“I’ve got to get back to Berlin tonight,” said McCallum seriously. “I have a meeting with the Austrians and French in the morning.”

“We’ll be happy to look after Matthew,” said the baron. “Why don’t we keep him for the week? Your wish from earlier in the day would seem to have become an imperative. Either you can come back next weekend, or we’ll bring him into the city.”

Thaddeus thought for a moment, then looked at Matthew. “What do you think, Matt?”

“That would be all right with me,” Matthew replied. “Whatever you and the baron think best.”

“Well, this is a sudden change of plans,” sighed Thaddeus, still pondering the options. “I suppose it is for the best. And I did speak of it, didn’t I?” He paused, then said, “OK, tell the doctor to proceed, and I guess we’ll take his advice and your offer.”

“Good,” rejoined the baron. “It’s the safest way, and it will be a pleasure to have Matthew with us a while longer.”

“There’s only one condition,” added Thaddeus.

“What’s that?” said the baron.

“That as soon as he is able you get him into the barn with you. I want my son to meet your ladies too!”

The baron laughed heartily. “I’ll do my best!”

The doctor picked up his bag and walked toward the door of the room. The baron followed him, the smile quickly disappearing from his countenance as they spoke for a moment in hushed tones. The doctor then exited the house to gather what he needed from his car to cast the leg.

19 A Visitor

19

A Visitor

Sabina sat reading on the balcony of the first-floor sitting room. Her mother entered and approached from behind.

“Gustav is here calling, Sabina,” she said.

“For me?”

“Who else, dear?” replied Frau von Dortmann, smiling.

“Oh, Mama, must I?” groaned Sabina. “He is so tedious.”

Marion did not reply.

Sabina sighed, set aside her book, and followed her downstairs. Her mother left her and she went to the front door alone, where a young man stood waiting outside.

“Hello, Gustav,” said Sabina.

The boy’s face brightened as he greeted her. “Hello, Sabina,” he said. “Mother asked if you would like to come for dinner?”

“Today?”

He nodded.

“I’m afraid I cannot, Gustav. Give your mother my regards.”

“Your mother seemed to think you would like to come,” he replied, with the faintest hint of a whine.

“We have a guest. It really would not be right for me to leave.”

“Guest?” repeated Gustav, though he well knew visitors had been at the estate.

“Yes, an American boy. He was here with his father and broke his ankle in a riding accident.”

Gustav stiffened slightly, but did his best not to show it. “A young boy?”

“A young man, I should have said.”

“How young?”

“About your age. I believe he is seventeen.”