"We know that better than you," cried Diederich. "You have to write it up like a starving penny-a-liner."

The editor smiled apologetically and listened dutifully while they all related at the same time what had happened. When the noise subsided he continued: "As that gentleman there—"

"Dr. Hessling," said Diederich sharply.

"Rothgroschen," murmured the editor. "As you mentioned the name of the Emperor just now, it will interest these gentlemen to know that he has made another proclamation."

"I will not stand any joking!" shouted Diederich. The editor bowed and placed his hand on his heart. "There is a letter from the Emperor."

"I suppose," Diederich asked, "that could only have reached your desk through some infamous betrayal of confidence." Rothgroschen extended a deprecating hand. "The Emperor himself has designed it for publication. You'll read it to-morrow in the newspapers. I have a proof here."

"Go ahead, Doctor," the major ordered. Diederich cried: "What is that? Doctor? Are you a Doctor?" But no one was interested in anything but the letter. They snatched the proof from the editor's hand. "Hurrah!" cried Jadassohn, who could still read without much difficulty. "His Majesty has definitely identified himself with the Christian Church." Pastor Zillich rejoiced so heartily that he got a hiccup. "That's one in the eye for Heuteufel! At last that impudent scientist, hie, will get what's coming to him. These fellows dare to discuss the question of divine revelation, which I myself, hic, can hardly understand, and I have studied theology!" Professor Kühnchen threw the proof sheets up into the air. "Gentlemen, if I do not make my class read that letter, and set it as a subject for composition, then my name is not Kühnchen!"

Diederich was very serious. "Hammurabi was truly an instrument of God! I should like to know who would deny it." He glared round angrily. Rothgroschen bent his shoulders. "And Emperor William the Great," Diederich continued, "I insist on him. If he was not an instrument of the Lord, then the Lord does not know what an instrument is!"

"That is absolutely my opinion," the major confirmed. Fortunately nobody contradicted him, for Diederich was determined to go to extremes. Clinging to the table he staggered up from his chair. "What about our magnificent young Emperor?" he asked threateningly. From every side the answer came: "Personality, impulsive … versatile … an original thinker." Diederich was not satisfied.

"I move that he is also an instrument!"

The motion was passed unanimously.

"And I further move that His Majesty be informed by telegram of this resolution!"

"I second the motion!" bellowed the major. Diederich declared: "Passed unanimously and with enthusiasm!" He flopped back into his seat. Kiihnchen and Jadassohn assisted one another in drawing up the telegram. They read out what they had concocted.

"A meeting held in the Ratskeller at Netzig—"

"Gathered in session," corrected Diederich. They continued:

"Loyal, hie, and Christian," added Pastor Zillich.

"Are you gentlemen really serious?" asked Rothgroschen in a voice of gentle entreaty. "I thought it was a joke."

Then Diederich lost his temper.

"We do not trifle with sacred things! Do you want me to prove it to you in acts as well as words, you broken-down scholar?"

As Rothgroschen's gestures indicated complete submission, Diederich quieted down again and said: "Your health!" The major shouted as if he would burst: "We are the gentlemen on whom His Majesty can rely!" Jadassohn begged him to be quiet and began to read.

"This meeting of loyal and Christian citizens, gathered in session at the Ratskeller in Netzig, humbly extends to Your Majesty its unanimous and enthusiastic approval of Your Majesty's Royal testimony to revealed religion. We register our deepest loathing of revolution in every form, and in the courageous act of a sentry in Netzig to-day we greet the gratifying evidence that Your Majesty, no less than Hammurabi and Emperor William the Great, is the instrument of Almighty God." Jadassohn gave a flattered smile when they all applauded.

"Let us sign!" cried the major. "Or has any gentleman anything to say?" Rothgroschen cleared his throat. "With the utmost deference, just one point."

"I cannot allow that," said Diederich. The alcohol had given the editor courage, and he rolled on his seat, sniggering senselessly.

"I have nothing to say against the sentry, gentlemen. In fact, I have always held that soldiers are there to shoot."

"Well, what then?"

"Yes, but how do you know that the Emperor thinks so?"

"Of course, he does! Look at the Luck case."

"Precedents—he, he—are all very well, but we know that the Emperor is an original thinker and—he, he—and very impulsive. He does not like to be forestalled. If I were to write in the paper that you, Dr. Hessling, should be appointed minister, then—he, he—you would certainly never be appointed."

"The perverted reasoning of a Jew," cried Jadassohn. The editor became indignant. "Every time there is a High Church festival I write a column and a half of appropriate sentiment. The sentry, however, may be accused of murder. Then we shall have put our foot in it."

A silence ensued. Abstractedly the major laid the pencil on the table. Diederich seized it. "Are we loyal citizens?" and he signed his name furiously. Then the enthusiasm was renewed. Rothgroschen wanted to sign his name second.

"To the telegraph-office!"

Diederich gave orders to have the bill sent to him the next day and they left the restaurant. All of a sudden Rothgroschen was full of the wildest hopes. "If I can get the Emperor's reply it will be a real journalistic scoop."

The major bellowed: "Now we shall see whether I am to continue arranging charity bazaars!"

Pastor Zillich could already see his church swarming with people and Heuteufel being stoned by the mob. Kühnchen was dreaming of the streets of Netzig bathed in blood. "Does any one dare to question my loyalty to the Emperor?" crowed Jadassohn. And Diederich: "Old Buck had better look out! and Klüsing and Gausenfeld, too! We are awakening from our sleep!"

The gentlemen held themselves very straight, and from time to time one of them shot forward unexpectedly. They made a great noise with their sticks on the closed shutters of the shops, and they sang the "Watch on the Rhine" without making the slightest effort to keep in time with one another. At the corner of the Courthouse stood a policeman, but fortunately he did not move. "Do you want anything, little man?" should Rothgroschen, who was oblivious of all consequences. "We are telegraphing to the Emperor!" In front of the Post Office an accident befell Pastor Zillich, who had the weakest stomach. While the others endeavoured to ease his plight, Diederich rang the bell and handed in the telegram. When the postal official had read it, he looked hesitatingly at Diederich, but the latter glared so fiercely that he shrank back and did his duty. Meanwhile Diederich, without any reason, continued to glare and strike an attitude as if he were the Emperor when an aide-de-camp reported the heroic deed of the sentry, and the prime minister handed him the telegram of greeting. Diederich felt the helmet on his head, he tapped the sword at his side and said: "I am very powerful!" The telegraphist thought he was making some complaint and counted his change again. Diederich took the money, went up to a desk and scribbled some lines on a piece of paper. He put it in his pocket and returned to his companions.

