"That is bad." "Not true! I admit unity as to certain higher objects; the unity of life in common is impossible, so there is no use in striving for it." "But the German Universities?" "In those are societies which live in themselves only. A life of feelings and thoughts, at least among us, should agree with practice; therefore dissension in feelings and thoughts produces dissension in practice." "Then will you never unite?" "That, again, is something different. We shall unite in the interest of the University, or in that which concerns all. For that matter, I think that the contradictions which appear prove our vitality; they are a sign that we live, feel, and think. In that is our unity; that which separates unites us." "Under what banner do you stand, then?" "Labor and suffering. We have no distinguishing name. Those who are peasant enthusiasts call us 'baker's apprentices.'" "How so?" "According to facts. Life will teach thee what these mean. Each one of us tries to live where there is a bakery, to become acquainted with the baker, and gain credit with him. That is our method; he trusts us. The majority of us eat nothing warm, but a cake on credit thou wilt get as long as thou wishest." "That is pleasant!" "Besides our coterie, which is not united by very strong bonds, there are peasant enthusiasts. Antonevich organized and formed them. Rylski and Stempkovski led them for a time, but today these are all fools who know not what they want, they talk Little Russian and drink common vodka--that is the whole matter." "And what other coteries are there?" "Clearly outlined, there are no more; but there are various shades. Some are connected by a communion of scientific ideas, others by a common social standpoint. Thou wilt find here democrats, aristocrats, liberals, ultra-montanes, frolickers, women-hunters, idlers, if thou wish, and finally sunburnt laborers." "Who passes for the strongest head?" "Among students?" "Yes." "That depends on the branch. Some say that Augustinovich knows much; I will add that he does not know it well. For connected solid work and science Gustav is distinguished." "Ah!" "But they talk variously about him. Some cannot endure him. By living with him thou wilt estimate the man best,--for example, his relations with the widow. That is a sentimental bit of conduct; another man would not have acted as he has. Indeed, it is not easy to get on with her now." "I have heard Gustav speak of her, but tell me once for all, what sort of woman is she?"