He had begun to distrust Etta, and there is nothing so hard to stop as the growth of distrust.
Steinmetz did not answer at once.
"Was it not _my_ privilege ?" asked Paul, with a grim smile.

There are some smiles more terrible than any frown.
"No," answered Steinmetz, "I think not.

It is not as bad as that.

But it is bad enough, mein lieber!--it is bad enough! I horsewhipped him first for myself.

Gott! how pleasant that was! And then I kicked him out for you." "Why ?" repeated Paul, with a white face.
"It is a long story," answered Steinmetz, without looking at him.