But at this moment a subdued wailing was heard, and Kläre instantly hastened from the room.
The men, left alone, dropped into reflection. Neither spoke for a while.
At last Reimers broke the silence.
"I think, Güntz, that you exaggerate a bit. Senseless and silly prejudices are not only to be found in military circles. Anyhow, there's no good in running your head against a brick wall."
"True," assented Güntz. "But if a dung-cart were driven right under my nose, I should have to give it a shove."
He resumed his perambulations of the room, and lapsed for a while into silence.
"Anyhow," he began again, smiling contentedly, "Frau Gropphusen may come to Kläre for consolation if she likes to have her. I am sure my wife is proof against the hysterical bacillus. Eh?"
Before Reimers could answer, Kläre returned, a little flushed. She bore the baby on a pillow, rocking him in her arms.
Güntz answered his own question.
"Yes, yes, she's proof," he said.