We
needn't live in each other's pockets, of course, when other people are
by--but we must take in Klaus Brock along with us, don't you think?"
Peer felt a strong impulse to run away. Did the other know everything?
If so, why didn't he speak straight out?
As the two walked home in the clear light of the spring evening,
Ferdinand took his companion's arm, and said: "I don't know if you've
heard that I'm not on good terms with my people at home. But the very
first time I saw you, I had a sort of feeling that we two belonged
together. Somehow you seemed to remind me so of--well, to tell the
truth, of my father. And he, let me tell you, was a gallant gentleman--"
Peer did not answer, and the matter went no farther then.
But the next few days were an exciting time for Peer. He could not
quite make out how much Ferdinand knew, and nothing on earth would
have induced him to say anything more himself. And the other asked no
questions, but was just a first-rate comrade, behaving as if they had
been friends for years. He did not even ask Peer any more about his
childhood, and never again referred to his own family. Peer was always
reminding himself to be on his guard, but could not help feeling glad
all the same whenever they were to meet.
He was invited one evening, with Klaus, to a wine-party at Ferdinand's
lodging, and found himself in a handsomely furnished room, with pictures
on the walls, and photographs of his host's parents. There was one of
his father as a young man, in uniform; another of his grandfather, who
had been a Judge of the Supreme Court.
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