Through blood and iron: a story of the French-German war

Front matter

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Chapter I

The year of our Lord 1870 was ushered in like all the previous children of time : little thought of, less cared for. During its first months nobody dreamed of the importance it was to acquire m chronology ; of the bloody dye with which it was to register its events in the annals of history. If anything, its aspect was of a drowsy nature, resulting perhaps from the continued attempt at Rome to draw the medieval night-cap over the face of a modern age. Its spring smiled as sweetly as ever upon Southern Germany, and on no portion of that fair land did the sun shine with greater brightness, than on the highly favored city of Munich. Beautiful Munich ! Finest jewel in the crown of Bavaria ! Thou art perhaps more properly called the Athens on the Isar, than hy more presuming sister on the sands of Brandenburg the ‘•Athens on the Spree.” Science is a household word in thy precints; art a pastime for thy children. Vast libraries crowd thy princely halls, and the genius of Germany’s greatest sons has covered with paintings and statues the walls of buildings which either imitate the classic temples of Greece and Rome, or surpass them in boldness of conceptin and beauty of execution.

Yet wdth all thy art and learning thou hast managed to preserve a child-like simplicity which is equally preferable to the assuming conceit of Berlin, and the immorality and superficial gloss of Paris.

How hast thou succeeded in thus avoiding the reefs on which the domestic virtues of other metropolitan cities wrecked? Does the geniality of thy clime preserve in thy enclosures a touch of the golden age ? Or art thou indebted for this enviable simpli- 1

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city to that far-famed beverage which thy brewers know how to prepare, and thy land-lords to pour out to citizen and stranger in never-failing ab un dance ?

This question is hard to decide; but he who has sat in the pleasant vaults and gardens of Munich, and quaffed away his cares in that golden flood which other towns and other nations have thus far vainly tried to imitate: such a one, I venture to say, would hardly underrate the influence which tne favorite beverage of Munich has exercised upon the disposition of her citizens.

Step with me into the basement of a fashionable restaurant. The weather has hardly become sufficiently settled, to entice the people into the open gardens, and the inhabitants of Munich therefore prefer the greater comfort and equal dispensations which establishments of the above character are apt to offer. We find the guests scattered around arliumber of small tables, busily engaged in discussing the topics of the day, and emptying the large glasses with* a zeal which is only emulated by the exertions which the waiters make in replenishing the waning' supply.

It is a lively spectacle, for every guest advocates his opinion with word and gesture; but he, who expects to behold such scenes, as are almost daily enacted in American saloons, is much mistaken. The raised voice, the energetic gesture never overstep the boundaries of propriety, and we finish our round through the spacious establishment without witnessing a single word or act which would bring a frown upon the brow of the most fastidious.

We notice more than one thoughful face on which the foaming beverage has failed to leave the slightest impi ession. This is especially the case with a couple of guests who sit in a far-off corner by themselves, deeply engaged in conversation, but yet sufficiently attentive to their surroundings to convince themselves, that their half-whispered words remain their sole possession. This caution and secrecy attracts our attention, and our gaze, once attracted, adheres to the interesting spectacle. The more we gaze at these men, the more we feel convinced that they furnish no common objects of observation. Both are well dressed, and betray by* look and [bearing the fact that they are members of the higher classes of society. They are apparently between fifty and sixty, and the black hair which protrudes from under

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their felt hats, shows numerous streaks of gray. They bear a sufficient resemblance to warrant our belief that they are relatives, perhaps brothers. Their features are well formed, showing that square, massive cut which we so frequently notice amongst the Bavarians.

Their resemblance, however, merely extended to the features, not their expression. While the one, and evidently the elder, preserved an equanimity through which only a stealthy, lurking glance stole itself now and then, the other seemed rather nervous in Ins motions and generally coupled his words and gestures with a glance from his black eyes, so dark and foreboding, as to fasten upon him our suspicion of carrying his political and, maybe, religious opinions to zealotry and intolerance. Guessing, however, is at best a poor way of arriving at conclusions, and if we are really anxious to learn more about the two whisperers in the corner, let us step behind the heavy pillar in their neighborhood, and listen to their conversation.

