And no friend, not a single one! Wilhelm, I could kill thee! I could see you all lying in your blood! O, Almighty God!" He pressed his hands before his face and threw himself into a seat; his eyes, however, again directed themselves toward the picture; it exhibited a moment similar to the condition of his own mind.
The door now opened, and Wilhelm stood before him.
"How do you find yourself, Thostrup ?" he inquired.

"We are still friends as before ?" and he wished to give his hand.

Otto drew back his.

"I have done nothing which could so much offend you," said Wilhelm; "the whole was merely a joke! Give me your hand, and we will speak no more of the affair!" "To the man whom I hate, I never reach my hand," replied Otto and his lips were white like his cheeks.
"A second time to-day you speak these words to me," said Wilhelm, and the blood rushed to his face.

"We were friends, wherefore cannot we be so still?
Have people slandered me to you?
Have they told lies about me?
Only tell me faithfully, and I shall be able to defend myself." "You must fight with me!" said Otto; and his glance became more gloomy.
Wilhelm was silent; there reigned a momentary stillness.