kept in subjection, but not one that is gladly
+battling and sacrificing itself for its existence. What an entirely
+different comprehension the Greeks had of exertion carried to its
+utmost limit. I remembered how, while in prison, the speech of
+Pericles, delivered at the funeral rites in Athens, had illumined and
+elevated my soul; and I could almost see the words, for they seemed to
+have been hewn out of stone, like a finely chiselled piece of
+sculpture. I found the book in the house, and read the address to the
+parents and children. I had to stop frequently, for sometimes the
+father and sometimes the mother would exclaim: "That is intended for
+us, for to-day."
+
+"No enemy has ever seen our entire forces," says Pericles, and so say
+we.
+
+"Bold, daring, and calm consideration of what we undertake, are united
+in us. He among us who does not concern himself about matters of state,
+is not regarded as a peaceable, but as a useless, man." Pericles shows
+that he possesses the true religion when he cries: "You must constantly
+keep before your eyes the powers of the state, and must love them. Seek
+for happiness in liberty, and for liberty in your own courage."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER V.
+
+
+"A Prussian doesn't let go his grip from anything he holds," said
+Ikwarte to the councillor, when the latter called to him not to let a
+badly wounded man, who was being carefully carried by, drop. This was,
+in a certain sense, a motto for us all.
+
+Prussia has the Frenchman in her grip, and will not let him go; and our
+troops have gone bravely on. The blood of the South and North German
+has been shed together. Grief for the individual was assuaged by the
+thought of the result which would be achieved.
+
+The union of the German people is now indissoluble.
+
+The councillor returned to the army.
+
+I was greatly grieved that I could not also lend a hand, and that I was
+forced to return home, there to watch and wait. But the councillor
+assured me, and I dare say he was right, that I would be unable to
+stand the sights of the battle-field. On the first day, he himself,
+even before he knew of his son's fate, had become so crushed and dazed
+that he could hardly keep his feet. Now he no longer thought of the
+misery itself, but solely of the means of remedying it.
+
+Rontheim related, to our momentary amusement, how the vicar had lost
+the trunk containing his robes of office, and how he therefore had to
+perform his duties without his distinctive dress: a circumstance which
+worked no harm, as he was of great service at any rate. Martha took a
+quantity of goods along, which she wanted either to finish up at home,
+or to use as a means of instructing the children of our village. We
+drove home. It seemed like a dream to me that the saw-mill was running,
+that wagons loaded with wood met us, and that people were at work in
+the fields. Everything goes its gait, and yonder rages the battle.
+
+At the newspaper-tree we met Carl's mother and Marie, and she
+called out to me, "Do you see the flock of hungry crows! They are
+flying beyond the Rhine, to where the boys who used to sing are lying
+dead--and each of them had a mother."
+
+"Your Carl has written that he is safe and sound."
+
+"Yes, yes, until to-morrow. Come! We'll go home."
+
+The two boundary posts were united by means of a black, red, and gold
+flag, which had been wound around them. Joseph, whom we met there, had
+done it. He was greatly shocked at the sight of Martha in mourning,
+although he had already heard that her brother had fallen; but all life
+was now so uncertain, that he feared she might also be mourning for
+Julius. She gave him a letter which her father had brought from Julius.
+It was full of sadness, but at the same time he wrote with pride of his
+dead brother-in-law, and expressed himself as being convinced that he
+would return from the war uninjured.
+
+The days passed by quietly. The school-master reported that the
+children had become so inattentive that he did not know what to do, for
+they would not study their lessons, and talked of nothing but the war.
+He determined to let the children read the newspapers aloud, and copy
+the reports from the seat of war.
+
+The game-keeper who reported to Joseph told us that fewer crimes were
+being committed than usual, although the taverns were constantly full.
+There was a good deal of trespassing on the woods; but that was none of
+his business.
+
+Short and precise letters came from Carl, and he never forgot to
+mention that he had enough to eat and drink, for he knew that such news
+would gladden his mother's heart.
+
+Martha reported that Marie and Carl's mother had stopped going to the
+newspaper-tree. Marie had learned, to her astonishment, that you could
+buy your own newspapers, and so she procured one daily. Living in
+constant dread of her father, she subscribed for it in the name of the
+schoolmaster, and receiving it every evening, she undertook the
+troublesome task of reading it aloud to the old woman at night. The
+worst part of it was that the latter insisted on having the lists of
+the dead and wounded read to her. She did not know what she should do
+in case the awful news were to come.
+
+I live among peasants, and see a great deal of rudeness, as well as
+good feeling; but the greatest affection I ever saw lay in the conduct
+of Marie towards Carl's mother.
+
+The wagons of our district were ordered to Alsace, and my wagon and
+team of bays had to go along. I wanted to employ one of the workmen
+engaged in regulating the course of the river to drive them, but
+Rothfuss insisted on taking charge of the team himself, so I had to let
+him go. He was in great spirits, and declared that he would return with
+the wagon wreathed in flowers, and that Martella and Ernst would sit in
+it.
+
+Our house became still more quiet now, and when our horses were gone,
+we felt as if we were cut off from the world.
+
+The nights were so calm and peaceful, the moon shone so clear; no leaf
+stirred, and even the brook ran dreamily along. And yet, at this time,
+there were thousands attempting to kill each other.
+
+Martha was often busy looking at the pages of an album through a
+magnifying glass. This book contained a collection of mosses and ferns,
+which Julius had arranged for her. Underneath each specimen was noted
+the place from which it came and when it had been gathered; and there
+were always added the words "for Martha."
+
+We were in almost daily receipt of postal cards from Julius, and with
+the same minuteness which he had shown in the album, he gave us the
+day, hour, and place of writing. Sometimes a sealed letter from him
+would also reach us. Martha let me read them, and only once did she
+blushingly cover a postscript with her hand. Conny called my attention
+to Martha; what a touching and hallowed vision she seemed to be, and
+how humbly and modestly she bore her life's great secret!
+
+While I was examining the mosses, Martha told me, with radiant face and
+sparkling eyes, how she had become acquainted with Julius. She had
+danced with him at a country ball, but they had seen no more of each
+other.
+
+On the next morning, as she and her sister were walking in the
+"Rockenthal" and were passing through the shrubbery, they suddenly came
+to a large pine-tree under which a hunter was sleeping. His dog sat at
+his side, and they motioned to him to remain quiet, while they both
+stood there examining the man's youthful, browned features and white
+brow. Martha summoned up her courage, seized his hat and took out the
+feathers, replacing them with a bunch of freshly gathered flowers.
+After this bold deed, the sisters fled to the shrubbery; but the dog
+barked, and the hunter awoke. He stared about him, seized his gun and
+hat, apparently puzzled to find the alteration that had been made, and
+uttered an energetic oath. He just caught sight of the two sisters in
+their light-blue summer dresses, as they disappeared in the shrubbery.
+He called after them, and they ran, until Martha stumbled over the root
+of a tree and fell. "Your voice is too good to swear with," said the
+sister who had remained standing, and then the young hunter pulled off
+his hat, and looked confused. Recovering himself immediately, he said,
+"It was not you, but your sister, who played the robber. She has the
+feathers yet. I--I thank you for the exchange." Then, as Martha handed
+him the feathers, and as he held his hat out towards her, he succeeded
+in touching her hand with his lips. He escorted the two girls through
+the woods, and starting with the joke of having caught them
+trespassing, they ended by having a merry talk. He soon begged Martha
+to sing, for he said that he could see that she, like him, was in the
+humor of singing. So these two began to sing their favorite songs,
+which, strangely enough, were the same; and when they reached the road,
+both of the sisters stretched out their hands to Julius. He held
+Martha's hand in his the longest, and from that moment their fate was
+fixed, and became more blissful every day.
+
+He arranged the album while they were engaged. It was filled with the
+fondest memories, and even I learned much from it that was new to me.
+Each tree showed me new forms of existence, and in a little while I was
+able to forget, while contemplating these minute products of nature,
+the great commotion that was raging so near us. A bird is perched on
+the telegraph wire, while beneath it the most stirring news is passing
+silently and invisibly. I often regarded the wires that were stretched
+in front of my woods. Who knows the news that is flashing through them?
+We were soon to hear it.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+
+"It thunders, booms, tumbles, and crashes; the mountains are falling,
+the world is coming to an end!"--thus did Carl's mother cry out in the
+village street. She refused to be comforted, and when she saw Martha in
+mourning, she began to shriek out: "Black! black! We shall all be
+charred to death!"
+
+We succeeded at last in calming her, and then led her home, while round
+about us a noise like thunder seemed to come from the hills; although
+not a cloud was visible in the sky.
+
+We knew that Strasburg was being bombarded. The fact was, that the
+sound of the cannonade struck against the rock behind the spinner's
+cottage, and rolled thence along the little valleys between the hills.
+
+This lone woman, who could scarcely hear a man's voice, could
+distinctly perceive the roar of the artillery which shook her cottage.
+
+"My boy is there, my good, my brave son," she cried, when she was told
+that Strasburg was being bombarded. Then she broke out into a sort of
+chant: "In Strasburg is the minster; I was in service for five years in
+the Blauwolken Street; in Strasburg, in Strasburg, in Strasburg,"--it
+sounded like a doleful song. We wanted to induce her to come to us;
+even Marie wanted to take charge of her; but she caught hold of her
+table, crying, "No, no! I shall not go from here until I am carried
+out."
+
+That evening Joseph came for me, saying, that from the top of the
+stone-wall, the shells could be seen flying through the air. We
+accompanied him to the spot, and could see the shells rising, then
+falling and disappearing in little clouds of smoke. The stone-cutter,
+who had seen service as a soldier, pointed out to us the shells that
+exploded harmlessly in the air, and those which spread destruction as
+they burst.
+
+How is it with the people over there on whom this rain of fire is
+falling? What are they doing at home? What do they say, and think, and
+what consolation and support do they bring each other? I imagined
+myself among them, living with them. And my niece was there, too. She
+had thought to find protection there, and now she was in the greatest
+danger. And how must my sister, yonder in the forest of Hagenau, be
+wringing her hands at these sounds and sights! And we are sending death
+and destruction among those to whom we want to cry, "Come to us, stay
+with us." The language the cannon speak is a dreadful one.
+
+We had to return home at last. I was so confused and shocked, that
+Joseph had to lead me. I could hear the guns as I lay in bed; but after
+a while sleep comes to you in spite of noise and sorrow.
+
+Marie told me the next morning that the spinner had counted the shots
+by the hour during the night. When she had reached one hundred, beyond
+which she could not count, she buried her head in the pillow, crying,
+"I can count no further; I cannot; it is enough!" and had then fallen
+asleep. Marie asked our aid, for the spinner had said that, when
+daylight came, she would stand it no longer; she would go to her son.
+
+However, when the next day came she had forgotten her intention. She
+sat in her room, spinning, and whenever she heard the sound of a gun,
+would merely open her mouth, but say nothing. Not a word passed her
+lips for days.
+
+Joseph wanted to visit the besiegers, but I asked him to remain with
+us, as I wanted to have one of my men about the house.
+
+Every evening the young folks from the village would climb to
+the top of the hill behind the little stone wall, and, with the
+light-heartedness of youth, would enjoy themselves in spite of the
+destruction that was going on before their very eyes.
+
+My sister and her daughter surprised us. The former had visited the
+camp; had luckily found Julius, and through him had obtained permission
+for her daughter to leave the fortress. She had left all her property
+at the mercy of the shells and of the plundering soldiers; for the
+opinion of the citizens was, that the German soldiers would sack the
+city. As Germans, they had been regarded with aversion by their
+neighbors and acquaintances. She left us soon again, so as to be with
+her husband; but her daughter, who was greatly overcome, remained with
+us.
+
+Martha and Conny nursed the young wife carefully; and Martha spoke
+French to her, so as to please her.
+
+A large detachment of captured and wounded French and Algerians came
+through our valley. The people from all the villages flocked to the
+high-road to see them pass. I feared that the people would show their
+irritation, and jeer these unfortunates: but, as if by a tacit
+agreement, every one kept aloof, and only words of sympathy were heard.
+It was only when the fantastic, and sometimes terrible-looking Africans
+appeared, that the dismay of the people showed itself, as they called
+out, "There they are, the men that were going to burn our towns and
+forests, the cannibals!"
+
+Rothfuss, with my team of bays, was also in the procession. He halted a
+moment at the saw-mill near the bridge, and gave a merry account of the
+kind of load he was carrying. It consisted of wounded Turcos, and he
+laid great stress on the fact that the French would have nothing in
+common with these wicked apes. He had to keep on his way.
+
+Great excitement was caused in the village when it was reported that
+Carl had returned. We all accompanied his mother and Marie down the
+valley, where he had halted with a squad of prisoners. Marie embraced
+him before us all, and the prisoners smiled, and imitated the sound of
+their smacking lips.
+
+Carl had much to tell me, and could not find words to say all he wanted
+to, particularly in praise of the Pomeranian lancers. He said they were
+the right sort of fellows--as quiet and strong as the pine-trees; and
+it was strange to see, when they first saw the Rhine, about which so
+much had been sung and said, how, in their enthusiasm, they wanted to
+ride directly into the stream.
+
+His mother and sweetheart accompanied him for some distance on the
+road, and when they turned to come back the old woman said, "Now I am
+satisfied; now no one shall hear me complain; I am sure that nothing
+will happen to him in this war."
+
+We harvested our crops; we placed the green bough on the top of the new
+mill down in the valley; we began to cut wood in the forest; yet still
+the thunder of the bombardment of Strasburg continued.
+
+The old meadow farmer lay at home very ill, and often said, "I shall be
+buried like a soldier; they will fire over my grave."
+
+We buried the old fellow on the morning of September 2d. He had given
+orders that his St. Helena medal should be buried with him; but his son
+did not see fit to let this be done. He looked upon this so-called mark
+of distinction as a means of preservation, in case the French should
+come after all.
+
+While we were standing at the open grave, Joseph came riding up the
+hill, his horse very much blown, and cried, "Napoleon is a prisoner!"
+We all hurried to the road where Joseph, still on horseback, read the
+extra aloud. It was the account of the capture of Napoleon at Sedan.
+
+What strange coincidences occur in life! We had just buried the last
+man in our village who wore on his breast the badge of the infamy of
+our alliance with Napoleon; and now we had his successor and heir a
+prisoner in our hands.
+
+As if by a preconcerted signal, the young people of the village struck
+up, "Die Wacht am Rhein."
+
+Without awaiting the parson's permission--very likely he wouldn't have
+given it--the church-bells were rung, and the German flag was thrown to
+the breeze from the top of the church spire. We returned home as if in
+a dream.
+
+When my niece, the Alsacienne, heard the news, she shook her head, and
+refused to be convinced of its truth.
+
+She had been always accustomed to hear the lying despatches of her
+countrymen.
+
+After the Sedan campaign, we all thought that the war was ended; but
+the French people, in their overweening confidence, still insisted on
+retaining the first place among nations, and resented the idea of their
+giving up the German provinces, of which in former days they had robbed
+us.
+
+The war went on without ceasing.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+We cannot be astonished anew every day at the phenomena of existence:
+how the sun rises, how the plants grow and bloom. We must accustom
+ourselves to the homely changes that are being wrought; to life and
+death among us, to love and hate, to union and discord.
+
+We ended by becoming accustomed to the fact that the war was raging,
+and as surely as the sun rose we expected news of another victory; for
+that we should ever be beaten seemed, to judge from what had happened,
+impossible.
+
+The daily question was, "Has Strasburg surrendered yet?"
+
+On the morning of the 29th of September, I attended the weekly market
+to sell my grain. It was the crop of 1870.
+
+Everything went on as usual; there was the same chaffering, bargaining,
+and cheating, and occasionally the war was discussed.
+
+Suddenly I heard a noise of shouting and rejoicing, and saw flags hung
+out of the windows. "Strasburg has fallen," was the cry.
+
+People called to each other, "Strasburg has fallen at last," as if some
+one who had been long lost had returned at last.
+
+Joseph brought the Alsacienne to town. We made up a store of food and
+clothing for her, and accompanied by Christiane, who had been
+despatched to the afflicted city by the Aid Society, she returned to
+Alsace. Every one went over to Strasburg, partly from curiosity, and
+partly out of pity. I refused to go.
+
+Then came letters from Alsace for Martha and me.
+
+I did not know the handwriting of the one for me. It turned out to be
+from Baron Arven. He wrote that he had had frequent conferences with
+those high in office on the importance of quieting the minds of the
+Alsatians, and of coming to an understanding with them. Unfortunately
+they had been forced to take sharp measures against those who were
+untractable and traitorous, and now they desired to take such measures
+as would stop any further sacrifices. There were other nurses required
+besides those who attended the wounded, and he believed I would suit
+his purpose.
+
+The following sentence in his letter pierced my heart like a dagger:
+"Your family ties make it your duty to aid the lost son to return to
+his father's house."
+
+How? Has Ernst been found, and is the preceding portion of the letter
+simply written to prepare me for the shock?
+
+I read on, and found I was mistaken. A troubled mind interprets
+everything in its interest. Arven simply meant that I should aid in the
+work of attaching Alsace to Germany; for he informed me that men of all
+classes, who were known to have friends and relatives in Alsace, had
+been requested to visit those sections of the country with which they
+were acquainted, there to work in the interest of union. Those who had
+been in opposition to the government were especially wanted, for the
+reason that their conduct would be regarded as being founded on a pure
+love for the Fatherland.
+
+He asked me to visit the villages in the forest of Hagenau, with which
+I was acquainted through my relations, and see what I could do towards
+furthering the good work.
+
+I had to laugh when he added: "Your presence and your white hair will
+do much, I think, to create confidence in you."
+
+The Baron was in the confidence of the government. It seemed,
+therefore, to be decided that we should take back the provinces of
+which we had been robbed. Yes, I am ready to do what I can. It is true,
+I doubted my capacity; but a love of the cause and encouraging
+hopefulness strengthened me. Arven's letter gave me courage. He had
+never praised me to my face, but he displayed the best feeling in his
+letter.
+
+"I am going to Alsace," said I to Martha.
+
+"Oh, that is splendid, and you can take me along."
+
+She showed me a letter from Julius, in which he asked her to visit him
+in Strasburg for a short time, until he should march off again.
