"So it is with the proud achievements of human intellect," said the pastor; "when the hand of God seizes the history of a nation, man grows weak and powerless, and all the progress the world has made becomes as nothing. But that it is God's hand must be our consolation, He has power to raise up and to protect, He has power to heal the wounds His hands have made." With a pious look of resignation, Madame von Wendenstein listened to the pastor's words, but tears trickled down her cheeks, and proved how hard her heart found this anxious suspense. "I have no news from the army," said the president, "but I have received a letter from my son in Hanover. He tells me of the Prussian government, and praises its order and punctuality highly," said the old gentleman with some bitterness. "Public men must be in great and painful difficulties in Hanover," said the pastor; "there, political views are much more in the foreground than here in the country, and it must be extremely hard to reconcile the duties of a servant of Hanover with the necessities of the situation." "It appears as if the gentlemen in office found them easy to reconcile," said the president gloomily. "It is certainly good that the Prussian government should be excellent, prompt, and punctual, but it would never come into my head in these days to feel any particular enthusiasm about it. Well, youth is different to what it was in my day." The auditor Bergfeld entered the room with a hasty step and an excited look. "What news do you bring from Lüchow?" cried the president, hastening towards him: and all eyes were fixed on him in mute anxiety. "It is true!" he cried; "there has been a battle--at Langensalza, and our army is victorious!" "Thank God!" cried the president; "and have they succeeded in pressing on to the south?" "Alas, no," said Bergfeld, mournfully, "the day after the battle our brave soldiers were surrounded by overwhelming forces and obliged to capitulate." The president gazed gloomily before him. "Is the king a prisoner?" he asked. "No," said Bergfeld, "the king is free, the capitulation is very honourable, the officers return home with their arms and horses. But," he continued, "there are many wounded; in Hanover committees have been formed, nourishment is wanted, they beg for linen, for bread and meat." "Everything in the house shall be packed up at once," cried the president, energetically, "the wounded must have the best of everything; my cellar shall be emptied." Madame von Wendenstein had risen and approached her husband. "Let me take the things," she said, imploringly. "Why?" cried the president, "you can do no good, and if Karl comes back, it--" "_If_ he comes back!" cried the old lady, bursting into tears. "We shall soon hear news of him," said the president, "and until then--" The sound of voices was heard in the hall. Johann entered and said, "Old Deyke is here; he wishes to speak to the president."