"Not only that telegram," he whispered sharply. "I have another one." He drew a piece of paper out of his pocket. "The night telegraphist is an old acquaintance of mine, and he gave it to me. You must promise me the utmost discretion as to its origin, otherwise the man will lose his post."

As Rothgroschen at once promised everything, Diederich continued without looking at the paper:

"It is addressed to the military depot and must be communicated by the colonel himself to the sentry who shot the workman. It reads as follows: 'For your valour on the field of honour against the domestic enemy we are pleased to extend our approval and hereby promote you to the rank of lance-corporal. …' Here, look for yourself"—and Diederich handed the paper to the editor. But Rothgroschen did not look at it, he only stared at Diederich in blank amazement, at his adamant bearing, at his moustache pointing upwards and his flashing eyes.

IV

"How dare you dictate to me, you pack of silly women? How do you know whether that hundred and fifty marks is not an excellent investment of capital? Yes, a capital investment! Do you think that I would go boozing on champagne with those idiots, if I did not want to get something out of them? Here in Netzig you know nothing of how these things are done, this is the modern way. It is"—he hesitated for the right phrase—"in the grand manner!"

He went out, slamming the door. Frau Hessling followed him cautiously, and * when he had thrown himself down on the parlour sofa, she took his hand. "My dear son, I am with you," she said, looking at him as if she wanted to "pray from the heart." Diederich asked for a salted herring and then began to complain angrily of the difficulty of introducing the new spirit into Netzig. At least in his own home they should not thwart his efforts! "I have big things in store for you, but you must kindly leave all that to my superior judgment. There can be only one master, and of course he must be filled with a spirit of enterprise and have large views. Sötbier does not fit the part. Ill give the old man a little while more to potter about, then he gets the sack."

Softly Frau Hessling said she was sure that, for his mother's sake, her dear son would always do exactly what was best. Then Diederich went off to the office and wrote a letter to Buschli & Co., machinery manufacturers, of Eschweiler, in which he ordered a "New Patent Two-Cylinder Machine, fitted on the Maier system." He left the letter lying open on his desk and went out. When he returned Sötbier was standing at the desk, and it was evident that he was crying under his green eye-shade. His tears were falling on the letter. "You must have that copied," said Diederich coldly. Then Sötbier began:

"Well, in my turn I wish to develop the business with my own machine," replied Diederich sharply. Sötbier entreated.

"The old one has always been good enough for us."

"Not for me."

Sötbier swore that it could do as much as the very latest machines, which were only foisted on the market by lying advertisements. As Diederich remained unmoved, the old man opened the door and shouted: "Fischer! Come here a moment!" Diederich began to feel uneasy. « "What do you want with that fellow? I forbid him to interfere!" But Sötbier appealed to the testimony of the machinist, who had worked in the largest factories. "Look here, Fischer, tell Dr. Hessling what our cutting machine can do." Diederich would not listen. He walked rapidly up and down, convinced that the man would jump at the opportunity to annoy him. Instead of that, Napoleon Fischer began with a generous acknowledgment of Diederich's expert knowledge, and then added every possible unfavourable comment on the old machine. If they would believe Napoleon Fischer, he was on the point of chucking up his job, he was so dissatisfied with the old machine. Diederich said snappishly that he really congratulated himself on the prospect of now being able to retain the invaluable services of Herr Fischer. Ignoring this irony, however, the machinist explained to him all the advantages of the new Patent Two-Cylinder as set out in the prospectus, especially the ease with which it worked. "Provided I can save you trouble," sneered Diederich, "I have no other desire. Thanks, Fischer, you can go."

When the machinist had left, Sötbier and Diederich were each busied with his own calculations. Suddenly Sötbier asked: "Where is the money coming from to pay for it?" Diederich's face w;as scarlet, for he, too, had been thinking only of that the whole time. "Oh, it doesn't matter about paying," he shouted. "In the first place, I shall set a long period for delivery. Then, do you think I would buy such an expensive machine if I had no use for it? No, sir. In that case it is most likely that I have definite plans for the extension of the business in the near future—but I will not discuss that to-day."

He left the office with an air of buoyancy, in spite of private misgivings. That fellow, Napoleon Fischer, had looked back, as he went out, with a glance which suggested that he had let the boss down nicely. "When surrounded by enemies," thought Diederich, "then we show our real strength," and he held himself more erect than ever. He would show them the sort of man he was, and he decided to carry out a suggestion which had occurred to him when he awoke in the morning. He called on Dr. Heuteufel, but it was the hour when the latter received patients, so he had to wait. When the Doctor did see him it was in the consulting-room where everything, the smell and the furniture, reminded Diederich of former unpleasant visits. Dr. Heuteufel took up the newspaper from the table and said, with a short laugh: "Well, I suppose you've come to triumph. Two successes at one blow! Your champagne-inspired greetings are mentioned—and the Emperor's telegram to the sentry leaves nothing further to be desired, from your point of view."

"What telegram?" asked Diederich. Dr. Heuteufel showed him, and Diederich read: "For your valour on the field of honour against the domestic enemy we are pleased to extend our approval and hereby promote you to the rank of lance-corporal!" Standing there in print it gave him the impression of complete authenticity. He was actually moved, and said with manly reserve: "Those sentiments will find an echo in the heart of every true patriot." While Heuteufel shrugged his shoulders Diederich recovered his breath. "I did not come here on that account, but in order to clear up our mutual relations." "I thought they were already settled," replied Heuteufel. "No, not at all." Diederich assured him that he desired to make an honourable peace. He was prepared to work along reasonably liberal lines, provided his strong feeling of devotion to King and country were respected. Dr. Heuteufel declared that this was merely playing with words. Whereupon Diederich lost his head. This man held him in the hollow of his hand, and with the help of a certain document could show him up as a coward! The mocking smile on his yellow Chinaman's face, this attitude of superiority, these were a perpetual threat. He remained silent and allowed the sword to dangle a little longer over Diederich's head. This could not last! "I command you," said Diederich, hoarse with excitement, "to give me back my letter." Heuteufel feigned astonishment. "What letter?"—"The one I wrote you about my military service, when I was called up."

The Doctor thought back.

"Oh, I remember, when you wanted to evade service!"

