Losing no time, the doctor carefully wrapped up the candlestick and drove to Ukhoff.
“There, old chap,” he said to the lawyer, whom he happily found at home; “there I have come to thank you for that little favor. You refused to charge me a fee, but you must accept this present in token of my gratitude. Look—what a beauty!”
On seeing the present the attorney was transported with delight.
“This beats everything!” he fairly howled. “Hang it all, what inventive genius! Exquisite, immense. Where did you get such a little gem?”
Having expressed his delight, the lawyer anxiously looked at his friend and said:
“But, you know, you must not leave this thing here. I can not accept it.”
“Why?” gasped the doctor.
“You know my mother calls here, clients, I would not dare to look my servants in the face. Take it away.”
“Never! You must not refuse,” exclaimed the physician with the energy of despair. “Look at the workmanship! Look at the expression! I will not listen to any refusals. I will feel insulted.”
With these words the doctor hurried out of the house.