At the same time his face grew harder and the green in his eyes vibrated, like the green of the forests when the wind blows the leaves of the trees the wrong way.
The Professor of Æsthetics looked like a man of the sword.
"Why bad, if you please? Do you look upon the conquest as unpleasant? This is the sequel of that? Do you think so, really? But say so, then!"
In the silence of all present the answer of Jean Oberlé fell clear and distinct.
"Yes."
"You dare, sir!"
"Allow me," said the Geheimrath Brausig, stretching out his hand as if to bless them. "Here we are all good Germans, my dear baron! You have no right to suspect the patriotism of our young friend, who is only speaking from a historical point of view!"
Madame Oberlé and Lucienne signed to Jean.
"Be quiet! be quiet!"
But Baron von Fincken saw nothing and heard nothing. The bitter passion of which his face was the symbol was let loose. He half rose, and leaning forward, with his head over the table, he said: