There was only a year's difference in their ages.

The young hussar gave his hand to Manasseh, and while they exchanged cordial greetings they looked each other steadfastly in the eye.
"Whither away, brother ?" asked the elder.
"I am going to avenge my two brothers," was the reply.
"And I am going to rescue them," declared Manasseh.
"I am going forth to fight for my country," was the other's rejoinder.
Then the rider bent low over his horse's neck, and the two brothers kissed each other.
"But aren't you going to ask your new sister for a kiss, you young scapegrace ?" cried Aaron.
The youthful soldier blushed like a bashful girl.

"When I come back--when I have earned a kiss--then I will ask for it.

And you will give me one, won't you, dear sister-in-law, even if they bring me back dead ?" Blanka gave him her hand, while a nameless dread showed itself in her face.
"Never fear!" cried the young man.

As he gave Blanka a radiant look he saw tears glistening in her eyes.