your soldier friends who are cleverer at it
than I. I want to watch the sunset on the Rhine."

And Carlo and Bianca parted for a short time, yet thereafter many
experiences and a number of years were to roll between them before
Carlo and Bianca at last found happiness in each other.

At the same time Major Hersey and Charlotta were observing the curious
effect of light over the river.

They had gone together to the edge of one of the cliffs and were gazing
across at the great fortress of Ehrenbreitstein from whose tower the
stars and stripes were floating. To them the rainbow seemed to dip down
into the depth of this ancient fortress and lose itself in the shadows.

"Whenever I am homesick to return to my own country, Countess Charlotta,
I simply stare across at the flag on that old German fortress and think
what it represents," Major Hersey declared. "Then I am content to remain
in Germany for as long as I am needed. A little thing, isn't it, to give
a few months, or a few years, or whatever length of time may be
necessary to teach Germany her lesson, when so many other men have given
their lives that our flag be the flag of victory and a just peace!"

The young girl's face softened.

"I think you are a good soldier, Major Hersey. There is something I want
to confide to you. I did write my father as you suggested and told him I
would come home if he wished, only he must allow me to keep my freedom.
His answer was what I expected. He does not desire to see me at present
and says I am free to travel in the United States if I like. Only he
adds that when I have seen more of the world perhaps I shall be more
content to do my duty to my father. Not very clear, but I think I
understand. My father really wishes to become reconciled with me, only
not to seem to give in too readily. So I shall return home in a few
months perhaps. Then if you are still in Coblenz and I write you, won't
you come to Luxemburg? We have been such good friends and I hate saying
goodby forever to people I like."

Major Jimmie Hersey shook his head, his brown eyes were steady and
although the old boyish color had diffused his face, there was the firm
line about his mouth and chin which his soldiers knew and respected.

"No, Countess Charlotta, I shall not come to see you in Luxemburg or
elsewhere and this must be our goodby. I have no idea of leaving the
United States army so long as I am allowed to remain in it. This means I
will have nothing