s not
well to make Eric a subject of ridicule in this way. He therefore
turned the conversation, and gave Eric, whom he called with special
friendliness Herr Colleague, an opportunity to narrate many interesting
incidents of the collegiate and military life. The Major nodded
approval; through Eric's conversation he was left in peace, and could
give his undisturbed attention to eating and drinking. Under the napkin
which he had pinned to his shoulders, he opened his uniform. It is
well, he thought, that Fraeulein Milch has furnished me with such a nice
white vest, and it ought to be seen. He was on the best of terms with
the servants, and whilst they were changing the wine, it only needed a
wink to Joseph, a universal favorite, and he immediately poured out
some choice Burgundy from the sparkling crystal decanter for the Major.

The Major drank no more. The conversation had taken a happy turn, after
Eric began to speak of the Geneva convention for the care of those
wounded in battle. This was a good common point of union for the
priest, the physician, and the soldier, and, for a time, the
conversation at table was harmonious and well-sustained.

The Major, in a loud tone, declared that men who did not like to have
their names mentioned were the original movers in this, as in all other
humane arrangements. The physician remarked to Eric, in a lower tone
than ordinary, that the Major attributed to the Freemasons all the good
in the world, and if he wished to keep in his good graces, he must
never say anything against Freemasonry.

The entire table listened with great attention to Eric, as he asserted
that we ought to be proud to see in our century such an arrangement
established on the ground of pure humanity; and the priest himself
nodded in assent, when Eric added that the Christian religion, in its
self-sacrificing devotion to the care of the sick, had attained an
elevated position, purer and loftier than had ever before been reached,
in any age, and under any dispensation.

Roland was happy to see the gleaming eyes of all resting upon Eric, and
collected them all in one focus for him.

They arose from table, and a blessing seemed to have descended upon the
whole repast. The priest engaged in silent prayer, and the Major,
coming to Eric, pressed his hand rather tightly, saying in a subdued
tone:--

"You are one already, you must learn the signs."

Eric was so excited, that he hardly heard what the old man said,