ne yet
to-day."

The two officers started off at an easy trot towards the butts,
chatting as they went.

"Here's something that will interest you, my dear Reimers," said the
colonel presently. "Wednesday, the day we arrive home, is your day to
go to the Guentzes. Mariechen has written to say there will be a
surprise in the evening--vegetables of her own growing and poultry of
her own rearing. The child makes one's mouth water, after our fare
at the mess! The ladies promise us asparagus, home-bred chickens,
new potatoes, salad, rhubarb shape, and a bowl of strawberries,
too--everything home-grown. They drew lots as to which of the fowls
were to be sacrificed, and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the
men, because not one of the kitchenmaids will consent to wring the neck
of a chicken. My daughter also thanks you very much for your kind
message; and I was to give you her kind remembrances, and to thank you
heartily for taking such excellent care of her old papa." Reimers
thanked him in a low voice.

"It is wonderful," continued Falkenhein pleasantly, "what a change a
little creature like that girlie of mine can make in one's home. It
used to be quite immaterial to me where I slept whether here, in
barracks, or in my own house. After my dear wife died I never cared to
be at home. And now this little girl makes things so pleasant again
that I once more enjoy being within my own four walls."

The lieutenant did not think this at all extraordinary. And as the
colonel went on chatting gaily about his little daughter, Reimers, so
silent hitherto, became quite talkative. Falkenhein turned and glanced
at him now and then. The young man threw his heart and soul into his
subject, and his eyes shone as he related various little instances of
Marie Falkenhein's amiability and charm.

Suddenly Reimers paused. It was on the tip of his tongue to ask the
colonel at once for this jewel of a girl. It would, indeed, be the most
natural end to their conversation, and he felt sure that he would meet
with no rebuff. But then he had not meant to approach the colonel on
the subject so long as he was a mere simple lieutenant. He would at
least wait for his promotion to senior-lieutenant. Therefore he held
back the proposal he had so nearly made.

It fell out that the very next day an official telegram arrived,
promoting Reimers to the rank of senior-lieutenant. Colonel von
Falkenhein was the first to congratulate his acting adjutant,