But I came to bring you the invitation to the military ball." The broad white envelope, emblazoned with the royal arms, fascinated Hans, not by its resplendency, but by the possibilities which it afforded.
"Thank you; it was very good of you." "It was a pleasure, comrade.

What do you say to an hour or two at the Black Eagle?
We'll drown our sorrows together." "Have you any sorrows, Captain ?" "Who hasn't?
Life is a patchwork with the rounding-out pieces always missing.

Come along.

I'm lonesome to-night." "So am I," said Hans.
The Black Eagle was lively as usual; and there were some familiar faces.
The vintner was there and so was Gretchen.

Carmichael hailed her.
"This is my last night here, Herr Carmichael," she said.
"Somebody has left you a fortune ?" There was a jest in Carmichael's eyes.
"Yes," replied Gretchen, her lips unsmiling.
"The poor lady who lived on the top floor of my grandmother's house was rich.