"I knew you would distort my thoughtless statements into something insulting to me. Once again I demand the return of the letter." Diederich stepped forward threateningly, but Heuteufel stood his ground.

"Don't bother me. I haven't got your letter any more."

"I demand your word of honour."

"I do not give that to order."

"Then I warn you of the consequences of your dishonourable conduct. Should you ever try to cause me trouble with that letter, it will be a case of violating professional secrets. I will denounce you to the Medical Council, bring proceedings against you, and use all my influence to make your further career impossible!" In the tensity of his excitement his voice dropped to a whisper. "I tell you I am prepared for the worst! Between us, from now on there can be only war to the knife!"

Diederich started, and stammered: "What does that matter to you?"

"Oh, nothing," said Heuteufel. "It just interests me from early times because I always prophesied that of you."

"What is it? Kindly explain yourself." But Heuteufel declined. Diederich glared at him. "I must insist most emphatically upon your doing your duty as a physician!"

Heuteufel replied that he was not Diederich's doctor. Whereupon the latter's commanding air collapsed, and he begged plaintively. "Sometimes I have pains in my throat. Do you think it will get worse? Is there anything to be afraid of?"

"I advise you to consult a specialist."

"But you are the only one here! For God's sake, Doctor, do not have this on your conscience, I have a family to support."

"Then you should smoke less and drink less. You had too much last night."

"Oh, is that all?" Diederich drew himself up. "You begrudge me the champagne, and then the greetings to the Emperor."

"If you suspect me of doubtful motives, you need not ask my opinion."

Diederich began to cringe again. "You might, at least, tell me whether I am liable to get cancer."

Heuteufel remained stern. "Well, you were always subject to scrofula and rickets as a child. You should have had your military training, then you would not now have so much flesh."

The end of it was that the Doctor consented to examine him and decided to paint his larynx. Diederich choked, rolled his eyes in terror and clutched the Doctor's arm. Heuteufel withdrew the brush. "If you go on like that, I can do nothing. You were always the same," he tittered.

As soon as Diederich had recovered his composure he made off as quickly as possible from this chamber of horrors. In front of the house, while his eyes were still full of tears, he ran into Judge Jadassohn. "Hello!" said Jadassohn. "Did the liquor disagree with you? I see you are off to consult Heuteufel?"

Diederich assured him that he never felt better. "But I was concerned about the fellow, and I went to him because I thought it my duty to demand a satisfactory explanation of what this man, Lauer, said yesterday. I need hardly say that the idea of meeting Lauer directly does not appeal to a man of my loyal principles."

Jadassohn proposed that they should adjourn to Klappsch's beer saloon.

"As I was saying," continued Diederich when they were seated inside, "I went to him with the intention of clearing up the whole matter by attributing it to the fact that the gentleman in question was drunk. Or, at the worst, to a temporary aberration of his mind. What do you think happened? Heuteufel got impertinent, put on a superior air, and made cynical comments on our greeting to the Emperor. In fact, you will hardly believe me, but he even criticised His Majesty's telegram!"

"Well, what next?" asked Jadassohn, whose hand was busy with Fräulein Klappsch.

"There is no 'next' for me. I have done with the gentleman for the rest of my life!" cried Diederich, in spite of his painful consciousness of the fact that he would have to return on Wednesday to have his throat painted. Jadassohn broke in sharply:

"What do you mean, exactly?" asked Diederich uneasily. "I am thinking of taking proceedings for lèse-majesté "

"You?"

"Certainly I am. State Attorney Feiser is away on sick leave and I am in charge. As I pointed out yesterday, immediately after the incident, and in the presence of witnesses, I was not present when the offence was committed. I am not, therefore, disqualified from representing the prosecuting authorities at the trial."

"But if nobody lodges a complaint?"

Jadassohn smiled grimly. "The Lord be praised, that is not necessary. … In any case, let me remind you that yesterday you yourself offered to appear as a witness."

"I know nothing about it," said Diederich quickly. Jadassohn clapped him on the shoulder. "I trust you will be able to remember everything when you are put on your oath." Then Diederich became indignant, and his voice became so loud that Klappsch glanced into the room discreetly.

"Herr Assessor, I am greatly astonished that my private remarks— Obviously it is your intention to secure rapid promotion by means of a political trial, but I fail to see why I should be concerned with your career."

"And does yours concern me?" asked Jadassohn.

"I see. Then we are opponents?"

"I hope that may be avoidable," and Jadassohn proceeded to prove that he had no reason to be afraid of the trial. All the witnesses of what happened at the Ratskeller would have to give the same evidence as himself, including Lauer's friends. Diederich would not have to thrust himself too much to the fore in any way. … Diederich replied that he had unfortunately done so already, for it was he, after all, who had had the row with Lauer. But Jadassohn quieted his fears. "Nobody will bother about that. The question is whether the incriminating words were spoken by Herr Lauer. You will simply make your statement, like the other witnesses, but use a little discretion, if you like."

"With the utmost discretion!" Diederich assured him. Then, prompted by Jadassohn's Mephistophelian air: "How do I come to be the means of landing a decent man like Lauer in jail? After all, he is a decent man. In my eyes there is no shame in professing certain political opinions!"

"Especially when they are professed by the son-in-law of old Buck, whom you need for the moment," concluded Jadassohn—and Diederich bowed his head. This Jew climber was exploiting him shamelessly and he was helpless. And then, people talked of friendship! Again he reminded himself that everybody else was much more brutal and unscrupulous in life than he was. The great task was to be hard. He drew himself up stiffly in his chair and glared, but he preferred to leave it at that. With these officials of the Public Prosecutor's you never could tell. … For the rest, Jadassohn turned the conversation into other channels.

"I suppose you know that in the government offices and in the courts there are curious rumours afloat about His Majesty's telegram to the commanding officer of the regiment? The colonel is said to have denied that he ever received a telegram."

Although he was quaking inwardly, Diederich kept his voice in control. "But it was published in the press!" Jadassohn grinned ambiguously. "You can't believe everything you read in the papers." He ordered Klappsch, who again shoved his head in the doorway, to bring the "Netzig Journal." "Look here, this number is devoted exclusively to His Majesty. The leading article deals with the declaration of the All Highest concerning revealed religion. Then comes the telegram to the colonel, then the local news of the sentry's act of heroism, mixed up with three anecdotes about the Royal Family."

"No doubt, they axe!" Jadassohn affirmed. And Diederich: "Even that radical propagandist rag is forced to admit the importance of His Majesty."

