CHAPTER XIII
A DAY DREAM
Colonel Von Wallenstein curled his mustaches. It was a happy thought that had taken him into the Adlergasse. This Gretchen had been haunting his dreams, and here she was, coming into his very arms, as it were. The sidewalk was narrow. Gretchen, casually noting that an officer stood in the way, sensibly veered into the road. But to her surprise the soldier left the sidewalk and planted himself in the middle of the road. There was no mistaking this second maneuver. The officer, whom she now recognized, was bent on intercepting her. She stopped, a cold fury in her heart.
To make sure, she essayed to go round. It was of no use. So she stopped again.
"Herr," she said quietly, "I wish to pass."
"That is possible, Gretchen."
It was nine o'clock in the morning. The Adlergasse was at this time deserted.
"You have been haunting my dreams, Gretchen."
"That would be a pity. But I wish to pass."