battles of Woerth and Forbach, then?"

"No; what--when were they?"

"Where did your son Fritz write to you from, then?"

"From Coblentz. His letter is dated the day he arrived there, but I
only got it this morning."

"Ah then, most worthy lady, two terrible battles have occurred since
that time. We have beaten the French and forced them back into their
own country; but, alas! thousands of German lives have been lost. The
slaughter has been terrific!"

"Good heavens, Burgher Jans, you alarm me!" said Madame Dort, rising
from her chair in excitement. "Fritz told me there would be no fighting
except between the Crown. Prince's army and the enemy!"

"The worthy young Herr was right so far," put in the little man
soothingly, "that is as regards the south of the line; but our second
army corps has been likewise engaged on the banks of the Saar, hurling
disaster on the foe, although the French fought well, too, it is said.
Where, however, is Herr Fritz?"

"Serving under General Steinmetz."

"Ah, then he's safe enough, dear madame. That army is but acting as the
reserve. It is only my poor countrymen, the Bavarians, and the Saxons
who will have the hard work of the campaign to do. 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