'I shall be punctual,' said Krusé.
Gregers took leave, but, before doing so, he cast a glance towards the table, where Krusé had concealed the letter.
The captain remained behind, musing: he could not fathom the cause of this visit. Latterly, Gregers seemed to have avoided his society. During the foregoing conversation, it struck him that there was something harsh and unfriendly in the expression of his countenance, which betokened a dark and hostile mood.
An hour later Krusé entered the general's tent. He found him sitting at a table, on which lay two pistols and a sealed letter. Gregers beckoned to him to come forward, and, pointing to a straw chair a little way from the table, requested him to be seated.
'Have you heard the news?' he began abruptly. 'We are to fight to-morrow.'
'Yes,' replied Krusé. 'So much the better!'
'I also would have thought the same at your age. I would, most likely, have thought the same now, if I, like you, were single, and had not bound another to my fate.'
'You allude to the amiable lady yonder, at Hald?'
'Yes; and perhaps you are surprised that I should be thinking of her just this evening?' asked Gregers sharply.
'No--certainly!' replied Krusé, somewhat astounded at the question. 'What is there to surprise me in your doing so?'