The evening found the sufferer somewhat relieved.
“What can I do for you more?” said Klemm, as he smoothed down the pillow after assisting Adolph to acquire a comfortable position.
“That voice again!” said Adolph, “and no German.”
“I have got clear of my German accent by conversing with you.”
“Nothing, I believe.—Did you prepare for the priesthood?”
“No. I had neither inclination nor vocation.”
“Adolph you are very sick—sick, less from the pain of your wound than from the tumult of your mind. I am unable to assist you. Let me invite in a clergyman, who is in the hospital.”
“One. The terrible state of the wounded in some of the wards has compelled the officer to admit a priest.”
“_Die vollige Liebe treibet die Furcht aus._”
“Remember the words. I will call in the clergyman.”
And before Adolph could either consent or refuse Klemm had left the room.
In a short time a priest entered the chamber of Adolph, and proceeded to make himself acquainted with the state of his penitent’s mind, and then to attend to the duties of his sick call.
Adolph was calm and settled when Klemm returned, but not communicative.
Klemm then announced his departure a duty, and the fact that Adolph would, as soon as his strength would permit, be allowed to return home.
The parting of the friends that evening was truly affecting. Klemm was made to promise a visit to the village—“Though,” said he, “I may make an impression on Louise unfavorably to you.”
“_Die vollige Liebe treibet die Furcht aus_,” said Klemm. “A German quotation which I will show you in the original, or at least explain to you when we meet in your village.”
Klemm took leave of Adolph and Ponto, the faithful dog, and proceeded on his journey.
Men gather to see a regiment, a single company, or even a little squad depart for the camp—but few look out for the returning wounded—they come back singly and sorrowful. The wagon that was passing the ferry house nearly opposite the village in which resided Madam Berien, stopped for a moment, and a soldier, war-worn and wounded, stepped slowly from the vehicle, followed by his dog. He entered the house, and as he closed the door upon a small parlor, he found himself confronted by a female.
“And Ponto,” too, said Louise, as the affectionate dog, after reconnoitering round her, sprang up to receive his share of the caresses—“Ponto, too, come back.”