"Oh, that is simply impossible."
"Don't be excited! You see the child has found consolation. To-day she is hand in glove with Cloten; to-morrow she will have somebody else. That girl has talent. She will do much in that line. I am only sorry for poor Cloten."
"But why does he expose himself to the danger?"
"Certainly--and without his Mentor's advice?"
"Who is that?"
"Baron Oldenburg. He probably has misunderstood his friend's advice, and will marry little Emily from mere blundering."
"You are pleased to speak to me in unfathomable riddles."
"I beg your pardon. Tell me, have you really become the baron's bosom friend in this short time, as report says?"
"Report has, as usually, changed the mote into a beam."
"Do you think I mean it well with you?" said Hortense, and looked Oswald full in the face.