"At that time it concerned the possession of the boy," interrupted the friend. "The mother now only requests to see him again, and you will not be able to deny her that when she demands it with decision."
The Major came to a sudden standstill, but there was a scarcely veiled contempt in his voice as he said:
"She dares not do that after all that happened. Zalika learned to know me in our parting hour. She will take care not to force me to extremes a second time."
"But she will perhaps try to obtain secretly what you refuse her openly."
"That will be impossible; the discipline of our school is too strict. No relations could be started there of which I would not be notified immediately."
Wallmoden did not seem to share this confidence; he shook his head doubtingly.
"I confess that I consider your keeping, with such persistence, the knowledge of his mother's existence from your son a mistake. If he should hear it now from another source--what then? And you will have to tell him finally."
"Perhaps after two years, when he enters life independently. He is still but a scholar--a mere boy. I cannot yet draw the veil from the tragedy which was once enacted in the home of his parents--I cannot."
"Then at least be upon your guard. You know your former wife--know what can be expected from her. I fear there are no impossibilities for that woman."
"Yes, I know her," said Falkenried with boundless bitterness, "and just for that reason I will protect my son from her at any cost. He shall not breathe the poison of her presence for even an hour. Rest assured, I do not underrate the danger of Zalika's return, but as long as Hartmut remains at my side he will be safe from her, for she will not approach me again. I pledge you my word for that."