“I foily agree with you, brother Ignatz,” we hear the elder say with that unction of tone which the preacher so frequently carries from the pulpit into every-day life, “these are ominous times . Church and State are daily threatened and assailed by innovators, and the injurious leaven appears to spread constantly amongst the people.”

“No Joseph! Let me hope that your anxiety for the good cause lets you see things in too gloomy a light. I never doubted that iniquity and treason prevailed in high circles, and that the counsellors of the king were sadly forgetful of their sacred trust; but the mass of the people, Joseph: let me hope, that they at least are sound to the core, and reject the dangerous doctrines of civil and religious liberty with which demagogues endeavor to catch their vote and their support/*

The other shook his head.

“I wish I could leave you in your delusion; a}re — more than that — I wish I could join in it. But the signs of the day are too plain to be mistaken. Do not the enemies of our national independence and our religious unity daily meet in council and allure thousands on to the path of ruin? Do they not openly advocate the renouncement of our national sovereignty and the annexation

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to Prussia, the arch enemy of our country ? Do they not openly counsel resistance to the highest decrees of our holy church, tho* passed by the sacred body of the bishops united? No, no, Ignatz; let them but gain the majority of the mob, and they will speedily pull down the venerable institutions, to build up and perpetuate which, so many great and sainted men have lived, labored and died.”

“Perhaps you are right;” replied Ignatz after a short pause and with a melancholy accent. “Indeed, I am sure you are right, for thus far I have always had occasion to acknowledge your superior wisdom and penetration. But granting that you are right : is there no remedy for this dreadful evil ? Are you like the physician, who can point out the disease, but is incapable of curing it?”

“No Ignatz, I am not like that physician,” the other replied even more guardedly, sending forth at the same time that lurking glance which we noticed before. “I rejoice to say that I am not only in possession of an infallible remedy for this dangerous disease, but shall not fail to apply it, if I can be sure of the need* ful support within and without the folds of our holy church.”

“Sure of it!” exclaimed Ignatz with a zeal, whose loudness the other thought proper to dampen by a timely warning. “You surely do not mean to intimate that we are tardy in upholding you, after so many proofs of our zeal?”

“No, Ignatz, that I do not,” Joseph replied soothinglj'. “Our friends have done well enough; but you must not forget that this is no common danger which threatens us. Extraordinary cases require extraordinary treatment, and so you can hardly accuse me of severity, if I say that our past efforts are unequal to the emergency. The mine is laid; the mine destined to blow the enemies of our time-honored institutions into atoms; but before I can be sure of a united support unto death, I shall not venture to apply the match which, if falsely handled, may effect our own ruin. It was for the purpose of discussing this point with you, that I sought this interview, Ignatz.”

“And it shall bear fruit, Joseph ; it shall bear ample fruit. Not a day, not an hour shall I tarry in stirring up such friends of mine, as are likely to assist us in our noble enterprise. And more

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than this will I do, Joseph: I will at once and forever renounce

those who refuse to make this holy cause their own. I will ”

“Stop, brother Ignatz!” the other now interrupted the enunciation with something like a sarcastic smile upon his lips. “Do not, as the proverb has it, pour out the child with the bath. We shall be bold like lions, but also wise like serpents. You must not, by violence, drive those into the hostile camp who might still join our cause, provided a back-door were left open to them,” “Again I bow before your superior wisdom, Joseph; but, pray brother, delay no longer the information regarding the means which you expect to use, in order to accomplish your glorious purpose.”

