Kurt now realized that his words could not exactly comfort his mother, but he felt that some help should be found, for he was always able to discover such a good side to every evil, that the latter was swallowed up.

He saw an advantage now.

"You know, mother, when Bruno has discharged his thunder, it is all over for good.

Then he is like a scrubbed out gun-barrel, all clean and polished.

Isn't that better than if things would keep sticking there ?" Mea, standing at the open window, was beckoning to the approaching group with lively gestures; it meant that the time for supper was already overdue.