ck was heard at the door, and the man he least expected stood
before him--Herr von Fink himself, with his riding-whip, and his usual
careless manner. "Ah! in bed already!" said he, sitting astride on a
chair close by. "I am sorry to disturb you. You have written me a very
spirited letter, and Jordan has told me the rest, so I am come to answer
you in person."

Anton was silent, and looked darkly at him.

"You are all good and very sensitive people," continued Fink, whipping
his boots; "I am sorry that you took my words so to heart, but I am glad
you have so much spirit."

"Before I listen further," said Anton, angrily, "I must know whether it
is your intention to make an apology to me before the other gentlemen.
Perhaps a more experienced man would not consider this sufficient, but
it would satisfy me."

"There you are right," nodded Fink; "you _may_ be quite satisfied."

"Will you make this apology to-morrow morning?" inquired Anton.

"Why should I not? I don't want to fight with you, and I will declare
before the assembled firm that you are a hopeful young man, and that I
was wrong to insult one younger and--forgive me the expression--much
greener than myself."

Our hero listened with mingled feelings, and then declared that he was
not satisfied with this explanation.

"Why not?" asked Fink.

"Your manner at this moment is unpleasant to me; you show me less
respect than is conventional. I know that I am young, have seen little
of the world, and that in many points you are my superior; but, for
these very reasons, it would better become you to behave differently."

Fink stretched out his hand good-humoredly, and said in reply, "Do not
be angry with me, and give me your hand."

"I can not do so yet," cried Anton, with emotion; "you must first assure
me that you do not treat the matter thus because you consider me too
young or too insignificant, or because you are noble and I am not."

"Hark ye, Master Wohlfart," said Fink, "you are running me desperately
hard. However, we'll settle these points too. As for my German
nobility"--he snapped his fingers--"I would not give that for it; and as
for your youth and position, all I can say is, that, after what I have
seen this evening, the next time we quarrel I will fight you with any
murderous weapon that you may prefer." And again he held out his hand,
and said, "Now, then, take it; we have settled every thing."

Anton laid his hand in his, and Fink, having hear