Page:Wounded Souls.djvu/236

 Berlin, and on the possibility of a Rhineland Republic which was then being advocated by a party in Cologne and Mainz whose watchword was "Los von Berlin!" and freedom from Prussian domination for the Rhine provinces. Even with Elsa he led the conversation to discussions about German mentality, the system of German education, and the possible terms of peace. Twice, at least, when I was present he differed with her rather bluntly—a little brutally I thought—about the German administration of Belgium.

"Our people did no more than was allowed by the necessities of war," said Elsa. "It was stern and tragic, but not more barbarous than what other nations would have done."

"It was horrible, bloody, and unjustified," said Brand.

"All war," said Elizabeth von Detmold, "is bloody and unjustified. Directly war is declared the moral law is abrogated. It is simply the reign of devildom. Why pretend otherwise—or weaken the devilish logic by a few inconsistencies of sentiment?"

Brand's answer to Elsa was not exactly lover-like. I saw the colour fade from her face at the harshness of his answer, but she leaned her head against his body (she was sitting by his side on a low stool), and was silent until her friend Elizabeth had spoken. Then she laughed, bravely, I thought.

"We differ in expression, but we all agree. What Wickham thinks is my thought. I hate to remember how Belgium suffered."

Brand was utterly unconscious of his harsh way of speech and of his unconcealed acknowledgment of Elizabeth von Detmold's intellectual superiority in her own drawing-room, so that when she spoke his interest was directed from Elsa to this lady.

"Daddy" Small was also immensely impressed by Frau