The brother and sister separated, and as Roland entered his mother's room, the latter said:—
"Don't trouble yourself about this Old World, we are going back again to the New, to your real home."
Roland caught these words as if they came from afar off; and he exclaimed:—
"That's it! that's it! It is the Delphic oracle!"
"What do you say? I am not learned." Roland did not answer. Something was beginning to emerge out of the chaos around him, but it sank quickly out of sight again.
"Wait a moment, it is time to go to dinner," said the mother.
She put on a shawl and went with Roland to the dining-room.
Here, also, were Pranken and Fräulein Perini; the two were standing talking together in a low tone.
Roland went for Eric.
"Isn't it dreadful to have to eat again?" he said. "What bits of slaves do we eat to-day? Ah, Eric! lay your hand upon my forehead. So—so—now that's good."