“Very well, my brother, listen then,” Joseph resumed with an- . other cautious glance. “You know well that I do not believe in enlightening the great mass of the people, because the condition of mankind is such, as to make this knowledge insufficient and, therefore, injurious. To give the child the knowledge of the man , might not only, but surely would endanger its happiness and even its life. Therefore, let the child remain in ignorance. The mass also is nothing but a child, and — this I fear at least — will always remain one. Would we therefore not act imprudently in enlightening the people on subjects which would prove injurious to them? Verily, this is my honest belief and the principal reason, why I am so much opposed to republican institutions. Now if I conscientiously believe that it would be injurious to the people to receive a light, whose only effect would be to dazzle them: would it not be doubly wrong and infinitely more detrimental to them to receive into their own hands a weapon whose edge they would be in constant danger of turning against themselves? No Ignatz; if yonr experience has not already taught you the truth of this: believe me, the time will come, when you will turn from the crowd in disgust, and confess yourself an adherent to the first and rudimental principle of my policy.”

“Alas! Joseph, my experience has long ago forced me to the same conclusion. It pains me to admit this much; but your principle contains nothing which might forbid my co-operation. But proceed ; you have not yet made your application of this .doctrine.”

“Why Ignatz, can you not draw the inference yourself? If we must keep the people out of knowledge and power, we must manage to give them the 'proper guardians to rule them in accordance with our long and well established views* Here then is the cause I want you to canvass well amongst the high and favored few, in order to gain as many to our views as possible*”

"And further, Joseph ?”

“Further? Well never mind, Ignatz. Leave the rest to me. You are anything but an intriguer, and yet to intrigue and to fight for influence at court constitutes the rest* I know you will thank me for saving you such work: will you not, brother?”

“You are always my good, considerate Joseph. It would indeed be repugnant to me to assist in any under-hand game. If this is a weakness, depend o a that I shall make up for it by zeal in other matters. But It is gating late, and if I tarry longer, 1*11 miss my dinner* Will you be our guest, Joseph?”

“No, thank you, fgw.J z. ; Chapter meets to-day, and as we have to act on impoibuM b ’ :e , I cannot venture to absent myself. ‘God’s service bwU • b i end’s mrvice,’ you know.”

“An axiom hard to m \ * Murer ell, then, Joseph.”

“Farewell brother! Bub ■ a moment, Ignatz. I intended to speak to you about o domo-.d io matter, but forgot it over more important affairs* Me w, 'w.m think of it, I may as well make a clean, breast of lb M .Mu too, Ignatz, and if I

were not sure of your gm , Mb M iry brotherly love, I would hardly summon courage f. - y a .dmMy.”

UA long prearqhle h,” smiling. ‘ If I did

not know my M a • y n r,i Ml oi me.”

“Perhaps I am . . be Mod in a

short little question : M b a a a much

Interest in your my . -m . ir ’

“A queer question MuMmlM • a Ignatz, Mb? am Mulshed*

.half .indignant* “I must con : ass .. b to comprehend you.”

'“Wiel], thru, LM me shape ray w orb 3 a little differently : Do you taka . ..Mi' / : ■' ' ■ M b . . doings?'- ’ , ,, . ...- 'I * M it

This :qivXtiou a by more offensive than the first one,,

.a ud the look of aa ger which ’'hashed from Ignatz’ eye showed plainly that a less intimate friend might have drawn a quick reT%

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tort upon himself for this bold interference in domestic matters. The control, however, which Joseph evidently exercised over his brother was too perfect to yield even to so serious a provocation, and when Ignatz spoke, his voice showed nothing but surprise and, maybe, a touch of reproach.

“Take sufficient interest in her doings!” he repeated. “Why! I thought you knew me better than to ask such questions. Riidegard is my last and only child, and all the interest I take in life centers in her person.”

“I know, brother, I know, and I am therefore doubly surprised to learn from outsiders that there are movements developing in your house which are in glaring contrast with j^our sentiments and professions.”

“You speak in riddles, Joseph. Would it not be more brotherly to drop metaphors and speak plainly?”

“I intended no mystification, Ignatz; on the contrary, I thought the slightest hint sufficient to enlighten you as to my meaning. I allude to nothing but the frequent visits of that Prussian officer at your house and his apparent intimacy with your family. This intimacy is the topic of remarks all over the city, and Madam Rumor speaks of an engagement between Hildegard and the Captain as an established fact.”

