the faces of those who remained he saw a lack of confidence and respect. Whenever several were standing together, he fancied he heard the word "informer." Napoleon Fischer's knotted, dark, hairy hands did not hang down so close to the ground, and he looked as if his cheeks had actually some colour in them.
On the last Sunday in Advent—the courts had just decided on holding the public trial—Pastor Zillich preached in St. Mary's on the text: "Love your enemies." Diederich shrank at the first words. Soon he felt that the whole congregation was becoming uneasy. "Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord." Pastor Zillich addressed the words pointedly in the direction of the Hesslings' pew. Emma and Magda bowed their heads out of sight; Frau Hessling sobbed. Diederich defiantly answered the glances which sought him. "Whosoever speaketh of vengeance, so he shall be judged!" Then everybody turned round and Diederich collapsed.
His sisters made a scene when they got home. They were being badly received in society. Young Professor Helferich no longer sat near Emma, he had eyes only for Meta Harnisch, and she knew why. "Because you are too old for him," said Diederich. "No, because you make us unpopular!"—"The five daughters of Herr Buck's brother won't know us any more!" cried Magda. "I'll give them five boxes on the ear," said Diederich.—"You will kindly not interfere. We have enough with your lawsuit." Then he lost patience. "You? What business of yours are my political fights?"
"We shall become old maids because of your political fights!"
"There is no need for you to talk of becoming so. You loll uselessly about the house here, while I slave for you, and into the bargain you presume to find fault and to turn me from my most sacred duties. You can shake the dust of the place off your feet! You can become nursemaids for all I care!" He slammed the door in spite of Frau Hessling's beseeching gesture.
