He did not yet feel that he could stoop so low as to receive a gift from this young upstart.
If his father-in-law, who supported him, was really ruined, as he had just asserted, he would indeed be plunged into beggary, with his wife, whose stately figure constantly rose before him, with a look of mute reproach, his beautiful twin boys, and his load of debt.
The gigantic man felt physically crushed by the terrible blows of fate which had fallen upon him during this last wakeful night.

He would fain have gone to the nearest tavern and there left it to the wine to bring forgetfulness.

To drink, drink constantly, and in the intervals sleep with his head resting on his arms, seemed the most tempting prospect.
But he was obliged to return to the Eysvogels.

There was too much at stake.

Besides, he longed to see the twins who resembled him so closely, and of whom Countess Cordula had said that she hoped they would not be like their father..