"Only wait awhile, Herr Professor Herbert!" cried Angelika, shaking her plump little forefinger towards the door of the room. "I shall not forget you,--only wait--I will strip the sheep's clothing from the wolf's back, in full conclave of his lady friends! And you too, Moritz,--I have a word to say to you, but not until we are alone."
The gentlemen laughed, and took their hats.
"Come, we must not deprive our friend Kern for one moment longer of such a charming curtain-lecture," said Taun.
All took their leave, except Heim, Hilsborn, and Moritz.
"And so," began Angelika with a pout, "you miserable, detestable man, we are to do nothing but knit stockings?"
"One thing beside," said Moritz, seizing both her hands,--"you may kiss--that is a charming vocation."
"Nonsense! any stupid fool can do that,--the clever ones must do something better."
"No woman with so pretty a mouth can do anything better! Only those who are ugly or old shall knit stockings."
"There is no getting a serious word from you, Moritz, but I am sorry for poor Ernestine, and it grieves me that you were so hard upon her."
One single stern glance from Moritz's black eyes encountered his wife's; it was enough--it silenced her instantly.