But Otto's look won. Mr. Feuerstein hesitated, seated himself.
"I want to tell you," said Otto quietly, "that as the result of your going away so suddenly and not coming back a wicked lying story is going round about Hilda. She does not know it yet, but it won't be long before something will be said—maybe publicly. And it will break her heart."
"I can't discuss her with you," said Mr. Feuerstein. "Doubtless you mean well. I'm obliged to you for coming. I'll see." He rose.
"Is that all?" said Otto.
"What more can I say?"
"But what are you going to DO?"
"I don't see how I can prevent a lot of ignorant people from gossiping."
"Then you're not going straight down there? You're not going to do what a man'd do if he had the decency of a dog?"
"You are insulting! But because I believe you mean well, I shall tell you that it is impossible for me to go for several days at least. As soon as I honorably can, I shall come and the scandal will vanish like smoke."
Otto let him go. "I mustn't thrash him, and I can't compel him to be a man." He returned to the German Theater; he must learn all he could about this Feuerstein.