"I am sorry to disturb you.

You have written me a very spirited letter, and Jordan has told me the rest, so I am come to answer you in person." Anton was silent, and looked darkly at him.
"You are all good and very sensitive people," continued Fink, whipping his boots; "I am sorry that you took my words so to heart, but I am glad you have so much spirit." "Before I listen further," said Anton, angrily, "I must know whether it is your intention to make an apology to me before the other gentlemen.
Perhaps a more experienced man would not consider this sufficient, but it would satisfy me." "There you are right," nodded Fink; "you _may_ be quite satisfied." "Will you make this apology to-morrow morning ?" inquired Anton.
"Why should I not?
I don't want to fight with you, and I will declare before the assembled firm that you are a hopeful young man, and that I was wrong to insult one younger and--forgive me the expression--much greener than myself." Our hero listened with mingled feelings, and then declared that he was not satisfied with this explanation.
"Why not ?" asked Fink.
"Your manner at this moment is unpleasant to me; you show me less respect than is conventional.

I know that I am young, have seen little of the world, and that in many points you are my superior; but, for these very reasons, it would better become you to behave differently." Fink stretched out his hand good-humoredly, and said in reply, "Do not be angry with me, and give me your hand." "I can not do so yet," cried Anton, with emotion; "you must first assure me that you do not treat the matter thus because you consider me too young or too insignificant, or because you are noble and I am not." "Hark ye, Master Wohlfart," said Fink, "you are running me desperately hard.

However, we'll settle these points too.

As for my German nobility"-- he snapped his fingers--"I would not give that for it; and as for your youth and position, all I can say is, that, after what I have seen this evening, the next time we quarrel I will fight you with any murderous weapon that you may prefer." And again he held out his hand, and said, "Now, then, take it; we have settled every thing." Anton laid his hand in his, and Fink, having heartily shaken it, wished him good-night.
The following morning, the clerks being all assembled earlier than usual, Fink made his appearance last, and said, in a loud voice, "My lords and gentlemen of the export and home-trade, I yesterday behaved to Mr.Wohlfart in a manner that I now sincerely regret.