Let us not either be too
arrogant in our bearing toward our fellow-men, in whose company we
are the involuntary puppets of unknown laws of development which are
leading humanity on to a given epoch."
This conversation had taken Wilhelm's mind off his misfortune, and
he had almost forgotten his adventure with Pechlar. He was reminded
of it, however, on reaching home about three o'clock, by finding
Paul, who always came to see him at that hour.
"What's the news?" cried he, coming cheerfully to meet him.
"I went to-day to see Fraulein Ellrich, to set things right between
us."
"Bravo."
"Yes; I went, but I have not done it." And then he related the
incident again.
Paul seemed quite stunned while Wilhelm was speaking, and then
sprang up in great excitement from the sofa, and cried:
"You will fight the scoundrel, of course!"
"No," said Wilhelm quietly.
"What!" shouted Paul, taking hold of Wilhelm's shoulder and shaking
him. "Surely you are not in earnest? You are an officer--you have
been a student--you will never let that fool of a fellow place you
in a false position!" Wilhelm freed himself, and tried to speak
reasonably; but Paul would not listen, and went on, his face red
with anger:
"Not only for yourself; you owe it to the girl's honor, if not to
your own, to punish the fellow.
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