The old man bent over his master's hand, and a tear fell upon it.
"I wish I could go, too," he said, under his breath.
"I believe it," laughed Egon; "and you would not look bad as a soldier, in spite of your snow-white hair. But we younger ones have to march now, and you old ones remain at home. Farewell, Stadinger----" He shook his hand cordially. "I really believe you are crying. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. Away with tears and sad anticipations. You will yet read me another lecture."
"May God grant it!" sighed Peter Stadinger, from the depths of his heart. With wet eyes he looked once more into the youthful face, so full of life, smiling at him, so happy and sure of victory. Then he left sadly, with bowed head, realizing how much his young master had grown into his heart.
The Prince cast a glance at the clock. He was to go to his superior, but saw that he had almost an hour yet, so he reached for the newspapers and plunged into the newest dispatches and reports.
A rapid footstep sounded in the ante-room. Egon looked up in surprise. Servants were not in the habit of making such a noise, and callers were always announced. But this caller did not need any announcing, as all the servants knew. All doors were open to him in the house of Prince Adelsberg.
Egon sprang to his feet in joyful surprise, and cast himself on the breast of the newcomer.
"You back in Germany, and I have no idea of it! You wicked monster, to leave me for fully two months without news of you! Have you come to say good-by to me?"
Hartmut had neither returned the greeting nor the stormy embrace. Silently and gloomily he suffered both, and when he spoke at last, even his tone betrayed nothing of the joy of this _Wiedersehen_.
"I came straight from the depot. I hardly dared hope to find you still here, and yet everything depends upon it for me."
"But why did you not announce your return to me? I wrote you immediately after the declaration of war. You were still in Sicily then, were you not?"
"No; I left there as soon as war seemed unavoidable, and did not receive your letter. I have been in Germany a week."
"And you come to me only now?" said Egon, reproachfully.
Rojanow did not notice this reproach. His eyes rested upon his friend's uniform with almost a jealous expression.