Ernest, waving his hand to Meena Altenburg and his father, rode past them to the stable, where he left his horse. He then rushed into the farm house where his father met him.
"What is the meaning of this, boy?" he said. "How wild and haggard you look! And you have avoided Meena—and this, too, upon your wedding day."
"My wedding day—O Heavens! I shall die," said the young man, sinking into a seat.
As soon as he could collect himself, he told his father that he could not marry Meena, and the reason—he had pledged himself to another. The old man, who was the soul of honor, burst forth in violent imprecations, and drove him from his presence. As he left the house, the unfortunate young man encountered a person whom he at once recognized as the Baron Von Dangerfeld, the reputed suitor of Madame Von Berlingen.
"I have been looking for you, Captain Walstein," said the baron, sternly.
"And you have found me," answered the young man, shortly.
"Yes—and I thank Heaven you wear that uniform. It entitles you to meet a German noble, and answer for your conduct."
"I am answerable for my conduct to no living man," retorted Ernest.
"You wear a sword."
"Yes."