The money-changer was shaking with scornful laughter as he read on.
Albert was quivering, tears rushed to his eyes. It was not the mistake
that vexed him but Rindskopf’s mocking voice. These verses were intended
for the envelope addressed to Hedwiga!
Albert leaped forward and snatched the verses from Adolf’s hand.
“Where is my bill of exchange?” shouted Adolf.
Albert was not interested in the bill of exchange. His heavenly lyrics
had been defiled! Their recital by Rindskopf was a piercing dagger in
his heart.
“You are nothing but an ignorant boor!” Albert shouted back, striking a
pose of sublime impudence. “What is your miserable bill of exchange
compared with my poem—huh! Your _Thalers_! You ought to feel honored
that you, an ignoramus, have a poet in your employ!”
Rindskopf shrank back, stunned. Such insolence from his apprentice!
Before Adolf recovered his wits Albert had put on his hat and with a
look of unspeakable contempt strutted out of the place.