The girl's eyes rested with unfeigned admiration on Heppner's appearance; and when she finally turned towards her lover, a scornful smile played about her coarse mouth. But in an instant she changed it to a tender expression.
To Heppner she said: "I am glad to have made the acquaintance of one of my future husband's comrades."
"When you are married, Fräulein, we shall be living in the same building," replied Heppner eagerly. "We shall be great friends, shall we not?"
And the beauty raised her eyes to his with a peculiar glance as she answered softly: "Oh yes, I think so."
CHAPTER VI
"For now the time to pack has come, And love is put away;
Farewell! I hear the roll of drum, And may no longer stay."
(Hoffmann von Fallersleben.)
Towards the end of March Reimers was turning over the pages of the Weekly Military Gazette before dinner, when he saw the announcement that his dear friend Senior-lieutenant Güntz was to rejoin his regiment on April 1st. The red order of the Eagle was to be given to him upon the expiration of his work in Berlin.
Güntz to return! Dear old pedantic Güntz, who had so often and so ruthlessly opened his eyes for him! To tell the truth, this friend had almost passed out of his thoughts; yet now he suddenly felt a genuine longing for him.