"If such are your opinions, I present you my compliments, and I salute you."
"Wilk," interrupted Kruder, "do not allow yourself to become so angry."
"Why does he irritate me, then?" replied the young enthusiast, a little appeased.
"However, I withdraw my brusque adieu and will remain."
"Be seated, gentlemen," said Bartold. "We are going to serve tea, and you, Kruder, you must not go yet."
"I am expected at ten meetings."
"You can shirk five of them."
"I cannot, however, miss my interview with Count A. Z., nor the meeting of the Agricultural Society, nor the University debate, nor the Association for Popular Publications, nor"--
"You are verily a much-sought-for man, but, if I were you, I would throw from my shoulders a good half of these burdens; childish bluster, rhetorical competitions, a war of words of patriotic agitation, behold to what you are invited! You wish to direct everything and everybody; take care that you do not become a blunted tool in the end."
Kruder shook his head as if to say, "It will never be." But at heart he felt that in his friend's warning he had something to fear.