It was unpardonable to let the golden bird fly away so easily.

Once open the hand, and she might be off.

If Fraulein Ellrich was beginning to flirt with Pechlar, it was quite excusable, as Wilhelm's coolness might well drive her to it.

But if he stuck to his absurd whim, that she was too superficial for him!--as if every girl were not superficial, and as if a man cannot educate her to whatever level he pleases--then in heaven's name let him make an end of it all, or the affair would become ridiculous and contemptible.

But other considerations had weight with Wilhelm.
Through Paul and the officers of his acquaintance he heard very unfavorable things of Pechlar.