"Because you look so serious over it. Where are you off to in such a hurry?"
"The ladies want me to take Lieutenant Schmidt to them."
"Ah! not a bad fellow--in his way!" Clemda had let the last words slip out carelessly after the others--as one might open a chink of a door one had just shut, in order to let the dog in, thought Ottomar.
"And what I wanted to say besides, Ottomar--of course, as host, one has certain duties, but then certain duties are owed to the host also; and entre nous, I consider Golm's flirtation as rather a want of consideration towards you, as he must know your situation with regard to Fräulein Wallbach as well as anybody."
"He is quite a stranger in our circle."
"Then you should explain matters to him; and Golm----"
"My dear Werben! can you spare me a moment?"
"At your orders, Colonel!"
"Ah!" said Clemda, retiring with a bow before his commanding officer.
"Only a moment," repeated Colonel von Bohl, drawing Ottomar a little on one side; "I have just been speaking to Wallbach; he was very pressing, but, with the best will in the world, I cannot give you leave before the spring. Clemda will want a long leave; Rossow must be away at least three months, as his wound threatens to break out again. I cannot spare all my best officers at once. His Excellency must understand that."