During these words the blood had gradually risen to the temples of Ignatz, so that he presented a very flushed and excited appearance. His breath went quickly and heavily, and his right hand grasped the ivory head of his cane, as if he meant to crush it to pieces.

“Madam Rumor must be mistaken, brother Joseph,” he replied with that low and forced voice which sends its accents forth with considerable distinctness. “My daughter cannot possibly have thus far forgotten her own dignity and the well-known sentiments of her father, as to throw her affection away on a man belonging to that accursed race which is the hereditary enemy of Bavaria. Captain Haller represents his government as military instructor of our troops, and his official capacity admits him to our court circles: how much more then to my humble house? How ever much I hate his nation, I cannot disregard the usages of civilized

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society and shut my door against him, as long as he conducts himself with propriety.”

“But if the rumor should prove correct?”

“I cannot credit it.”

“Why, brother, there are stranger freaks of girlish affection recorded.”

“In such a case our connection would at once be severed, of course. But it cannot be, it cannot be!”

“You can easily investigate the matter now.”

“I can and will, Joseph, depend upon it. Receive my thanks for a hint which may avert incalculable misery from my house £ But now farewell; or are you going in the same direction? So much the better; let us start in company.”

As the brothers walked through the hall, they were respectfully greeted by nearly all the guests assembled, a proof that they were well known to the citizens of Munich.

“Good day, Herr Justitzrath !”

“Good day, your Reverence!”

These exclamations met them on all sides, and they greeted and nodded in return, until they reached the entrance. For a while their ways ran together; but they walked side by side without uttering a word. The last subject of their conversation had evidently made them thoughtful. The counsellor at least hung his head and brooded over his unpleasant discovery, while his brother was altogether too considerate and prudent to trouble him with suggestions which he knew to be superfluous. If I have at all succeeded in portraying this worthy priest, the reader must be aware that, if honest belief in the principles he advocated formed the basis of his character, subtlety and cunning furnished the chief elements of the superstructure. He had instilled the necessary elements into his brother’s mind, and now left the process of fermentation to time and human nature.

For a while, then, the two brothers walked silently side by side, and when after the expiration of a few minutes the divine stopped to turn into a side street, the counsellor returned his grip with a heartiness which proved that, however disagreable the imparted knowledge had been to him, it had in no wise impaired the deep and somewhat reverential affection he felt for his brother.

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CHAPTER IL

On parting from liis brother the counsellor quickened his steps, until he stopped before a handsome edifice on whose oaken door a plate of German silver paraded in Gothic letters the name of “Ignatz Feller, Counsellor at His Majesty’s Court of Appeals.”

On ringing the bell he was admitted by the porter who saluted his master with a mien indicating both respect and affection.

“ Where is my wife?” Feller asked rather abruptly.

“Mrs. Feller is in her sitting-room.”

“And my daughter?”

“Miss Hildegard keeps her mother company.”

The counsellor ascended a flight of stairs, and, opening a door at the landing, entered into a large comfortable room which combined the neatness and comfort peculiar to the sitting-room of a well-to-do German family. There was no carpet there; nor did the visitor see any of those gaudy trinkets, without which an English “parlor” or a French “salon” is considered imperfect. A few good pictures on the wall showed that the inmates were imbued with the love of art so common in Munich. The furniture was mahogany, and dated from a period, when comfort and durability were not as yet sacrificed for mere appearance. The floor was painted brown, with lighter stripes running crosswise and cutting it into squares. In one corner stood the massive stove of glazed tiles, resting on an iron base in which short blocks of wood produced an even and lasting heat. A large and tastefully dj^ed basket contained even then the necessary fuel, and a faint glimmer under the sheet iron door showed that the ladies had not thought the season sufficiently advanced to dispense entirely with the genial influence of fire. The long wall opposite the windows was occupied by an old-fashioned sofa which, together with a round table before it, spoke of pleasant family-reunions. The short side opposite the door displayed an elegant piano, while the front wall was lined with a “throne,” i. e. a low platform about three feet wide running the whole length of the room and containing a fancy sewing-table and several arm-chairs

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which, thus elevated a foot or so above the level of the floor, of fered a splendid view upon the street below.

