'Well,' said he, 'if I was rude, I'll own to it. I meant no ill,
and did nothing out of my just rights; but I am above all these old
vulgar notions too; and if I spoke sharp, I'll ask her pardon.'

'Freely granted, Fritz,' said Ottilia.

'But all this doesn't answer me,' cried Fritz. 'I ask what you two
spoke about. She says she promised not to tell; well, then, I mean
to know. Civility is civility, but I'll be no man's gull. I have a
right to common justice, if I DO keep company!'

'If you will ask Mr. Gottesheim,' replied Otto, 'you will find I
have not spent my hours in idleness. I have, since I arose this
morning, agreed to buy the farm. So far I will go to satisfy a
curiosity which I condemn.'

'O, well, if there was business, that's another matter,' returned
Fritz. 'Though it beats me why you could not tell. But, of course,
if the gentleman is to buy the farm, I suppose there would naturally
be an end.'

'To be sure,' said Mr. Gottesheim, with a strong accent of
conviction.

But Ottilia was much braver. 'There now!' she cried in triumph.
'What did I tell you? I told you I was fighting your battles. Now
you see! Think shame of your suspicious temper! You should go down
upon your bended knees both to that gentleman and me.'