+
+He wrote: "We will meet among saddening ruins, but we shall remain
+erect, and while we help rebuild the great fabric of the state, shall
+also strengthen our own life-fabric."
+
+We journeyed to Strasburg. Julius met us in Kehl. What a meeting
+between the young couple!
+
+"I have also seen Martella," Julius said. "I wanted her to enter a
+hospital as nurse, but she has retained her old dislikes, and refuses
+to have anything to do with the sick. She was engaged with a number of
+other women in distributing supplies, but I don't know whether she is
+near here now. I have been told that she has gone to Lorraine with
+another detachment of the supply commission. She parted from Lerz, the
+baker, after a few days. The Prince's letter of pardon has passed her
+everywhere, and she is now with Ikwarte and Wolfgang, who will protect
+her."
+
+I shall not speak of the effect the appearance of the bombarded city
+produced on me. I had been in Strasburg frequently, and knew many there
+who could not forget the ties which bound them to Germany. Forty years
+ago I was here with Buchmaier, and at that time this great broad fellow
+planted himself before the Cathedral, and called out, "I say, tumble
+down, or turn German."
+
+Now it stood there, a German monument. It had been, unfortunately,
+struck by our shot, but had been only slightly injured; and from far
+and near one could behold this edifice, every stone and ornament of
+which is German.
+
+Martha could look on nothing but the face of her Julius, and on one
+other thing--the iron cross on his breast. She asked why he had not
+written about having received it; and Julius confessed that he had not
+done so because a promise that was not yet binding, but which required
+him to arrive at some conclusion, was connected with it.
+
+He related that the commanding general, while fastening the cross on
+his breast, had said, "You intend remaining in the service?" to which
+he had not answered, but believed that he had nodded "yes," although he
+was not sure.
+
+And now he wanted to learn from Martha's lips whether he had nodded or
+shaken his head.
+
+Martha looked at me and said, "What do you say, grandfather?"
+
+I said, of course, that this could be decided on when the war was over,
+and that meanwhile Julius could consider himself a professional
+soldier. I thought him too tenderhearted for a soldier, for he had said
+to me, "Grandfather! the worst feature about war, is not the fighting,
+but the foraging. It is heart-rending to force people to deliver up
+everything, yet it must be done."
+
+The thought that Julius would remain a soldier was painful to me, for I
+had cherished the hope that, at some time or other, he would take
+charge of his patrimonial estate. I could not agree with Ludwig's
+American ideas, that all property should be personal. But what matters
+all that at present?
+
+I hunted up Baron Arven. Although he had written such hearty letters to
+me, I found that he had again become formal and brusque. I had to learn
+that in war times small matters can receive but little attention.
+
+The Baron directed a servant to accompany me to the provisional
+governor of the province. Although I had been sent for, I found myself
+treated as if I were a suitor. I had to accustom myself to the
+North-German manner, which regards every sacrifice you may bring as a
+mere matter of duty.
+
+The governor remembered that Arven had spoken of me. He begged me to
+take a look, for the present, at the part of the country with which I
+was acquainted, and then to report to him.
+
+This interview sobered me. Was this the frame of mind in which a part
+of our country was to be regained? I decided to visit my sister, and
+then to return home. That evening Arven changed my resolution.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+Arven lived in the hospital, and on my arrival there I was welcomed by
+a tall, fine-looking woman in a white cap and white apron. It was
+Annette, and I was not a little astonished to meet her there; but even
+she had no time to spare, for she said she had to return to her
+patients, and that Arven was waiting for me in his room.
+
+This was really the case. Arven gave me a hearty welcome, and said that
+he had given orders that he was not to be disturbed excepting in case
+something of great importance needed his attention, and that, for this
+evening, he would be a thorough egotist.
+
+When I told him how repellent the angularity and coldness of the
+Prussians had appeared to me, he said that this was just what he wanted
+to talk to me about.
+
+He had been exceedingly provoked at their cold-blooded manner. He had
+already determined to leave them; but after a while he had made up his
+mind that this sharpness, bitterness, and decision were the forces that
+made them the men they were. Obedience is with them a habit that can be
+depended on. We South Germans are too soft and easygoing, and we ought
+to breathe some of the salt-sea air that blows across that northern
+country. This want of attention towards others, this disregard of
+people's feelings, lay in the fact that they had no consideration for
+themselves. The French, who, whatever they do, want to be observed and
+applauded, will be beaten by these men, whose whole power rests in
+their self-respect. We used to think the Prussians were braggarts; but
+now we found no trace of boastfulness, and in spite of their constant
+victories, they took every precaution as they advanced, and were
+prepared for defeat. Yes, orders describing the manner of retreat were
+issued before every battle.
+
+He could not cease praising them, and only stopped when he added that
+he thought their self-esteem was a result of Protestantism. The Baron
+stopped when he had said this, and, after we had eaten and drunk to our
+hearts' content, he said that, although he was a Catholic, he would
+never confess to a priest again, but that he would confess to me; and
+in case he should not return from the war, he would have the
+satisfaction of feeling that his inner life had been laid before
+another, for an hour at least.
+
+He confessed to me that his desire had been to die in this campaign,
+and it was for this reason that he had exposed himself so recklessly
+when collecting the wounded. It seemed strange to him that people
+should praise his courage, while he was engaged in seeking death. He
+thought it would be the best thing for himself and his children, if the
+great sorrows that had come upon them, and which might come again,
+could be buried with him.
+
+He then groaned aloud, saying, "I do not want to die before their
+eyes."
+
+I saw before me a life that had been most cruelly broken. The Baron had
+once been in the Austrian army. He had never expected to find himself
+at the head of his family, for he belonged to the younger branch.
+
+In Bohemia he made the acquaintance of a girl belonging to a noble
+family, and was subdued by her.
+
+Feodora was tall and majestic, of a warm, sensual nature, but
+cold-hearted. Persuaded by his sister, he became engaged to her; but
+felt that he would have to stand alone in life, with her as his spouse.
+
+On the day after his engagement, he suddenly awoke to a horror of what
+he had done. He was visiting the large estate of her father. He walked
+through the park, wrestling with the resolve to drown himself in the
+pond; but he did not do so, because he considered it his duty to keep
+his plighted word; and besides, the hope arose in his breast that, at
+some future time, a closer sympathy would be brought about. Her beauty
+fettered him; in short, the marriage was celebrated, and he lived for
+thirty-one years married, but lonely. One by one, his hopes had all
+been shattered. He had persuaded himself that congeniality was not
+necessary to happiness.
+
+But after awhile he discovered what it was to be united to some one,
+and at the same time to be alone. The sudden death of the last of the
+main line of his family placed him at the head of the house. He
+resigned his position in the army, and devoted himself to agriculture.
+He had no control over his children--scarcely any influence in fact,
+but as his sons grew up, they espoused the cause of Germany, and would
+have nothing to do with the conflict which their mother and her ghostly
+advisers tried to stir up.
+
+In the campaign of 1866, the Baron suffered unspeakably. He was
+homeless in his own house. But when the present war began, and he
+discovered plots that he would never have suspected, the conflict broke
+out openly. The two sons joined the German army, and did not, or would
+not, know of what was going on at home. I dare not speak of the
+bitterness, hate, and despair that filled the soul of this naturally
+good-hearted man, and appeared in the course of his story. "I had to
+confess to you some time," said he finally, "and I chose the best time.
+
+"I believe that your wife intuitively knew everything that I have told
+you."
+
+The deep misery of his life seemed again renewed when he cried, "I do
+not wish to die before their eyes."
+
+He mentioned Rautenkron, and said that their cases were similar. Their
+devotion in the present great movement was not a joyful sacrifice, but
+indifference and contempt for life; they wanted to die.
+
+I was deeply pained, and also gratified, when he took my hand at last,
+saying that my wife and I had kept him up in the faith that happiness
+was yet to be found on earth. "And now I must make a further
+confession. It was a great sacrifice on my part, considering the
+comfort I enjoyed in your house, and the deep sympathy your wife showed
+me, to deny myself frequent, yea, daily visits, whenever I felt like a
+stranger in my house; and as one banished from home, I would ride
+across the hills, and down into the valley towards you and your wife;
+but when I had reached the saw-mill, I would turn back. It was better
+thus. I felt that your wife knew everything. Though I was a man who had
+sons in the army, I was again tossed hither and thither by youthful
+feelings; but I overcame them. I think I ought to tell you this too; it
+relieves me, and cannot oppress you. Of all men who were affected by
+her sterling qualities, there is no one who worshipped her more
+profoundly than I did," said the Baron finally, again taking my hand.
+
+We sat there in silence for some time, and I was made happy by the
+thought that her spirit was hovering over us, bringing us peace. The
+Baron then arose and said, "Now I have unburdened myself, and am free.
+I thank you for your share in this relief. And now, no more of this.
+Now duty calls."
+
+He again told me how much good I could accomplish, by going from
+village to village, and from house to house, in the region in which I
+had long been known, there to teach the Alsatians what they ought to
+learn.
+
+"You may depend on one thing," said he: "you will have bitter
+experiences. You will be looked upon as a spy. But do you remember what
+your wife once called you?"
+
+I did not know what he meant.
+
+"She called you the spy of what was good, because you always discover
+the good qualities in every one. Well, be one again."
+
+I made up my mind to cope willingly with everything, and went to my
+sister's the next day.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+We of the mountains had heard the cannonading; but how differently had
+it affected those of the neighborhood, whose homes and whose all were
+at stake. We could see the destruction that had been wrought on the
+houses, but not that which had wasted the nerves of the people.
+Wherever I went, I found every one feeling restless and homeless, like
+the swallows that flew about, settling here and there; but only for a
+moment, for their nests had been destroyed, along with the houses and
+towers and fortifications.
+
+Every one I met had a puzzled look: the alarm and fear caused by the
+incredible disasters that had overwhelmed them, had dazed them, and
+they seemed hurt by friendly greetings--yes, even by offers of
+assistance.
+
+My brother-in-law, the forester, a man who ordinarily bore himself
+well, seemed entirely broken down. He stared at me in silence as I
+entered his house, and scarcely answered my greeting with a slight nod.
+
+My sister told me that, since the siege of Strasburg, he had suffered
+from asthma, and that he constantly repeated, "General Werder's shots
+have taken my breath away."
+
+On looking at the pictures hanging on the wall, I could see plainly
+what these people would have to thrust aside. The pictures on the
+walls, as well as those that dwelt in their memory, were to be changed.
+In our every-day life, we soon forget what the ornaments on the wall
+are like. But if they are not in accord with the times, then we find
+out what was once ours, but has now ceased to belong to us. On my
+hinting that Germany would adopt the regained provinces with increased
+affection, my brother-in-law sprang up, rolling his eyes and striking
+the table with his fist, and swore that he would emigrate. My sister
+then said that an oath at such a time was worthless; but he answered in
+bitter scorn--he could speak nothing but French--"And if no one will
+accompany me--I cannot force the trees in the forest to go along--my
+dog, at least, will be my companion. What do you say, Fidele--you'll go
+with me? You won't take bread from a German; you will rather starve
+with me?" The dog barked and licked his master's hand.
+
+I could see what a difficult task I had before me, but I did not give
+it up. In the village, in the houses, and before the court-house,
+wherever the people were gathered together, I spoke words of peace and
+encouragement to them. They would listen to me as if they were forced
+to do so; and once I heard a man behind me say, "The whole thing is a
+lie, white hairs and all; he is some young fellow in disguise." I
+seldom received a straightforward answer; the nearest approach to a
+reply was, "What are we to do?" "What are we to learn." The feeling at
+the bottom of all this was,--to-morrow the French will be back, and
+drive the Germans away. It is impossible to conquer the French.
+
+I then visited my brother-in-law, the parson, who lived a few miles
+further on. He spoke of nothing but the excellent behavior of the
+soldiers that had been quartered on them. They went to church on
+Sundays and joined in the singing; and officers of high rank had
+been there, too. He seemed nervous, and did not dare to express his
+joy--either because he feared the maid-servant who was going in and
+out, or else because he disliked to lay bare his thoughts. It was only
+while walking in the woods that he unbosomed himself. I do not like to
+repeat what he related, as I preferred not to believe his story. He
+told me that the French government had received the assurance from the
+priesthood, that the South Germans would not take the field against
+France. I do not believe this, but it is the current opinion, and so I
+feel forced to repeat it.
+
+He also said that the beggars from the Catholic villages of the
+vicinity had, for some time past, ceased asking for alms. They had
+walked around boldly in his village, selecting the houses they intended
+to occupy as soon as the Protestants had been exterminated.
+
+Thus wickedly had religion been mixed up with this war.
+
+"The thought of Germany," said the parson, "always seemed to me like a
+silent, yea, a criminal dream. Now I see it realized in broad daylight.
+We are like the prodigal son of Scripture, but the truant in Alsace is
+this time not in fault, and it is that which makes his return to his
+home so painful. I have often thought that the father of the prodigal
+must have offended against his son, although the Scriptures do not say
+so, otherwise he would not have been thus afflicted."
+
+He was merely drawing a parallel, yet he made my heart beat with the
+thought of Ernst.
+
+The father of the prodigal son is also at fault. What had I been guilty
+of?
+
+When we returned from our walk, we were told that a French soldier, who
+had served his time, had called to see me; he had not given his name,
+and would return.
+
+Who can he be? I must wait to find out. But I met a man in the village
+whom I had forgotten.
+
+The advocate Offenheimer, Annette's brother, met me, and his first
+words were, "You are a great consolation to me. Come with me and give
+my son an escort."
+
+I now perceived that his only son had fallen, and that the father
+desired him to be buried in the Jewish cemetery here.
+
+As he divined my thoughts, he said, "It is true, I could not allow them
+to bury my son out there with the others; but it is, perhaps, well if
+there is some sign here of our having fairly and joyfully taken our
+part in the fight. Perhaps it will have a mollifying effect upon our
+new countrymen of the Jewish faith, who were particularly
+contumacious."
+
+I was astounded to find the man so placid. But, as if guessing my
+thoughts, he said he had no more strength for complaints and tears, and
+that a fact must at last be accepted.
+
+I thought of the handsome, spirited lad, that had one time come to me
+with Wolfgang. But I greatly desired to find a favorable opportunity
+for addressing the Jewish inhabitants of the village. They had an
+especial fear of the Germans, and were proud of French equality.
+
+The advocate's son was buried with all the ceremonies of his church.
+Two slightly wounded South German officers, who were lying in the
+village, acted as the escort. They recognized in me the Colonel's
+father-in-law, and had much to tell me in his praise.
+
+"He shows that we are not inferior to the Prussians." Such appeared to
+be the highest compliment they could bestow upon him.
+
+Upon our return from the cemetery, to which the Jews here in Alsace
+give the peculiar name of the "good place,"[6] the advocate leaned upon
+my arm, and, as I sat next to him in the little room, after quietly
+meditating for a long while, he exclaimed, "In my youth I had willingly
+died for the true Fatherland; now, my son has been permitted to die for
+it."
+
+For years had I been in constant intercourse with this man; now, in his
+grief and in the hour of civil commotion, I first learned to know him;
+and to learn to know an upright man is to learn to love him.
+
+I have, like suffering Odysseus, participated in the experiences of
+many men; Rautenkron, the Colonel, and Arven have revealed to me their
+life-secrets. Now I was to hear still another's: the history of a
+step-child in his step-fatherland, who still longed for affection, for
+the closest friendship, and who, though repulsed and oppressed by the
+laws and his fellow-men, had not yet lost his love for them.
+
+As Offenheimer recounted the grievances he had suffered in the schools,
+and the incivilities and insults of later years, it seemed to me that I
+should ask his forgiveness for all this suffering and uncharitableness,
+of which, because of what we had done to him, and of what our ancestors
+had done to his, we were to-day guilty. Those who style themselves
+believers in the religion of love, would be much astonished at the
+strength of this man's affections, who, though repulsed and scorned;
+still preserved them pure. We live a whole human life and know nothing
+of the inward emotions of many of our contemporaries. Offenheimer spoke
+with great severity concerning the attempt to obtain recognition by
+means of extravagant display, that caused many Jews to appear
+unpatriotic and presumptuous. He explained this, indeed, as arising
+from the necessity, imposed by the prejudice against his race, of
+proving its claim to respectability, and was frank enough to refer to
+the early conduct of his sister as an example.
+
+Offenheimer then told me how happy it had made him to find his son
+growing up in comparative ignorance of such persecutions--he had thus
+developed naturally. He smiled sadly, as he added that he, though he
+had grown physically larger and more active, had acquired a lightness
+of heart which the man who is obliged to win his freedom before
+enjoying it, never acquires.
+
+"I do not mourn for my son," were his words: "he had reached the most
+beautiful period of life, and it is all the same, whether a man lives
+seventeen years or seventy. No man liveth to himself, and no one dieth
+to himself, says the apostle; and that is true. I understand it to be
+true in another sense as well. Each of us dies only to his connections
+and his posterity."
+
+It was a novelty to me to hear Holy Writ referred to as simply the
+teachings of wisdom. I have since then often found educated Israelites
+are not so much Jews, as simply not Christians.
+
+Offenheimer thanked me with great tenderness for the wonders that we
+had accomplished with Annette. She had been proud and selfish; now she
+had become humble, and lived for others.
+
+As I sat with him, the Rabbi of the place came and expressed his thanks
+for the generous subscription that had been made in memory of the
+fallen.
+
+One word, which the priest then uttered, went straight to my heart. He
+said the bereaved father would find consolation; for the Talmud
+declared that the patriarch Jacob could not suppress his sufferings and
+his tears for his lost son Joseph, because he felt within himself that
+his son still lived. Grief for one who is dead vanishes when the corpse
+becomes clay; for a living lost one, the grief endures.
+
+Oh! my lost son Ernst!
+
+Upon my return home, I found, awaiting me in the village, a man in a
+blue blouse, with a short pipe in his mouth, and wearing his cap awry.
+He approached me with a military salute, and said, "Yes, it is you."
+
+"Who am I?"
+
+"His father."
+
+"Whose father?"
+
+"Our sergeant's, Ernst Taennling."
+
+"That is not my name."