"It is, of course, possible that, in their praiseworthy zeal, they prematurely published the telegram of the All Highest—before it was despatched. "That is out of the question," said Diederich decisively. "His Majesty's style is unmistakable." Even Klappsch could recognise it. "Well that may be, …" admitted Jadassohn. "You never can tell, so we have issued no official denial. Although the colonel has heard nothing, the 'Netzig Journal' may have had it direct from Berlin. Wulckow sent for Rothgroschen, the editor, but the fellow refuses to make any statement. The governor came to us in person to see about invoking against Rothgroschen the law compelling witnesses to speak. Finally we decided to take no action, but to wait for a denial from Berlin—for you never can tell."

When Klappsch was called into the kitchen, Jadassohn continued: "Funny, isn't it? The thing seems fishy to everybody, but no one will take any action, because in this case—in this very peculiar case"—he emphasised these words maliciously, and his whole bearing, even his ears, seemed malicious—"the improbable is most likely to happen."

Diederich was paralysed with fear. He had never dreamed of such a dark betrayal. Jadassohn noticed his dismay and, mistaking the cause of it, he began to prevaricate. "Between ourselves, you know, the man has his weaknesses." In threatening and hostile tones Diederich retorted. "Last night you were of a very different opinion." Jadassohn pleaded as his excuse the uncritical frame of mind induced by the champagne, and asked if Dr. Hessling had really taken so seriously the enthusiasm of the other gentlemen. Nobody was more critical, as a matter of fact, than Major Kunze. … Diederich drew back his chair, and his blood ran cold, as if he had suddenly found himself in a den of thieves. With the utmost conviction he said: "I trust I can rely as implicitly upon the patriotic sentiments of the other gentlemen as upon my own, as to which I most emphatically repudiate any doubts."

Jadassohn had recovered his offensive tone. "If that implies any insinuation regarding myself, I deny it with all the scorn it deserves." His voice rose to a scream, which brought Klappsch to the door: "Remember who I am, Dr. Hessling, one of His Majesty's judges. I am at your disposal whenever you want me."

Diederich could only murmur that he had not intended anything of that kind. But he called for the bill, and they parted on almost unfriendly terms.

On his way home Diederich was perturbed. Should he not have been more frank with Jadassohn, in case Rothgroschen should tell? Still, he was indispensable to Jadassohn in the Lauer case. At all events, it was a good thing that Diederich now knew exactly the sort of person this gentleman was. "Real patriotic feeling is incompatible with ears like his. I always suspected them."

Unfortunately no word could reveal this victory and Diederich's dizzy promotion, but his own bearing sufficed, his inflexible mien and speech, his commanding glance. His family and his workmen were cowed into respectful silence. Even Sötbier had to admit that a creative breath had put new vigour into the business. The more clearly Diederich's dominating figure emerged the more ape-like seemed the manner in which Napoleon Fischer crept about, with his arms hanging in front of him, his eyes averted and his teeth gleaming above his scraggy black beard. He was the spirit of suppressed revolt. … Now was the time to make a move in the direction of Guste Daimchen. Diederich paid her a visit.

At first Frau Daimchen received him alone, seated on the old plush-covered sofa, but attired in a brown silk dress, much beribboned. She folded her hands, which were red and swollen like those of a washerwoman, across her stomach in such a way that her new rings could not escape the visitor's gaze. Put of sheer embarrassment he began to admire them, where upon Frau Daimchen was only too glad to explain that now she and Guste need want for nothing, thank God. The only thing that worried them was whether to furnish in Old German or "Louis Kangze" style. Diederich warmly recommended Old German; he had seen it in the best houses in Berlin. But Frau Daimchen was suspicious. "Who knows whether you have called on such nice people as us. You can't tell me, I know what it means when people make a show as if they had money, when they haven't." At a loss what to reply, Diederich remained silent, while Frau Daimchen complacently drummed with her fingers on her stomach. Fortunately Guste came in, with a great rustling of petticoats. Diederich sprang gracefully from his chair, and said, with a bow, as he kissed her hand: "Gnädigstes Fräulein!" Guste laughed. "Mind you don't break anything!" But she consoled him at once. "It is easy to recognise a real gentleman. Lieutenant von Brietzen always does that, too."

"Yes, indeed," said Frau Daimchen, "all the officers visit us. Only yesterday I was saying to Guste: 'Guste, says I, we could have a crest embroidered on every chair, for members of the nobility have sat on every one of them.'"

Guste made a grimace. "As far as birth is concerned, and everything else, for that matter, Netzig is awfully so-so. I think we'll move to Berlin." To this Frau Daimchen agreed. "We shouldn't indulge these people," she said. "Only to-day old Frau Harnisch nearly burst her sides laughing when she saw my silk dress."

"That's mother all over," said Guste. "As long as she can brag it is all right. But I am thinking of my fiance. Do you know that Wolfgang has passed his final examination? But what can he do here in Netzig? With our money he can get somewhere in Berlin." Diederich said: "He always wanted to become a minister of state, or something." With a faint sneer he added: "That's so easy, they say!"

Guste immediately bridled up. "Old Herr Buck's son is a cut above the average," she said sharply. With the superior air of a man of the world Diederich explained that nowadays qualifications were demanded which could not be supplied through old Buck's influence: personality, a spirit of large scale enterprise, and, above all, an unimpeachable sense of patriotism. The girl no longer interrupted him, but even gazed respectfully at his aggressive moustache. But his consciousness of the impression he was making betrayed him. "I have not noticed any of those qualities in Herr Wolfgang Buck," he said. "That fellow philosophises and finds fault with everything, and for the rest, he leads a pretty gay life. … After all," he concluded, "his mother was an actress." He stared in front of him, although he felt that Guste's threatening glance sought to catch his eye.

"What do you mean?" she asked. He feigned astonishment.

"I? Oh, nothing. I was only referring to the way in which rich young men live in Berlin. After all, the Bucks are a distinguished family."

"I should hope so, indeed," said Guste sharply. Frau Daimchen, who had been yawning, remembered an appointment with a dressmaker; Guste looked expectantly at Diederich, and there was nothing for him to do but to stand up and bow himself out. In view of the tension, he made no effort to kiss the ladies' hands. In the ante-room Guste caught up on him. "Now, will you kindly tell me what you meant about the actress?"

