"
They had come to the place where Friedrichstrasse and
Leipzigerstrasse cross each other; and Schrotter signed to them to
look toward the left corner. There under a gas lamp they saw
Barinskoi in earnest conversation with a woman.
"Yes, look at him! That brute is still the most reasonable among all
your philosophics. He has his method of sponging, and enjoys himself
according to the category of Aristotle. But your metaphysics--"
"What do you really want, Paul?"
"Well, I want you all to have to do for once with practical life,
with two hundred workmen to pay and ten thousand acres of land to
see after; and artificial manures and the price of corn to worry
you; then perhaps you would take a little less interest as to
whether the soul was a phenomenon or an india-rubber ball, or
whether men were magnets or cogwheels."
Wilhelm only smiled. He had long ago given up trying to bring his
practical friend to ideal views. At the corner of the Kochstrasse
they separated, and Paul continued his way to the Lutzowstrasse,
while Wilhelm and Schrotter turned back.
Twenty minutes later, as Wilhelm entered his bedroom, his eyes fell
on a letter for him in Dorfling's handwriting. He opened it, greatly
surprised, and read as follows:
"DEAR FRIEND: When you read this I shall be free from all trouble
and all doubt.
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