CHAPTER XI.
A FULL HOUSE AND FULL DAYS.
On the following day came the Major, and Fräulein Milch, and Lina with her betrothed.
It was settled, that, if the snow remained, they were all to have a sleigh-ride to Mattenheim; for they wished to say good-by to Prince Valerian, who was soon to return home.
It was a day of domestic happiness and cheer.
Manna said repeatedly, that she had often wondered why they should have imposed this separation upon themselves; but she now understood that it was better so.
Fortune smiled upon them. They went to Mattenheim in several large sleighs; and, on their arrival, Knopf took his young friend, Roland, aside, and gave him a private letter from Lilian.
No one else knew why Roland was so extravagantly gay; but Knopf smiled quietly to himself.
Manna and the Professorin were cordially received by Frau Weidmann and her daughters-in-law. It refreshed the heart to see how full and rich at every stage of existence was the home-life at Mattenheim.
While Lina expressed her especial satisfaction in the fact, that here at Mattenheim one had five good meals a day, and insisted upon it that love sharpened the appetite, the ladies from Villa Eden thoroughly enjoyed a glimpse into Frau Weidmann's housekeeping arrangements.
The Professorin had known her in her early years, and remembered what a fine appearance had been made by this tall lady, who now always wore a huge pair of spectacles. She, Manna, and Aunt Claudine, were moved to reflection and self-examination, as they beheld the woman's active life. All her household were busily employed, and yet it was perfectly quiet and orderly; and Frau Weidmann discharged her round of duties without tormenting herself by needless anxiety. She was proud to show the ladies her whole house, and particularly her great preserve-jars, containing provision not only for the various branches of her own family, but for the poor who have no forethought. She frankly complained that she had not time enough for self-culture, but said smilingly, that it was like the question of driving the birds away from her garden: she must either forego their singing, or good berries and lettuce, as it was impossible to have both.
Manna learned from Frau Weidmann many particulars of Pranken's life; of his bearing during his short stay at Mattenheim, as well as the facts generally known at the capital.
It had been painful to Manna to be obliged to deal so harshly with Pranken; for he had shown himself kind and good, both to her father and herself: but she was now relieved from this trouble also.
The ladies of Villa Eden were not a little surprised, however, to hear at Mattenheim of the great commotion in the New World; for papers and despatches had come with Lilian's letter from America, and Weidmann could not withhold from them his conviction that the new year would bring the great crisis of the century, perhaps of all modern history. Were it possible to break up the Union, and to elevate slavery, which had been tolerated hitherto as a species of smuggling, into a prominent article of state-policy, the cause of freedom and humanity, for which they were all laboring, would be so fearfully injured and impeded, that the petty efforts of individuals would seem of no account.
Relief from this dark apprehension was experienced by all the company, as Weidmann read aloud a passage from his nephew's letter.
Doctor Fritz wrote,—
"Surpassing all others in the greatness and majesty of his bearing, bright as the brightest example of classic times, we have the noble Seward: and Germans ought especially to honor him, for he has publicly declared, that, wherever the Germans go, it is their task to clear the way for liberty, and that the true Germanic spirit is the spirit of freedom and toleration. This man, who had been named as a Presidential candidate along with Lincoln, and even before, when he saw that Lincoln's chances were better than his own, resolved that there should be no split in the Republican vote, and became a most zealous agitator in Lincoln's behalf."
Weidmann paused, adding the remark that Prince Valerian, who was now leaving for his native land, would there find a similar state of transition.
The last remark was lost upon Manna, who said to Eric in an undertone,—
"Oh, our father! Do you not think that he will take part in this struggle?"
"I do; and that, too, we must bear."
The Prince departed. At the last moment, Lina and Eric had to sing, "We meet again." He deeply regretted that he could not take Knopf with him; but the latter had promised Lilian that he would come to America, and do something there. He did not specify what it was to be.
After the Prince had left, they drew closer together. Roland, Manna, and Eric were sitting in Roland's room when the latter said,—
"Manna, if it comes to war in our native land, I shall go there. I have decided, and no one can deter me."
The words were upon Manna's lips, "And what if our father is fighting on the other side?" but she checked herself, and only said,—
"If you go to the New World, I shall go with you."
"And then Eric will go too. I have talked with Herr Weidmann about it. He has consented; and the thing which he sanctions is, beyond question, right and safe. But I have promised him that I will not go until he says, 'Now is the time.'"
Manna was comforted. She saw that her brother's life was in safe keeping.
On their way home, Aunt Claudine expressed the general feeling, when she said,—
"It seems to me as if these days had been all music and feasting."
"Yes," cried Lina; "one could eat there enough for the whole year."
And they drove on their way laughing.