Page:Magdalen by J S Machar.pdf/210

 It was no wonder, he said, that in the country, away from the main stream, everything was not quite clear. The patriots were always fighting shoulder to shoulder, and all present belonged to the Opposition,—he, the apothecary, too,—yet he was not quite clear about some things,—for example, what was the difference between the Old-Čechs and the Young-Čechs?

Having said that, he drew a deep breath.

The doctor jumped up, flushing.

“It is a joke, just a little joke of our friend, the apothecary,” and he turned to the trusty man, as if burning with shame.

The latter laughed, apparently accepting the challenge.

“It would not be strange, however,” he began in a dignified manner, “if the gentleman meant it in all seriousness. That question has been put hundreds of times in Bohemia. The distinction can easily be demonstrated by the following metaphor: Here is a corner,” and he turned up the white