Part 13 (1/2)
”But it was entirely different when the people who offered the great and the beautiful things of which you speak came and went freely in our house, in a certain sense belonged to us, were our guests. The foremost artists and men of science used to come here.”
”I think, father, it is much pleasanter to know the works than the authors,” Hugo interrupted brusquely. ”Every one knows what such as they seek in the homes of rich Jews; and when you pay for their services and creations, and ask nothing of them socially, then you do them and yourself the greatest favor.”
”That has not always been the case, Hugo. Your views are too severe and rigid.”
”It has always been so; only perhaps there were times when it was not so evident. What do we want with their well-meant intentions and condescensions, their forbearances and tolerations, their humanitarian impulses! At bottom it has always been the same. The Jew was always burned!--in Sultan Saladin's time, as well as now. Only now we do not complacently accept such treatment, wagging our tails in grat.i.tude like a dog.”
A dull fire burned in his eyes. His face wore an expression of pride and energy.
”I'm afraid, Hugo,” his mother said, trying to calm him, ”that our guest has but little interest in your opinions. You know, too, that we do not agree with you altogether.”
”Forgive me, Dr. Weilen,” he said, turning to their guest with the conventional manner and incisiveness of a Prussian functionary and a volunteer of the Guards. ”I was carried away by the subject, and then I thought that here at my father's table.... you see, we are not accustomed, nowadays, to have any one with us who does not understand our pain and indignation.”
”Nor is that the case on this occasion--at least not since this evening, not since this hour which I have been permitted to spend among you.”
Hugo bowed in silence.
Dr. Weilen arose, saying:
”But I must not encroach upon your hospitality too long. You know now what it is I wish. Do you believe a way can be found for me to be present in Rawitsch at Uncle Leopold's birthday celebration? Will the family receive me for that day? Will he himself be disposed to receive me? I beg of you to help me realize this desire of mine. In affairs like this, in which a sympathetic temperament is of more avail than cold reason, a clever and n.o.ble woman is the best messenger; and women are fine diplomats, too. May I count upon you, Mrs. Benas, honored cousin?”
”I will consider. But how? As regards the matter itself, I am entirely on your side. But you understand that in a large family there are scores of considerations and prejudices that must be taken into account.”
”I understand that perfectly.”
”But there is still plenty of time before the birthday celebration.”
”Diplomatic undertakings must be arranged long in advance,” he laughed.
”I will make use of your suggestion and start negotiations,” she said, cleverly responding to his pleasantry.
”And will you allow me to come again, to a.s.sure myself of the progress of the negotiations, and to encourage them by my personal intervention?
I must tell you that I have felt very much at home with you, not at all like a stranger.”
”I thank you, Dr. Weilen,” answered his host, politely; and his wife added, ”You will always find a welcome here.” Thereupon he took his leave, Hugo escorting him to the hall, where the servant helped him on with his heavy fur coat.
When Dr. Weilen stepped out into the street, gusts of wind blew the snow-flakes whirling about merrily against his face. Tiny, pointed snow-crystals caught in his beard and blinded his eyes. He pulled up his fur collar more snugly, and hailed a pa.s.sing cab.
He hesitated a moment before giving directions.
He was not in the mood to return at once to his own house; he drew out his watch and saw by the light of the carriage lamp that it was nearly eleven o'clock.
”How quickly the time pa.s.sed,” he mused. ”I may still find some of my friends at the 'Hermitage' or at the 'Kaiserhof.'” But as he was about to enter the cab, he decided that he did not care for companions.h.i.+p, and he concluded to go directly to his house, which was in the upper part of Wilhelmsstra.s.se. On reaching his room, he lit the lamp on his desk, intending to work a little while. But a moment later he tossed his pen aside; he was too restless, and not in the proper mood. He paced up and down the room to regain his composure.
”Remarkable! What refinement, dignity, and self-respect; and not a bit purse-proud or arrogant,” he said softly to himself. ”The old man--well, perhaps just a wee bit, but even he is very restrained; one can hardly notice it. And his wife, my cousin, quite _comme il faut_,--so ladylike!
Why not? The Friedlanders are of ancient aristocracy! The mother's blood seethes in the son's veins! Poor fellow! What experiences and sufferings a young Prussian law-student and volunteer of the Guards must have met with to have become so curt and repelling. And this despite the princely fortune which might have flung every door open to him, especially of those houses which a man of his age most desires to enter. Instead of that, half-martyr, half-hero, he fas.h.i.+ons his own ideals. An interesting fellow! Evidently talented and possessing the courage of his convictions. How determined he was to vent his opinions, somewhat aggressively, of course, to show me that I did not overawe him in the least. A nice sort of chap! And then little Rita! How modest and quiet, and clever withal, for you could see that she was interested in the conversation, even when she was silent. Her eyes spoke, and so did her mobile little face. And she takes all this wealth quite as a matter of fact; she is to the manner born; she does not regard it as anything extraordinary. Altogether charming!”