* * *
It was spring time. In beauty and splendor the spring had taken possession of the earth! In youth, joy, and glory everything seemed changed, and awakened to new life by the sweet kisses of the sun. Lovers are peculiarly sensitive to such joy. Entranced, Rita and Victor were looking out from the terrace of the house upon the park, which, in its green attire, lay before them in Easter splendor. Victor had taken Rita's hand, and held it in silent happiness.
Hugo approached them with two open letters in his hand.
"Mother said I should find you here."
"Is it not beautiful here, Hugo?" asked his sister. "At this time of the year Berlin always seems wonderful to me, especially out here. How glorious it is!"
He paid no attention to her remarks and said: "I looked for you to show you these letters, one from Henry, and the other...." He looked at one of the letters. "Elkish informs me that he has decided to retire."
Her expression became sad: "We might have foreseen that," she said in a low voice.
"He wishes to return with his sister to his home in Lissa."
"What does father say?"
"He feels he must accept the resignation, and will, of course, allow him a proper pension."