He opened his mouth, stuttered and shut it again, blushing deeply. He had almost given away what his sisters had told him about Wolfgang Buck. In sympathetic tones he said: "We are old friends, Fräulein Guste. … All I meant to say was that Buck is not a fit match for you. He has an hereditary taint, so to speak, from his mother. The old man, too, was condemned to death. What are the Bucks, in any case? Take it from me, one should never marry into a family that is on the down grade. That is a sin against oneself," he added. But Guste was standing with her hands on her hips.

"Oh, the down grade? And you, I suppose, are on the up grade? Because you go boozing in the Ratskeller and get into rows with people? The whole town is talking about you, and you try to slander a most respectable family. On the down grade, indeed! There will be no question of the down grade with whoever gets my money. You are just jealous. Do you think I can't see that?"—and she glared at him with tears of rage in her eyes. He felt exceedingly uncomfortable and would have liked to fall on his knees and kiss her little chubby fingers, and then the tears from her eyes—but would that do? Meanwhile she scr.ewed up her fat, pink face into an expression of contempt, turned her back and slammed the door. With beating heart Diederich stood for a while on the spot, then he made off, feeling very small.

This affair was assuming a threatening appearance for Diederich. Jadassohn had succeeded in getting the Public Prosecutor's Department to summon before a court of inquiry the witnesses of what happened that night. In spite of Diederich's reluctant deposition, the others held him responsible for bringing them into this dilemma. Cohn and Fritzsche avoided him, Herr Buck's brother forgot his natural politeness so far as to cut him dead, and Heuteufel painted his throat ferociously while refusing to talk to him in private. On the day when it became known that the court had served Herr Lauer with a summons, Diederich's table in the Ratskeller was deserted. Professor Kühnchen was just putting on his overcoat and Diederich had just time to seize him by the collar. But Kühnchen was in a hurry, he had to speak against the new Army Bill to the Liberal Voters' Association. He slipped away, and Diederich remembered bitterly that night of victory, when the blood of the domestic enemy had flowed out side in the street and champagne inside in the restaurant, while Kühnchen was the most militant of the patriots present. Now he was opposing the increase of our glorious army! … Alone and forsaken, Diederich gazed into his mug of afternoon beer. Suddenly Major Kunze appeared.

"Hello, Major," said Diederich with forced joviality, "you have been keeping very quiet lately."

"Well, that's more than can be said about you," the major growled, as he stood in his hat and coat, looking about him as if in a desert. "Not a soul about!" "Perhaps you will join me in a glass of wine—" ventured Diederich, but he met a speedy rebuff. "Thanks, I haven't yet got over your champagne." The major ordered beer and sat down in silence, his expression as dark as thunder. Just to break the terrible silence, Diederich suddenly burst out: "I say, Major, what about the Veterans' Association? I thought I should hear something of my election."

The major looked hard at him, as if he would like to kill him. "Oh, really. You thought that, did you? I suppose you also thought it would be an honour for me to be mixed up in your scandal?"

"My scandal?" stuttered Diederich. "Yes, sir, yours!" thundered the major. "Herr Lauer may have said a hasty word; that can happen, even to old soldiers who have lost a limb in the service of their King. But you led Herr Lauer, with malice aforethought, into making a rash statement. I am ready to swear that in the witness-box. I know Lauer. He was with us in France and is a member of our Veterans' Association. You, sir, who are you? How do I know whether you were ever in the army? Produce your papers!"

Diederich's hand went at once to his pocket-book. He would have stood to attention, if the major had ordered him. The major held the discharge papers at arm's length in front of him. Then he threw them down with a grim laugh. "Ah! ha! Assigned to the Landsturm. I thought so. Flat feet, I suppose." Diederich was pale, and trembled at every word of the major's. He said, holding out a beseeching hand: "Major, I give you my word of honour that I have done my service. In consequence of an accident, which was entirely to my credit, I was demobilised after three months.…"

"We know those accidents. … How much did you pay?"

"Otherwise I would have stayed on permanently," added Diederich, in a whining tone. "I was absolutely devoted to the army. You can ask my superior officers."

"Evening." The major had put on his overcoat. "All I have to say to you, sir, is this: What the devil business is it of a slacker when other people commit lèse-majesté? His Majesty has no use for slackers. … Grützmacher," he said to the proprietor, "you should be more particular about your customers. Because of one too many Herr Lauer has been almost arrested, and I, with my stiff leg, must appear in court as a witness for the prosecution, and get myself into bad odour with everybody. The dance at the Harmony Club has been called off, I have nothing to do, and when I come here"—he again looked round as if the place were a desert—"there is nobody to be seen. Except, of course, the informer!" he shouted from the steps.

"My word of honour, Major …" said Diederich, running after him, "it was not I who lodged the complaint; it is all a misunderstanding." But the major had already reached the street. "At least, I rely upon your discretion!" cried Diederich after him. He wiped his forehead. "Herr Grützmacher," he said tearfully, "you at least will admit …" As he ordered wine, the proprietor admitted everything.

Diederich drank and shook his head mournfully. He could not understand this miscalculation. His intentions had been pure, only the wiles of his enemies had obscured them. … Then Judge Fritzsche turned up, and looked round hesitatingly. When he saw that Diederich was really quite alone, he came up to him. "Dr. Hessling!" he said as he shook hands "you look as if you had just buried your best friend." Diederich murmured that there was always a lot of trouble in a big business. But he opened his heart fully when he saw the other's sympathetic expression.

"I don't mind telling you, Judge, this business with Herr Lauer is damnably unpleasant for me."

"I?" Diederich started up in desperation. "I heard nothing, not a word!"

"That does not accord with your testimony before the court of inquiry."

Diederich became confused. "At first one doesn't know what to say. But now, when I think over the questionable incident, it seems to me we were all pretty merry, particularly myself."

"Particularly yourself," repeated Fritzsche.

"Yes, and I probably put leading questions to Herr Lauer. What his answers were I am no longer prepared to swear. Anyhow, the whole thing was a joke."

"Oh, I see: a joke." Fritzsche breathed more freely. "Well, what is to prevent you from simply telling the judge that?" He raised a warning finger. "Not that I have any desire to influence your testimony."

Diederich raised his voice. "I shall never forgive Jadassohn for this trick!" He described the manoeuvres of this gentleman, who had purposely gone out during the scene, so that he could not be cited as a witness; who had then begun immediately to assemble evidence for the prosecution, taking advantage of the more or less irresponsible condition of those present, and binding them in advance with their testimony. "Herr Lauer and I know each other to be men of honour. What right has this Jew to egg us into a quarrel?"

