"How I hate Napoleon!" cried Marianne. "Oh, if I were a man and able to fight him!"
Those were stormy days in Königsberg.
The Stork's Nest was thronged with students and professors, all full of talk and bitter against Napoleon.
Ludwig stayed there always now, and he was prime mover in a great plan among the students, and so when Pauline was betrothed to him many professors and students came with congratulations.
"I shall never marry," said Marianne, quite positively.
Everybody laughed, but she was herself very serious.
"My heart is with my country," she said.
In the evenings all the family gathered again about the big table, but instead of reading they listened now to talking.
"Stein will save our land," said Ludwig one evening. "God be praised! The King no longer opposes him, but is guided by his counsel."
"But will Napoleon permit him to remain?" The Professor looked anxious.