Here too there was a triumphal arch and
cannons, and instead of one there were three Vereins with flags and
banners, also the schoolchildren, headed by the pastor and the
schoolmaster, and the whole female portion of the community lining
the roadway on either side, or massed round the base of the arch.
The pastor made a speech, a fair-haired schoolgirl recited a long
piece of poetry composed by the master in the sweat of his brow, the
Choral Verein sang, the Young Men's Verein--who were given to
instrumental music--piped and blew a chorale, and not till the all-
prevading joy and enthusiasm had found sufficient vent in the firing
of cannon, in speeches, poetry, and music, did the carriages move
on, and finally reach the steps of Friesenmoor House, where the
guests were received by Frau von Haber, assisted by Frau Brohl and
Frau Marker. At the moment of leaving the carriages three flags were
run up the flagstaff on the tower--the black, white, and red flag of
the empire, then the white and black Prussian one, and finally a
green, white, and red banner with a large coat-of-arms in the
center. This third flag, somewhat enigmatical to the guests, was the
new family banner of the House of von Haber, with the coat-of-arms
of that noble race, now displayed for the first time to the admiring
gaze of the beholders.
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