Page:Stories Translated from the German.djvu/218

 beg the Count to read this letter, which I have to day received from the professor,"—she placed the letter in his hands with a friendly smile, in which the professor only saw deception and arrogance.

"I must beg your excellency to read it aloud," said the professor; "I carry about me the other letter, which occasioned this one, and submissively entreat that this document may likewise be read aloud, in order to justify my feelings, which have been expressed somewhat strongly."

All listened with the greatest attention when the ambassador began to read the letter in a somewhat hesitating tone. His embarassment increased, partly on account of the barbarous French, but still more, as he was obliged to utter aloud phrases and rude sentences, which are literally banished from polite society.

When he had finished, the professor said; "I perceive that your excellency is astonished that I could write thus, but, since you have now under taken this disagreeable affair, I beg that you will also read aloud the letter from this lady.

"You are really quite incomprehensible, Mr. Professor!" said the lady: "one could almost