Margari fairly disappeared among the leaves of the friendly vine arbours.
It was now Mr.John's turn to be frightened at what he had done.

He was frightened because every box on the ears he gave used regularly to cost him 200 florins, a very costly passion to indulge in.

And besides he was particularly anxious just then to keep Margari in a good humour.

A man may loathe a viper but he had better not tread on its tail if he cannot tread on its head.

Horrified at his own outburst of rage, the moment he saw Margari disappear in the vine-arbours, he rushed after him, freed him with his own hands, picked him up, set him on his legs again and began to comfort him.
"Come, come, my dear friend! compose yourself.