though fortunately ineffective, to bring myself and my actions into discredit with the greatest publicity, and to make them contemptible."
Diederich glared, as Buck noticed with astonishment: "Apparently you are offended. And I made such a good speech." He wagged his head and smiled pensively, delighted with himself. "Won't you split a bottle of champagne with me?" he asked.
Diederich began: "Are you exactly the person I ought to—" But he gave in. "The decision of the court established the fact that your accusations were directed, not only against me, but against all right-thinking patriots. So I regard the matter as settled."
"I suppose we'll make it Heidsieck?" said Buck. He insisted on Diederich's clinking glasses with him. "You must admit, my dear Hessling, that nobody ever dealt so thoroughly with you as I did. Now I don't mind telling you that your role in court interested me much more than my own. Afterwards, when I got home, I imitated you in front of the glass."
"My role? You mean, I suppose, my convictions. I know, of course, that you regard the actor as the representative man of to-day."
"I said that in reference to … some one else. But you see how much nearer I have the type to study. If I had not to defend the washerwoman to-morrow, who is accused of having stolen a pair of drawers from Wulckow's, I might perhaps play Hamlet. Prosit!"
"Prosit. You do not need to have any convictions for that!"
"Good Lord, I have convictions. But are they always the same? So you would advise me to go on the stage?" asked Buck. Diederich had opened his mouth to advise him to do so, when Guste entered. Diederich blushed, for Buck's question had made him think of her. Buck remarked pensively:
