Von Bismark wants to let out a little of their blood in return for the feverish excitement they displayed against the Prussians in '66!" "You relieve my mind," said Madame Dort, resuming her seat.

"I thought for the moment Fritz was in danger.

You speak bitterly against the Chancellor, however.

He is a great man, and has done much for Germany." "Oh, yes, I grant that," replied the other warmly; "still, he is one who never forgets.

He always pays out a grudge! You will see, now, if those poor Bavarians do not come in for all the thick of the fighting." "You talk as if there is going to be a lot more ?" "So there is, without doubt, without doubt," said Burgher Jans, rubbing his hands together, as if he rather enjoyed the prospect.
"In that case, then, Fritz cannot return to Lubeck as soon as he thinks possible ?" and Madame Dort looked grave again, as she said this half questioningly.
"I fear not, most worthy lady," replied the little man in a tone of great concern; but, from the look on his face and the brisk way in which he still continued to rub his hands together, it might have been surmised that the prolonged absence of poor Fritz from his home would not affect him much,--in fact, that he would be rather pleased by such a contingency than not.
Madame Dort noticed this, and became quite sharp to him in consequence.
"I must beg you to say good-bye now," she said; "I've a busy day before me, and have no more time to waste in chatting.