“Yes, they are; but I will not allow you to speak of it with such contempt,” responded the irritated dignitary.
“Since we are not as yet serfs in the new German Empire,” said the professor earnestly, “you will permit a free man to express his views.”
“No, I will not allow you to do so!” cried Rasumowski, with a loud voice. “If you were not, unfortunately, the friend of my future son-in-law, I would send you to Siberia as a man dangerous to the empire.”
The professor rose.
“Governor!” he exclaimed, in a tone of unmistakable self-restraint, “your rudeness makes it impossible for me to stay one moment longer under your roof. The very thought of having received your hospitality is painful to me.”
At this moment, Adolph von Sempach appeared.
“Governor Rasumowski,” said he, “I have come to say farewell. Your daughter, whom I have seen, will communicate to you the reasons of my departure.”
The Russian, with widely distended eyes, looked with astonishment at the young nobleman, who bowed and disappeared with his friend the professor.
At the entrance of the palace, the servant of Von Sempach held open the door of a carriage. The friends entered, and drove to the depot.