“The son of our neighbors is much changed,” said Marion.

“They are all changed,” added the baron. “The count… Ingrid—this dreadful Nazi darkness has consumed even those considered respectable before the war.”

Again silence fell. The clock continued to measure out its steady cadence, though neither husband nor wife was aware of its metronomic sound. The solemnity of the occasion drew its curtains down around them.

“We cannot keep our guests any longer,” said the baron at length. “To do so will only endanger them.”

Marion nodded her assent.

“Lebenshaus must always give life. When it can no longer be a safe house for those whom the Father sends, we must allow him to care for them otherwise.”

“Are there other places?”

“Many. The rabbi and I spent most of the afternoon together discussing possibilities. Aaron worked all day downstairs on identity cards. The network toward the south is well established.”

“Can people truly travel so far without discovery?”

“The rabbi was successful in both directions, moving in and out of Switzerland. He says the resistance swells daily with those eager to help Jews escape the Nazi holocaust.”

“We have so many to care for, Heinrich.”

“Twenty-nine at present, with the new arrivals.”

“Can we hope to transport so many to other places of safety, or all the way to Switzerland?”

“Not without the Lord’s help, and then only in small groups. We have three automobiles now. Some may have to walk through to Fürstensdorf, where I am confident there will be additional means of transport.”

“That is eighteen kilometers.”

“At night, through the forest—it could be managed. The pastor there has been at this work longer than we. He works closely with a Catholic priest who has many contacts among monasteries and convents. I have been in touch with both.”

“Is that not dangerous?”

“Everything is in code.”

“Oh, Heinrich, it all sounds so frightening!”

“These are perilous times. But I am convinced for them to remain here would be more dangerous.”

“Do you have everything ready that they would need?”

“Nearly. I have identity cards prepared for all the twenty-nine. I think we have sufficient clothes. I am forging new car registrations so there can be no link to us here. I think we are as prepared as we can be.”

The clock struck the hour. Heinrich glanced up. The hands stood at eleven o’clock. It was nearly time for them to retire to their chamber. There was yet a great deal to be done. Tomorrow would be a full day.

He pulled his wife yet closer to him in a squeezing embrace.

“We’ve had a good life together, Marion,” he said at length. “I want you to know I’ve never felt anything but the deepest gratitude to our Father for the privilege of being your husband.”