+
+"Of course! But he has confided to me--he took me, indeed, for a
+German--that his name was Waldfried. Do you remember that I met you in
+Paris during the World's Exposition. Your son deserted in 1866, and has
+a bride. Have I the correct signs now?"
+
+Alas! he had them, and again I heard that Ernst had entered the service
+in Algiers, and now, probably, was in the onward movement against
+Germany.
+
+The veteran allowed me no time for reflection. He confided to me, with
+great urgency and secrecy, that he could be of great service. He knew
+that I had great influence, and wanted me to conduct him to some
+officer of high rank; he could be of great service, but must receive
+liberal pay.
+
+I had learned much in life, but for the first time there stood before
+me a man who offered me his services as a spy. He had seized my hand,
+and it seemed as if his touch had soiled it.
+
+I sought further intelligence from him concerning Ernst, but he knew
+nothing more. I took him with me and handed him over to an officer that
+lay here. I considered it to be my duty not to discard the dirty, but
+perhaps useful, tool.
+
+With thoughts of Ernst in my breast, with the consciousness that my
+only son was in arms against the Fatherland, I was not in the mood to
+unburden my heart to others; and besides, it was evidently too early.
+Now, since force yet speaks, the good-will of the oppressed cannot be
+won.
+
+I turned back to my sister's, and was much delighted to meet
+Hartriegel, the so-called forest professor, who had been sent by the
+administration to inspect the forests.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER X.
+
+
+With Hartriegel and my brother-in-law, who had again in a measure
+regained his composure, I roamed through the great forest district; and
+this refreshed my soul, though the terrible thoughts about Ernst
+accompanied me by day and by night like a restless ghost.
+
+It was the night of the twenty-sixth of October. Hartriegel remained in
+the town. I had stayed with my sister; a storm was raging that seemed
+to portend the destruction of the world. Dogs howled, the cattle in the
+stalls bellowed unceasingly; there seemed a fearful wailing in the
+rattling of the thunder, and the turmoil and uproar of the elements. We
+heard sounds like the splitting of trees, continually nearer and
+nearer. We all sat together in the room, keeping watch, and my
+brother-in-law exclaimed, "It is just so! The trees even will clear out
+forthwith. They will not be German."
+
+As he said this, a tree behind the house cracked and fell over on the
+roof: the slates rattled, the timbers bent, and the storm now raged
+through the house, which we could not forsake; for out of doors the
+tempest raged so wildly, that it seemed as if everything that stood
+upright would be stricken to the ground. We waited until daylight, and
+at early morning a messenger arrived who came to tell me that Julius
+must depart, and to ask whether I would not bring Martha home with me.
+The messenger also showed us an "extra," that announced the capture of
+Metz, and the capitulation of 173,000 men.
+
+When my brother-in-law heard this, he exclaimed, "We are betrayed!"
+tore down the epaulettes, and the portrait of Bazaine, under whom he
+had served, from the wall, threw them on the floor, and trampled them
+under his feet.
+
+The messenger told us the roads were impassable; every where there lay
+trunks of trees, and near the house a slain stag. He, a very credulous
+man, had spent the night at the Oak of Saint Arbogast, and with pious
+fervor praised the saint who had protected him.
+
+After he had partaken of refreshments, he escorted my brother-in-law,
+who soon came back with the dead stag.
+
+We were separated from the world, and my sister rejoiced that she still
+had something for us to eat.
+
+At noon there came a neighboring forester with his men, and everybody
+was called upon, and worked through the entire night to make the roads
+again passable. Soldiers were also ordered from Hagenau to assist, and
+soon I heard the singing of German songs in the woods.
+
+The next morning Joseph arrived with his companion. He had been ordered
+by the chief forester to buy wood here, and had now decided, since it
+was so conveniently arranged, to purchase the greater portion of the
+windfall. What terrified us, awakened in him a speculation.
+
+"In the forest of Hagenau," said he, "there's also oak wood for
+Ludwig's mill."
+
+It was, and remained so; everything served as a stepping-stone to
+Joseph.
+
+He gave us further particulars of the capture of Metz, and of the march
+towards Paris. At the name of Paris, my brother-in-law's face became
+flushed and excited. "That you will never get, never!" he said; "the
+world will go to pieces, first! But Metz, indeed! And 173,000 men!
+believe in nothing after this!"
+
+I told Joseph of Ernst; I must impart it to some one. But Joseph
+urgently implored me to eradicate every thought of the lost one from my
+breast.
+
+I went to Strasburg, but the governor there had nothing to tell me. I
+was so weak that I longed for home again; there I hoped to regain my
+strength. I journeyed homewards with Martha.
+
+At the last railway station I met a large force of Tyrolese woodsmen
+that, upon Joseph's order, had been sent to work for him in Alsace, and
+as I neared home, I saw, here and there, clearings in the woods. The
+tempest had also raged here, and the newspapers brought the
+intelligence that over the whole continent great devastation had been
+occasioned by it.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+
+We had much to do to set up trees that had been prostrated by the wind;
+for dead trees, because of their harboring all sorts of noxious
+insects, imperil the existence of a whole forest.
+
+There came good letters from Julius, Richard, and the vicar, and we saw
+war life from three quite different aspects. Bertha sent us letters
+from the Colonel. He wrote but briefly. He must have been suffering
+great hardships, especially in the protracted rains; but he wrote,
+"when one feels inspired, he can endure much."
+
+They tell me of the noble courage of the olden time. When man fights
+with man, he receives invigorating impulse from the personal struggle.
+But to stand under a shower of fire, then advance on the enemy and be
+struck by far-carrying bullets, without firing a shot until one is at
+the right distance--all that is much more.
+
+Away off, the cannon thundered; we at home heard nothing but the
+measured beat of the thrasher, and that lasted a long while, for we
+lacked men at home.
+
+When it rained and snowed, and we sat sheltered in the room, we
+naturally fell to thinking of those who, for nights and weeks, fought
+on the now thoroughly drenched soil, and for their brief rest had no
+couch but the wet or icy earth.
+
+Ludwig wrote from Hamburg that he was about going to America. He was to
+make the journey with the secret approval and authority of an officer
+of high rank, in order to prevent the transmission of arms and
+ammunition to our foes.
+
+How much war demands of human nature!
+
+Snow had fallen; it snowed again and again, and we knew that what here
+was snow, up there was cold rain.
+
+I sat in the large arm-chair, and read the gazette. Here stands in few
+words, in peaceful paragraphs, what up there is blood and mangling of
+human bodies. It is indeed grand and sublime how the French, after the
+annihilation of their forces, again quickly gather together, and
+venture everything. A nation cannot surrender, and a nation that is so
+consciously proud and all-powerful cannot easily acknowledge, "I am
+conquered, and am wrong."
+
+They would not give us security for our boundary, and so the fighting
+and the devastation must still go on.
+
+While I thus sat quietly thinking, a telegram from the cabinet of the
+Prince was brought to me; I must forthwith hasten to the capital, and
+upon my arrival at the palace should cause myself to be immediately
+announced, be it night or day.
+
+What could be the matter? why was I so urgently summoned? Was it on
+Ernst's account? or Richard's, or the Colonel's? It seemed to me a
+great injustice that not a word of explanation accompanied the message,
+yet I equipped myself immediately for my departure. The stonecutter
+conducted me to the railway station. Joseph was not there; he had gone
+on to Lorraine. I was not familiar with his business enterprises.
+
+That--it was indeed, strange--kept my thoughts busy during the journey,
+and yet was I much oppressed by suspense as to the reason of my being
+called away. But happily the human mind can engage itself with new
+problems, and thus, for a while at least, forget the care and vexation
+that lie near at hand.
+
+I reached the capital, and found it as I had expected. What was snow
+with us in the mountains, was here a penetrating rain.
+
+On my way to the palace, I passed a brilliantly lighted theatre, and
+heard from within the sounds of music. Ah, that men should sing and
+juggle at such a time! But is not life a mighty aggregation of many
+incongruous individual activities?
+
+I reached the castle; the great entrance hall was lighted up and
+thoroughly warmed; I was obliged to wait a long time. When, at last, I
+saw the Prince, I found him unusually distressed or disturbed. He began
+by observing how different times were when we last had met; he said how
+deeply it pained him that so much blood must be shed--so much noble
+blood. He said this with deep emotion, and finally added, he had faith
+in me as a man of stout heart; I had so nobly borne so much suffering,
+that he had courage to tell me that the Colonel had been wounded by a
+shot through the breast. He was still living, but quite unconscious,
+when the bearer of the news left, and perhaps we had already a dead one
+to mourn.
+
+I could not utter a word; what was there to say?
+
+The Prince continued to speak of his grief at the shedding of so much
+blood, and expressed his dissatisfaction that his countrymen should
+have placed themselves in alliance with foreigners.
+
+I had no time nor mind for such discussions. I asked if the news had
+been sent to my daughter. He appeared disturbed by my question, and
+somewhat unwillingly answered, "I considered that a father's right and
+duty."
+
+He added, that this evening a sanitary commission would depart, with
+whom I and the Colonel's wife could go to the front.
+
+I know not what suggested the thought, but suddenly it occurred to me:
+The Prince would never make a minister of you; you were only a clever
+story-teller, who drove away the recollections of his own sufferings by
+the recital of your life-history. And of that was I thinking all the
+while I was talking to the Prince of other things.
+
+The demeanor of the Prince towards me seemed cold and distant. He
+called after me without extending his hand, "Adieu, Herr Waldfried!"
+
+Formerly, I had been called "dear Waldfried;" yes, at times, "dear
+friend."
+
+I mention this here, although it first struck me like a waking dream,
+during the journey. I was glad to be independent, and to be relieved
+from rendering homage to princes, and troubling myself as to whether I
+was addressed in one way or another. Although in my inmost heart I
+believe in a constitutional monarchy, I tell you, keep yourself free,
+and be dependent on no stranger's favor, or else you will be the most
+degraded of slaves.
+
+But now I must tell of my sad journey; and I think of the saying of the
+Colonel's: Human nature in its elevated moods can endure much.
+
+I came to Bertha's house. My heart beat wildly at the thought of the
+news I should bring to her. But as I ascended the steps, Professor
+Rolunt, the Colonel's friend, approached me, and said, "After the first
+dreadful shock, you were your daughter's first thought. She has asked
+for you."
+
+"And so she knows of it?"
+
+"Yes! I have told her, and we are off in an hour."
+
+"We!"
+
+"Yes! I go with her; and keep up Bertha's spirits. Should the worst
+have happened, we must bear it all."
+
+I went to Bertha. Speechless, she threw herself upon my neck, clasped
+me to her bosom, and wept and sobbed; nor could I utter one word.
+
+"Father!" she said, at last, "you will remain here with the
+children--or will you take them home with you?"
+
+"No, I will go with you. Don't refuse me. Don't let us waste useless
+words. I will go with you."
+
+We departed in the evening. We rested in beds, upon which soon should
+lie the sorely wounded. But, indeed, we, too, bore painful wounds in
+our hearts.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+It was well that Rolunt accompanied us; for I had not the strength to
+support Bertha in this wearisome journey, and to distract and lead her
+away from her quiet, noiseless brooding, and her counting the minutes
+as they slowly passed.
+
+The Professor had continually something to tell us, either of the
+points that we hurriedly passed, or of the sanitary aids who were with
+us. He told us of this and that one who had been a spoiled child--the
+pet of some fond mother--and now was suffering great hardships. This
+was the second supply train that he had accompanied; he had been the
+chief of the first one, and had much that was moving to tell us of the
+self-sacrificing conduct of the non-combatants. The employes of the
+post-office and the railroads were specially endeared to him, and he
+related wonderful instances of their activity and endurance.
+
+Bertha scarcely uttered a word; for the most part she only quietly held
+my hand. At times, she said, "Ah! the locomotive might be urged to move
+faster; it seems to me that it goes much too slowly."
+
+The Professor assured her that we should esteem ourselves lucky to
+reach our destination. Who knows how soon we should hear, "Halt, we go
+no further."
+
+Once Bertha arose; her face had in it something mysterious and strange,
+and she cried out, "Father, hold me!"
+
+"What is the matter? What is it?"
+
+"I think I must escape from myself. I will not live if he is dead. Oh!
+pardon me," she again exclaimed, sinking back into her seat, "I cannot
+endure the torment of my thoughts. How is it possible--how can it agree
+with any order in human affairs, that a piece of lead can destroy a
+full, rich, noble, human life!"
+
+She gazed at me with a peculiarly alarming expression; it was as if
+pale, pulsating strands were tightly drawn under the surface of her
+skin. Then she seized my hand and said, "Pardon me for inflicting all
+this upon you. I dare not now waste my strength in suffering; it is
+sinful, it is selfish, and it is terrible to wish for death. All my
+strength belongs to him. I will no longer complain, and will no longer
+give up to despair. Oh! if I could only sleep! One can give to another
+the sleep of death, but--I will be very quiet; indeed, I will not think
+any more."
+
+She leaned back and closed her eyes.
+
+While Bertha appeared to sleep, I told Rolunt of the last interview
+with the Prince. He explained matters to me. He said the Prince had
+believed that I knew all, and merely feigned ignorance for his sake. It
+was no secret that the Prince was beside himself with rage, because the
+general commanding had telegraphed the news not only to him, but also
+to the Prussian embassy. The latter made no secret of it, and the
+Prince saw in this an attempt to obtain popularity and favor at his
+expense. He hated the ambassador, as a legalized superintendent over
+him, who left him daily conscious that he no longer possessed his
+former sovereignty.
+
+It was fortunate that the Professor had prepared us; for--I cannot give
+the name of our halting place--we suddenly came to a stop. We had to
+wait an entire day, and it was only a day's journey to where the
+Colonel lay.
+
+Rolunt tried negotiations here and there; he had become hoarse from
+much talking. At last he came to us with a cheerful countenance. A
+shrewd, energetic man, he had succeeded in obtaining a wagon, and we
+travelled through the country. During the entire night we drove over
+torn-up roads. In the distance we saw burning villages. How many
+hundreds of peaceful homes were there destroyed. We turned our eyes
+from the sight. We went through villages riddled with shot and shell,
+and through others, in which here and there a light shone, and where we
+halted to feed the horses, we were observed with ugly, threatening
+glances. But the country was safe; for it was everywhere occupied by
+detachments of our troops.
+
+We reached the village where the Colonel was reported to be lying. We
+inquired here and there, but found him not: he must be in the next
+village. Thither we now journeyed.
+
+We met an artillery corps, and had to move into a field and await its
+passing. This took a terribly long while. They mocked us and cried at
+us in sport as they passed, and we were almost beside ourselves with
+impatience. And still we sat there protected from the drizzling rain,
+while our soldiers were steaming like horses.
+
+Rolunt got out. He asked the officers of the column after the Colonel.
+They knew nothing of him; they had only just arrived from a long march.
+
+At last we were permitted to proceed.
+
+At the entrance of the next village, Bertha recognized a soldier of her
+husband's regiment.
+
+"Is your Colonel living?" she asked.
+
+"Yes, yesterday he was still alive."
+
+"And to-day?"
+
+"Don't know. Haven't heard anything about him."
+
+I felt confident that he was yet living. I could not think that the
+strong, powerful man could be dead, and my hopefulness helped to
+support Bertha. We reached the house from which the white flag with the
+red cross was floating. I commanded my daughter to remain seated in the
+wagon, and to inquire of no one until I returned. She gave me her
+promise, but she could not keep her word, and it was indeed requiring
+too much of her. She saw her husband's servant, and called to him, and
+the lad said, "The Colonel is living, but--"
+
+"But what?"
+
+"He is very low."
+
+We entered the house, and the first one we met was Annette.
+
+"Be composed, Bertha! he lives. I came here immediately on receiving
+the intelligence of his being wounded, that I might do all that was
+possible for him," she said. She embraced her friend, and added, that
+we could not see him: he could not bear the shock.
+
+The Professor begged that he, at least, might be admitted. Annette
+called the doctor, and he gave permission to the Professor to see the
+wounded man.
+
+Annette remained with us, and said, "The bullet has not yet been
+found." The shot had entered the breast just above the heart, only
+escaping it by a hair's-breadth.
+
+The Colonel led his regiment independently and separated from the
+Prussians, and it was a piece of jealousy, and the ambition to
+distinguish himself, that caused him to press forward so recklessly and
+thrust himself in danger's way. He had to march over a plain, to take a
+battery planted on a height, and it was there that he was struck.
+
+When he had fallen, and saw death before him, he exclaimed, "The Romans
+were right; it is glorious to die for one's country. I want no other
+grave; let me be buried with my soldiers." Then for a long while he was
+unconscious.
+
+After a little while Rolunt came to us, and said that the Colonel was
+unable to speak, but by his glances had shown that he recognized him.
+
+Bertha begged for the dress of a nurse, so that she could at least
+venture into the sick-room. She promised not to go near her sick
+husband. But the doctor emphatically forbade it. There was no certainty
+that the wounded man would not recognize her, if only by her step or
+carriage. He almost feared that the sick man might suspect something
+from the presence of the Professor; for he opened and shut his eyes so
+quickly. And so we had to wait and listen, and were condemned to
+inactivity.
+
+We met still another friend: Baron Arven. He had forgotten his own
+griefs, was restlessly active and appeared wondrously rejuvenated. In
+an hour he had to go to another hospital, and transferred to us his
+quarters, in which we could rest.
+
+Bertha said she could not sleep; but consented to lie down and rest
+herself, in order to gather strength for what might be in store for
+her. She lay down and was soon fast asleep. She often moved
+convulsively, as if troubled with fearful dreams, but still continued
+to slumber. I at last also fell asleep. Towards morning, I was awakened
+by a loud voice:
+
+"I must see him; I have found him."
+
+Is not that the voice of Rothfuss? Yes, it was.
+
+Bertha also awoke, and asked, "Where are we? Has the train stopped?" I
+explained to her where we were. With difficulty, she collected herself.
+She went directly with us to the house where the Colonel lay, and
+remained with Annette. She heard that the Colonel had also slept, and
+Annette, who had sat with him, remarked, he had lightly whispered,
+"Bertha;" he must suspect that she is here.
+
+Rothfuss took me aside and said, "We have him and her also."
+
+"Yes, the Colonel and Bertha."
+
+"No, no! Ernst and Martella. 'The Lord God is the best child's nurse
+for wild lads,' my mother has often said."
