human
My brother has the blood of his father in his veins; that tolerates no lowness! If he lives, he has risen above a sphere unworthy of him. I know that!
gpt
Without having learned either to read or write? Ahem! You forget that education aided your father in all his undertakings. A student who has received his education in a German high school, is fitted for any station in life. A fisherboy--well I hope our excellent clergyman has saved us from that mortification; but this war, which has so suddenly broken out, plays us a sorry game; it brings all our researches to an end.
human
Have you read the 'Appeal to the German Nation' that stands at the head of the first column?
gpt
Yes,
human
A strange composition! said Atkins, half mockingly, and half with a gravity not usual to him.
gpt
I do not comprehend how a man can mix such a senseless lot of poetry into the prose of a newspaper article. In any event, the author of this must be some sort of a poet, and certainly none of the worst. A mere journalist surely has not written it: it has altogether too much.
human
Inspiration!
gpt
Yes, but that means it is extravagant! Well, this German inspiration always is! But the article has genius and fire, we must admit that; and in the present excitement of B., which is already at the boiling point, it will be like a spark in a powder-keg. Half the city has already lost its senses over it, every student in the university is frantic; the words are setting fire to everything, like congreve rockets. I only wonder how long this brilliant display of fireworks is going to last.
human
But all this at least gives you a change, she said not without irony.
gpt
You found Germany so dull, past all endurance.
human
Yes, I did find it so! growled Atkins,
gpt
I have declared to my aunt, that as soon as there are suffering and danger to relieve, I will be in my place; but that I think these enthusiastic demonstrations, in which the ladies now so much delight, unnecessary and superfluous.
human
And so they are! replied Atkins, excitedly.
gpt
Hold your ground there, at least! Do not yield a foot's-breadth. And now just hear that uproar at the doorbell! I would wager, that here is again some newly aroused patriot, who, a week ago, rang the bell modestly, and now, as a matter of course, introduces himself with this deafening clamor!
human
Well, and even this shall--Ah, I beg your pardon, I did not know that any one was here. But I had to ring three times before the maid stirred out of her kitchen. When Frederic is not in the house all goes wrong.
gpt
And I, too, missed our distinguished porter! said Atkins with that extraordinary politeness which with him always concealed some malice.
human
In any event, we must congratulate the Prussian army upon such an acquisition.
gpt
Yes, Frederic has received marching orders, said the doctor, with a suppressed sigh.
human
He rode over to H. yesterday, but is to return. The professor went at the same time.
gpt
Professor Fernow? And what has he to do in H.?
human
He must submit to the formality of an examination, which in times like these none can easily avoid. Of course it will be only a form with him, but we shall have to lose Frederic. We can get along without him; but how the professor, who he has so petted and spoiled, can content himself with another servant, Heaven only knows!