He
would only have to leave the coast clear for Pechlar and all would
be at an end.
Paul Haber, who was in Berlin again, and paying a great deal of
attention to Fraulein Marker, was grieved and really angry at the
turn his friend's romance had taken. He knew through Fraulein Marker
how Herr von Pechlar was trying to supplant Wilhelm, and that he
took every opportunity of making abominably false representations
about him. There ought to be no more foolish loitering about. It was
unpardonable to let the golden bird fly away so easily. Once open
the hand, and she might be off. If Fraulein Ellrich was beginning to
flirt with Pechlar, it was quite excusable, as Wilhelm's coolness
might well drive her to it. But if he stuck to his absurd whim, that
she was too superficial for him!--as if every girl were not
superficial, and as if a man cannot educate her to whatever level he
pleases--then in heaven's name let him make an end of it all, or the
affair would become ridiculous and contemptible. But other
considerations had weight with Wilhelm.
Through Paul and the officers of his acquaintance he heard very
unfavorable things of Pechlar. He was only moderately well off, and
had more debts than hairs on his head; perhaps for a son-in-law of
Herr Ellrich's that was a venial offense.
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