The bridge of understanding seemed broken. The feeling that the whole world was one dark secret, and he the unhappy man who had to guard it, overpowered Jochen still more.
"Won't you come in, Clas?" said he.
He could not help saying that; he could not leave his only brother, who moreover was the elder of the two, standing in the street.
Clas Prebrow instantly accepted his brother's invitation, notwithstanding the unbrotherly tone in which it was given, shook hands with Jochen, and said, glancing towards the house, "You're very well off here, Jochen."
Jochen nodded.
"And probably have a great many guests."
"What business is it of yours?" cried Jochen violently, as if he had been bitterly insulted.
"Why, I only asked the question," said Clas.
"There is no one here at all," cried Jochen, "no one at all;" and he stepped before the other as he was making his way towards the house.
"That happens just right," said Clas; "then I can turn back and tell old Herr Wenhorf and Herr Gotthold that they can get lodgings in your house."