“There must be no question of yourself,” cried the voice again. Then he bowed his head, and said, in a husky voice,
“Well, then, please.”
The two brothers glanced at each other and smiled, and Fritz, raising his glass, said,
“Merry Christmas!”
“A merry Christmas,” he stammered, and swallowed the hot beverage, almost choking, for he was overcome with disgust.
Now he sat in good-fellowship at the same table with the two brothers, he who ought to have been there as an avenger.
“Well, now to end this affair, dear Meyerhofer,” Ulrich began. “What is done cannot be undone. We will not stop to inquire whether we ran most after your sisters, or your sisters after us; anyhow, it is just as much their fault as ours. We love them with all our hearts; they are the prettiest girls in the neighborhood, and we are truly sorry when we think that we have injured their reputation; but that we should marry them now you can’t possibly expect of us.”
Paul cast a hesitating glance at him, and began, dejectedly, “That is the least that—” he did not get any further; he felt as if the blood was freezing in his veins.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” said Fritz; and Ulrich continued:
“Look here, we would be willing to do it because we think a lot of them, although they have lowered themselves so much”—a spasm of fury darted through Paul’s brain, but he controlled himself; “we would fulfil your wish directly, but first tell us what dowry will you give them?”