"The radical methods of the Jew," added Diederich. "He never hesitates to shove himself forward—although I do not deny that he believes he is discharging a patriotic and a professional duty."

"How do you mean?" cried Diederich. "A vulgar upstart who is trafficking in our most sacred possessions!" "That's putting it in rather strong terms"—Fritzsche gave a smile of satisfaction, and drew his chair nearer. "Suppose I were the judge in charge of the inquiry. There are cases in which one is justified, to a certain degree, in handing in one's resignation." "You are a close friend of the Lauer family," said Diederich, nodding significantly. Fritzsche assumed the air of a man of the world. "But, you understand, in so doing I would definitely confirm certain rumours."

"That won't do," said Diederich. "It would be contrary to the code of honour."

"Then I have no choice but to do my duty, quietly and impartially." "To be impartial is to be German," said Diederich.

"Especially as I may assume that the witnesses will not render my task unnecessarily difficult." Diederich laid his hand on his heart. "Judge Fritzsche, one may be carried away where great issues are at stake. I have an impulsive nature, but I am aware that I owe an accounting to God for everything." He dropped his eyes. Then, in manly tones: "I too am susceptible to remorse." This appeared to be enough for Fritzsche, for he paid the bill. The two gentlemen shook hands solemnly and in perfect understanding.

The very next day Diederich was called before the judge in charge of the inquiry, and found himself in the presence of Fritzsche. "Thank God," he said to himself, and he made his statement in a spirit of honest impartiality. Fritzsche's only care seemed also to be the truth. Public opinion, it is true, lost none of its partiality for the accused. Apart from the Social Democrat newspaper, it reached the point of sarcastic references to Diederich's private life, which were certainly inspired by Napoleon Fischer. But even the usually docile "Netzig Journal" chose this moment to publish a speech of Herr Lauer's to his workmen, in which the manufacturer stated that he was sharing honestly the profits of his business with all who had co-operated in it, a quarter to the office staff and a quarter to the men. In eight years they had had the sum of 130,000 marks to share amongst themselves, in addition to their salaries and wages. This produced a most favourable and widespread impression. Diederich encountered unfriendly faces. Rothgroschen, the editor, to whom he stopped to speak, actually smiled offensively and said something about social progress which could not be arrested by patriotic claptrap. The consequences to his business were particularly irritating. Orders, upon which Diederich could usually count, did not come in. Cohn, the proprietor of the big stores, frankly informed him that he had given preference to the Gausenfeld Paper Factory for his Christmas catalogues, because he could not get mixed up in politics, out of consideration for his customers. Diederich now began to turn up quite early at the office in order to intercept such communications, but Sötbier was always there first, and the reproachful silence of the old manager only increased his rage. "I'll let the whole show go to the devil!" he yelled. "Then you and the rest of them will see where you are, with my doctor's degree I can get a post as managing director to-morrow, with 40,000 marks!"—"I am sacrificing myself for you," he shouted at the men when they drank beer against the rules. "I am paying out money to keep you employed."

Towards Christmas, however, he was compelled to pay off a third of the men. Sötbier showed him by calculation that they could not otherwise meet the obligations which fell due at the beginning of the year, "since we must deduct 2,000 marks as an instalment on the new cylinder machine," and be insisted on this, although Diederich seized the ink-pot. In the faces of those who remained he saw a lack of confidence and respect. Whenever several were standing together, he fancied he heard the word "informer." Napoleon Fischer's knotted, dark, hairy hands did not hang down so close to the ground, and he looked as if his cheeks had actually some colour in them.

On the last Sunday in Advent—the courts had just decided on holding the public trial—Pastor Zillich preached in St. Mary's on the text: "Love your enemies." Diederich shrank at the first words. Soon he felt that the whole congregation was becoming uneasy. "Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord." Pastor Zillich addressed the words pointedly in the direction of the Hesslings' pew. Emma and Magda bowed their heads out of sight; Frau Hessling sobbed. Diederich defiantly answered the glances which sought him. "Whosoever speaketh of vengeance, so he shall be judged!" Then everybody turned round and Diederich collapsed.

His sisters made a scene when they got home. They were being badly received in society. Young Professor Helferich no longer sat near Emma, he had eyes only for Meta Harnisch, and she knew why. "Because you are too old for him," said Diederich. "No, because you make us unpopular!"—"The five daughters of Herr Buck's brother won't know us any more!" cried Magda. "I'll give them five boxes on the ear," said Diederich.—"You will kindly not interfere. We have enough with your lawsuit." Then he lost patience. "You? What business of yours are my political fights?"

"We shall become old maids because of your political fights!"

Thus a dismal Christmas approached. The sisters refused to speak to their brother. Whenever Frau Hessling left the locked room in which she was decorating the Christmas tree, her eyes were red and swollen with tears. And on Christmas Eve, when she brought the children in, she sang all alone and with quavering voice, "Stille Nacht." "This is a present from little Diederich to his dear sisters," she said, and her glance begged him not to give her the lie. Emma and Magda thanked him with embarrassment, and he was equally embarrassed as he looked at the gifts which were supposed to have come from him. He regretted that, in spite of Sötbier's emphatic advice, he had refused the accustomed Christmas-tree celebration for the workmen in order to punish the unruly crew. Otherwise he might now be with them. Here in the family the thing was artificial, a revamping of old, dead sentiments. Only one person could have made it real, Guste, and she was not there. … The Veterans' Association was closed to him, and he would have found nobody in the Ratskeller, at least none of his friends. Diederich felt neglected, misunderstood and persecuted. How remote were the innocent days of the Neo-Teutons, when in long ranks, inspired by good-will, they sang and drank beer. Now, in the rough world, sturdy college friends no longer exchanged slashes in honourable duels, but a crowd of treacherous rivals flew at one another's throats. "I do not belong to this cruel age," thought Diederich as he ate the marzipan on his plate, and dreamed in the candle light of the Christmas tree. "I am really a good-hearted fellow. Why do they drag me into horrible things like this trial, and injure me even in my business, so that, my God, I shall not be able to pay for the cylinder machine which I ordered."

