"If you know Andersen, little man, you ought to have more respect for God and His Word." "God!" He knew that word, and he thought about Windekind's lesson.
"I have no respect for God. God is a big oil-lamp, which draws thousands to wreck and ruin."
No laughing now, but a serious silence in which the horror and consternation were palpable. Johannes felt even in his back the piercing looks. It was like his dream of the night before.
The man in black stood up and took him by the arm. That hurt, and almost broke his heart.
"Listen, boy! I do not know whether you are foolish or deeply depraved, but I will not suffer such godlessness here. Go away and never come into my sight again, wretched boy! I shall ask about you, but never again set foot in this house. Do you understand?"
Everybody looked at him coldly and unkindly—as in his dream the night before. Johannes looked around him in distress.
"Robinetta! Where is Robinetta?"
"Well, indeed! Corrupt my child? If you ever speak to her again, look out!"
"No, let me go to her! I will not leave her. Robinetta!" cried Johannes.
But she sat in a corner, frightened, and did not look up.