+
+I felt as if reason had forsaken me.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+Only gradually did I clearly comprehend all that had happened to me.
+
+I can no longer count the shots, nor specify whence or by whom they
+were discharged against me, and how it was that I remained unharmed.
+But I have passed through it all, and must also permit you to
+experience it.
+
+Rothfuss related to me, very composedly, that he had done Carl
+injustice; one might be imprisoned, although innocent, and it happened
+to him with horse and wagon. He and the bays had been captured by the
+wild Turcos, and he had almost fancied himself in hell while with those
+savages, who did not even know how to talk intelligibly.
+
+"Sir! they would have shot me for a spy. They placed me against the
+wall. And there I stand and they aim at me. I take a last look at the
+sky and the trees, something dims my sight, and I think to myself, if
+it were only over! Then some one calls out, 'Halt!' And I think I
+recognize the voice. He talks gibberish, of which I do not comprehend a
+word, but they don't shoot. He orders me to be tied tighter. And there
+I lie in a miserable stall and can't stir. And then comes some one
+sneaking along, and whispers, 'Keep yourself quiet, Rothfuss.' And who
+do you think it is? Our Ernst. And then we cried together, like little
+children, and Ernst said, 'Keep yourself quiet! What I have been
+through, couldn't be told in a thousand years. Now come with me!' And
+for a long while there we were, creeping along the ground like frogs,
+until we reached the horses, which were fastened outside. To unloose
+them, spring upon them, and gallop away, took but a moment. The French
+fired at us, but they didn't hit us, and away we went until we reached
+our lines, and there Ernst said to me, 'You once passed for my brother
+Ludwig; now do as much for me! Give me your clothes!'"
+
+Rothfuss had to give him his blue blouse. Then Ernst transferred his
+horse to him, and said, "Leave me now! we will soon meet again."
+
+Rothfuss was about relating how he had found Martella, when she
+entered. She had become very thin, but otherwise unchanged; was gayly
+attired, and cried out as she perceived me: "Oh! father, happily met
+again! To-day is Ernst's wedding-day, and my Sunday, my greatest
+holiday, my ascension-day."
+
+She offered no excuse for having run away; she made no mention of her
+recent experiences, and as I could not avoid telling her what pain and
+anxiety she had occasioned me, she exclaimed, "I know it better than
+you can tell me; but indulge me for to-day: to-morrow, when I have
+Ernst by the hand, we will set everything straight. He rescued Carl,
+who would have bled to death, if he had not found him.
+
+"Ernst carried him; yes, he is strong; he brought him all the way here.
+His face, his hands, his clothes, were all full of blood. But that
+doesn't hurt; it can all be washed off. Everything can be washed away
+if one is sound within; and now everything, everything will be washed
+away.
+
+"Now I heard that Ernst had come to the regiment in which Carl was. He
+introduced himself as a German with the name of Frohn." Martella added,
+"That is the name of a comrade, who on the voyage threw himself in
+despair into the sea."
+
+Ernst had declared that he would not fight against his countrymen, but
+with them against the French. What proofs of loyalty he was submitted
+to have never been made known to me. He was uniformed and placed at a
+post of danger, where a strict watch could be kept upon him. He
+conducted himself bravely, and when Carl was struck, he rescued him at
+the risk of his own life. But he was never recognized, and none but
+Carl, Martella, and Rothfuss knew who he was.
+
+They had, during the night, heard of my arrival, and Ernst had stood
+guard before the house for hours. Martella had shown him the letter of
+pardon; but he exclaimed that he wished no pardon, and would not
+examine the letter.
+
+Martella begged him to show himself to me. But he said, "I know of how
+many nights of rest I have robbed my father; I will not now disturb his
+slumbers, and will for the first time appear before him, and clasp his
+knees, when by I have done something to show him what I am at heart.
+When I come out of the battle, I will go to my father: then I can look
+him in the face."
+
+"Right, right," said Martella; "if you go into the fight with such
+thoughts, you will surely come out of it safe and sound, and your
+mother in heaven will stretch her hands in blessings over you."
+
+"My mother in heaven? Is she dead?"
+
+"Didn't you know it? Alas! already over three years; she died upon your
+birth-day."
+
+"On my birth-day!" He said this, and was then for a long time silent.
+Then again he said, "I think I dare not kiss you again to-day."
+
+"Your mother loved you to her latest breath, and she kissed me just
+before she died."
+
+"He sighed heavily and then kissed me," said Martella, "Only once
+again; for the last time. No, not for the last time! he must live!"
+
+Just as Ernst had again gone away, there came the order to march
+immediately without baggage. The people never knew beforehand when
+there was to be a battle; but such a command naturally gave rise to
+anticipations of a fight.
+
+As Martella turned away, while Ernst prepared for his departure, she
+heard the voice of Rothfuss, who told the baker Lerz that his bays were
+ruined, but that he had received two fine Burgundians in exchange.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+It was now highly important to find Ernst. We left the house before
+day-break; Bertha was still sleeping.
+
+I permitted Martella and Rothfuss to conduct me to the hospital in
+which the Colonel was lying. I was scarcely conscious where I was, or
+whither I was going; I felt as if there was a heavy burden upon my
+shoulders, and could not help looking to the right and left, as if
+something was threatening me. But I could endure it and could proceed
+without assistance.
+
+Rolunt seemed to have expected me. He said the Colonel was in about the
+same condition, neither better nor worse. I bade him send one of the
+female attendants to Bertha; I could not tell him who it was I sought.
+
+When we left the house, my grandson, the vicar, approached me.
+"Grandfather, I know all," said he, "but at such a time one can bear
+manifold troubles. I also endure them; I have just come from my sad
+duties at a deathbed."
+
+I told him that we were seeking Ernst, and we thought he might be with
+those with whom, just before the march, he had held a brief divine
+service. We went with him. The day began to dawn.
+
+The graceful figure of Martella seemed to hover in the gray twilight,
+and as she turned and looked upon me, it seemed to me that the
+extraordinary depth of the sockets of her eyes was greater than ever.
+There was something sadly brilliant in her glance, and it seemed
+directed to a distance.
+
+Before the village, on a plain in front of a small hill, the regiments
+were formed in deep squares, presenting masses that looked like church
+walls.
+
+We searched around. Martella went to the left, Rothfuss to the right.
+They came back; they had not found Ernst, and yet he must be there.
+Martella stood quietly near me; only once did she look up at me, and
+her eye was piercingly brilliant. She folded her hands together
+convulsively, apparently, also, to conceal her trepidation.
+
+A chorale was performed by the band, in which all the troops present
+joined, while the heavens reddened as the vicar, with steady steps,
+descended the hill, and wended his way towards us. Every one held his
+breath; perhaps Ernst is down there among them.
+
+The vicar spoke with a clear voice. He had pleased by his written
+words, but when he spoke, it was still better and more inspiring.
+
+"See here!" he exclaimed. "I have come here without any Bible. Holy is
+the Book of Revelation, thrice holy. With it the world has learned to
+comprehend itself and God, and will gather instruction from it to all
+eternity.
+
+"I carry it in my heart, and from my heart I call out to you in the
+words of the Apostle Paul (Romans xiv. 7): 'For none of us liveth to
+himself, and no man dieth to himself.' That should be in your soul, in
+your memory, should your soul be in a struggle, and, if it must be so,
+in death. Thou art not for thyself in this world, and goest not for
+thyself from this world. Thou art called, thou art mustered for the
+great universal battle for the holy kingdom of the spirit, of honor, of
+freedom, of unity.
+
+"Just imagine, ye who have achieved the victory and must again win it,
+how it would be if all these things were reversed.
+
+"The spirit of darkness hovers in the air like millions of black
+ravens, hiding the sun and blighting everything that hath life. Through
+the streets of thy native villages rage the wild hordes of Asia, and
+murder, robbery, outrage, and fire prevail everywhere.
+
+"Thou who mournest thy brother, or thy fallen comrade, thou that liest
+wounded, forget thy pain. Open thine eyes! Through thee, through thy
+comrades, the light of the world is rescued: knowledge, justice,
+decency, honor, integrity. I say it to you and you may say it to each
+other; for thus has God willed it.
+
+"And thou who still holdest the weapon in thy firm grasp, be of
+cheerful heart! The saints hover over the banners that you shall
+victoriously bring home; and when the bloody, cruel, terrible work is
+done, then you will permit no other pride to possess you, than that you
+were summoned to labor for the kingdom of freedom and unity, for the
+kingdom of the spirit, in which there is no enemy to be conquered, but
+in which each shall be a moving temple of the Holy Spirit. Keep
+yourselves firm: for none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to
+himself. Amen!"
+
+A quiet prayer was offered up; then the regiments moved into column,
+and the whole army set itself in motion.
+
+The vicar came to me, and for a long while held me by the hand. We
+uttered no word. Then he followed the army, and I went with Rothfuss
+and Martella back to the hospital.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+We met Annette, whose presence had greatly improved Bertha's spirits.
+
+Annette took us into an out-of-the-way room, and there said, "I have
+for a long time called you father from mere sentiment. You allowed me,
+but now I dare to do so because it is my right."
+
+She gave me a letter from Richard, from head quarters, and the letter
+was addressed, "My beloved bride."
+
+Annette kissed my trembling hands, and she kissed me again and again,
+when I told her that my wife in her dying hour had called out, "Richard
+will marry her after all."
+
+Annette added that they did not intend to get married until peace was
+concluded.
+
+"Of course," said Bertha, as if addressing me, "you will understand
+that we can give no expression to our joy just now."
+
+Annette, indeed, did not permit us to linger long over this joyful
+message. She said that her patients now claimed all her time, and only
+while we were descending the steps, she once stopped and quietly
+related to us how her old custom of pouring out her feelings with every
+new experience had suddenly opened the hearts that had so long been as
+if sealed towards each other. She had said to Richard, who recently
+passed through here, "So long as men are well, they are all alike. When
+they are wounded or sick, each one displays the traits that are
+peculiar to him." Then Richard replied, "You speak from my mother's
+soul;" and on that day they were betrothed.
+
+"Now I no more need," said Annette, as we went on, "to chloroform my
+soul with religion. I have learned to apply the real chloroform, and in
+helping others we help ourselves also."
+
+Annette invited us to go with her to the patients; she might thereby
+make the tedious hours of watching more easy for Bertha. She first
+conducted us to a handsome young man with a full, blond beard, whose
+thigh had been fractured. Her mere appearance seemed to revive the sick
+man.
+
+It was a pathetic look with which he gazed upon her, and stretched his
+thin hand towards her.
+
+Annette introduced him to us as an artist of great repute, and,
+assuming a merry tone of voice, she said, "He has painted me in other
+colors. He does not like the dull and sombre black; indeed, the
+silver-gray dress with the white apron is much more cheerful. And why
+should we not be cheerful?"
+
+The face of the young man brightened, and Annette bade Bertha to read
+something to him. In going the rounds, she made us acquainted with a
+wounded German officer, who never ceased heaping extravagant praises
+upon his nurse. Annette bade me to come quickly to a man from my
+village, for whom I could perhaps do something, and, with a trembling
+voice, mentioned Carl's name to me.
+
+We approached his bed. He gazed upon me with staring eyes, and cried,
+in heart-rending tones, "Mother, mother!" I spoke to him; I asked him
+if he knew me. But he continually exclaimed, "Mother, mother, mother!"
+
+The surgeon came and bade us leave the patient. Then he said to
+Annette, "Have a screen placed here. This young man may die at any
+moment, and the others should neither see nor know of it."
+
+Just as the screen was put in its place, the door opened, and a voice
+was heard, "My child! my child! Carl! my child! Carl!"
+
+"Mother, mother!" cried the wounded man, and he raised himself up, and
+mother and son were folded in each other's arms. Then Carl cried out,
+"Marie! you too! you too, there! Come!"
+
+He then fell back.
+
+The surgeon then approached and said, "He is extremely weak, and in a
+critical condition!" Restoratives were applied and he opened his eyes.
+
+After a while he said, "How did you know that I--"
+
+"Be quiet! don't speak so much! Don't exert yourself too much. Your
+eyes have already told me everything. And now, yes, it was the vicar,
+Waldfried's grandson, who wrote me where you were."
+
+"I am hungry. Give me something to eat!"
+
+"I have brought you one of our hens; I brought it all the way from
+home," said the old woman.
+
+"I must eat, I must eat!" exclaimed Carl. His strength, wasted and
+exhausted through loss of blood, appeared to return, and he seemed
+rescued by the magic of love.
+
+His mother ought to have left him, but she would not obey the surgeon.
+She obeyed me, however. When she saw Bertha, she cried out, "My son,
+my Carl, my child lives! Bertha! I tell you, your husband who lies
+there--Bertha, your husband is saved too: he will be saved."
+
+"Bertha!" We heard a call from the adjoining room; it was the voice of
+the colonel.
+
+Bertha almost swooned; I caught her in my arms. She collected herself
+and hurried towards the door; it was closed. Annette called to us from
+within, that we should wait quietly, for it was a critical moment.
+
+What anxious moments were those, while we stood at the door listening
+to the movements and groans within.
+
+After a while, the surgeon hastily opened the door, and said, "Now go
+away softly! There has been a hemorrhage, and the ball has come with
+it. There is now a chance of his recovery, but I must insist on perfect
+quiet!"
+
+Bertha sank to the floor, while she placed her finger on her lips, and
+motioned me to be silent. They say that we were only waiting a quarter
+of an hour. But oh! how long it seemed! Then the surgeon opened the
+door again, and, seeing Bertha on the floor, said, "You may go in now
+and shake hands with the Colonel, but do not say anything to him, as he
+is not allowed to speak for the present."
+
+Bertha went in. She reached her hand to her husband. He moved his eyes
+in recognition; then the surgeon motioned us to depart.
+
+We went away. From afar, we could hear the rattle of musketry and the
+roar of artillery, and the reports constantly became louder and more
+frequent.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XVI.
+
+
+Evening was approaching, when the surgeon sent us word that his patient
+had been sleeping. He had awakened and asked for Bertha and me.
+
+We went to him. He could only recognize us by glances, and a wonderful
+smile overspread his features. He turned his eyes to the surgeon, who
+understood him, and said, "Yes, your wife may sit here for a quarter of
+an hour. But you must both be perfectly quiet."
+
+And so we sat there speechless, and heard the din of battle gradually
+cease; only occasional shots were now fired.
+
+I was called to the front of the house. Martella and Rothfuss stood
+before me. Martella, breathless, told me that Ernst's company had again
+been in the fight, many were missing, and, among them, Ernst; he ought
+to be hunted up.
+
+Rothfuss desired that I should stay behind; but Martella exclaimed,
+seizing my arm, "What do you mean? Father goes with us!"
+
+She had made a wreath to take to Ernst, and she held it in her
+trembling hands. She carried Ernst's prize-cup and a bottle of wine in
+a basket on her arm.
+
+We went through the village towards the hill. Four men approached with
+a litter.
+
+"Ernst! Ernst!" cried Martella.
+
+The two men stopped, and one asked, "Who's there? Who calls?" It was
+Ikwarte's voice.
+
+"Set it down!" commanded the other. "Isn't that Martella?" It was
+Wolfgang who spoke.
+
+We stepped nearer. They carried a man who had been shot in the leg. The
+man raised his head, and said, "That is his father." It was the son of
+the owner of the saw-mill down in the valley. "He commissioned me to
+carry his love to you. He made himself known to me."
+
+"Where is he? Is he dead?"
+
+"He must be lying up there. Oh! he has done great things."
+
+"What has he done? Where is he?" anxiously inquired Martella. "Speak!
+be quick! listen, father!"
+
+The wounded man raised himself with difficulty and spoke:
+
+"We stood within range of the enemy's batteries. Shot after shot tore
+through our ranks. Many were falling. Everybody sheltered himself.
+Ernst stood upright, and said in a clear voice, 'Stand firm! Face the
+bullets! That's the way to be brave.' Finally, we advanced, when a
+lieutenant was shot in the forehead; our sergeant stepped into his
+place, and he also fell. Then Ernst took command, and marched along by
+the drummer. Bang! then the drummer was shot. Ernst unloosened the drum
+from his body, and drummed for us. He beat a powerful flourish, and
+cried out, 'Give it to them!' Then there came a shell, and I lay on the
+ground and saw nothing more. When I came to myself, I still heard
+drumming. But all at once there was a report, a cry--and the drumming
+ceased."
+
+Martella tore up the wreath; but she quickly seized the grasses and
+flowers and held them with a convulsive grasp.
+
+"Away! away! we must find him!" she exclaimed. "We must find him! He is
+living!"
+
+Ikwarte and Wolfgang hastened with the wounded man into a neighboring
+house. Not far off, a wagon stopped. They returned with it, and
+Wolfgang and Martella sat in it with me. So we drove on through the
+entire night. Ikwarte knew where the miller's son was sheltered. We
+were silent; only Martella murmured to herself, "Keep up, Ernst; keep
+up! We are coming! Oh! mother in heaven, look down upon him!"
+
+We were obliged to get out--the road crossed the fields. I went a
+little distance, but could go no farther. Both of the faithful servants
+begged that Wolfgang would stay with me. We sat down by the roadside,
+and noticed a moving object quite near us. It was a wounded horse, that
+raised its head, and then, with a rattle in its throat, fell back dead.
+
+We heard Martella, across the field, calling, "Ernst! Ernst! my Ernst!
+where are you! Ernst! we are here, your father and I!" Then we heard
+nothing more.
+
+A chill seized me. The ground was damp, and Wolfgang insisted that I
+should sit upon the dead horse, whose body was still warm. We quietly
+waited. In the heavens the clouds were scudding by, and here and there
+the stars sparkled. In the village a clock commenced striking. Wolfgang
+counted aloud: it struck eleven.
+
+Now some one approached; my name was called. It was Ikwarte.
+
+"We have found him," he joyfully exclaimed. "Come quickly!"
+
+"Is he living?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Accompanied by Ikwarte and Wolfgang, I went along. Oh! I cannot tell
+the horrors I then saw and heard.
+
+"There, by the torch, there he is!"
+
+My knees shook under me. Then a man came again towards us, and cried
+out, "Grandfather, come! There is yet time!"
