There was an unworthiness in this speech, in the intention to offend the man who had been firm enough to tell him the truth. Franz flushed a deep red. His deepest, holiest secret was brought to light, and in this insulting manner! The blood rushed to his face; but he restrained himself, and said, shortly:
"That has nothing to do with the matter."
"Why not?" said Axel. "It at least explains the warmth with which you defend your Herr Habermann."
"The man needs no defence of mine, his whole life defends him."
"And his lovely daughter," said Axel, striding up and down, in great triumph.
A great passion rose in Franz's soul, but he restrained himself, and asked, quietly, "Do you know her?"
"Yes--no--that is to say, I have seen her; I have seen her at the parsonage, and she has often been here, with my wife, and my wife also has visited her. I know her merely by sight; a pretty girl, a very pretty girl, 'pon honor! I was pleased with her, as a child, at my father's funeral."
"And when you learned, that she was dear to me, did you not seek a nearer acquaintance?"
"No, Franz, no! Why should I? I knew, of course, that nothing serious could come of such an attachment."
"Then you knew more than I."