The frightened family cried out for news of what had happened.
When Madame von Stork heard it she was distracted.
Otto had run away. He was sixteen now, and he had gone to fight against Napoleon. So he wrote his father.
"I did not tell you or mother," he said, "because you would have prevented me. But my country needs me. Ask Cousin Ludwig."
The Professor tried to comfort his wife. He told her that peace must be made in a month, that Otto could do nothing, but still she wept on.
By morning she was so ill that the Professor brought a doctor.
"Nervous fever," he said, "brought on by this climate and worry."
"I will nurse mother," cried Marianne, her heart all full of a new desire to be helpful.
"Nonsense," said her father. "Pauline is much more reliable. No, no, Mariechen, I couldn't trust you," and he left the room.
"It is my mother. I love her. It is my right!" burst our Marianne, her cheeks crimson.