A vibrating voice near him cried:
"Bravo!"
All the guests looked up. It was Wilhelm von Farnow, who had said only this one word since the beginning of the discussion. The violence of the debate had irritated him like a personal provocation. It had excited others. Herr Rosenblatt clenched his fists. Professor Knäpple muttered stormy sentences as he wiped his spectacles. His wife laughed nervously.
Then the beautiful Madame Rosenblatt, letting her pearl necklace run through her fingers, smiled, and looking pleasantly at the Alsatian, said:
"M. Oberlé has at least the courage of his opinions. No one could be more openly against us."
Jean felt far too irritated to answer pleasantly. He looked intently at the faces of Fincken, Rosenblatt, and Knäpple, at the student who was moving restlessly near Lucienne, and then leaning slightly towards Madame Rosenblatt, said:
"It is only through the women that the German nation can acquire the refinement which is wanting, madame. Germany has some accomplished women."
"Thank you for us!" answered three men's voices.
Madame Knäpple, furious at the compliment paid to Madame Rosenblatt, said:
"What is your scheme then, sir, for shaking off the yoke of Germany?"