+
+It was my grandson, the vicar. We reached the place. There lay Martella
+on the ground bending over a figure. Rothfuss stood by her with the
+torch, and Martella cried, "Ernst, wake up! Your father is here!"
+
+I kneeled down by him. I saw his face. His eyes were closed, but his
+breast rose and fell quickly.
+
+"Ernst! my beloved child! my long-lost child! Ernst! your father calls
+you! Your mother calls you from eternity! Ernst, you shall live! you
+have repented; you have atoned! Ernst, Ernst! my son, my son!"
+
+He opened his eyes and moved his hand towards me. I seized it; it was
+stiff.
+
+"Father, forgive!" he moaned. "Martella, pardon! Oh! mother--father!"
+
+He breathed his last breath. I just saw Martella throw herself upon
+him, with an agonizing cry; then I saw and heard nothing more.
+
+
+
+
+
+                              BOOK SIXTH.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER I.
+
+
+"Stand firm! Face the bullets!" With these words, Ernst had encouraged
+his men to the last. My own experience illustrated them.
+
+For a considerable time, I did not know what had happened, either to me
+or to those about me. I only knew that I lay behind a white curtain
+with blue flowers, and could not keep my eyes open for any length of
+time. The flowers assumed all sorts of odd shapes, and the fantastic
+figures seemed to be ever changing and rushing towards me.
+
+I think I was not really sick, only inexpressibly weak; and the fatigue
+and exhaustion prevented me from directing my thoughts at will. I was
+childishly grateful for everything. I looked at the wood in the door
+and rejoiced that it was firm; I heard the fire in the stove and was
+delighted that it warmed me; I was grateful to the bed that supported
+me, so that I did not need to do it myself.
+
+I remember that Bertha and Annette would occasionally visit me; but my
+grandson Wolfgang stayed with me nearly all the time. Through the
+hardships of war and constant exposure, Wolfgang had almost ripened
+into manhood. He had become stronger and stouter than of old, and his
+voice was now more manly.
+
+"I am so glad, grandfather, to hear you call me by my own name again;
+you always used to call me Ernst," said Wolfgang one day, and from that
+hour I felt that the heavy clouds were slowly clearing away; and when
+they had disappeared, I saw everything around me distinctly, and by
+degrees I remembered what had happened.
+
+"Is Ernst--buried?"
+
+"Yes, grandfather."
+
+I now asked Wolfgang to inform me what had occurred while I was
+unconscious, and what had become of Martella.
+
+"Grandfather," said Wolfgang, "I must tell you the truth. Martella is
+no longer separated from Ernst. She has reached the goal."
+
+I felt as if the clouds were again gathering before my eyes, but,
+through the mists, I met Gustava's lustrous eyes, saying, "She was true
+till death."
+
+Wolfgang took my hand in his, and the youth's firm grasp gave me
+renewed strength. I begged him to tell me all, and he began:
+
+"We brought you down to Aunt Annette, who, foreboding evil, had met us
+half-way. It then suddenly occurred to us that in our dreadful
+excitement and anxiety about you, no one had taken care of Martella,
+and that she had not followed us. Rothfuss said he was completely worn
+out, and must stay with his master. Ikwarte has nerves and muscles of
+steel. I felt as if my eyes burnt in their sockets; never before
+had I been so tired; but I returned with him, nevertheless, to the
+battle-field, half dead with sleep and fatigue." Wolfgang shivered,
+stopped awhile, and then continued: "We knew the place where Ernst lay,
+and soon found him. The moon lit up his face wonderfully. Beside him
+lay Martella, motionless; she clung to him in a close embrace, cheek to
+cheek, hand in hand. Is she dead, too? It were best! I bent down to
+her; she breathed heavily. I called her name. How she stared at me
+wildly and vacantly! Then she motioned us to be quiet, and whispered,
+'He will soon be warm again; soon, very soon.' I tried to persuade her
+to follow us; she answered, 'O Wolfgang! you are so good; bring some
+wild honey. Oh, wait, Ernst! your nephew is coming with wild honey, and
+here I have your cup, your hunting cup.' I tried to persuade her, and
+she answered, 'Oh, you have mother's voice. Mother, tell him, oh, tell
+him to rise again.' She threw herself beside the corpse, and when I
+cried, 'Martella, get up; come with us,' she answered, 'You see he
+cannot move now, but I will follow you; you have my mother's voice.'
+She did not then seem to remember the dead. She went with me and let me
+lead her by the hand; but suddenly she tore away and returned, crying,
+'They leave him lying alone on the cold ground, in the dark night.'
+
+"She broke down. We tried to administer some restorative, but her mouth
+was firmly closed, and her breast was heaving violently. At last
+Ikwarte succeeded in administering the draught. We brought her to a
+ruined house in the vicinity. The doors had all been taken off--I had
+helped at the work myself; they had done service as litters.
+
+"We placed Martella on a seat by the hearth, and I succeeded in
+gathering some wood and starting a fire. 'Oh, how good! Oh, how warm!'
+said she to the flickering flames. Her teeth chattered. We hoped that,
+after she was well warmed, she would be able to go farther with us. She
+sat there quietly, her elbows resting on her knees, her face covered
+with both her hands.
+
+"'Wolfgang, keep me with you,' she said suddenly. 'Be good to me; you
+are his brother's child; keep me with you--do not leave me. Tell me how
+many years it is since he died? O Ernst, you are so happy that I cannot
+weep. Why are you glad? Oh, if I could but weep! You have been away so
+long, and why do you not return? What shall I do in this world without
+you! Mother, Ernst is with you; you do not need him; send him to me--he
+is mine. I have nothing more in this world. My dog is dead, too. My
+little red stockings--oh, I was so happy. Martella is lost. Hunt for
+her in the woods where the wild honey grows. Do you hear the cuckoo?
+Cuckoo!'
+
+"She stared vacantly into the flames; then she cried: 'My eyes burn
+like fire! I cannot weep. O Ernst! Ernst!'
+
+"She tore the satchel from her girdle, tore the letter of pardon into
+fragments, and cried: 'Everything shall burn just as my eyes do. Come
+here, your Highness, and see how your handwriting burns.'
+
+"Dawn was breaking. Through the open door, we saw some men approaching
+with a litter.
+
+"'Here is Herr Rautenkron,' said Ikwarte. Martella rushed out and saw
+the men carrying Ernst's body. She rushed towards them, sank beside the
+litter and cried: 'My Ernst! You are not dead!'
+
+"A fearful shriek, which rang out far over the barren fields, was
+forced from her tortured breast. She clasped her hand to her heart
+while a flood of tears streamed over her cheeks. Suddenly she broke
+down and sank on the body of Ernst. A physician, who had come with the
+men, laid his hand on her heart. It was still: he listened for her
+breathing; it had ceased.
+
+"'My child! my child!' cried Rautenkron; she heard nothing more."
+
+So ended Wolfgang's story. His firm hand clasped mine, and I felt as if
+that alone held me there among the living.
+
+"And what became of Rautenkron?" I was able to ask after a long
+interval.
+
+"He had suddenly become an old man, with hollow cheeks and lustreless
+eyes. He sat on the ground, stared at the corpse, and did not speak a
+word. It rained in torrents. Every one endeavored to induce Rautenkron
+to seek the shelter of the hut, but he did not answer. At last he
+arose, pulled the hood of his cloak over his head, lit a cigar, and
+said to me, 'Stay here; I shall come back presently.' After a while, he
+returned with axe and spade. Alone, he dug the grave in which Ernst and
+Martella were laid."
+
+Wolfgang paused, and I remembered the sacred verses from the lament of
+David for Jonathan:
+
+                 "In death they were not divided."
+
+"Where is Rautenkron?" I asked at last.
+
+"When the grave was filled up, he disappeared. Later, we learned his
+fate. You remember that our men had taken the city near by and occupied
+it; but the French had so strengthened the castle which commanded it,
+that it seemed impossible to drive them out. Rautenkron volunteered to
+discover the mines which doubtless were under it. No one knows how he
+gained an entrance, but on the following day the powder-magazines in
+the cellars of the castle exploded and destroyed part of the castle,
+which was then stormed. Great numbers of the enemy were killed. Careful
+search was made for Rautenkron, but no trace of him was discovered, and
+as, up to this time, nothing has been heard of him, it seems sure that
+he was buried beneath the ruins."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+
+
+Bertha informed me that the Colonel was out of danger, and was staying
+in the city during his convalescence. The physician thought he would be
+able to lead his regiment within a few weeks. The old spinner had
+returned homewards with Carl. He had been taken to the hospital of our
+capital.
+
+"And Anton, of the saw-mill--is he dead?"
+
+"Father, I am telling you the whole truth; but I beg of you, do not
+seek to learn all these things to-day. Take care of yourself, for our
+sakes."
+
+I was soon again able to be up, and Bertha could not say enough in
+praise of the kindness and sympathy of the French people, in whose
+house I lay.
+
+The housewife now wanted to speak to me, too.
+
+She came, and was quite delighted to receive my heartfelt thanks.
+
+A few days later, I was permitted to visit the Colonel, and the first
+words he uttered were, "Bertha, now I firmly believe in my recovery.
+You wear your hair in curls again."
+
+He informed me that he had considered it an ill omen, when Bertha had
+worn her hair plain. Now that he was out of danger, the curls and
+happiness were back again.
+
+Then he recounted everything, from the first moment of his being
+wounded, when he seemed to realize what death is. It seemed like a
+stroke of lightning; then all was night and utter darkness. His
+adjutant stepped to his couch, grasped his hand, kissed it, and wept
+over it. He felt the kisses and the tears, but was unable to give a
+sign of consciousness, either by a pressure of the hand or by a word;
+within him, all was life, like a subterranean stream.
+
+I did not long have the pleasure of listening to the reminiscences of
+the convalescent Colonel. I longed to return home. When the next train
+started for Germany, it was in charge of Professor Rolunt, who had
+nursed the Colonel like a brother; they yielded to my entreaties, and,
+in a well-heated car, I journeyed homewards.
+
+Wolfgang accompanied me to the State capital, and then, in company with
+Christiane, returned with a load of medicines and delicacies to the
+theatre of war.
+
+I felt as if I could not get thoroughly well again except at home, and
+so it proved. When I inhaled the air of our forest-covered mountains,
+it gave me new life.
+
+The Privy Councillor's wife insisted on my resting at her house for a
+few days, and by the careful nursing of our physician as well as his
+confident manner, which of itself was a remedy, I soon gained fresh
+vigor. It did me good to hear Lady Von Rontheim entwine the memories of
+our fallen sons. She informed me, briefly and clearly, of what had
+happened during my illness; for now, when I could again read and
+understand the papers, I noticed many lapses in my knowledge of events.
+
+While I was living in the little town, Ludwig came. I did not
+comprehend how I could have omitted to inquire about him; and now he
+brought with him a refreshing breeze from another hemisphere. As he had
+previously informed me by letter, he had journeyed to England and then
+to America, to prevent shipments of arms for the French. He had not had
+much success, although he offered, through the newspapers, a large
+reward for any information regarding such shipments.
+
+I felt pained when he said, "We Germans have no friends abroad, because
+we have not hitherto presented to the world an imposing front. During
+the last half-century, the German nation was like a man who has the
+consciousness of honest intentions, and who counts on the recognition
+of them by others. But neither an individual nor a people obtains
+recognition gratuitously. They must wrest it from the world; and the
+best and the easiest way is not to wait for it, but to put your
+shoulder to the wheel. Now the nations speak in another key; but they
+would all have rejoiced if the brilliant Frenchman had overpowered us."
+
+This pained me, and I did not wish to believe it. Ludwig proved to me
+that, in England and America, some of the more far-sighted favored our
+cause, and that the governments could have easily prevented the
+shipment of arms and much useless carnage, had they seriously desired
+it. He considered it infinitely better that we did not need to ask, as
+we had hitherto done, "What do other nations think of us? How are they
+inclined towards us?" but that in future others would have to ask,
+"What do the Germans think of us? How are they inclined?" Ludwig, while
+abroad, had, with delight, perceived the general curiosity and
+amazement, in regard to the newly discovered wonder-land--Germany. He
+declared that we had no idea of the effect our wonderful achievements
+had had upon the people of all lands. He had everywhere announced the
+German Emperor, before he even was proclaimed at home.
+
+We at home scarcely know how much we have gained in the esteem of
+others, and how gigantically our future looms up before the eyes of
+astonished mankind. They see a thousand different effects flow from
+this new birth; and I believe they are in the right.
+
+Conny came to town, and, with her and Ludwig, I returned home.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER III.
+
+
+When I rode along the forest road, I saw Gaudens at his work. He wore a
+soldier-cap, and whistled "Die Wacht am Rhein," while clearing up the
+ditch beside the footpath.
+
+The valley stream was frozen tight, the trees were heavily laden with
+snow. Ludwig reported that he had purchased machines in America and
+England for our mill. With the aid of these, the winter would, in
+future, not prevent operations. Finished work could be set up, except
+when the orders were to ship the articles in separate parts. It seemed
+as if he contemplated remaining with us, as he had settled up much of
+his business in America. Besides, on his way home, he had taken some
+large contracts from building associations. When I expressed surprise
+at the varied fields of his activity, he said, "Father, I have
+remembered this from what I have learned of music; you may play a
+different air with each hand, and still both must be in harmony. My
+right hand plays the melody 'personal advantage,' my left, the melody
+'public weal;' sometimes they change about, too. I have built
+water-works, that were for the good of many; but they were good for me,
+too, and I do not think that without this I would have built them so
+cheerfully. Just now a great mania for building prevails among the
+people, and we shall be able to give employment to many good laborers
+who have been driven out of France."
+
+We came to the saw-mill near the bridge. Here, on the same day that the
+news arrived of Anton's death, a workman had lost three of his ringers
+by the circular saw. Ludwig went to the man and engaged him as sorter
+of the different kinds of timber.
+
+The saw-mill was stopped, and all the shutters were closed. Here we met
+Joseph, who informed us that since the death of his son, the owner of
+the mill had lost all energy and pleasure in his business. He had
+removed to a daughter of his in the opposite valley, and wanted to sell
+the property. "You must buy this, and work for us," cried Ludwig.
+
+Joseph answered sadly that he could not; he said he was in danger of
+losing everything. He had invested almost his entire property in wood
+in the Hagenau forest, and if Bourbaki and his army should force their
+way through, all would be lost over there as well as here.
+
+These were certainly very gloomy prospects, and we could not get any
+comfort at home; we daily expected the advance of Bourbaki's army, and
+it was said that preparations were being made to lay the whole country
+waste.
+
+My sister wrote that in Alsace it was the general belief that there
+would now be a change. Bourbaki would strike down Germany. Her husband
+had hung up the pictures and epaulettes again; but with this proviso,
+that if the French would not deliver them this time, he would have
+nothing further to do with them, and would become a forester in
+Germany.
+
+Bertha had returned to the capital, and wrote that the Colonel, with
+whom Rothfuss had remained, was again at the head of his regiment in
+the division that opposed Bourbaki's advance towards the Rhine.
+
+At home, I found another cause for deep emotion; it was a letter for me
+from Ernst. It had been forwarded from the field by the army post. The
+paper showed the traces of many tears. I was so much overcome, every
+time I read the letter, that my children took it away from me; but I
+asked them to return it, and here it is:
+
+
+"DEAR FATHER AND MOTHER:--See me prostrate at your feet; what I desired
+to do a thousand times, and again and again postponed, I must now
+finish.
+
+"I know that, both for you and for me, my deeds have filled many days
+and nights--nay, whole years--with sadness. I cannot express in words
+what I have thought and felt while on the march in the hot sun, or at
+night when I looked up to the stars that shone also on my paternal
+home. And, oh! how, when on the march and parched with thirst, I longed
+for a drop of water from our fountain. I write with burning tears, but
+they cannot blot out the past, nor recall a single wasted hour. Lost!
+lost! I repent, I suffer deeply. You often told me, mother, 'You must
+curb your spirit.' I could not succeed in my peaceful home, although I
+had so many to help me you, father, Martella, my brothers and sisters.
+From afar, the sound of ardent prayer swells into an eager wail for
+redemption. I have wasted all. Am I a sacrifice to my country's misery?
+And now comes the most dreadful consequence of my misdeeds. We have
+received orders to take ship to fight against Germany. No, not against
+Germany. The old misery is here again with redoubled force. An officer
+has confided to me, that several of the lesser German states had called
+upon France to release them from the tyranny of Prussia.
+
+"I had loaded my gun and pointed it at my head, but, thinking of you, I
+fired into the air.
+
+"Is it my guilt, or am I but a drop in the stream that overflows its
+bed?
+
+"O my parents! He who leaves his country is suspended in mid-air, and
+has no ground to stand upon. It is well that the end is near; but I
+wish you to know that my soul is with you at home. At this moment, I
+feel your hands on my head, blessing me.
+
+"May Martella remain forever true! I can say nothing to her. Oh,
+Richard was in the right. How dared I, who was nothing for myself, bind
+another life to mine?
+
+"I thank you a thousand times for all the kindness, all the love you
+bestowed upon me who am unworthy of it, and upon Martella who deserves
+it.
+
+"I beg forgiveness of my brothers and sisters for the wrongs I have
+done them.
+
+"Do not mourn for me; I shall find the way to atonement. Console and
+comfort yourselves with the thought of one who will remember you till
+death.
+
+                                                    "ERNST."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+"Father, I did not hitherto wish to speak of it, but now I must tell
+you," said Ludwig, one day.
+
+"For God's sake, what can have happened?"
+
+"Nothing bad, quite the contrary; I am resolved to remain here. I did
+not wish to tell you until peace was restored, but I think that this is
+the time when the news will do you most good."
+
+I deemed it my duty to advise him to delay before making up his mind,
+but he replied, "I have considered everything. Whatever a man may
+achieve in this world, be it ever so great or important, if he has not
+done his whole duty to his parents, all else is vain. I remain with
+you, and to public duties I will devote as much of my life as can be
+spared from you."
+
+Thus spoke my son, whose roving life in America we thought had made him
+harsh and cold.
+
+I inquired whether he had already consulted his wife. He replied that
+there was no doubt of her consent, because she would simply and gladly
+consent as soon as he should tell her that it was for the best.
