Wilhelm went without a word. Naturally he turned his steps almost
unconsciously to Schrotter, to whom he held out the police paper in
silence. Schrotter read it, and struck his hands together.
"Is it possible?" he murmured. "Is it possible?" He paced the room
with long strides, then suddenly stood still before his friend, and
laying his hands on Wilhelm's shoulder, he said in tones of profound
emotion: "I never thought I should live to see such things in my own
country. I am nearly sixty, and it is late in the day for me to
begin a new life. But really I find it difficult to breathe this air
any longer. Where shall you go?"
"I do not know yet myself. I must collect my thoughts a little
first."
"Whatever you decide upon, I have a very good mind to go with you.
There is nothing left for me to do in my old age but emigrate
again."
"You will not do that!" answered Wilhelm hurriedly. "Men like you
are more badly needed here than ever. You must stay. I implore you
to do so. Remember how you reproached yourself for twenty years,
because you were not there when the people were struggling against
the Manteuffel reaction. And then--your patients, your poor, the
hundreds who have need of you."
Schrotter did not answer, and seated himself on the divan.
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