"Regine told me that you were reconciled," remarked Wallmoden, with a glance upon the still clouded brow of his friend.
"For a few moments only; after that I had to become again the firm, severe father. This hour has showed me how hard the task is to bend, to educate this roving nature. Nevertheless I shall conquer him."
The Secretary approached the window and looked out in the garden.
"It is twilight already, and the Burgsdorf pond is half an hour's distance," he said, half aloud. "You ought to have allowed the rendezvous only in your presence, if it had to take place."
"And see Zalika again? Impossible! I could not and would not do that."
"But if the leave-taking end differently from what you expect--if Hartmut does not return?"
"Then he would be a scoundrel to break his word!" burst out Falkenried; "a deserter, for he carries the sword already at his side. Do not offend me with such thoughts, Herbert; it is my son of whom you speak."
"He is also Zalika's son; but do not let us quarrel about that now. They await you in the dining room. And you will really leave us to-day?"
"Yes, in two hours," the Major said, calmly and firmly. "Hartmut will have returned by that time. My word stands for that."