+
+Conny at once consented. She mentioned that her father had always
+prophesied that she would some time return to Europe. She now felt
+particularly happy, because, if it should turn out that a German
+confederation with an emperor at its head would be established, the
+ideal of her father's life, and for the sake of which he went into
+exile, would be realized.
+
+While our eyes were wandering from the warlike past to a peaceful
+future, we were thrilled over and over again by the thought that our
+army stood like a gigantic wall in the path of the advancing Bourbaki.
+
+Ludwig told me that, in connection with some friends, he intended to
+start a new building association for the public benefit. He had found
+the starting point with some former friends from the gymnasium. Their
+object was to locate some grand industrial establishments in the
+country, in order to avert the threatened overcrowding of the large
+cities, by giving profitable employment to the dwellers in the rural
+districts. He intended to transfer his mill to the company, and also to
+enlarge it.
+
+Martha, who had remained with her mother in the city, sent us a letter
+from Julius. He wrote about the great sortie from Paris, and what heavy
+sacrifices it had cost us. He was very happy to have been able to give
+proofs of his valor, and he had received the Iron Cross of the first
+class on the field of battle.
+
+Madam Von Rontheim begged me to hold myself in readiness to return to
+the city within a few days.
+
+It was towards evening when the sounds of great rejoicing were heard in
+the village. All flocked together, and we heard loud cries, "Rothfuss
+is here again!" Rothfuss came with two horses harnessed to his vehicle,
+and two following in the rear.
+
+"I bring four captured Frenchmen," he cried: "I have bought them
+honestly. Of course I paid only for their hides. They are not much more
+than skin and bone anyway, but in a week I shall feed four new horses
+into their skins. When they taste the fodder from our mountain forests,
+they will think, 'What a fine country Germany is; there they feed
+horses on sweet herbs.'"
+
+Rothfuss also brought the great news that our German troops had pushed
+Bourbaki and his men to the wall; just as might have been done in a
+tavern fight.
+
+We did not quite understand what he really meant. Then Joseph brought
+the newspaper. Alsace was free; and his joy over the victory was
+enhanced by the certainty that his timber in the Hagenau forest was now
+all safe.
+
+We read about the three days' battle before Belfort; and as long as
+valor and endurance are remembered, history will have a glorious page
+to unfold there.
+
+My daughter Johanna came down to enjoy a few days' rest with us. In
+spite of the great hardships she had undergone, she had become
+stronger, and looked more cheerful. She wanted to deliver her good news
+in person. Her daughter had become engaged to a man who had lost his
+right arm. Christiane had nursed him faithfully, and fallen in love
+with him, and Johanna is right in saying, "She will always love him the
+more because of her having to take care of him; she is just the wife
+for an invalid."
+
+On the very next day, we had a triumphal entry in our village. Carl was
+well again, but carried his left arm in a sling. Rothfuss harnessed his
+four "Bourbakis" (they were lean as yet, but lively) and drove Carl and
+his mother, four-in-hand. Down at the saw-mill, Marie mounted beside
+Carl and rode along into the village.
+
+Rothfuss stopped before the house of the meadow-farmer. Nobody was to
+be seen there, but all cried, "Hurrah for the meadow-farmer!"
+
+"You must say the old farmer," commanded Rothfuss, "because Carl is now
+the young meadow farmer. Come out, old fellow; Napoleon had to
+abdicate, too. Give up your flail to Carl, the conqueror."
+
+At last the door opened. The old meadow farmer came out and welcomed
+Carl. It seemed as if the cheering would never end. Carl becomes the
+meadow farmer! After this everything is possible.
+
+"Have you any news of my faithful nurse, the Captain's wife?" asked
+Carl, when he entered our room; and the old woman, who had not heard a
+word, also asked, "How is the worthy lady?"
+
+Just then, as it happened, a letter arrived from her.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER V.
+
+
+Annette wrote:
+
+"What happiness it is to write to you! This is the first time that I
+address you as your real and true daughter. Do you remember how ill you
+took it when I once called you Patriarch? You were right, because
+bandying sharp speeches was a great fault of mine. Too much of the
+intellectual was my misfortune and that of all of us. Now I am nothing
+but a quiet ant, crawling up a tree and bearing my tiny mite; to be one
+ant amongst a thousand is now my only ambition. I do not wish to be
+anything for myself. I must give you an extract from Richard's letter.
+What is dearest and most beautiful in it, I cannot, of course, repeat
+to you. He writes:
+
+
+"'Hitherto, our happiness consisted in the general belief that every
+one was a nobody, unless he was something quite apart, because the
+people as a whole were held in but little esteem. Germany was like the
+educated Jew, who is always intent on hearing from others, "How do they
+regard me?" "What do they think of me?" You yourself,'--but here he
+begins praising me--enough of that.
+
+"'It gave me great pleasure to have Johanna with us in the hospital for
+a few days, which enabled us, by working together, to gain a better
+appreciation of each other. She has gathered experience and insight
+from other sources than myself, and she insists that nature is better
+than what we call principle. We can afford to let the latter pass, here
+and there. She acknowledges that unbelievers, as she calls us, are
+capable of virtuous actions. This war has taught all of us not to ask
+for dogmas, but for deeds.
+
+"'I am scarcely able to-day, to write a letter in my own name. It was
+general mail-day, and I sat for hours at the bedside of the sick,
+writing word for word as they dictated. I am glad to have learnt enough
+French to be able to write for the officer whom you may remember. How
+manifold are the relations of life with which I have become
+familiarized! There is much wonderful beauty hidden in the world, and
+every people and every station in life has its share.
+
+"'I had to add postscripts to two letters announcing the death of those
+in whose name they were written. One was the son of honored parents,
+and the other was himself the head of a family, and leaves four
+children.
+
+"'_Midnight_.--I could not write further. Now all is hushed; and I do
+not wish to sleep before fulfilling my duty towards you. I find it
+hateful, when in full health, to say, "I cannot," and, therefore,
+continue writing. I feel as if mother were sitting beside me and
+saying, "Tell my husband everything. The best remedy against fear is to
+know the whole truth." But I must inform you about Martella.
+
+"'_The next day_.--Last night, while I was writing the last sentence,
+Wolfgang came. He informed me that he had told you all. I may then
+speak of ourselves again.'
+
+"Richard has written me: 'Remember that you once told me you would go
+through the wide world with me. That may now come to pass. Through
+varied labors which have given entire satisfaction, I have received an
+offer of employment in the foreign service, and it may happen that we
+shall have to begin our married life in the new world. I leave my quiet
+study, or rather I shall not return to it. I may be able to influence
+the living present, and you, my good and lovely wife, shall win
+admiration and respect in the highest circles. I am proud to place you
+in life's highest stations, and for this reason I joyfully surrender my
+solitary, peaceful studies and long-cherished plans of scientific
+investigation.'
+
+"How I replied to Richard you will see by these lines, which I copy for
+you without conventional modesty; they are from a second letter, in
+answer to mine:
+
+
+"'A thousand times, I kiss your hands and press you to my heart. You
+are my good genius. Pardon every unpleasant thought which, in the
+erring past, I may have harbored against you. Even then, despite
+myself, my mother knew you better than I did; her blessing rests upon
+your head. You have liberated me and brought me back to myself; I
+receive all willingly from your hands.
+
+"'How clever and how pointed are your accounts of the nothings of
+diplomatic life which you noticed in Paris at the house of your
+sister-in-law, the wife of our ambassador.
+
+"'Pardon me that I was just a little jealous of the title of nobility,
+and that I thought you might regret having to change it for a plain
+civilian name. I thank you for scolding me so merrily about it; but I
+reproach myself very seriously that I could entertain such a thought
+for a single instant.
+
+"'How much you are in the right! I dare not abandon my innermost
+convictions. Your Christian admonition has gone right to my heart: yes,
+I would have been doing violence to my soul.
+
+"'Now all is bright and free within and around me. It is settled. I
+shall keep on the straight line marked out for me; I am born and bred a
+man of letters. _You_ see clearly what I could not confess to you or
+myself. For your sake the glitter of life allured, and attracted me. I
+fondly imagined your queenly form moving among those the world call
+noblest; but you, my lovely wife, are greater, purer, and freer than I
+am. You do not wish to shine; you will live for me, and I am to live
+for my ideal. It is decided; I am fortified against all temptation. I
+shall remain true to my calling, to you, and to myself.'
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+"I have told you all. I hope the time is not far off when this horrible
+war, this killing and dying, will be but as a shadowy dream in our
+memories. There must be peace at last, and peace will bring home to you
+
+                                   "Your happy daughter,
+
+                                               "ANNETTE."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+The very same day, a messenger arrived from the Counciller's wife, to
+call me, and I drove to the city with Joseph and Ludwig. From afar, we
+heard the booming of cannon, and at the new saw-mill the lumber
+merchant Schwarzenberg, an ever-faithful patriot, told me: "We have an
+Emperor; he has been proclaimed at Versailles." This was as it should
+be. Our great achievements in war were consecrated by the establishment
+of the German Empire.
+
+Ludwig was dissatisfied because the celebration was held on a Prussian
+anniversary. He had to acknowledge, however, that the history of
+Prussia now glided into that of Germany, and that it was not improper
+thus to exalt a family festival.
+
+O fortunate posterity! you can never know or appreciate our feelings
+during those days. We had long cherished these aspirations for our
+country, for a United Germany; the less we could hope for their
+realization, the deeper they lay in our hearts. Patriotism was like
+religious martrydom. Our country did not return our love. On the
+contrary, it was requited by hate and persecution from those high in
+station, and by neglect and ridicule from the lowly. And, in spite of
+all, for more than fifty years we stood firm and true, without hope of
+reward.
+
+In the city, the bells were ringing and all the houses were decorated
+with flags. The Councillor's wife received us on the stairs and said,
+"Welcome, great-grandfather! Martha has given birth to a son."
+
+How can I express the emotions that filled my heart! My country
+united under a powerful, victorious chief, and on the same day a
+great-grandchild born to me. How can I deserve such unspeakable bliss!
+
+I was allowed to speak to Martha for a minute, and to take my
+great-grandson in my arms. He opened his eyes, and Martha cried, "He
+has his grandmother's eyes. When at Strasburg, Julius asked that his
+name should be Erwin."
+
+The Councillor's wife ordered her to be quiet, adding: "You can now be
+perfectly happy; the conflict is over, and your husband returns full of
+honors. You are blessed indeed, and we are blessed through you. Sleep
+now; when you really want to sleep, you can do so."
+
+I had to leave the room; and, after a while, the new grandmother came
+to tell me that Martha was sleeping quietly.
+
+I remained in the city. The grandfather came for a day, and told me
+that he agreed with Julius, who, as he had so greatly distinguished
+himself, wished to remain in the military service.
+
+My eyes have looked upon the third generation; I was also to see the
+dream of my youth realized in the establishment of the German Empire,
+and my family had fairly done their share towards it. But our joys are
+never unalloyed. No tree in the forest has an uninterrupted growth. A
+raven comes, rests on its top, and bends and blights the tender
+sapling.
+
+Yes, a raven of misfortune came. A letter from Annette reported, in a
+few hasty words, that Richard had disappeared, and that he had probably
+fallen into the hands of the _franc tireurs_. There was still some hope
+of his life. She had started out with Wolfgang to hunt him up.
+Wolfgang, being an American citizen, could get through the lines. She
+asked us to move heaven and earth to save Richard. In a postscript, she
+reminded me of the wounded French officer whom she was nursing when I
+searched for the Colonel. How wonderful! every good deed meets its
+reward. The officer had given her a pass, from which she promised
+herself the best results.
+
+Ludwig was not for a moment alarmed by the danger into which his only
+son had ventured. He had full confidence in Wolfgang's discretion, and
+his words were full of assurance that he would not be found wanting.
+
+I believe that this confidence was genuine, but I also believe that he
+tried, for my sake, to mitigate the shock which the news about Richard
+had given me.
+
+It puzzled me how Richard, who did not belong to the combatants, could
+be captured by the enemy; but Ludwig stopped all brooding over it by
+saying: "Father, will you accompany me to the capital? I wish to see
+our ambassador; he must give me all possible assistance."
+
+In the capital, all the bells were ringing, and at the railroad station
+"extras" were announced with the Emperor's proclamation. In the midst
+of a group of people in the street stood a man reading the words of the
+Emperor. I knew him; it was Loedinger. His voice trembled; and when he
+had finished, and the joyful crowd marched through the streets, he saw
+me and embraced me heartily.
+
+"What have we lived to see?" he cried. "Now we can die in peace. But
+what is the matter with you? Why do you not cheer with us?"
+
+I told him, in a few words, of the capture of my son, and the worst
+fears which it justified.
+
+Ludwig went at once to his ambassador, and I to the palace to see the
+Prince, who would doubtless use his influence for the rescue of my son.
+In the palace, there was great commotion. They said that no message
+could be taken to the Prince now, as he was presiding at a session of
+the Privy Council. I had to wait a long while. In the streets, the
+rejoicing went on; it could be faintly heard from afar. The whole city
+was illuminated.
+
+At last I was told that the Prince could not see me today; I must leave
+my petition with the chief of the Cabinet. He was a relative of my
+son-in-law, and was favorably inclined towards me. He said that from
+there no effective steps could be taken; that it was the business of
+the Imperial government, and that I should address myself to the
+Prussian ambassador, to whom he gave me a few lines. I felt like a
+beggar who is sent from house to house.
+
+At the Prussian Embassy, I was informed that the American Minister was
+attending a conference, and that there was a stranger with him.
+
+I was called in, and found Ludwig with the two ambassadors. All
+necessary steps had already been agreed upon, and dispatches were at
+once forwarded to Versailles.
+
+We drove to the station in the American Minister's coach, and Ludwig
+started for France, at once.
+
+I went to Bertha, and, in spite of the new trouble that poured in upon
+me, I felt somewhat relieved when with my daughter and her children.
+Victor looked splendidly in his cadet uniform. Bertha met me with
+outstretched arms, saying, "Father, we shall soon have peace, and he is
+now almost a general."
+
+It was not the least part of my sorrow that I had to inform Bertha of
+our deep anxiety for Richard. In the gladness of her heart, she
+ascribed it all to the exaggerated fears of Annette. The human heart is
+selfish; in moments of great happiness it wants to hear nothing of the
+sorrows of others, and refuses to believe them.
+
+I was compelled to mar the joy of the proud, loving wife; and when
+Bertha too was filled with alarm, she pitied Annette even more than her
+brother. She thought it particularly hard that Annette, who was so good
+and self-sacrificing, should again and again be overwhelmed with
+sorrow. She believed that Richard had loved Annette before the death of
+her husband, and that his repentance and severity towards himself
+caused him to be so bitter to her. He struggled with his love for the
+woman on whom his eyes had rested with admiration at a time when such
+admiration was sinful.
+
+On the other hand her natural good humor and buoyancy of spirits made
+her confident that Richard would surely soon be saved. Richard always
+was a lucky fellow. She remembered, from childhood, that once while I
+was coming down the river on a raft with my raftsmen, Richard stood on
+shore, and, crying "Father!" rushed out into the stream till the water
+came up to his chin. Balbina ran to the rescue, and, when he was safely
+ashore he laughed heartily. He had not been conscious of danger or
+fear.
+
+While Bertha recalled all this, I became more tranquil, and when she
+expressed her confident hope that we would not live to see another war,
+I heartily agreed with her.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+It was well that I had come up to the capital, for Parliament had been
+convoked, in order to consider the new constitution, or rather, the
+question of giving in our adhesion to the North German Confederation.
+
+I scarcely heard the speeches, and did not have the strength to take
+the floor myself.
+
+When a vote was at last reached, it went hard with me to vote "aye." In
+spite of my joy that there was now a United Germany, I had labored too
+long for the establishment of German landed rights, to content myself
+without their being embodied in laws.
+
+I was deeply moved by a remark of my old and faithful colleague,
+Loedinger: "I fear that in the new German constitution, it will only be
+too evident that the movement which brought it about, was not initiated
+by the people."
+
+We heard from Annette and Wolfgang, who wrote that they had at last
+obtained a clue to aid them in the search for Richard. He had, for a
+long time, been dragged about the country, and had then been sent to
+the Isles d'Hyeres.
+
+Now, for the first time, I learned the details of his capture. Richard
+had crossed our lines into the enemy's country, being tempted to do so
+by a desire to investigate certain points of local history. He was
+arrested by the _franc tireurs_, who took him for a spy and wanted to
+shoot him. It was only through the interference of a man who was able
+to read Richard's journal that he was saved from instant death.
+
+This was all they had been able to discover, up to the arrival of
+Ludwig, who sent Wolfgang home, and continued the search with Annette.
+
+They were often led astray, and shown prisoners whom they did not know.
+They would have liked to console and encourage them by the news of the
+progress of our victorious armies and the certainty of a speedy peace,
+but they dared not risk it.
+
+Ludwig added to his letter minute directions concerning the mill.
+
+We were now perfectly safe in pushing the enterprise forward, as
+Bourbaki's forces had been driven into Switzerland and disarmed.
+
+I could not content myself at the capital, and journeyed homewards. On
+the way, I met Baron Arven, who had returned from the field seriously
+ill, and who hoped to regain his health at home. I accompanied him, and
+found some pleasure in bearing him company in his deserted mansion--his
+wife was in Rome, both his sons still in the field. "I shall die at
+home after all," was his invariable answer whenever we attempted to
+console him. Our excellent physician prepared me for the worst. I was
+with Arven in his last hour, and was present when his remains were
+deposited in the family vault.
+
+Joseph came to take me home.
+
+In war times, one's feelings at last become familiarized with death
+scenes.
+
+I soon again was called upon to take a part in public life.
+
+The election campaign opened. Remminger, who had returned from the
+field to get cured of severe rheumatism, brought me the paper which
+represented our party. In it, he was recommended as delegate to the
+Reichstag from our district, as a man of merit, and of experience in
+military matters. I did not begrudge him the honor, nor the office. It
+gave his life a greater value, though I did not know that he ever took
+any part in political matters, or even showed any desire in that
+direction.
+
+I thought it remarkable that in the article, particular stress was laid
+on the fact, that he was a friend and former comrade of my son-in-law,
+who had so greatly distinguished himself in the three days' battle
+against Bourbaki.