They were occupied b}^ two ladies, an elder and a younger one, sitting vis-a-vis and working at some fancy work with all the zeal for which the daughters of Germany are famous. To relieve the tedious ness of the merely mechanical labor they kept up a lively conversation, allowing, moreover, their eyes to wander now and then to the street, in order to catch anything unusual which might be going on there.

We know already that they are mother and daughter; but if we had been ignorant of this fact, a strong resemblance would have betrayed it. The elder lady could possibly be fifty, but would have looked considerably younger, if some deep furrows around the eyes and lips had not broken the otherwise smooth surface of her face. She showed traces of remarkable beauty; in fact, her countenance was one of those whose beauty seems to be independent of age. It bore the unmistakable impress of genuine goodness animated by the ray of intelligence which beamed forth from the large brown eyes.

The younger lady opposite her intimated, how the elder had probably looked thirty years ago. She was uncommonly handsome, and bore that appearance of refinement wdiieh only thorough mental culture can bestow; but she was also free from those disgusting features with which modern fashions seems bound to disfigure the fair sex. There is a way of dressing in style, and yet guarding against absurd extremes of wThich but few ladies seem to be cognizant. Else,' why should they abstain from pursuing the only course calculated to make them appear to advantage? There is a general fear amongst ladies to appear old-fashioned; but very few only seem to be conscious of the danger of being orer-fashionable.

Miss Hildegard Feller — for thus the porter gave her name — was one of those ladies wdio charm more by absence of defects, than by striking qualities or remarkable beauty. She would not have come under the epithet of “brilliant,” which is necessary to secure the success of a belle at Saratoga. Her beauty was a quiet one, by which I understand by no means a languid, sleep}^ beauty. For that her eyes had too much brightness and con-

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sciousness of mental power. Her face was regular and of a t}rpe holding the middle between the brunette and the blonde. Her hair wras auburn, her eye hazel; her teint rather clear for a brunette, though lacking that dazzling whiteness which is generally coupled with fair or reddish hair. Her cheeks showed the bloom of youth, her lips and teeth the impress of health.

The countenance of Hildegard Feller might well be compared to a fine landscape on a fair summer-morning, through whose hazy calmness the sun shines with a warmth indicative of latent power. That this power existed in her, nobody who had once looked deeply into her eyes, could well deny; but on common occasions this power came not into display. If Hildegard had been artful, one might have fancied that this reserve of hers was studied; for even the finest display loses in attraction in proportion to the frequency of exposure; but such was not the case. The even tenor of her mind probably prevented an effervescence whieh deep natures only show on being deeply stirred; while shallow minds, like shallow waters, are ruffled bjT the slightest breeze. Hildegard was always true to herself; every wrord, eveiy motion was in accordance with her character, and her company possessed a double charm, because one could enjoy it without the fear that some sudden freak, some ill-timed humor would mar the smoothness of her temper.

As might be supposed, Hildegard had her body as much under her control as her mind. Every motion of hers was — not measured, but natural, woman-like and therefore graceful. In this she was aided by a faultless figure, sufficiently high to lend dig nity to grace; but }ret light and lithe enough to exclude every thought of stiffness and awkwardness.

If we add to this, that Hildegard was a good scholar and an ixcellenf performer on the pia/io, and that, withal, she had not r< " perfect herself in those matters appertaining to the iufi.es :• )od housekeeper, the reader will surely admit that her j I ev* v reason to congratulate themselves on the

pusses, io:w ouch = daughter, and that her father might well pause, befoi • . c her happiness to prejudices which in-

stigation and edu.. u . ad nurtured, and age and affliction fastened on .is mind.

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But will liis meditated step really affect her happiness? Has rumor correctly linked her name with that of the Prussian officer? We shall see.

