The grave Israelite, wounded in his self-love, walked up and down the room, puffing and grumbling.
"And how does the country seem to you, dear Jacob?" asked Mathilde's father.
"Very much changed. How things have changed for us!"
"Why do you say us?" asked Simon. "The half, at least, of our people do not take part in this with us."
"The question is much discussed by the press."
"But, in general, public opinion favours us."
"Yes, in appearance," replied Mann. "The Poles affect to be liberal, but, at heart, they remain feudal aristocrats, incorrigible, and puffed up with pride."
"Listen," interrupted Simon, "to a word of advice. Do not speak of men 'puffed up with pride.' It is inconsistent on your part."
The great man looked at Simon, and said scornfully:--
"You are only an old fault-finder."