He was also a common
libertine, whose excesses were more like those of a pork-butcher
than of a cultivated man. His companions were not disinclined for
little amorous adventures--a joke with a pretty seamstress or
restaurant waitress were their capital offenses. But the manner in
which Pechlar carried on his amours was such as did not commend
itself to either the easygoing or cautious among the officers.
Wilhelm clearly saw that Pechlar did not love Loulou--he was
probably incapable of loving, and only wanted her dowry. Without a
thought of jealousy, and out of compassion for an inexperienced and
guileless creature who was dear to him, he thought it his duty to
warn her before she sullied herself by becoming bound to such a man.
To save Loulou he at last took the step which no respect for his own
peace or honor had allowed him to take before.
He went to the Ellrichs' house the next day at the usually early
hour of eleven o'clock, and asking for the young lady, he was shown
into the little blue boudoir, where he hoped to find Loulou alone.
But he was painfully surprised. Herr von Pechlar sat there, and
appeared to be in the middle of a conversation with Loulou. She
smiled at Wilhelm, and beckoned to him to come and sit near her,
without embarrassment.
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