Then he repeated his question as to when Ulrich was coming back.
"The Reichstag separates for the recess either to-morrow or the day after," she answered, "but it is very uncertain whether he will be here by Christmas. He has been chosen president of a committee--for some agricultural exhibition, I believe--and he will be obliged to give up part of the parliamentary recess to arrange matters. He told me to ask you if he should reserve a place for you on the committee, and thinks, for the sake of your reputation, you should accept."
Shame kept him silent. Whether from far or near Ulrich's hand was ever held out to him in loving, helpful friendship. He was a fool so to underrate his own strength of mind. Surely Leo Sellenthin could never be capable of the infamy of which he had been standing in such nameless dread?
"You will come, won't you?" she implored.
"Yes," he answered with prompt decision.
"Soon?"
"Yes, soon."
"To-morrow?"
He hesitated. That would look too much like passionate haste.
"I am engaged to-morrow at Knutzendorf," he replied.