Fritz and Eric Read online

  CHAPTER NINE.

  A MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING!

  "Do you know what is going on to-day?" said Madaleine Vogelstein to herpatient, a couple of days after she had aided him to scrawl thatpostscript to her letter to his mother in his own handwriting, when hehad so far recovered that he might be said to be almost convalescent."No, what--anything important?" he replied, answering her question inquestionable fashion by asking another.

  "Guess," said she teasingly, holding up her finger. "I'm sure I can't."

  "The capitulation of Metz!" she said slowly with some emphasis, markingthe importance of the news she was telling.

  "Never--it can't be!" ejaculated Fritz, making an effort to spring up inthe pallet bed on which he was still lying, but falling back with agroan on finding himself too weak. "What an unlucky beggar I am!"

  "Lie still," said she, putting her hand gently on his, which was outsidethe quilt. "You must keep quiet, or you'll never get better, so as tobe able to stand up and walk about again--no, you won't, if you try tohurry matters now."

  "That's more than the French have done if they've only just given in!Is it true, though? Perhaps you've only heard a rumour, for there arealways such false reports flying about. Why, in the camp it used to bethe current cry every morning, after we began the siege, that Metz hadfallen."

  "It is true enough now, I can tell you," said Madaleine. "The wholeFrench army commanded by Bazaine has capitulated, and the Germans havemarched in and taken possession of the fortress."

  "I must believe you; but, is it not aggravating that this should justhappen when I am invalided here, and not able to take part in the finaltriumph? It is rather hard lines, after serving so long in the trenchesall during our wearisome environment, not to have had the satisfactionin the end of being a witness to the surrender!"

  "It's the fortune of war," said she soothingly, noticing how bitterlyFritz spoke. "Although all may fight bravely, it is not every one whoreaps the laurels of victory."

  "No," he replied, smiling at some thoughts which her words suggested--somuch is dry humour allied to sentiment that the mention of laurelsbrought to his mind a comic association which at once dispelled hischagrin. "When did you say the capitulation took place?"

  "Well, I heard that the formal agreement was signed by the Frenchofficers on behalf of Marshal Bazaine two days ago; but the actualsurrender takes place to-day, the Marshal having already left, it issaid, to join his imprisoned emperor at Cassel."

  What Madaleine told Fritz was perfectly true.

  On the 27th of October, the seventieth day after it had been drivenunder the guns of Metz on the disastrous termination of the battle ofGravelotte, Bazaine's army, in addition to the regular garrison of thefortress and an unknown number of Gardes Mobiles, was forced tosurrender to the Germans--thus now allowing the latter to utilise thegiant legions hitherto employed in investing the stronghold of Lorraine,in further trampling out the last evidences of organised resistance inFrance, and so, by coercing the country, sooner put an end to theduration of the war.

  Notwithstanding all the comments made--especially those by his owncountrymen in their unreasoning prejudice against every one andeverything connected with the late empire, from its unfortunate andmuch-maligned head downwards--in the matter of this capitulation, and onMarshal Bazaine's conduct, it is absolutely certain that he held out aslong as it was possible to do so. Indeed, it is a surprising fact thathis provisions lasted such a length of time; and it would be a cause forsorrow to believe that the brave defender of Metz was in any way stainedby the crime of "treachery" as his act was stigmatised by the demagoguesof Paris. Those who assert that a clever commander ought somehow orother to have made his escape from the place, do not take intoconsideration the strength of the investing force, which comprised theunited armies of Prince Frederick Charles and Steinmetz--more than twohundred and fifty thousand men, in addition to their reserves, allcapable of being concentrated at any given point where an attack wasanticipated, and protected, besides, by entrenched lines of greatstrength. Nor do these biassed critics consider the ruin that must havefallen on Bazaine's army, even if it had succeeded in cutting its waythrough the ranks of the besiegers, as the general tried gallantly, butunsuccessfully, to do on more than one occasion, besides making numeroussorties. It is apparent to most unprejudiced minds now, at thisdistance of time from the momentous epoch of the struggle between thetwo nations, that the Marshal, in his situation, accomplished all thatcould have been expected in detaining for such a length of time a hugeGerman army nearly on the frontier, thus giving the invaded countrybreathing time to collect its resources for just so long a period. Thefact is, that when an army like that of Bazaine's is severed from itscommunications and supplies, its surrender can only be a question oftime; and, therefore, unparalleled as is the capitulation of Metz inmodern history, the unprecedented catastrophe--can be fully accountedfor on military grounds.

  "I'm sorry I missed the sight," said Fritz presently, after thinkingover the news. "It would have been some fair return for all that bitternight work I had in the trenches before I was wounded. Still, I'm gladit's all ended now, for my corps will be able to march onward on Parislike the rest."

  "That will not benefit you much, my poor friend," remarked Madaleinesympathisingly. "I'm afraid it will be some time before you will bestrong enough to move from this room, although you're improving eachday."

