“And now, of course, your only desire is to see your colours again? I know that it is only ambition that guides you.”
“Can you reproach an officer for that?”
“Yes, if he forgets humanity as well. But make your mind easy, I shall not attempt to hinder you. I will not stand in the way of your ambition, but neither will I sacrifice myself to it.”
“Certainly you should not do so. We shall be happy when the war is over. I will be as true to you as to my duty. If I return alive my existence shall be devoted to making you happy.”
“Love is like a bird; it must not be allowed too much freedom. Remember, I have always told you I will never leave you.”
“But, dearest Edith, that is utterly impossible! Have you any idea what war is like?”
“I should have thought I had seen enough of it.”
“Yes, in India and on sea. But in Europe war is carried on somewhat differently. Every seat in the trains is calculated exactly; it is the same in barracks, cantonments, and bivouacs. There is no room for a woman. What would my comrades say of me if I appeared in your company?”
“You can say I am your wife.”
“But, Edith, the idea is not to be seriously thought of. As a Prussian officer I need permission before I can marry. How can I join my regiment in the company of a lady? Or how could I now get leave to marry?”