dead sternly point out the way to them, as the living do to us.  We all of us know nothing, kings and ministers as little as we, of the real forces at work.  What these forces will do, and what they strive to attain to, is hidden from us, and we only see what is nearest to us, without any connection with its causes and final operation.  That is why it seems to me better to do what one sees as one’s duty at the moment, rather than to give ourselves the absurd appearance of being free in our movements, and certain as to our goal.”  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.  Was not their love alone enough?  No, he knew that it was not, and he felt with painful surprise that his contempt for outward appearances, his impulse after reality, were vigorous in him as long as he followed his inmost life alone; but when he came out of himself, and wished to unite another human destiny with his own, these things had become a painful weakness.  Through this other life, the world’s customs and frivolities began to influence him. and his proud independence must be humbled to the dust, or he must painfully tolerate his own weakness.  These reflections brought another with them—­it was quite possible that an opportunity might occur at the last moment.  He painted the scene in his own imagination; he found Loulou alone, embraced her fervently, asked her if she would be his for life; she said “Yes;” then her mother came in, Loulou threw herself on her neck; he took her hand and asked her in due form if she would accept him as a son-in-law, as he had already gained Loulou’s consent.  If the councilor was at home, his consent was also given, if not they must wait until he came, and the time could not seem long, even if it lasted an hour.  He did not doubt that they would all consent.  Things might very likely have happened just as he dreamed of, if he had only come to his determination at the right time, and had not hazarded success on the decision of the last moment, when there was hardly time for a weighty decision.