human
It is difficult to decide such a thing in a hurry,
gpt
But it will have to be decided in a hurry, said Anna firmly.
human
What is to happen if to-morrow Mrs. Otway comes and tells me that I am to go away to London, to Louisa? English people are very funny, as you know well, Herr Hegner! In her excitement she forgot his new name, and he winced a little when he heard the old appellation, but he did not rebuke her, and she went on:
gpt
Willi told me, and so did the gentleman, that on _no_ account must I move that which was confided to me.
human
Attend to me, Frau Bauer! he said imperiously.
gpt
This matter is perhaps more important than even you know, especially at such a time as this.
human
Ach, yes! she said.
gpt
I have often said that to myself. Willi's friend may be interned by now in one of those horrible camps--it is indeed a difficult question!
human
I do not say I shall be able to do it, but I will make a big effort to have the whole business settled for you to-morrow morning. What do you say to that?
gpt
Splendid! she exclaimed.
human
You are in truth a good friend to poor old Anna Bauer!
gpt
I wish to be, he said.
human
And you understand, do you not, Frau Bauer, that under no conceivable circumstances are you to bring me into the affair? Have I your word--your oath--on that?
gpt
Certainly, she said soberly.
human
You have my word, my oath, on it.
gpt
You see it does not do for me to be mixed up with any Germans, he went on quickly.
human
I am an Englishman now--as this gratifying Address truly says---- he waited a moment.
gpt
What would be the best time for the person who will come to call?
human
I don't know, she said helplessly.
gpt
The marriage is to be at twelve, and before then there will be a great deal of coming and going at the Trellis House.
human
Is it necessary for you to attend the bridal?
gpt
No, she said,
human
I do not think so; I shall not be missed.
gpt
Then the best thing will be for your visitor to come during the marriage ceremony. That marriage will draw away all the busybodies. And it is not as if your visitor need stay long----
human
Not more than a very few minutes, she said eagerly, and then,
gpt
Will it be the same gentleman who came three years ago?
human
Oh, no; it will be someone quite different. He will come in a motor, and I expect a Boy Scout will be with him.
gpt
You realise that great care must be taken of those things. In fact, you had better leave it all to him.
human
Oh, yes, she nodded understandingly.
gpt
I know they are fragile. I was told so.
human
As to the other matter--the matter of your returning to Germany, he said musingly, still speaking in his and her native language,
gpt
I think, yes, on the whole your idea is a good one, Frau Bauer. It is shameful that it should be so, but England is no place at present for an honest German woman who has not taken out her certificate. I wonder if you are aware that you will only be allowed to take away a very little money? You had better perhaps confide the rest of your savings to me. I will take care of them for you till the end of the War.
human
Very little money? repeated Anna, in a horrified, bewildered tone.
gpt
What do you mean, Herr Hegner? I do not understand.
human
And yet it is clear enough, he said calmly.
gpt
The British Government will not allow anyone going to the Fatherland to take more than a very few pounds--just enough to get them where they want to go, and a mark or two over. But that need not distress you, Frau Bauer.
human
But it does distress me very much! exclaimed Anna.
gpt
In fact, I do not see now how I can go---- She began to cry.
human
Are you sure--quite sure--of what you say?
gpt
Yes, I am quite sure, he spoke rather grimly.
human
Well, if you feel in that way, there is nothing more to be said. You will either stay with your present lady, or you will have to go to the Pollits.
gpt
Never will I do that!
human
Then you had better arrange to stop here. There are plenty of people in Witanbury who would be only too glad to have such an excellent help as you are, Frau Bauer.
gpt
I shall not be compelled to look out for a new situation, she said quickly.
human
My young lady would never allow that--neither would Mrs. Otway!