Johannes hesitatingly considered whether or not he should do as Markus had done, and answer no questions whatever. But still he might reply to those that concerned only himself. "I do, indeed, know all that about myself, but not about him," said he. "Then you are not brothers?" asked the doctor. "No, not in the sense you mean." Dr. Cijfer looked at Bommeldoos as if to see what he thought of this reply. Then he touched a bell-button, saying: "It seems to me, Colleague, that we might better see him face to face. We can then, perhaps, get on better than when apart." Bommeldoos nodded solemnly, and passed his hand over his mighty forehead. A servant came in. "Will you bring the patient Vis from the ward of the calm patients, working-class?" "Very well, Doctor." The servant vanished, and for several minutes afterward it was as still as death in the study. The two learned men stared at the carpet quite absorbed in thought--not minding delay--after the manner of deep thinkers. Johannes heard the clock ticking on the mantel, the faint music from an out-of-doors band playing a merry march, the sound of hurrahs, and the clatter of horses' hoofs on the cobblestone pavement. The royal wedding-festivities were still in progress, and Johannes could mentally see the two people who at that moment were bowing and waving as they sat in their carriage. There was a knock at the door. The nurse came and said, "Here is the patient." Then he let Markus in, remaining himself to look on. "I will ring for you," said Dr. Cijfer, with a gesture. The nurse disappeared. Markus had on a dark-blue linen blouse, such as all the patients of the working-class wear. He stood tall and erect, and Johannes observed that his face was less pale and sad than usual. The blue became his dark curling hair, and Johannes felt happy and confident as he looked at him--standing there so proud and calm and handsome. "Take a seat," said Dr. Cijfer. But Markus seemed not to have heard, and remained standing, while he nodded kindly and reassuringly to Johannes. "Observe his pride," said Professor Bommeldoos, in Latin, to Dr. Cijfer. "The proud find pride, and the gloomy, gloom; but the glad find gladness, and the lowly, humility," said Markus. Dr. Cijfer stood up, and took his measuring instrument from the table. Then, in a quiet, courteous tone, he said: "Will you not permit us, Mijnheer, to take your head measure? It is for a scientific purpose." "It gives no pain," added Bommeldoos. "Not to the body," said Markus. "There is nothing in it to offend one," said Dr. Cijfer. "I have had it done to myself many a time." "There is a kind of opinionativeness and denseness that offend." Bommeldoos flushed. "Opinionativeness and denseness! Mine, perchance? Am I such an ignoramus? Opinionated and stupid!"