"What news do you bring from Lüchow?" cried the president, hastening towards him: and all eyes were fixed on him in mute anxiety.
"It is true!" he cried; "there has been a battle--at Langensalza, and our army is victorious!"
"Thank God!" cried the president; "and have they succeeded in pressing on to the south?"
"Alas, no," said Bergfeld, mournfully, "the day after the battle our brave soldiers were surrounded by overwhelming forces and obliged to capitulate." The president gazed gloomily before him. "Is the king a prisoner?" he asked. "No," said Bergfeld, "the king is free, the capitulation is very honourable, the officers return home with their arms and horses. But," he continued, "there are many wounded; in Hanover committees have been formed, nourishment is wanted, they beg for linen, for bread and meat."
"Everything in the house shall be packed up at once," cried the president, energetically, "the wounded must have the best of everything; my cellar shall be emptied."
Madame von Wendenstein had risen and approached her husband.
"Let me take the things," she said, imploringly. "Why?" cried the president, "you can do no good, and if Karl comes back, it--"
"If he comes back!" cried the old lady, bursting into tears.
"We shall soon hear news of him," said the president, "and until then--"
The sound of voices was heard in the hall. Johann entered and said, "Old Deyke is here; he wishes to speak to the president."