"Oh, I know more still, I know how they set traps and snares for you, and were always contriving ways to catch you."
"And from whom did you learn all this? But why do I ask? Such childish gossip could have been hatched in but one house, in the whole region. But since we have mentioned the matter, I will tell you frankly, that I certainly do intend to marry the girl, that is, if she does not refuse me."
"She would better beware! She would better beware!" exclaimed Axel, springing about the room, in his anger. "Will you really commit this folly? And will you give me this affront?"
"Axel, look to your words!" cried Franz, whose temper was getting the upper hand. "What business is it of yours?"
"What? Does it not not concern me, as the oldest representative of our old family, if one of the younger members disgraces himself by a mésalliance."
Yet once more Franz restrained himself, and said:
"You yourself married from pure inclination, and without regard for subordinate matters.
"That is quite another thing," said Axel, with authority, believing now that he had the advantage. "My wife's family is as good as mine, she is the daughter of an old house; your beloved is the daughter of my inspector, adopted out of pity and kindness, by the Pastor's family."
"For shame!" cried Franz, passionately, "to make an innocent child suffer for a great misfortune!"
"It is all the same to me," roared Axel, "I will not call my inspector's daughter cousin; the girl shall never cross my threshold!"