+
+What motive could there have been for referring to that fact? However,
+if it could be of any use to the man, I was content.
+
+He asked me whether I had had any hand in the publication of the
+article. He had never thought of taking part in politics, but if the
+place were offered him, he would not shirk the duty. I heard that the
+article was supposed to have emanated either from Joseph or myself.
+
+We inquired at the office, and were informed that the nomination had
+been sent in with the stamp of our nearest post-office, and with a
+rather indistinct signature, which might well be Joseph's.
+
+Joseph asserted that Funk was the author. I did not believe it, because
+the entire article did not contain a single superlative. He never
+could, even while writing, restrain his peculiar talent for screaming.
+
+Great thoughts stirred the hearts of men, but littleness, cunning, and
+mischief-making had not ceased either. But what matters it? A tree
+grows all the same, whether ants and beetles crawl upon it or not.
+
+A second article shortly afterward appeared in the country papers, in
+which it was said that military despotism had unmasked its batteries.
+But the people were awake; the people, who did not pray to the god
+whose name is Success; but were true to their own eternal aims and
+ideas. The clamor of victory must not drown the cries for liberty. We
+still had approved champions in our midst; our district still owned an
+independent man of large landed property; he should be deputy; they
+should be made to see at Berlin what plain, strong men tilled our land.
+
+Joseph asserted that the papers of the popular party wanted to draw me
+to their side. There were inquiries in the journals from different
+quarters as to who was meant by "the firm man of solid worth," until he
+was named at last. It was Schweitzer-Schmalz. As usual, it was claimed
+that South Germany was the only real Germany, just as peasants were
+said to be the only genuine people. To-day, the peasants; to-morrow,
+perhaps the so-called laborer. The red waistcoat of Schweitzer-Schmalz
+was to do service as the popular flag.
+
+Joseph was filled with anger and disgust, and I urged him to accept the
+nomination himself. He had much influence, and there were few other men
+in the district so well thought of as he.
+
+I can say much in Joseph's favor; he wishes to see the state honestly
+served; but he also likes to attend to his business. Just then, Joseph
+had indeed a heavy load to carry. He had brought a large squad of
+foresters from the Tyrol, and had to provide several new teams.
+
+We heard that Schweitzer-Schmalz had, at first, declined the proffered
+offer; but when he found the election was not to cost him any money,
+only some little condescension towards the poorer people, a few casks
+of beer, and, more than all else, strong language against military
+dictation, he declared his readiness. He was plain spoken, and yet
+cunning enough to declare, at the valley tavern, that, if he should be
+defeated it would be more of an honor than a disgrace to him. People
+would then always say, "Here is the man who ought to have been our
+deputy at the Reichstag. He is a man of the right sort."
+
+The movement continued. It was a sorrowful spectacle for me, to see how
+the domestic enemies of the Empire inscribed our Frankfort Constitution
+on their flag, and cried that it must be accepted without debate. What
+should be done in case it was not accepted, they would not say; they
+knew as well as we did, that the adoption of the constitution of 1848
+was an impossibility. But they wanted to start an opposition, and to
+surround it with a halo of glory.
+
+On the last day of February, we received the news that the
+preliminaries of peace were agreed upon, and our German Emperor
+announced, "We have arrived at the end of the glorious but bloody war
+which was so wantonly and wickedly forced upon us."
+
+We who lived on the borders were delighted beyond measure to know that
+Alsace-Lorraine had been brought home to us again; and when I was
+speaking with my folks about it, Rothfuss remarked:
+
+"Now I know how it worked. Those who live along the Rhine, from Basle
+downward, felt the way you do, when you lie abed in winter time and
+have too narrow a blanket. Whenever you move, you are uncovered and get
+cold. Now we have a good double bed; now we can stretch ourselves, and,
+over there, stand the Vosges mountains; that is a good solid wall; no
+draft gets through that."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+The ides of March had returned as they had twenty-three years before,
+but how different now! We stood on a basis of real power, which had
+been wrested in battle from our restless neighbor.
+
+The armistice with the enemy without was concluded, but at the polls we
+had to struggle against adversaries within.
+
+The best men of our district came and explained to me how false a game
+was being played. "They are electioneering for Schweitzer-Schmalz, who
+would not be so bad a man, but, at the last moment, they mean to drop
+him and transfer the votes to Funk, who has acquired a considerable
+fortune by the war."
+
+The men urged me, and Schwarzenberg, the lumber merchant, was not the
+least among them, to allow myself to be put up as a candidate, both as
+a matter of right and duty. He claimed that I, who had assisted at the
+vexatious and fruitless labors at Frankfort, should have the
+nomination. Only in that way, could the defeat of the Funk party be
+assured.
+
+I told them what trouble I had, and that I was too old, and unequal to
+the duties the office would impose upon me.
+
+Then the burgomaster of Kaltenbach, a quiet, worthy man, reminded me
+that I had often said one should drown domestic griefs in active labors
+for the Fatherland. He bade me consider what would become of us
+Germans, if we should fail to secure true unity.
+
+Those who had fallen in France, would, in that case, be disgraced and
+dishonored by the result.
+
+I could not yield, in spite of all that was said; and Joseph asked me,
+"If Richard is saved, will you consent?"
+
+"I do not make vows!"
+
+"I did not mean it in that way; but would your mind be sufficiently at
+ease?"
+
+I asked for time to consider the matter.
+
+There was to be a meeting of electors on the next evening. I was alone,
+buried in thought; but soon a true and encouraging companion arrived.
+It was a letter, the handwriting of which I did not recognize; but when
+I had broken the seal and read the signature, I seemed to hear the
+voice of sincerity itself--it was a letter from Doctor Wilhelmi, of
+Berlin.
+
+Ludwig had already informed me that Wilhelmi had returned years ago,
+and I had heard of his labors with genuine delight. I had often wished
+to send him a word of cheer, but had not found the opportunity. Now he
+wrote:
+
+
+"All hail! thus do I salute you in your forest home. And now let me
+tell you all about ourselves. My wife and other ladies are at work day
+and night at the railroad depots, providing the troops, and
+particularly the sick and wounded ones, with refreshments. One day, a
+large body of prisoners arrived in charge of one of your country
+people. My wife observed this as soon as he opened his mouth, and asked
+him about you. The man had been servant to a sullen and ill-natured
+forester in your neighborhood, and you may imagine how glad we were to
+hear of you. For years I have often read your name, and often intended
+to write to you; now, a messenger had come to us from you.
+
+"We provided him with quarters. He is really becoming spoiled by our
+friends, for the Berlin folks find the Suabian dialect 'charming,
+delightful,' and your countryman is a rogue.
+
+"He outherods Herod; speaks the dialect more emphatically than ever
+Suabian did before, and, when his bravery is praised (he has received
+many orders) is condescending enough to confess, 'We did not do
+everything; the Prussians too behaved quite decently.'
+
+"'Quite decently,' is the highest compliment your countrymen ever
+bestow on any one. When the man gets home he will tell you that the
+Berlinese are all angels. I sincerely trust that you, too, will soon
+make their acquaintance.
+
+"How are your children? above all, the daughter who was with you in
+Strasburg years ago.
+
+"I hear that Ludwig is with you. Tell him to remain; we need men like
+him.
+
+"What has become of the handsome boy, Arndt's favorite, who was with us
+in Frankfort? And what of the young student who came to visit us there?
+
+"Write to me, or, what would be better still, come here soon. We need
+old masons to build up the new state."
+
+His wife had added a postscript saying: "When you come to Berlin, you
+must stay with us."
+
+
+Joseph thought the best way to keep Ludwig at home would be to elect
+him a member of the Reichstag. He had made inquiries of an attorney in
+the little neighboring town, and had been told that Ludwig had not
+resided long enough in Germany to be eligible; but that as these were
+extraordinary times, the Reichstag would probably admit him.
+
+The matter was brought before the election committee, but was not
+carried, as we should not be so sure of our voters if we had to go
+before the county a second time. The country people could with
+difficulty be induced to lose a work-day; the high pitch of patriotic
+sentiment that now obtained might not last long.
+
+I accepted the nomination.
+
+I have nothing to report in regard to the election campaign, except
+this; it was the first time we had been obliged to fight the new
+clerical party.
+
+I do not like to speak of clerical machinations. France was conquered,
+and France was the last stay of the Papal power. Our victories had
+enabled the King of Italy to enter Rome. There was now an attempt to
+set on foot a carefully disguised opposition in our own country. A
+prebendary belonging to the diocese, travelled through our district,
+and held secret conferences with the pastors, to induce them to
+influence votes for a champion who had made himself notorious, by the
+strong language he had used.
+
+Joseph finds out everything, and thus he soon learned that the lower
+clergy leaned towards the patriotic side, but that they would not risk
+open opposition. And, apropos of that, an amusing story was in
+circulation.
+
+The prebendary asked the sleek and wily pastor of Rottenhoch, "And how
+do matters stand in your village? What are you able and willing to do?"
+
+"Whatever the Right Reverend Bishop commands, shall be done."
+
+The Right Reverend turned and twisted as best he might: but the priest
+could not be made to understand that his superiors desired to avoid
+giving explicit orders; and the others, who saw that the attempts to
+secure his compliance always elicited the same reply, bit their tongues
+to keep from laughing outright.
+
+It was the first Sunday after Easter, on a bright spring day, when my
+friends came to take me to the meeting of the voters.
+
+Rothfuss went with Carl, the young meadow-farmer, and said, "Yes, Carl,
+you are lucky; you begin in your young days. This is the first chance I
+have ever had to tell our man what he should say to the Emperor for me.
+But it is a good thing after all; and mind what I tell you--before the
+election we will only take one drink; not a drop more."
+
+At the same time, he swore at the workmen at the mill, who had allowed
+themselves to be influenced by Funk. He declared that they were even
+capable of voting against me. Carl said that, as far as his two
+brothers were concerned, it was true. They had been expelled from
+Alsace, had received employment in Ludwig's mill, and now publicly said
+that they would give their votes to Funk.
+
+At the meeting, it happened just as Joseph had predicted.
+Schweitzer-Schmalz stepped forward and declared that a man like himself
+could not leave his large estate and go to Berlin; they should,
+therefore, give the votes intended for him, to that intrepid man of the
+people--Funk.
+
+But now something happened that took us all by surprise. Funk mounted
+the rostrum. He laid it down that a constitution without fundamental
+rights was a farce, and it cut me to the quick when he dared to add,
+"We uphold the old German flag--the sacred flag of freedom--immaculate,
+and shall not desert our colors."
+
+In conclusion, he said. "I implore you not to call on me now. The time
+will come when they must call us to save our liberties; that time has
+not yet arrived.
+
+"For the present, we will leave the pseudo-Prussian to the undisturbed
+enjoyment of the national beggars' broth filled with imperial
+dumplings, which is being served up in the famous spiked helmet.
+
+"I thank you," he cried, when the yelling which followed this speech
+had somewhat abated, "for the votes with which you honor me. I esteem
+them highly, but we must wait. So let us bide our time."
+
+Joseph prevented me from answering. He mounted the stand, and said that
+Herr Funk deserved all possible praise for his shrewdness. He knew that
+he could not be successful, and had therefore declined, in order to try
+his chances at some future time. "Herr Funk waits; we, too, can wait."
+
+I was elected by a large majority; and the walk homeward, surrounded by
+my electors, was one of the happiest hours of my life. It was even more
+joyful than when, twenty-three years earlier, I was elected a delegate
+to Frankfort. I forgot my anxiety about Richard.
+
+When I took leave of Rothfuss at the railway station, he held me by the
+hand, a long while, and said: "Oh master, if it was only not so far to
+Berlin, you should have taken me along, anyhow. Keep yourself well,
+right well; and don't drink any water; Willem says there is good wine
+to be had at Berlin, too."
+
+A tear glistened in his eye, and the leave-taking from this faithful
+companion moved me deeply. He had never before been so anxious and
+concerned about me.
+
+Many friends told me, "This new labor will wear you out."
+
+Be it so, I am here to be of use.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+THE old Burschenschafter[7]! Yes, treasured in secret and worn like an
+amulet of magic power, for the sake of which we suffered, are the
+colors of the new confederation. At first, the thought pained me; but
+perhaps it is all for the best. The Empire which is now being
+established, is not quite the one of which we sang and dreamed, or for
+the love of which we were thrown into dungeons. But it is full of a new
+and vigorous life, and instead of the golden glitter of poesy, we have
+the simple white of prose.
+
+I am not of a combative disposition, and have always longed for a
+condition of affairs to which I could heartily assent. And now my
+greatest happiness is to know that I am no longer condemned to what I
+had feared would prove a life-long opposition to the powers that be.
+
+The newly elected members had their rendezvous at the railroad
+junction. A majority were faithful to the Empire. The few who belonged
+to the progressives, or to the ultramontanes, were loud in their
+protestation of love for our newly-cemented union.
+
+My friend Loedinger, that true old soul, was also elected. He studied
+with me at Jena, was with me in prison, and, for many years, sat near
+me in the Parliament. "We two have by this time become quite used to
+each other," were his words, as he took the seat next to me. And, as if
+by previous agreement, we were always together during the whole
+journey.
+
+The days were fresh and spring-like, and, although our hearts were
+filled with solemn thoughts, nothing but jokes were heard. Next to
+Baribal, the gayest was Professor Rolunt, who, before he entered the
+military service, had studied in Berlin, and had here received the
+so-called finishing touch. On the way, there was much cheerful
+discussion of the peculiarities that distinguish various sections of
+our country and the fanaticism with which every district believes that
+its customs and modes of expression alone represent the real German
+mind.
+
+Offenheimer, the lawyer, who had also been elected a member of the
+Reichstag, spoke quite forcibly on this subject, by demonstrating that
+we South Germans believed ours to be the veritable language of the
+soul. When there is a prejudice to combat, Offenheimer always is
+particularly eloquent. He knows Berlin, and lives here with relatives
+of his.
+
+Cato Debold, the inveterate South German, thought it hard that the
+rough North German manner should now gain the supremacy. When he saw
+the first windmills, he scoffed at North German windbags; and when the
+Professor added that in North Germany there were no running springs,
+but only pumps, he was quite happy, and vaunted the number of springs
+we possessed at home.
+
+Rolunt allowed him to finish his harangue, and then replied that the
+North Germans, finding themselves without fast flowing streams, had
+made an invisible power, the winds, work for them; and that pump water
+was as refreshing as that from fountains.
+
+But, against that, Debold showed that the portion of Germany, that lay
+on the other side of the Thuringian Mountains had, through being
+divided into small farms, become quite different, and far advanced in
+comparison with the North. And in municipal liberty, we also stand far
+ahead of North Germany; and shall we now submit to have that encroached
+upon?
+
+"That will regulate itself. The others will become more agreeable, and
+we will get sharper," said the Professor.
+
+At many stations we heard the people say: "Here are the South German
+Representatives."
+
+Our reception was not so stormy and excited as the one accorded us
+twenty-three years before when we went to Frankfort. The public mood
+was now calm and earnest.
+
+On the road, one of the members said, "If your Richard had returned, he
+would doubtless have been elected." Ah! when one has a sorrow, he
+expects others to have some consideration, and not touch upon it, even
+though it be in the way of kindness.
+
+At Gotha, where many new delegates joined us, we all received bouquets,
+and the principal of the gymnasium cleverly said that we should adorn
+ourselves with wedding favors, as we were going to the wedding of North
+and South Germany.
+
+At Eisenach, my granddaughter Christiane and her affianced awaited me.
+He was still walking on crutches, but hoped to lay them aside in a few
+months, and to depend upon his wife's arm for support. Christiane had
+become quite youthful in appearance. She fairly beamed with happiness,
+as she looked now at me, and now at her betrothed.
+
+The others continued on their journey, but Loedinger and I remained
+behind to visit a hallowed shrine. I spent the evening with Christiane
+and her betrothed. I promised to attend the wedding on my return from
+the Reichstag.
+
+At early dawn, Loedinger and I ascended the Wartburg. We knew that each
+other's thoughts wandered back to the companions who, more than half a
+century ago, had come here, filled with the enthusiasm of youth. An
+invisible band of warriors marched at our side.
+
+Silently, we walked through the halls of the castle. When we looked out
+over the country, far and wide, Loedinger grasped my hand and said: "It
+is hard, after all, that our flag, with its sacred colors, does not
+float here in the morning breeze. They should have left us that. There
+is great danger in the fact that it is now the banner of the
+opposition, and is raised by the hands of those who are against us and
+the unity we have labored so hard to win."
+
+While trying to console him, I consoled myself, and the ardor of youth
+seemed to return to us.
+
+Descending the mountain, we sang our old student songs, and felt young
+again.
+
+Yes, this mountain is the altar of all that is great and pure and
+beautiful in our united Fatherland.
+
+When we passed Weimar, where the creators of the unity of German
+thought had dwelt and labored, Loedinger said, "We might well cry out:
+'Hearken, ye heroes of the mind, your words have become deeds.'"
+
+Doctor Wilhelmi and his wife received me at the railroad depot.
+
+Friend Wilhelmi, once a handsome, slender man, has grown stout, but the
+sound of his hearty, musical voice, the warm and kindly glance, the
+grasp of his hand, are all unchanged.
+
+Loedinger was lodged with a friend of his, who lived in the
+neighborhood, and I soon felt at home with my old friends. The best
+people of the city, yes of the whole country, made their house a
+rendezvous. I have here made the acquaintance of a great number of men
+of distinguished merit. We are well supplied in that respect.
+
+I also made the nearer acquaintance of some of those sharp Prussians. I
+felt at first as if they were setting my teeth on edge. But, after
+awhile, I recognized their good traits.
+
+Doctor Wilhelmi still has an album of the members of the Frankfort
+Reichstag. We renewed our memories of olden days while looking at the
+pictures, and supplemented each other's information with what we knew
+of this or that old friend.
+
+In every word that Wilhelmi speaks, I recognize his lofty ideality; but
+life in America has made him more practical than he once was.
+
+The hospitality of the Greeks is vaunted. We possess it in a new shape;
+for a whole city considers itself our host.
