CHAPTER VI
THE MYSTERY OF THE FOREST
General Gordon expected Bob’s arrival in Coblenz from day to day, but this did not prevent his surprise when, on leaving the house one February afternoon, he met Bob, Alan and Elizabeth descending at his door-step.
“Bob!” cried the elder officer, catching his son’s hands in his, and scanning face and figure for signs of the ravages of pain and illness. “You don’t look so bad, my boy. I’m no end glad to see you. Who’s this?”
He had turned toward Alan, but at one glimpse of Elizabeth he forgot the Britisher entirely and stood mutely staring.
“Major—I mean to say—General—I with Mr. Bob come,” Elizabeth faltered flushing with painful uncertainty as to the welcome that would be accorded her.
Bob, too, looked at his father a little anxiously, wondering if he would be obliged to send the little German woman back to Berlin, but General Gordon’s first words, as a slow smile lighted up his face, at once reassured him.
“Well, Elizabeth, I think you’re destined to stick by the Gordon family. You’ve come back to us?”
“General—could I—can I—for you work once more again?” Elizabeth entreated, her English deserting her as it always did in moments of strong feeling or excitement. Her gentle, pleading eyes were raised to Bob’s father, who did not hesitate to reply, as he laid a friendly hand on her shoulder.
“Do you think I could refuse you, after what you have done for my children? Stay here and welcome.”