  "Oh, will it?" said Fritz triumphantly; "that's all you know about it,young lady! Why, Doctor Carl said this morning that he thought I wouldbe able to report myself fit for duty in another week."

  "I suppose you'll rejoice to get back to your friends and comrades inthe regiment? You must find it miserable and dull enough in thisplace!"

  "No, not quite that. I've been very happy and comfortable here the lastfew days; and I shall never forget all your kindness and care of me--no,never!"

  "Don't speak of that, pray; it's only what any one else would have donein my place. Besides," she added demurely, "you know that in attendingto you as a wounded soldier, I have only been carrying out the orders ofthe baroness, my employer."

  "Hang the fussy old thing!" said Fritz impatiently trying to shrug hisshoulders. He had had the honour of one interview with Madaleine'sdistinguished patroness, and did not crave for another; for, she had agood deal of that old-fashioned, starched formality which the Germannobility affect, mixed up with a fidgety, condescending, patronisingmanner which much annoyed the generous-minded young fellow. He burnedwith indignation all the time the visit of the old lady to him hadlasted, for she ordered Madaleine to do this and corrected her for doingthat, in, as he thought, the rudest manner possible. Her exquisitelydignified patronage of himself, as a species of inferior animal, who,being in pain and distress, she was bound in common charity to take somenotice of, caused him no umbrage whatever; but it annoyed him to see agentle, ladylike girl like Madaleine subjected to the whims and capricesof an old woman, who, in spite of her high birth, was naturally vulgarand inconsiderate. "Hang the fussy old thing!" he repeated, withconsiderable heat. "I wish you had nothing to do with her. I'm sureshe would drive me mad in a day if I were constantly associated withher!"

  "Ah, dear friend, beggars mustn't be choosers," said Madaleine sadly."You forget my position, in your kind zeal on my behalf! A poor orphangirl such as I, left friendless and penniless, ought to be glad to beunder the protection of so grand a lady as the Baroness Stolzenkop. Sheis kind to me, too, in her way."

  "But, what a way!" interposed Fritz angrily. "I wouldn't speak to a dogin that fashion."

  "You are different."

  "I should hope so, indeed!"

  "Besides, Herr Fritz, remember, that if it hadn't been for this oldlady, of whom you speak in such disrespectful terms, I should never havecome here to Mezieres and been able to nurse you."

  "I forgot for the moment, Fraulein. My blessing on the old catamaranfor the fancy that seized her, so auspiciously, to go touring on thetrail of t
he war and thus to bring you here. I don't believe I wouldhave lived, if it had not been for your care and kindness!"

  "Meinherr, you exaggerate. It is to your own good constitution and toProvidence that your thanks are due; I have only been a simple meanstowards that happy end."

  "Well, I shall always attribute my recovery to you, at all events; andso will my good mother, who I hope will some day be able to thank you inperson for all that you've done for me and her."

  "I should like to see her," said Madaleine; "she must be a kind, goodlady, from her letters to you."

  "And the fondest mother in the world!" exclaimed Fritz with enthusiasm."But, you will see her--some day," he added after a pause. "I vow thatyou shall."

  "I don't know how that will be," said Madaleine, half laughing in aconstrained fashion, as if wishing to conceal her real feelings. "In aweek or two you will be off to the wars again and forget me--like a truesoldier!"

  "Stay," interposed Fritz, interrupting her. "You have no right to saythat! Do you think me so ungrateful? You must have a very bad opinionof me! I--"

  "Never mind explanations now," interrupted the girl in her turn,speaking hurriedly in a nervous way, although trying to laugh the matteroff as a joke. "If the doctor says you can soon report yourself as fitfor duty, of course you'll have to rejoin your regiment."

  "Ah, I wonder where that is now?" said Fritz musingly. "Since our campround Metz is broken up, the army will naturally march on farther intothe interior. No matter, there's no good my worrying myself about it.They'll soon let me know where I've got to go to join them; for, thepowers that be do not allow any shirking of duty in the ranks, from thehighest to the lowest!"

  "I saw that here," remarked Madaleine. "The baroness wanted to get herson to return home with her; but she was told that, if he were allowedto go he could never come back to the army, as his reputation forcourage would be settled for ever."

  "Yes, that would be the case, true enough. Hev would be thought to haveshown the white feather! But, about your movements, FrauleinMadaleine--the baroness is not going to remain here long, is she?"

  "No; she spoke this morning about going away. She said that, as thesiege of Metz was raised, and the greater portion of the wounded menwould be removed to Germany, along with the prisoners of war, shethought she would go back home--to Darmstadt, that is."

  "And there you will stop, I suppose?" asked Fritz.

  "Until she has a whim to go somewhere else!" replied Madaleine.

  "May I write to you there?"

  "I will be glad to hear of your welfare," answered she discreetly, aslight colour mantling to her cheeks. "Of course, you have been mypatient; and, like a good nurse, I should like to know that you weregetting on well, without any relapse."

