"A symbol!"
Wilhelm said nothing in explanation, but went on:
"I regret very much that I was not asked before I was proposed for the Iron Cross. I cannot accept it."
"Not take it? You can't really mean that!"
"Yes, I do. In trying to fulfill my duties as a man and a citizen, I cannot hang a sign of my bravery on me for all passers-by to see."
"You speak like a tragedy, my dear Herr Eynhardt," said the adjutant. "But just as you like. You can have the satisfaction of having done something unique. It is hardly a usual thing to refuse the Iron Cross."
As he went out with a distant bow, Dr. Schrotter came in, and said, smiling:
"What the adjutant said about the tragedy is very true. Decoration appears very theatrical to me, but you might take it quietly and put it in your pocket. I have got quite a collection of such things which I never wear."
"But do you blame the men who despise these outward forms in order to give an example to others?"
"My friend, when one is young one hopes to guide others, as one grows older one grows more modest."