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.