old to her at the door that the
Governor would re-enter the city in state with his staff at midday. The
citizens were invited to decorate their streets, and to gather there to
welcome the returning garrison.

"And the citizens will accept the invitation," commented Sebastian,
with a curt laugh. "All the world has sneered at Russia since the Empire
existed--and yet it has to learn from Moscow what part a citizen may
play in war. These good Dantzigers will accept the invitation."

And he was right. For one reason or another the city did honour to Rapp.
Even the Poles must have known by now that France had made tools of
them. But as yet they could not realize that Napoleon had fallen. There
were doubtless many spies in the streets that cold December day--one who
listened for Napoleon; and another, peeping to this side and that,
for the King of Prussia. Sweden also would need to know what Dantzig
thought, and Russia must not be ignorant of the gossip in a great Baltic
port.

Enveloped in their stiff sheepskins, concealed by the high collars which
reached to the brim of their hats--showing nothing but eyes where the
rime made old faces and young all alike, it was difficult for any to
judge of his neighbour--whether he were Pole or Prussian, Dantziger or
Swede. The women in thick shawls, with hoods or scarves concealing their
faces, stood silently beside their husbands. It was only the children
who asked a thousand questions, and got never an answer from the
cautious descendants of a Hanseatic people.

"Is it the French or the Russians that are coming?" asked a child near
to Desiree.

"Both," was the answer.

"But which will come first?"

"Wait and see--silentium," replied the careful Dantziger, looking over
his shoulder.

Desiree had changed her clothes, and wore beneath her furs the dress
that had been prepared for the journey to Zoppot so long ago. Mathilde
had noticed the dress, which had not been seen for six months. Lisa,
more loquacious, nodded to it as to a friend when helping Desiree with
her furs.

"You have changed," she said, "since you last wore it."

"I have grown older--and fatter," answered Desiree cheerfully.

And Lisa, who had no imagination, seemed satisfied with the explanation.
But the change was in Desiree's eyes.

With Sebastian's permission--almost at his suggestion--they had selected
the Grune Brucke as the point from which to see the sight. This bridge
spans the Mottlau at the entranc