"We must do what we can. You and he may,
of course, consider this your home as long as it pleases you to
remain with us. Mathilde, you will see that we have such delicacies
in the house as Dantzig can now afford--and you, Desiree, will of
course make such preparations as are necessary. It is well to
remember, he may return . . . to-night."
Desiree went towards the door while Mathilde laid aside the delicate
needlework which seemed to absorb her mind and employ her fingers
from morning till night. She made a movement as if to accompany her
sister, but Desiree shook her head sharply and Mathilde remained
where she was, leaving Desiree to go upstairs alone.
The day was already drawing to its long twilight, and at four
o'clock the night came. Sebastian went out as usual, though he had
caught cold. But Mathilde stayed at home. Desiree sent Lisa to the
shops in the Langenmarkt, which is the centre of business and gossip
in Dantzig. Lisa always brought home the latest news. Mathilde
came to the kitchen to seek something when the messenger returned.
She heard Lisa tell Desiree that a few more stragglers had come in,
but they brought no news of the General. The house seemed lonely
now that Barlasch was gone.
Throughout the night the sound of sleigh-bells could be faintly
heard through the double windows, though no sleigh passed through
the Frauengasse. A hundred times the bells seemed to come closer,
and always Desiree was ready behind the curtains to see the light
flash past into the Pfaffengasse.
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