himself before Pastor Zillich and begged him to tell the people that the sermon, which had excited so much comment, was not aimed at him. The Pastor was obviously remorseful and promised to do so, under the reproachful glance of his wife, who confirmed his promise. Then the parents left Käthchen alone with Diederich, and he felt so grateful to them in his depression that he almost proposed to her. Käthchen's consent, which hovered on her dear, plump lips, would have been a success for him, and would have brought him allies against a hostile world. But that machine which he had to find the money for! It would have swallowed up a quarter of her dowry. … Diederich said, with a sigh, that he would have to be getting back to the office, and Käthchen pressed her lips together without having had an opportunity of saying "yes."
A decision had to be made, for the arrival of the machine was imminent. Diederich said to Sötbier: "I advise those people to deliver it punctually to the minute, otherwise I shall have no hesitation in returning it." But Sötbier reminded him of the custom which gave the manufacturers a few days' grace. He insisted, in spite of Diederich's wrath. In any case, the machine arrived punctually. It had not yet been unpacked when Diederich began to fuss and fume. "It is too large. They guaranteed that it would be smaller than the old pattern. Why should I buy it when it does not even save space?" As soon as it had been installed he went over the machine with a foot-rule. "It is too big. They can't swindle me. Look at it, Sötbier; isn't it too large?" But with imperturbable accuracy Sötbier explained the errors in Diederich's measurements. Diederich retired, raging, to devise another method of attack. He sent for Napoleon Fischer. "Where is the man to adjust the new machine? Did they not send any one with it?" Then he grew indignant. "I ordered him to come," he lied. "These people have a nice way of doing business. I should not be surprised if I have to pay twelve
