"At this time, yes. The formalities have been reduced to the necessities, and all preliminaries are dispensed with where a hasty marriage is desired. As soon as Marietta is my wife, she will accompany me to Berlin, where she will remain until my regiment leaves. Then she will return to you until the close of the war."
Volkmar arose and gave Willibald his hand.
"You are right; it is perhaps best so under the present circumstances. Well, my little singvogel, so you will really marry as quickly as your betrothed wishes?"
The question was addressed to Marietta, who now entered the garden. Her pale cheeks showed the trace of tears, but it was with an exceedingly happy look that she flew into Willibald's open arms.
"I am ready at any time, grandpapa," she said, simply. "The leave-taking will be easier to us after we belong to each other and you give your blessing."
The old gentleman looked half sadly, half happily upon the young couple, who wished to be united before their sad separation should so quickly take place. Then he said, with emotion: "Well, so be it: marry then with my blessing. I give it to you from my inmost heart."
Everything necessary was then quickly discussed. The marriage was to take place as soon as possible, and, of course, quietly and simply. Willibald intended to go to Furstenstein to-day to notify the Chief Forester of the settled plan.
Dr. Volkmar left them to make a call upon a patient, and Willibald remained alone with his fiancée. They had not seen each other for so long, and now the future lay dark and threatening before them. But the next few days belonged to them, and they were happy in this thought, in spite of everything.
CHAPTER XLVII.
Engaged in their subdued chatting, they did not notice that the house door was opened, and some one came with slow, rather hesitating steps along the hall, until the rustle of a woman's dress upon the gravel path made them listen, and suddenly both sprang to their feet.