The whole Christmas season was overclouded by worry about the new machine. Six thousand marks for a New Patent Cylinder Machine, Maier System! He had no money in hand and, as things were, none was available. It was an incomprehensible fatality, a shabby perversity of men and circumstances which embittered Deiderich. When Sötbier was not there he banged the lid of his desk and threw the letter files about the room. As the new master, who had firmly grasped the reins of the business, he felt he must immediately launch into new enterprises; success awaited him and events would have to shape themselves to his personality! … He was angry and humble by turns, and took precautions in case of a catastrophe. He softened towards Sötbier; perhaps the old chap might yet be of some use. He also humbled himself before Pastor Zillich and begged him to tell the people that the sermon, which had excited so much comment, was not aimed at him. The Pastor was obviously remorseful and promised to do so, under the reproachful glance of his wife, who confirmed his promise. Then the parents left Käthchen alone with Diederich, and he felt so grateful to them in his depression that he almost proposed to her. Käthchen's consent, which hovered on her dear, plump lips, would have been a success for him, and would have brought him allies against a hostile world. But that machine which he had to find the money for! It would have swallowed up a quarter of her dowry. … Diederich said, with a sigh, that he would have to be getting back to the office, and Käthchen pressed her lips together without having had an opportunity of saying "yes."

A decision had to be made, for the arrival of the machine was imminent. Diederich said to Sötbier: "I advise those people to deliver it punctually to the minute, otherwise I shall have no hesitation in returning it." But Sötbier reminded him of the custom which gave the manufacturers a few days' grace. He insisted, in spite of Diederich's wrath. In any case, the machine arrived punctually. It had not yet been unpacked when Diederich began to fuss and fume. "It is too large. They guaranteed that it would be smaller than the old pattern. Why should I buy it when it does not even save space?" As soon as it had been installed he went over the machine with a foot-rule. "It is too big. They can't swindle me. Look at it, Sötbier; isn't it too large?" But with imperturbable accuracy Sötbier explained the errors in Diederich's measurements. Diederich retired, raging, to devise another method of attack. He sent for Napoleon Fischer. "Where is the man to adjust the new machine? Did they not send any one with it?" Then he grew indignant. "I ordered him to come," he lied. "These people have a nice way of doing business. I should not be surprised if I have to pay twelve marks a day for this fellow, and he is conspicuous by his absence. Who will set up the damned machine for me?"

The machinist said he knew all about it. Diederich suddenly developed the utmost cordiality towards him. "I need hardly say I would rather pay you overtime than squander good money on a stranger. After all, you are an old employé." Napoleon Fischer raised his eyebrows, but said nothing. Diederich laid his hand on his shoulder. "Look here, my man," he said confidentially, "I don't mind telling you I am disappointed in this machine. It looked different in the pictures of the prospectus. The blades of the cutter were supposed to be much wider. Where is the greater efficiency which those people promised? What do you think? Do you think the drive is strong? I am afraid the stuff will stick half way." Napoleon Fischer looked at Diederich inquiringly, but he began to see what he was driving at. They would have to try it out, he said hesitatingly. Diederich avoided his glance, as he said encouragingly: "Well, all right. You will put the thing together, I will pay you an additional twentyfive per cent, for overtime, and for Heaven's sake, run some stuff through it at once. Then we'll see how it cuts."

"It will be a queer cut," said the mechanic, obviously seeking to conciliate Diederich, who seized his arm, before he realised what he was doing. Napoleon Fischer was his friend and saviour! "Come on, my good man"—his voice trembled with emotion. He took Napoleon Fischer into the house, and Frau Hessling had to pour him out a glass of wine. Without looking at him Diederich pressed fifty marks into his hand. "I rely on you, Fischer," he said. "The makers would take me in, if I hadn't you. I have already put two thousand marks into the rapacious pockets of those people."

"They will have to pay them back," said the machinist pleasantly. "You think that, too?" Diederich asked earnestly.

A day or two later, after having spent the lunch hour on the machine, Napoleon Fischer informed his employer that the new acquisition was no good. The stuff did not move and had to be shoved on with the stirring-pole, just as in the oldest style of machine. "So it is a common swindle," Diederich cried. It was also more than twenty horsepower. "That is not in the contract. Do we have to accept it, Fischer?"

"We must not allow that," he decided, stroking his blackbearded chin with his knotted hand. For the first time Diederich looked him squarely in the face.

"Then, you can prove to me that the machine does not fulfil the terms of purchase?"

A pale smile seemed to hover around Napoleon Fischer's spare beard. "You bet," he replied. Diederich noticed the smile and said with all the more emphasis: "I'll show those people who I am!" He wrote at once in the strongest terms to Büschli & Co. in Eschweiler. The reply came by return. They could not understand his contentions, the New Patent Cylinder Machine, Maier pattern, had been installed and given a trial by several paper manufacturers, whose testimonials were enclosed. It was, therefore, out of the question for them to take it back, much less return the 2,000 marks paid on account, and the balance of the agreed purchase price must be settled forthwith. Whereupon Diederich wrote an even sharper letter than the first and threatened proceedings. Then Büschli & Co. endeavoured to pacify him, and recommended another trial. "They are afraid," said Napoleon Fischer, to whom Diederich showed the communication, and his teeth flashed. "They cannot stand a lawsuit, for their machine is not sufficiently well known." "That's right," said Diederich, "we have them at our mercy!" His heart hardened by the certainty of victory, he refused peremptorily every compromise and their offer to reduce the price. When nothing happened for several days, however, he began to feel uncomfortable. Perhaps they were waiting for him to take legal action! Perhaps they were doing so themselves! Many times a day his uncertain glance sought Napoleon Fischer, who furtively returned the look. They no longer spoke to one another. One morning at eleven o'clock, when Diederich was sitting at early lunch, the servant brought in a visiting card: Frederich Kienast, Manager, Büschli & Co., Eschweiler. While Diederich was still turning it round between his fingers, the visitor entered. "Excuse me," he said, "there must be some mistake. I have been shown in here, but I have come on a matter of business."

Diederich had recovered his presence of mind. "Very likely, but it doesn't matter. Won't you come right in? I am Dr. Hessling. This is my mother and my sisters, Emma and Magda."

The gentleman approached and bowed to the ladies. "My name is Frederich Kienast," he murmured. He was short, with a fair beard, and wore a brown morning suit of woolly material. The three ladies smiled amiably. "May I set a place for you?" Frau Hessling asked. "Of course," said Diederich, "you will have lunch with us, Herr Kienast, won't you?"

"I cannot refuse," declared the representative of Büschli & Co., rubbing his hands. Magda helped him to some kippered herring, which he praised while the first mouthful was still on his fork.

