"Ugh!" he said, "what a beastly crowd you are! Pay, Isaac, I'll pay you back later on; I'm going."
He put on his overcoat, put his hat on his head, filled a tumbler with punch, added brandy to it, emptied it at one gulp, blew out some of the candles in passing, smashed a few of the glasses, pocketed a handful of cigars and a box of matches, and staggered out of the room.
"What a pity that such a genius should drink like that," said Levi solemnly.
A moment later Borg re-entered the room, went to the dining-table, took the candelabrum, lighted his cigar, blew the smoke into Struve's face, put out his tongue, showed his back teeth, extinguished the lights, and departed again. Levi rolled on the floor screaming with laughter.
"To what scum have you introduced me?" asked Falk gravely.
"Oh, my dear fellow, he's intoxicated to-night, but he's the son of Professor Dr...."
"I didn't ask who his father was, I asked who he was," said Falk, cutting him short, "I understand now why you allow such a dog to bully you; but can you tell me why he associates with you?"
"I reserve my reply to all these futilities," answered Struve stiffly.
"Do reserve it, but reserve it for yourself!"
"What's the matter with you, brother Levi?" asked Struve officiously; "you look so grave."