CHAPTER XII WE RETURN HOME
We left the forest, my father leaning on the arm of his second. One man with a torch preceded us, and lit us as we got into the carriage.
"A strange end to our visit. Major von der Goltz," said my father.
The Major bowed.
"I shall remain at the Hôtel des Hollandaise in Frankfort for three days."
The Major bowed.
"Joubert!" said my father. And the carriage drove off; and, looking back, I saw Major von der Goltz and the jäger with the torch vanishing amidst the trees.
We passed through Homburg at four o'clock, and at six of a seraphic morning spired Frankfort rose before us like a city in a fairy tale, so beautiful, so vague, so ethereal one could not believe it a city of this sordid earth.
We stayed three days at the Hôtel des Hollandaise. Major von der Goltz called, and General Hahn. A paper was drawn up, I believe, signed by the seconds and my father, and by the chief jäger. It was done as a matter of formality, for the duel was perfectly in order.