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again in the Duchies, as though everything were already moving back into the old groove. 'Schleswig-Holstein undivided,' the two indissolubly linked hands, were to be again united in friendship with the old lord of the land. When once brawlers and disturbers were removed everything would again take its old course, and remain as it once had been !

Franziska shuddered over the war, over the horrible necessity which, so long as mankind has had a history, has ever turned the scale in questions of civilization! Might over right, rude violence attacking with steel and iron the fine delicate organisation of the human body; no single thrust nor shot that does not penetrate the finely-strung frame, and that does not bring torture and pain to some one, friend or foe! Franziska found no longer any repose, even in the stillness and peace of nature. It seemed to her as if she were always hearing the laments of the wounded and the groans of the dying. 'God in heaven!' thought she, 'how many a mother is now wringing her helpless hands! On the battlefield lie the dead, with no loving hand to close their eyes. In vain have they been sacrificed! We must grasp higher, even beyond the clouds;

laying this misery also at the feet of Him who knows everything, otherwise we can never get through, and must despond in our powerlessness.'

Meanwhile the plates and dishes rattled in the kitchen, and the maids carried on their thoughtless chatter.

CHAPTER IV.

THE RECOGNITION.

It was the fifth day after the Iastedt battle. Franziska was sitting up in bed, pale, but with beaming eyes.

The night before she had never gone to rest; a waggon on which two wounded men, scantily bound up, were lying in the straw, had stopped at her house, just as day was beginning to dawn; and by the side of the waggon rode a man of tall figure, on a black heavy cart-horse; it was a physician belonging to the Schleswig-Holstein army. Dr. Olaf had advanced during the battle under a shower of musket-shot with a few others, who shared his determination, and who would and could help as well as he.

He had remained behind amid the terrible mass of dying and dead, while the army moved in the other direction. He had thus been taken prisoner; and as there was a lack of surgeons, and he was desirous of active employment, he had been ordered to proceed to the hospital at the

bailiff's house. He was set free on parole, and was assigned to the physician of the Danish staff, who was attending on the wounded general, and who required help in the hospital. He had picked up the two mutilated men on his way, at a peasant's cottage, where they were lying helpless. The waggon had halted at the bailiff's house.

There was no more room in the overcrowded building, but room must be made. The waggon was directed to drive towards the stable, and it drew up before the door. The mistress of the house had been awakened, for no one else knew what to do, and her arrangement was required. She had had recourse to pillows and cushions, which she took where they could be spared. Franziska knew of no difficulties, where the necessity was immediate. She then went to the open window and looked below, for the bailiff was directing the people who were bringing in the wounded men. All was silent in the courtyard, when suddenly she heard the voice of the surgeon giving orders. Franziska listened, and looked attentively across the yard. What voice was that? Was there, then, another man on earth with this voice? The sound went to her very heart. The doctor had now passed to the other side of the waggon; his face was turned to her.

It was Johannes! The light of the sun that was just rising fell on his face; there he stood, with his blue earnest eyes fixed upon what was going on. His fair hair had grown darker; alas, the youth, the beautiful bloom had gone, but what a man he was! He had a scar on his face, the scar she knew not! Franziska's eyes clung to him, as though they would live upon the sight and have their fill for ever. And shame-dishonour-had wished to settle on this head!

She went into her room. Drawing a deep breath, with her arms extended, she sank down on her knees. Was it fear, was it an excess of happiness? Thanks! thanks!'-she could say nothing else she had seen him again. And now, oh God! raise me up to Thy peace!"

They had lived together under one roof for almost two months. Johannes had his employment in work and care for the sick and wounded; Franziska had her duties as mother, wife, and mistress, and these were not light at this heavy time. The family lived in uncertainty as to their future; Franziska knew not how long she would yet remain at the old place; their civil position was in doubt; contest and disorder were in the

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