"It would be just like you!" the Freiherr called out in tones of thunder from the threshold of the drawing-room door, where his tall figure appeared at this moment. "Falsehood and cowardice belong together. But come in; I wish to speak with you all." With these words he stood aside and let them pass him into the drawing-room, which he then entered, closing the door after him. Aunt Thekla collected herself by a mighty effort. "Dear Johann!" she stammered, "I am delighted to see you here again." "Delighted? You look so," he growled in reply. "But never mind: the present is no time for sentiment. Sit down and listen to what I have to say." The ladies obeyed. Otto stood leaning against the chimney-piece. The Freiherr paced the room heavily to and fro. After a pause he said,-- "First, Thekla, let me say that it seems to me rather unbecoming to give entertainments in my house while I am away. No discussion, I entreat!" he added, waving his hand forbiddingly. "I know it was not your idea. Magelone, silly child that she is, probably arranged the nonsense. But we old people are here to be a check upon the young ones. Instead of which you aid and abet--not Magelone alone----" He broke off, as was his custom when he dreaded his own violence, then took a letter from his pocket with a trembling hand and threw it into his sister's lap. "There, read that," he said, with difficulty commanding his voice. "Löbel Wolf offers to buy the jewels you have pawned. It has come to this with the Dönninghausens; you have brought it to this! And you, Johanna,"--his tone grew louder and sharper,--"you have proved to me that you do not possess a spark of filial piety. Family jewels like your grandmother's bridal _parure_ are not to be thrown away for the sake of such a scoundrel." Otto started forward. "Sir," he cried, "pray control yourself. I am an officer----" "You have been an officer," the Freiherr corrected him. "To-morrow morning you will hand in your resignation. The man who forfeits his word as you have done can no longer wear the king's uniform; or do you dare deny that you have been gambling again?" Otto had grown pale. He seemed to wish to speak, but only breathed heavily and hung his head. Aunt Thekla felt impelled to interfere. "Dear Johann, I entreat you----" she began in a trembling voice. The Freiherr interrupted her. "Hush, Thekla; you understand nothing about it," he said, harshly. But she was not to be intimidated. "What will become of the poor boy?" she asked, softly.