"I heard you," he replied mechanically.
"Do you approve this step on his part?"
"It is no affair of mine. Hollfeld is his own master, and can do as he pleases."
"I believe his choice is made. If I dared, I would tell you the young girl's name."
"There is no need to do so. It will be time enough to hear it when the banns are published in church."
His expression was icy; the tone of his voice sounded rough and harsh; the blood seemed to have forsaken his cheeks.
"Rudolph, I implore you not to be so rough," Helene begged, in a tone of entreaty; "I know that you are no friend to much speaking, and I am accustomed to your laconic replies; but now you are too cold and silent, just, too, when I have a request to make of you."
"Tell me what it is; am I to have the honour of playing the part of groomsman to Herr von Hollfeld?"
Helene recoiled at the bitter contempt expressed in these words.
"You do not like poor Emil, it is more evident to-day than ever before," she said reproachfully, after a little pause, during which Herr von Walde had arisen and traversed the room with hasty steps; "I entreat you earnestly, dear Rudolph, listen to me patiently; I must talk over this matter with you to-day."