The novel now focuses on Elsa Dressler, who still lives in Freiburg and now works at a public kitchen, distributing soup to the German people who are beginning to starve due to food shortages. The German people are growing increasingly angry and tired of the war, and they are calling for a new government. Some of them blame Major Dressler, Elsa’s father, for his role in the war, and shun Elsa and her mother. Major Dressler warns Elsa that Germany may become even more dangerous to them if the Kaiser falls, and tells her he is returning to Lille to release Juliette’s father and the other city leaders.

While returning from the market, Elsa spots Captain Garinov in town. She follows him, believing that he still intends to get revenge on her father, but he turns around and confronts her. Elsa suddenly remembers their meeting four years earlier when she helped Felix escape Lemberg, and realizes she is the reason why Captain Garinov has been wearing an eye patch ever since. Elsa runs home and tells her mother that they are in danger, and her mother sends a letter to her husband.