Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/27

Rh you well understand that my son, unless he become madly in love with some little girl, cannot and ought not to choose a wife except from the bosom of some noble family. There was no occasion for proving so warmly that your Rosa could not suit him, and you could have, it seems to me, manifested less bitterness in your answers."

"Truly, I hasten to tell you as much," replied the cooper quickly. "I was joking, as you were. As for the bitterness which you reproach me with, it does not exist; and if I have some pride, pardon it, I beg you, for my position. It is the pride of the trade. You will not find in the whole country a cooper of my capacity, practising his profession without charlatanism, and without caring for criticism; and this flagon which we have just emptied, and which I am ready to replace, is the best guarantee of my knowledge of how to live."

Spangenberg answered no farther; he appeared mortified, or under the influence of very deep reverie. The wise counsellor Paumgartner tried to lead the conversation to other subjects. But, as it happens, after an ardent debate, the minds too much on the stretch are suddenly relaxed; something feverish, without their knowledge, ran in the veins of these three men. Suddenly the old Spangenberg, leaving the table, called his servants, went out of master Martin's house without taking his leave, and without speaking of coming back.

Master Martin saw him go in this manner with some regret; and as Paumgartner was also about to retire—"Do you know," said he to him, "that I cannot explain to myself the grieved look of that worthy gentleman, Heinrich Spangenberg?"

"Dear Martin," answered the counsellor, "you are the best man that I know, and you ought certainly to think well