The Princess of Alten-Schlossen, she said, was about to leave Mezieres immediately for Germany, and the baroness could not think of staying behind, even for the charitable consideration of nursing any more wounded, if the exalted lady, whose actions traced the pattern for her own conduct, thought fit to go away! Madaleine, therefore, had orders to pack up all the old dowager's numerous belongings, being also given permission to make any arrangements she pleased for the poor fellows who remained in the villa, in order to have them handed over to the regular authorities, now that this amateur ambulance of the baroness was going to abandon its voluntary labours.
"It's a shame," said Madaleine indignantly.

"It is like putting one's hand to the plough and then turning back!" "Never mind, Fraulein, do not fret yourself," interposed Fritz.

"The old lady has done some good by starting this hospital here, even if she did it in imitation of the Princess; and, although she may now give it up, it will be carried on all right by others, you see if it won't! As I am getting well, too, and will have to go, as the doctor says; why, I shall not regret it as I should otherwise have done." "Oh, you selfish fellow!" said she, smiling.

"Now you have been attended to and nursed into convalescence, you do not care what becomes of those who may come after you!" "Not quite so bad as that," replied Fritz; "only, as I shall be away serving with my regiment, I should prefer to think of you ensconced in the quiet security of the baroness' castle on the Rhine, to being here amidst the excitement of the war and in the very thick of bands of stragglers to and from the front." "Especially since I would lose your valuable protection!" laughed Madaleine.
"Ah, wait till I get up and am strong!" said Fritz.

"When you see me again, I promise to be able to protect you." "Aye, when!" repeated the girl with a sigh.