Sigismund was plighted , when a boy of fifteen , to his young cousin , and then sent away to the University till of age . On returning , he was to travel a year or two , and then marry . He gladly went away , and with increasing disquiet saw the time draw near when he must keep his troth-plight . '' `` Hum ! loved some one else . Very unfortunate to be sure , '' said the major with a sigh . `` Not so ; he only loved his liberty , and pretty Minna was less dear than a life of perfect freedom . He went back at the appointed time , saw his cousin , tried to do his duty and love her ; found it impossible , and , discovering that Minna loved another , vowed he would never make her unhappiness as well as his own . The old baron stormed , but the young one was firm , and would not listen to a marriage without love ; but pleaded for Minna , wished his rival success , and set out again on his travels . '' `` And the duel ? '' asked the major , who took less interest in love than war . `` That was as characteristic as the other act . A son of one high in office at Berlin circulated false reports of the cause of Palsdorf 's refusal of the alliance -- reports injurious to Minna . Sigismund settled the matter in the most effectual manner , by challenging and wounding the man . But for court influence it would have gone hardly with my friend . The storm , however , has blown over ; Minna will be happy with her lover , and Sigismund with his liberty , till he tires of it . '' `` Is he handsome , this hero of yours ? '' said Amy , feeling the ring under her glove , for in spite of Helen 's advice , she insisted on wearing it , that it might be at hand to return at any moment , should chance again bring the baron in their way . `` A true German of the old type ; blond and blue-eyed , tall and strong . My hero in good truth -- brave and loyal , tender and true , '' was the enthusiastic answer .
`` I hate fair men , '' pouted XXXXX , under her breath , as the major asked some question about hotels .
Amy German Helen Minna Palsdorf Sigismund University storm war year