"That is like Marianne," he said, "exactly, dear mother."
"She wanted to nurse the soldiers," continued Madame von Stork, "but our good Queen assured her that she was far too young and that home is the true place for a German maiden. She told her how she herself had never interfered in politics, but had been content to be a good wife and mother.
"And so," concluded Madame von Stork, "each day she becomes more of a comfort. God be praised," she added, "that we came to Memel. Our Queen is an example to all German women."
"She is an angel," said Franz, who like all the soldiers adored Queen Louisa.
The very first day Franz asked about Hans.
"We had thought him dead," explained his father. "The King had news of his disappearance and believed him to have been shot as a spy. But when you were brought home the peasant told me the soldiers had marched him away with them and I could do nothing."
"He will probably soon arrive in Memel," said Franz, "now peace is made."
"The soldiers about Tilsit knew nothing of him. Why they took him prisoner I have no idea, but can only wonder," added his father.
But the days passed, and no Hans came, and the weeks went by and turned into months.
Bettina, though, was sure that he would come to her.