"A jest should not be taken more seriously than it is meant," he said, pouring himself out a glass of wine with a hand that visibly shook.
"Or better, one should not venture to jest upon certain subjects at all," I retorted, following his example.
"I am old enough not to need any admonitions from you," said the little man, with a pitiful attempt to assume an intimidating tone.
"And yet you have not yet learned to bridle your tongue," I replied, looking him steadily in the face.
"It seems you intend to insult me, young man," he cried, setting down hastily the glass of which he had only tasted.
"Shall I make that fact clear to you by throwing this glass in your face?"
"Gentlemen! gentlemen!" cried Hans.
"Enough!" exclaimed the little man, pushing back his chair and rising; "I will bear these insults no longer. I will have satisfaction, if this gentleman is entitled to be dealt with in that way."
"My father is a respectable officer in the customs," I answered; "my grandfather was a minister, and so was my great-grandfather. Yours was a shepherd, was he not?"
"We shall meet again," cried the little man, rushing out of the room, banging the door after him. In another moment we heard his carriage rattling over the pavement of the court.