" Paul pressed his hand at parting, and murmured:
"Theoretically you are right, but practically I do not see why the
tyrant at the Tuileries need begin with us. He could at least leave
us in peace."
The order for mobilization was issued. Wilhelm was surprised to
receive his appointment again as second lieutenant, and was
nominated to the 61st Pomeranian Regiment. His duties during the
next few days took up the whole of his time, and left him hardly a
moment to himself. He was free only for a few hours before the march
to the frontier, and then he made all the haste he could to say
good-by at the Lennestrasse. His heart beat quickly as he hurried
along, and now that the time of separation was near, he reproached
himself for the irresolution of the last few weeks. He was going to
the front without leaving a clear understanding behind him. He tried
to convince himself that perhaps it was better so--if he fell she
would be free before the world. But at the bottom of his heart this
reasoning did not satisfy him, and he lingered over the idea of
taking his weeping betrothed to his heart before all the world, and
kissing the tears off her cheeks, instead of bidding farewell to her
at the station, and holding her to him from a distance by an
acknowledged tie.
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