How does it concern me? It does not concern me in the least, yet I
cannot cease thinking of what the forester has told about our young
Baron.
The trouble began with a weakening of his constitution and was
aggravated by loose and careless play, extravagance, drinking bouts, and
sprees. Bah! I am a baron, a millionaire, a handsome young man, so, go
ahead! Thus the forester explained it. Ah, but he cannot be so sure
that the story is true.
Hermann is said to be in the capital, far from home and his sister.
Yes, under such circumstances anything might indeed be possible. God
protect thee, Hermann! It would be a reproach to me, the schoolmaster,
if my first pupil should be a----
Away, ugly word! Hermann is a good young man. What does the forester
know about it?