+
+I had to tell my friend Wilhelmi of my troubles; of my grief for Ernst,
+of my deep anxiety about Richard, and the thought struck me: "Must the
+old friend, whom we meet after long absence, have his heart saddened by
+the recital of our woes."
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER X.
+
+
+I make no mention of the proceedings of the Reichstag; you can read all
+about them in the newspapers.
+
+I did not once take the floor.
+
+In committee, I protested energetically, when we understood that some
+of the states were to be rewarded for their share in our triumph, by
+having certain portions of Alsace assigned to them. This plan was
+barely alluded to in the public meetings, and I am inclined to think
+that the rumor was merely a piece of diplomatic finesse.
+
+I cannot avoid repeating the words addressed to me by the Emperor, when
+I was presented at the palace. "I have a son and you have a grandson in
+the field, and they have, both of them, proved their courage."
+
+His voice betokened sincerity; his countenance was kind and gentle.
+
+I was surprised; even if the Emperor had informed himself beforehand,
+it was so kind of him to speak thus of Julius.
+
+In replying I told him that, during the absence of my grandson in the
+field, a son had been born to him.
+
+The Emperor congratulated me. He took me by the hand! For a second, I
+held the palm of my beloved Emperor in warm, living embrace. He must
+have felt my glance following him when he walked away. For the great
+and glorious monarch turned again and nodded to me.
+
+
+
+                (THE NIGHT BEFORE THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY.)
+
+The festivities have been gloriously ushered in. The bells were
+ringing, and the streets were alive with a gay and bustling throng.
+
+I roamed about alone, admiring all that was beautiful and enjoyable in
+the streets that had been transformed by the beautiful festal
+decorations. A bit of Olympian life had descended upon our homes.
+
+We sometimes persuade ourselves that we have often thought of, or
+wished for, something that suddenly comes to pass: the rapidity with
+which our ideas succeed each other is apt to deceive us. But I am sure
+that while looking at the Academy of Arts, decorated as it was with the
+portraits of heroes, I involuntarily thought, "If I only had one of my
+own family with me now; I am so lonely in this surging crowd."
+
+All at once, I heard a clear, ringing voice exclaim, "Good evening,
+grandfather."
+
+My grandson Julius stands before me, sunburnt, and with several orders
+glistening on his breast. He belongs to the combined South German Corps
+that is detailed here to take part in the triumphal entry. His quarters
+are in a neighboring village, and he must return early.
+
+Julius asked me whom his son resembled, and when I told him that little
+Erwin had the eyes of his grandmother, his face was radiant with joy.
+
+Taking his arm in mine, I went as far as the city gate with him. I had
+to tell him all about Richard, but my pride in this noble, happy
+grandson, in a great measure thrust aside my grief for my son.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+                             (_June 18th._)
+
+
+And now I write of the great day, the greatest known to me and to all
+men living.
+
+It was the morning of the triumphal entry. I went out early and
+wandered through the joyous streets. I saw, beneath the chain of gay
+triumphal arches, the long row of conquered cannon, and, behind them,
+the seats for the wounded, the convalescents and their nurses. Music
+resounded from all the side streets. It was the great jubilant
+heart-throb of a whole people.
+
+For a long time, I sat on a chair, which had been placed there for some
+invalid. My heart was so full when I thought that I had lived to see
+this day; and, amidst this high swelling tide of joy, I could not help
+looking into my own heart, and asking myself how I had met the duties
+that life imposed upon me.
+
+Were I to die now--this very day--I have served the truth to the best
+of my ability; I have intentionally offended no one, and have loved
+mankind and my country with all my soul. I was often weak, but my
+weakness has harmed no one but myself.
+
+As this was passing through my mind, I had to stop suddenly. My friend
+Wilhelmi said to me in the heartiest manner, and without sarcasm, "You
+have within you an overflowing fountain of sentimentality." It is true;
+it has brought me much sorrow, but it has afforded my soul many pure
+and tranquil experiences, and I said to myself, "This is not the time
+for tender sensibility. To be strong is now the word. Look at the
+Emperor! What must this man who, to-day, bears the impress and the
+majesty of great historical memories, feel in his innermost soul; and
+yet he stands erect and firm." And as I thought this, I, too, walked
+along more firmly than before.
+
+I went to the stand which had been erected for the deputies. It was, as
+yet, almost empty; gradually, it filled up. My early walk, my deep
+emotions, and, more than all, the heat and strained expectation had
+thoroughly fatigued me.
+
+Then came my friend Wilhelmi. He motioned to me from afar and waved his
+hat. "Waldfried, I bring you glorious news!" he cried. "Just read this;
+you had gone out so early; we hunted everywhere, but could not find
+you. A telegram for you has arrived; your children are coming."
+
+"My children!"
+
+"Yes. Richard and Ludwig and their wives, and your grandson Wolfgang."
+
+I read the telegram; there it was--they were all coming. Richard was
+saved. At Bertha's house, he was married to Annette.
+
+Wilhelmi saw me turning pale, and called to a stately Rhenish deputy
+behind us, one who had brought some good wine of his own raising:
+"Westerwalder, give us a glass of your best Ruedesheimer."
+
+O how the drink refreshed me! Then Wilhelmi continued: "I have more to
+tell you, for now you are strong enough to bear the joyful news. Your
+children are already here. The telegram had been delayed, and they
+arrived half an hour in advance of it. They could not push through to
+this place, and so they went to the house of one of Annette's
+relations, with whom Offenheimer lives. That is what I am to tell you.
+After the procession we will meet them there."
+
+Wilhelmi had to tell me, first of all, how my children looked. He said
+that Richard still bore traces of his recent sufferings, but that his
+eyes would brighten and his whole face light up, whenever he looked at
+his wife. Wilhelmi regretted that he did not have a son to bring him
+such a daughter-in-law.
+
+He evidently wanted to cheer me up, for he bade me review in memory the
+triumphal march of my joys,--my children, my grandchildren, my sons and
+daughters-in-law, and my great-grandson.
+
+During the last words of Wilhelmi, we heard from afar, a noise as of
+the roaring sea--a wave of history came rolling onward.
+
+Cannon thundered, bells rang, and on came the great procession; and
+when the French flags were carried by and fluttered in the gentle
+breeze, I felt that I had seen the world wing itself for a new flight.
+
+From among the South German troops, a young officer nodded to me. It
+was Julius. My grandson was among the marching conquerors.
+
+The Emperor comes, and with him, all the heroes. The Emperor steps to
+the statue of his father, and the old man so greatly exalted by
+fortune, now becomes an humble son, and lays the captured flags at the
+feet of his father.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+Led by Wilhelmi, I went to the house of our friends. Ikwarte stood in
+the door; he saluted me silently. I asked him whether my family were
+above.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+As we go up the stairs, we hear, behind us, hasty footsteps and a
+clattering sabre. It is Julius, his helmet adorned with a wreath of oak
+leaves.
+
+"Grandfather, have you seen them?"
+
+"Whom?"
+
+"Martha and Erwin."
+
+"Are they here, too?"
+
+"Julius" is called from above, and, the next moment, he is in Martha's
+arms. Then he embraces his father.
+
+"Come in; he sleeps," said Martha. "Come in all, fathers three."
+
+We walked through a glass-covered entry, then across a wide floor to
+the quietly-situated back-building, where the noise of the street could
+not penetrate.
+
+In the silent room, Julius knelt beside the cradle. Gently he raised
+the curtain; the boy awoke, and, for the first time, the eyes of father
+and son met.
+
+"Erwin, my son!" cried Julius, and kissed the child, who stared at him,
+and tried to clutch his eyes with his hands.
+
+Martha, too, knelt beside the cradle. She laid her hand on the
+husband's forehead, and said, "And at this head hostile bullets were
+aimed!"
+
+"Oh don't let us give way to our feelings," said Julius, rising.
+
+Martha took the wreath from her husband's helmet, and wanted to
+place it on my head. I seized it and laid it on the cradle of my
+great-grandson. After that, we left the young couple, and hunted up the
+other returned wanderers.
+
+Our hosts resigned their house to us, and saved us from all restraint
+by kindly keeping themselves in the background.
+
+Richard and Annette, Ludwig, Conny, and Wolfgang, by turns clasped me
+in their arms. O how many good, true hearts beat against mine to-day!
+How many lives I could call my own!
+
+Richard was still somewhat pale. Annette was radiant with glorious
+beauty, and her modest, gentle demeanor was the more attractive because
+she had the appearance of one born to command.
+
+When the first emotions awakened by the overwhelming fulness of my joy
+had subsided, I had a wonderful vision. I saw great tables loaded with
+meat and drink and fragrant flowers, and from the streets resounded
+cheering and song. One of those wonderful visions, or phantasms, as
+you may call it, that supplement our life and withdraw us from the
+actual world, seized me. The beaming faces, the brilliant lights
+reflected again and again in the mirrors and the wine-glasses, the
+sumptuous table, and the lovely flowers,--methought I had seen them
+all before.--I felt as if in the midst of one of those wonderful,
+color-steeped groups of Paul Veronese, and, like soft music, or an
+apparition gently gliding through the air, memories of Gustava filled
+my soul.
+
+"You seem so happy," said Annette; and I could only tell her this: "The
+dreams of former days, and the loftiest impressions that our souls have
+taken up from art, are now our actual life; our highest ideal has been
+attained."
+
+Joseph informed me that the army corps consisting of the troops from
+our State, would make its entry into our capital under the Crown
+Prince, who had commanded it during the war, and that the Colonel, who
+was now a General, would take part in the ceremony. Bertha expected
+that we would all be with her on that day of honor.
+
+Richard told us of his experiences while with the French, and we could
+not help asking ourselves: "Shall we ever be at peace with these
+neighbors of ours?"
+
+"I have learned to know the French," said Richard, "and suffered much
+at their hands. The people amused themselves by insulting me while I
+was being led through the streets; I had to march in chains for a whole
+day; and still, through all the ravings of this sanguine people, I
+could see its mighty soul."
+
+At these words, Offenheimer rushed up to Richard, and, embracing him,
+said, "A wounded enemy is an enemy no longer, and thus we have ceased
+to be enemies of suffering France."
+
+He begged Richard to tell him more, and so he continued: "In spite of
+their impassioned feelings, and of the fact, utterly incomprehensible
+to them, that we were impolite enough not to let them whip us, there is
+a real elevation of soul in them, although it is obscured by their
+theatrical phrases. But their belief in themselves is something grand.
+They cling to it, even now, when they are sorely beaten. I am confident
+that the French will, in time, become honestly tolerant, and not in the
+sham sense that makes its professors say: 'You, poor fellow, have a
+false belief, but I do not attack it.' The French have a beautiful
+faith in themselves, but they must acquire faith in others, and not
+consider themselves the whole of humanity."
+
+Nations have much the same ideas as individuals. After a silent combat,
+they can scarcely believe that it arose from a trifling cause, and now
+the French will not remember what a trivial pretext they had for this
+war.
+
+The Chinese self-sufficiency of the French, who believed themselves to
+be the sole representatives of civilization, is now broken down. Their
+morbid desire for revenge can only be temporary. The people, deeply
+wounded in its vanity, and swindled out of its love of truth by
+sycophantic word-mongers, will come to reason.
+
+Wilhelmi based great hopes on the projected university of Strasburg. It
+was to form an intellectual bond of union. With great warmth of
+feeling, he demonstrated that it was typical of the real character of
+our people, that, first of all, an institution of learning was
+established in the newly recovered province.
+
+Then Ludwig rose, and with an enthusiasm in which all the fervor of his
+youth broke forth, again said: "And something more is in store for us,
+and, for that reason, I wish to remain an American citizen. You,
+Wilhelmi, and I have learned to know America. We love our old home, but
+we also love the New World, which is the land to initiate great
+thoughts, the land in which humanity, through untrammelled liberty,
+cannot but reach great results. It is pitiful and, at the same time,
+sad, that the American who has made money, and wishes to do something
+for the public good, knows of nothing better than to build a church.
+
+"My idea--and I have distinguished friends who agree with me--is
+to establish, as our celebration of the centennial of American
+independence, a German University in America; an International
+High-School. I need not point out to you, how great a significance such
+an institution would possess for the New World, as well as for the Old.
+After our German students have studied for a year at the American
+Athens, how much wider their range of vision will be, and how much
+greater their knowledge of the world! In this way, a cable of quite a
+different kind would be laid; an intellectual electric current, binding
+the Old World to the New."
+
+Richard took Ludwig's hand, and congratulated him on having conceived
+this grand idea.
+
+"Thus should it be," he cried; "let Germany be fully and entirely its
+own, and then send the messengers of its intellectual life to all the
+world. The ancients carried their gods of marble and bronze, wherever
+they went; we carry divine thoughts over the whole inhabited globe."
+
+Offenheimer whispered something to Richard, who pressed his hand
+gratefully.
+
+I sat there quietly and felt unutterably happy, because my children
+possessed new ideals so different from our own. Their clear, organizing
+minds stretched into the far distance, and their schemes embraced the
+welfare of all mankind.
+
+When in Strasburg, I felt deeply pained that such men as Ludwig and
+Wilhelmi should be driven into exile. Not always does our life give an
+answer to such questions. I received one now.
+
+We were interrupted by Ikwarte, who begged to be excused. He had
+noticed his brother among the marching soldiers. He was sergeant and
+had received the Iron Cross; he had recognized him, and called out to
+him from the procession. Ikwarte now asked permission to go and seek
+his brother.
+
+Ludwig granted it of course. We were all pleased with Ikwarte's firm
+sense of duty, to which even his brotherly love had to yield.
+
+As Ikwarte was leaving the room, Julius entered with his wife. She
+carried my great-grandson on her arm.
+
+For a while, every one turned to them. Then Ludwig began:
+
+"It is well that you have come, Julius! We are here among friends; are
+you ready to answer a question regarding your future?"
+
+In a quiet tone, Julius answered, he would first have to know what it
+was all about.
+
+Smiling, Ludwig said: "Allow me to tell you that I am a Colonel."
+
+Julius bowed, and Ludwig continued: "How grand it was that the American
+officers, at the end of their war, returned to civil life, while here
+in Germany a standing army draws our best energies away from productive
+labor."
+
+Quietly but not without confidence, Julius replied: "It seems to me
+that Uncle Ludwig is still thinking of the revolutionary times, of the
+long forgotten stone age of German history. There is no separation now
+between soldier and citizen, and it is very questionable whether any
+one has the right to call us soldiers unproductive laborers. Our work
+creates a race of men who give firmness and character to our political
+life. What the schools are unable to finish, we perfect. To cultivate
+the great forest of men, is a higher aim than to reclaim a forest of
+trees."
+
+"Oh," interrupted Wolfgang, and Julius turned to him and said: "Dear
+Wolfgang, I do not think meanly of that either; it is also a part of
+the work that society has before it. But each one must choose his post
+and guard it faithfully."
+
+Ludwig insisted to the contrary, and squarely put it to Julius that he
+should leave the army, and take charge of his grandfather's estate. He
+could, if his country called him, always return to his duty. He hinted,
+and not very delicately, that one should not allow one's self to be
+seduced by the outward glitter of the soldier's life.
+
+Without any irritation, but in determined language, Julius declared
+that he fully recognized how great a spectacle it was to see a
+victorious army return home in triumph, and lay down its arms; that it
+would have been desirable that the conclusion of peace should produce
+the disarmament of Europe. Such a disarmament, however, is only
+possible in America, where there is but one powerful nation. In
+conclusion, he eulogized the high mission of the soldier's life as a
+school for men.
+
+Ludwig rose and said: "Here is my hand; I am converted. Father, I have
+now decided. I shall accept the estate."
+
+I do not know how it came to pass, but Martha had laid my
+great-grandson in my arms, and when the boy raised his eyes to mine, I
+felt as if I was looking forward into the future.
+
+You, my child, rested beside a mother's heart during the battles; you
+slept during the triumphant march, and now, around you, great words and
+thoughts wander forth into the world. When, at some future time, you
+shall learn how your father fought and suffered for home and country,
+may it sound to you like a fable from the old, dark days, that, long
+ago, we had to fight the monsters who despised the people. Stand firm
+and pure in the new life of nations, amongst whom the battle will only
+be for the possession of the noblest treasures of the intellectual
+world.
+
+
+                                               AT HOME, _July_ 22.
+
+I did not find my comrade Rothfuss. He died full of happiness and
+peace. On the last morning, he said to Johanna: "The German Empire is
+not the right thing after all. One must die in it, just as before. Our
+Emperor should order a different state of things, but never mind. 'He
+who is wet to the skin, need not dread the rain.' If I could only lie
+down in my grave for my master, as I once had myself locked up for
+Ludwig."
+
+My grandson the vicar, who is chaplain at the neighboring fortress, was
+with him in his last hours.
+
+Ludwig has taken the family estate for his son Wolfgang; not, as is
+customary, at the family valuation, but at its full market value.
+
+I shall resign my post.
+
+                           *   *   *   *   *
+
+So far, the memoirs up to the evening before the anniversary of
+Gustava's death. They were written in the afternoon, with a firm hand.
+After that, he walked out into the forest. Carl, who was in the fields,
+saw him drinking from the Gustava fountain, and rejoiced to see the
+master walking so sturdily.
+
+He was found in the woods he had planted, beneath a white pine tree,
+stretched out in death. His face was toward the earth, and rested on
+the wild thyme.
+
+The second tablet of the grave-stone bears the following inscription:
+
+                              HERE RESTS,
+                   IN THE SOIL OF OUR UNITED COUNTRY,
+                          HEINRICH WALDFRIED,
+                        BORN MAY THE 10TH, 1800;
+                        DIED JULY THE 22D, 1871.
+
+
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 1: Throughout, the translator will, according to the German
+custom, use the word "bride" to designate a woman who is only
+betrothed.]
+
+[Footnote 2: This name means: Lizzy, the huntress.]
+
+[Footnote 3: Director or governor of the district or department.]
+
+[Footnote 4: Feast commemorative of the dedication of a church.]
+
+[Footnote 5: I am waiting (dialect).]
+
+[Footnote 6: _Guten Ort._]
+
+[Footnote 7: A member of the Burschenschaft, the name of an association
+of the students of Germany, formed in 1815, and having for its object
+the political regeneration of their Fatherland.]
+
+
+
+                                THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Waldfried, by Berthold Auerbach
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