My answer may be guessed, and it took long in telling. But we returned after a time to the ways of common sense, and then I told her what had passed during the audience with the Kaiser; that I was to travel for a year, and then return to Berlin to take up formally my old title and position.
At first the news brought a cloud to her happy face.
"A year is a long time, Karl," she murmured. "Shall you never be in either Munich or Gramberg all that time?"
"I think not. I expect it means at least a year away from the Fatherland."
She was silent and looked almost sad.
"But a year will soon pass," I whispered.
A gesture of pretty reproach answered me.
"If you would make a little sacrifice, it would help, I think."
"Sacrifice!" she echoed, not catching my meaning. And when I did not reply she lifted her head from my shoulder and peered into my eyes, her own full of curiosity.
"You used to pride yourself on reading my secrets," said I.