  "I will write to you, then," said Fritz in those firm, ringing tones ofhis that clearly intimated he had made a promise which he intended tokeep. "And you, I hope, will answer my letters?"

  "When I can," replied the girl; "that is, you know, if the BaronessStolzenkop does not object."

  "Bother the Baroness Stolzenkop!" said he energetically, and hestretched out his hand to her with a smile. "Promise to write to me,"he repeated.

  Madaleine did not say anything; but she returned his smile, and he couldfeel a slight pressure of her fingers on his, so with this he wasperfectly contented for the while.

  "Ah, when the war is over!" he exclaimed presently, after a moment'ssilence between the two, which expressed more than words would have doneperhaps. "Ah, when the war is over!"

  "Eh, what?" said the doctor, coming in unexpectedly at that instant andcatching the last words.

  "I--I--said," explained Fritz rather confusedly, "that when the war wasover, I'd be glad to get home again to my mother and those dear to me;"and he looked at Madaleine as he spoke meaningly.

  "Eh, what?" repeated the doctor. "But, the war isn't over yet, myworthy young lieutenant, and I hope we'll patch you up so as to be ableto play a good part in it still for the Fatherland!"

  "I hope so, Herr Doctor," answered Fritz. "I've no desire yet to belaid on the shelf while laurels and promotion are to be won."

  "Just so, that is good; and how do you feel this afternoon, eh?"

  "Much better."

  "Ah yes, so I see! You will go on improving, if you take plenty offood. I bet that in a week's time I shall be able to turn you out ofthese nice quarters here."

  So saying, the surgeon bustled out of the room, with a kind nod to hispatient and a bow to Madaleine, who was shortly afterwards summoned by aservant to the baroness--the footman telling her that her ladyshiprequested her presence at once.

  She returned later on, but it was only for a very brief interval, to saygood-bye. The Princess of Alten-Schlossen, she said, was about to leaveMezieres immediately for Germany, and the baroness could not think ofstaying behind, even for the charitable consideration of nursing anymore wounded, if the exalted lady, whose actions traced the pattern forher own conduct, thought fit to go away! Madaleine, therefore, hadorders to pack up all the old dowager's numerous belongings, being alsogiven permission to make any arrangements she pleased for the poorfellows who remained in the villa, in order to have them handed over tothe regular authorities, now that this amateur ambulance of the baronesswas going to abandon its voluntary labours.

  "It's a shame," said Madaleine indignantly. "It is like putting one'shand to the plough and then turning back!"

  "Never mind, Fraulein, do not fret yourself," interposed Fritz. "Theold lady has done some good by starting this hospital here, even if shedid it in imitation of the Princess; and, although she may now give itup, it will be carried on all right by others, you see if it won't! AsI am getting well, too, and will have to go, as the doctor says; why, Ishall not regret it as I should otherwise have done."

  "Oh, you selfish fellow!" said she, smiling. "Now you have beenattended to and nursed into convalescence, you do not care what becomesof those who may come after you!"

  "Not quite so bad as that," replied Fritz; "only, as I shall be awayserving with my regiment, I should prefer to think of you ensconced inthe quiet security of the baroness' castle on the Rhine, to being hereamidst the excitement of the war and in the very thick of bands ofstragglers to and from the front."

  "Especially since I would lose your valuable protection!" laughedMadaleine.

  "Ah, wait till I get up and am strong!" said Fritz. "When you see meagain, I promise to be able to protect you."

  "Aye, when!" repeated the girl with a sigh. "However, I must say good-bye now, Herr Lieutenant I have told our man Hans, whom the baronessleaves behind, to see that you want for nothing until you shall be ableto attend to yourself. I'm sorry you'll have no female nurse now tolook after you."

  "I wouldn't let another woman come near me after you go!" exclaimedFritz impulsively. "Mind, you have promised to write to me, you know."

  "Yes," said she, "I will answer your letters; and now, good-bye! Don'tforget me quite when you get amongst the gay ladies of Paris, who willquite eclipse your little German nurse!"

  "Never!" he ejaculated. "Good-bye, till we meet again!" and he pressedher hand to his lips, looking up into her eyes.

  "Good-bye!" said she in a husky voice, turning away; when the dog, whichhad been lying down in his usual place by his master's bedside, startedup, "Good-bye you, too, my darling `Fritz'!" she added, throwing herarms round the retriever's neck and kissing his smooth black head; "Inearly forgot you, dearest doggie, I do declare!"

  "Heavens!" exclaimed the other Fritz, mortally jealous of his dog forthe moment, "I wish you would only say farewell to me like that!"

  Madaleine blushed a celestial rosy red.

  But "Auf wiedersehen!" was all she said, as she left the room with aspeaking glance from her violet eyes; and, towards the evening, from theconfused bustling about which he heard going on within the villa, andthe sound of carriage wheels without driving off, Fritz knew that theBaroness Stolzenkop and her party--am
ongst whom, of course, wasMadaleine--had quitted Mezieres, on their way back to the banks of theRhine.