"But you would have to work all night."
"I am a good sleeper, General, and I can keep awake too when necessary." The General smiled.
"Thank you, my dear Schmidt." It was the first time that he had spoken to Reinhold in the unceremonious manner usual from superior officers to their younger comrades. He had risen, and his usually stern glance rested with almost fatherly kindness on the young man who stood before him, colouring with pleasure and pride.
"And now go and amuse yourself for a little while with the young people; you are still young enough yourself, thank God. There comes my son, probably to fetch you."
"Just so," said Ottomar, who appeared hurriedly and excitedly in the doorway. "I apologise; but Elsa----"
"Off with you!" said the General. Ottomar drew Reinhold away. The General looked thoughtfully after the two young men.
"It is a pity," he said, "but one cannot have everything at once, and if Ottomar--what do you want!"
"This letter has just been left."
"A letter, now? How can that be?"
"The hall door is open, sir. The man who brought it said it was lucky, as otherwise he would have had to ring. It was very important."