"Promise to write to me," he repeated.
Madaleine did not say anything; but she returned his smile, and he could feel a slight pressure of her fingers on his, so with this he was perfectly contented for the while.
"Ah, when the war is over!" he exclaimed presently, after a moment's silence between the two, which expressed more than words would have done perhaps.

"Ah, when the war is over!" "Eh, what ?" said the doctor, coming in unexpectedly at that instant and catching the last words.
"I--I--said," explained Fritz rather confusedly, "that when the war was over, I'd be glad to get home again to my mother and those dear to me;" and he looked at Madaleine as he spoke meaningly.
"Eh, what ?" repeated the doctor.

"But, the war isn't over yet, my worthy young lieutenant, and I hope we'll patch you up so as to be able to play a good part in it still for the Fatherland!" "I hope so, Herr Doctor," answered Fritz.

"I've no desire yet to be laid on the shelf while laurels and promotion are to be won." "Just so, that is good; and how do you feel this afternoon, eh ?" "Much better." "Ah yes, so I see! You will go on improving, if you take plenty of food.

I bet that in a week's time I shall be able to turn you out of these nice quarters here." So saying, the surgeon bustled out of the room, with a kind nod to his patient and a bow to Madaleine, who was shortly afterwards summoned by a servant to the baroness--the footman telling her that her ladyship requested her presence at once.
She returned later on, but it was only for a very brief interval, to say good-bye.