“You know she will not betray Fraulein, and you have not even tried to make her.”
“You are mistaken; Trude is as easily bought as any one.”
“You say that because she has taken five hundred thalers from you. She has not helped you, and it is useless to ask for your money, as she has not got it.”
“How so? Has she given it away?”
“You provided the money for your bride to run away and marry elsewhere, as Trude gave it to them.”
Ebenstreit stamped his foot with rage, striding backward and forward in furious excitement, while Leberecht watched him, sardonically smiling. “Let us come to an end with this business,” said Ebenstreit, stopping before his servant. “You know where Fraulein can be found, and you wish to sell the secret—tell me your price.”
“Three thousand thalers, and a clerkship in your bank, which you intend to continue under another name.”
“You are beside yourself. I am not so foolish as to grant such senseless demands.”
“Every hour that you wait I demand a thousand thalers more, and if you stop to reflect long your betrothed and your title both are lost.”
“You are a miserable scamp!” cried Ebenstreit, enraged; “I will inform the police. There are means enough to force you to give the information.”