of the age then, this higher conception of marriage. The current of
ethics which penetrated the epoch was flowing through the youth of the
country....

"_Nec venenatis...._"

Supposing Helena had opened her door!

He gently beat time and felt himself as great and noble as Helena
desired him to be.

_"Fusce pharetra!"_

Should he open the window and thank the undergraduates in the name of
his wife?

He got out of bed.

A fourfold peal of laughter crashed against the windowpanes at the very
moment he lifted his hand to draw up the blind.

There could be no doubt, they were making fun of him!

Beside himself with anger he staggered back from the window and
knocked against the writing-table. He was a laughing-stock. A faint
hatred against the woman whom he had to thank for this humiliating
scene, began to stir within him, but his love acquitted her. He was
incensed against the jesters down below, and swore to bring them
before the authorities.