When Mr. Feller stepped into the room, the ladies looked up and, on recognizing the new-comer, at once dropped both work and conversation.

uAh! long looked for, come at last!” said Mrs. Feller rising from her seat. “Christina announced dinner ready an hour

ago, and if my worthy lord and master is half as hungry as

but what is the matter Ignatz? You look excited ! Has anything gone wrong with you?”

“Not with me, wife;” Feller replied with a somewhat stern voice, “but if Madam Rumor has not lied, there may be something wrong with you , my ladies.”

“With us, Ignatz !”

The great astonishment with which these words were uttered showed plainly, that 'the manner of Mr. Feller’s speaking was unusual; that he was not what is generally styled a “house-tyrant,” a class uncommonly numerous in Germany, if we are to credit the reports of strangers traveling in that country.

“If not with you, Elisa,” Feller resumed in softer tones, “perhaps with somebody else. Does this young lady understand the import of my words?”

Hildegard had risen with her mother* She had at first marveled with her at her father’s conduct; but when he addressed the second pointed question to her alone, a sudden comprehension of his meaning seemed to seize her. She placed her hand upon her heart, as if attacked by a sudden pain, and a deep red mantled her cheeks and spread to the very edge of her temples ; but if Mr. Feller expected an answer, he was disappointed. Hildegard stood immovable, her eyes'bent to the floor; but although her lips remained sealed, she was unmistakably the prey of a deep inward emotion.

Her silence brought a bitter smile to Mr. Feller’s lips.

“Joseph was right after ail,” he said. “I would not believe him; but she has not a single word to defend herself. My last and only child rewards my care by bringing shame and sorrow upon my gray hair.”

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For a moment the frame of Hilclegard quivered and she made a rapid motion, as if she meant to yield to a sudden impulse and repel the accusation by a hasty rejoinder; but regaining her self-control as rapidly as she had lost it, she continued her silence, merety bowing more lowly, as if determined to bear her father’s judgment, unjust though it be. Mrs. Feller however showed more spirit and less patience.

“Ignatz !” she exclaimed somewhat indignantly. “What do you mean by thus heaping mysterious accusations upon your daughter? For heaven’s sake ! end this uncertainty and tell us what you mean !”

“She understands me well enough,” said Feller, pointing to his daughter. “If she were so inclined, she might inform you that she has cast away the best feelings of her heart upon an enemy of her country. Yes, worse than this, she might inform you, that she carried her intimacy with that Prussian hireling so far, behind her parents’ back, that it became a topic for street gossip.”

This accusation seemed more than Hildegard was able to endure. She raised her head, looked full into her father’s eyes and replied :

“Whoever told you so, father, is guilty of a falsehood. I am unconscious of any intercourse with Captain Haller of which I need blush before God or man.”

“Captain Haller!” exclaimed Mrs. Feller. “Is it of him you speak?”

“A guilty conscience compelled her to betray the fatal secret. If there had been no undue intimacy between you and the Captain: why this voluntaiy confession on your part?”

“I would have been guilty of duplicity, if I had pretended not to understand you.”

“Then you confess at least to an understanding with the Captain which you thought proper to conceal from your parents?”

For a moment girlish diffidence battled with her love of truth; but conquering this emotion she at last resumed:

“There is such an understanding; but it only dates from yesterday.”

“And how could you forget yourself so far, as to enter into a compact with a man who numbers with the enemies of your

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country? Were you not aware that your father would both loathe and reject such a union with all his might? Were you not aware that he would sooner see you the bride of death, than that of an accursed Prussian?”

Hildegard for a moment shrank before these expressions of a fierce hatred; but gathering courage in the consciousness of a good cause, she replied :

“The understanding with Captain Haller was no compact, father ; nor was it intended to remain a secret. When the Captain told me in an open manly way that he had formed an affection for me, and begged for a return of his feeliugs and the gift of my hand, I told him that my hand was not at my disposal, and that he must address my parents for a realization of his wishes.”