"Well—it is well: I must bear this too. You can cut my heart out; for, alas! I have a heart. Fie! And is it for this that I have defied the world, old and new? is it for this that I am thrust out of both,—to call a hypocritical rascal my son? Oh these philosophers! these idealists! these humanitarian fanatics! He smuggles himself into my house as a tutor, in order to marry millions. Oh, most practical philosophers, and rascally liars and hypocrites, into the bargain! I will not bear it!"
He bent his fingers like claws, and moved his hands rapidly, crying,—
"Give me something to tear in pieces, or I do not know what I shall do. You"—
Pranken laid his hand on his shoulder. The three stood facing each other in silence. All breathed hard, but Pranken the hardest.
Manna endured her father's gaze calmly; but she had no foreboding of its real meaning. He again called through the speaking tube,—
"Let Herr Dournay come here."
Then he went on.
"Manna, I do not force you; but I desire you to renounce this teacher, Yet more. Did you not tell me that you had sent word to the priest to come hither?"
"Certainly: you ordered that he should be summoned."
"I hear him in the ante-room. Admit him."