He blew his nose with great violence.
"The snow is red with the blood of thousands," he continued, "the Russians, God be thanked, kept their ground. They are not conquerors, it is true, but they have checked Napoleon!"
The Major's face flushed crimson.
"God be praised!" cried all the company, and the kitchen rang with rejoicings.
But they had not heard all the good news.
"It is said," concluded the Major, "that the Emperor of the French will now propose peace."
"And Wolfgang? Rudolph?"
The Major shook his head, his cockade bobbing.
"No news yet, dear sister, we can trust only in God, but I have no reason to believe they were at Eylau."
Bettina had listened eagerly.