He did not know Dr. Rothmer, but happily that good man’s profession was unmistakable.
“It is indeed the case,” he said pompously. “Herr von Lindheim is seriously ill. I cannot allow you to see him.”
“If you will step in for a moment,” I said, “I will tell Herr von Lindheim that you are here, and will follow you, doctor, directly.” The professional was bustled off, and I took Lieutenant Paulssen into the dining-room.
“I presume you have called to see Von Lindheim about the affair in which he is acting for Herr Szalay. Von Lindheim has only just asked me to inform Herr Szalay of his illness, and to request him to find another second. But I hope, Lieutenant, your visit may be to say that it is unnecessary; that this deplorable, this absurd affair is at an end.”
The young fellow seemed to bristle with resentful importance.
“Pardon!” he returned uncompromisingly; “that is by no means my mission. And I must request you, sir, to refrain from referring to an insult to our army as absurd.”
I changed my tone to one of easy familiarity.
“Of course, Lieutenant, my expression absurd was very far from being applied to the honour of your corps, which I am sure you, as a gallant soldier, hold above everything in the world. What I meant was the idea of poor Szalay measuring swords with so renowned a fighter as your principal.”
He shrugged his epauletted shoulders. “It is unfortunate,” he responded stiffly. “But Herr Szalay should have remembered that before uttering words of disrespect concerning Captain de Hayn.”
“I understand he has no recollection of having done so; he is ready——”