WILKENS.

Well! If one insists on running his head through a wall, I'm not the fool to hold my hand in between.

[Exit.]

ACT II

In the Manor House

SCENE I

STEIN alone, seated.

STEIN.

Confound his obstinacy! The whole fine day spoiled! Otherwise we should now be at table. I suppose he is right after all, that this clearing serves no goad purpose. But is that a reason why he should put me into this rage? It is true, I should have been wiser than he. Probably my excitement was also partly to blame.—I am only sorry for his wife—and the children. I am going to—[Rises, then sits down again.] Do what? Repair one foolish action with another? Be as rash in yielding as I was in taking offense? The old hotspur! But that shall serve me as a lesson.

[Short pause. Then he rises again, takes his cane and hat and throws both down again.]