"That is rather strong," said Felix to himself.
"Why did Helen stop playing so suddenly?" asked the baroness, who had watched the scene from a distance, and now came up.
"I do not know. She probably took something I said amiss. She is more capricious and obstinate than I thought. Don't you think, aunt, that man Stein, with his corrupt notions, may exercise a bad influence on Helen as well as on Bruno?"
"I have always told you I have no faith in that man."
"Why don't you turn him out?"
"Without any cause?"
"Pshaw! That is easily found. Will you give me permission to find one?"
"But there must be no scene?"
"Let me manage that."
"You must bring it about that he shall himself ask to be relieved."