Laughing innocently, Diederich asked: "Don't you like to have a little something to drink when you are doing business?" Herr Kienast also laughed. "I never drink much when on business." Diederich grinned. "Well, in that case we shall not quarrel." "It all depends, doesn't it?" And Kienast's slily challenging words were accompanied by a glance at Magda, who blushed.

Diederich filled the guest's glass with beer. "I suppose you have other business in Netzig?" "You never can tell," said Kienast evasively.

Tentatively Diederich remarked: "You won't do anything with Klüsing in Gausenfeld, he's had a slump." As the other did not reply, Diederich thought: "They have sent him here specially about the machine; they are afraid of a lawsuit." Then he noticed that Magda and Büschli's representative were raising their glasses at the same time, and toasting each other with their eyes. Emma and Frau Hessling looked on in rigid silence. Diederich bent his head over his plate in a rage—but all at once he began to sing the praises of domestic life. "You are in luck, my dear Herr Kienast, for this lunch hour is by far the pleasantest time in the day. Coming up here, right in the middle of one's work, has a humanising effect, so to speak, and one needs it."

Kienast agreed that it was needed. To Frau Hessling's inquiry whether he was married he replied in the negative, looking, as he did so, at the top of Magda's head, for it had modestly drooped. Diederich stood up at attention, bringing his heels together. "Herr Kienast," he said sharply, "I am at your disposal."

"You will take a cigar, Herr Kienast," said Magda invitingly. Kienast allowed her to light it for him and hoped that he would have the pleasure of seeing the ladies again—this with a significant smile at Magda. Outside in the yard his tone changed completely. "Hm, these are small, cramped premises," he remarked in frigid tones of depreciation. "You should see our works."

"In a hole like Eschweiler," replied Diederich, equally contemptuous, "that is no wonder. Just you try to pull down this block of houses!" Then he shouted in the tones of a martinet for the machinist to set the new cylinder machine in motion. As Napoleon Fischer did not come at once, Diederich stormed down upon him. "Are you deaf, sir?" But as soon as he came in front of him he stopped shouting. In an imploring whisper, his eyes staring with anxiety, he said: "Fischer, I have been thinking things over. I am satisfied with your work, and from the first of the month your salary is raised to one hundred and eighty marks." Napoleon Fischer gave a short, understanding nod and moved away. Diederich began at once to shout. Some one had been smoking! They told him it was only his own cigar which he smelt. To the representative of Büschli & Co. he said: "Anyway, I am insured, but we must have discipline. Aren't these works fine?"

"Old stuff," retorted Herr Kienast, with a hostile glance at the machines. "All right, my friend," sneered Diederich, "but they're as good as your cutting machine, in any case." Ignoring Kienast's protest, he began to belittle the capacity of the domestic manufacturers. He was waiting until his trip to England before installing his new fittings. He was forging ahead at a great rate. Business had developed enormously since he took charge. "Arid there is still room for development." He drew on his imagination. "I have now contract with twenty local newspapers. The Berlin houses will drive me mad. …" Kienast interrupted him brusquely:

"Then you must just have despatched all your orders, for I don't see any finished goods about." Diederich became indignant. "Sir! Allow me to tell you that only yesterday I sent a circular to all my smaller customers, informing them that I could promise no more deliveries until our new building was completed."

The machinist came to fetch the gentlemen. The new Patent Cylinder machine was half full, but the material still passed through it very slowly, and had to be helped by a man with the stirring-pole. Diederich held his watch in his hand. "Now, let us see. You state that in your machine the stuff takes twenty to thirty seconds to go right round. I have already counted fifty. Machinist, pay out more material. … What is wrong, it is taking ages."

Kienast was bending over the bowl. He straightened up and smiled facetiously. "Of course, if the valves are stopped up. …" He gave Diederich a searching look which the other's eyes failed to meet. "I cannot say offhand what else may have been done to the machine." Diederich started up, suddenly very red. "Do you wish to insinuate that I and the machinist have—?"

"I have said nothing," replied Kienast primly.

"I must emphatically repudiate that insinuation," Diederich thundered, but it seemed to leave Kienast unimpressed. His eyes were calm and a sly grin hovered about his beard, which was brushed in a parting on his chin. If he had shaved and trained the ends of his moustache to grow upright he would have looked like Diederich! He was a Force! Diederich's attitude became all the more truculent. "My machinist is a Social Democrat. The idea of his doing me a favour is absurd. Moreover, as an officer of the reserve I warn you of the consequences of your statements!"

Kienast walked out into the yard. "Never mind about that, Dr. Hessling," he said calmly. "I am a sober man when it comes to business, as I told you at lunch. All I have to repeat to you is that we delivered the machine in excellent condition, and we do not propose to take it back." They would see about that, said Diederich. Doubtless Büschli & Co. would not consider a lawsuit particularly helpful in introducing their new merchandise. "I will give you a special testimonial in the trade papers!" Whereupon Kienast retorted that he took no account of attempted blackmail. And Diederich declared that the only thing to be done with a vulgarian was to throw him out, since he was not fit to fight a duel. In the midst of this Magda appeared in the doorway of the dwelling house.

She was wearing her Christmas fur coat and gave them a rosy smile. "Are you gentlemen not finished yet?" she asked roguishly. "It is such a lovely day, I felt I must go out for a bit before dinner. By the way," she added volubly, "mother wants to know if Herr Kienast will be with us for supper?" As Kienast regretted that he must say no, she smiled more persuasively. "And would you refuse me, too?" Kienast gave a harsh laugh. "I would not refuse. But I don't know whether your brother …" Diederich snorted, and Magda looked at him beseechingly. "Herr Kienast," he managed to say, "I shall be delighted. Perhaps we may yet come to an understanding." Kienast said he hoped so, and offered gallantly to escort the young lady for a while. "If my brother has no objection," she said with demure irony. Diederich allowed this also. Then he gazed after her in amazement as she went off with the representative of Büschli & Co. How that girl got her way, when she liked!

When he came in to dinner he heard the sisters talking in sharp tones in the sitting-room. Emma was accusing Magda of behaving disgracefully. "You shouldn't do such things." "No," cried Magda, "I suppose I must ask your permission. This is my turn, anyway! Is there anything else worrying you?" And Magda burst into a mocking laugh. She stopped immediately, when Diederich entered. Diederich glanced around disapprovingly, but Frau Hessling need not have wrung her hands behind her daughters' backs. It was beneath his dignity to intervene in this feminine quarrel.