Formerly, I had been called "dear Waldfried;" yes, at times, "dear friend."
I mention this here, although it first struck me like a waking dream, during the journey. I was glad to be independent, and to be relieved from rendering homage to princes, and troubling myself as to whether I was addressed in one way or another. Although in my inmost heart I believe in a constitutional monarchy, I tell you, keep yourself free, and be dependent on no stranger's favor, or else you will be the most degraded of slaves.
But now I must tell of my sad journey; and I think of the saying of the Colonel's: Human nature in its elevated moods can endure much.
I came to Bertha's house. My heart beat wildly at the thought of the news I should bring to her. But as I ascended the steps, Professor Rolunt, the Colonel's friend, approached me, and said, "After the first dreadful shock, you were your daughter's first thought. She has asked for you."
"And so she knows of it?"
"Yes! I have told her, and we are off in an hour."
"We!"
"Yes! I go with her; and keep up Bertha's spirits. Should the worst have happened, we must bear it all."
I went to Bertha. Speechless, she threw herself upon my neck, clasped me to her bosom, and wept and sobbed; nor could I utter one word.
"Father!" she said, at last, "you will remain here with the children--or will you take them home with you?"