"And what did I ask you then?"
"Don't know. It doesn't matter. It really doesn't matter; only make haste and have done."
"I asked you," Ulrich went on unperturbed, "'Do you bear any old love towards her in your heart?' and you replied, 'I did, but it is all past now.' And I asked you further, 'Then is she free?' and you said, 'As far as I am concerned, she is.'"
"But, man, how could I suspect that you yourself----"
"Does that alter the case? Was she less free on that account?"
"Get out with your judicial hair-splitting. You have spoilt my appetite," said Leo, laying down his fork.
"Forgive me, dear old boy," Ulrich responded; "but I can't spare you this explanation, lest you should end by reproaching me with having thrown dust in your eyes, and having made a breach between us by my marriage."
"It seems to me that is what it will amount to, as it is," Leo growled, looking gloomily before him.
"What! you say that?" Ulrich stammered, as if he could scarcely believe his ears.
"Perhaps you will give me your views as to how our relations are to continue."