THE SWEET-SCENTED NAME
Just look at them—isn't it dreadful to watch their wooden movements? The dancers are obliged to move stiffly and the children are as immovable as in a trance. Look, isn't it as if some cruel devil had changed human beings into marionettes!"
Professor Roggenfeldt looked at the stranger in some perplexity, and then looking again at the musicians he said:
"I think you exaggerate a little. Of course it's not a first-class band, and Nikish is not there to conduct, but I don't think they deserve such a cruel attack."
The stranger seemed a little confused.
"No, that's true," said he. "I was exaggerating. Please forgive me. You are quite right. But it's dreadful to look upon these good devils. I must go away from such a sight."
He raised his hat again, and, walking off quickly in the direction from which he had come, was soon out of sight.
V
The old couple looked at one another and both smiled.
"What a strange person!" said the professor."
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