Frank looked at the doctor with open mouth and staring eyes.
"Siegwart's daughter!" he gasped. "No, I will never consent to such a connection."
"Why not?"
"Well—because the Siegwart family are not agreeable to me."
"That is no reason. Siegwart is an excellent man, rich, upright, and respected by the whole neighborhood. Why does he happen to appear so unfavorably in your eyes?"
Frank was perplexed. He might have reasons and yet be ashamed to give them.
"Ah!" said the doctor, smiling, "it is now for you to lay aside prejudice."
"An explanation is not possible," said Frank. "But my son will rather die a bachelor than marry Siegwart's daughter."
Klingenberg shrugged his shoulders. There was a long pause.
"I renew my request, my friend," urged Frank. "Convince my son of his errors."