As the former proceeded in his discourse, or rather monologue I perceived the excitement of the latter momently increasing.  At length he spoke; offering some objection to a point insisted upon by R., and giving his reasons in detail.  To these the Baron replied at length (still maintaining his exaggerated tone of sentiment) and concluding, in what I thought very bad taste, with a sarcasm and a sneer.  The hobby of Hermann now took the bit in his teeth.  This I could discern by the studied hair-splitting farrago of his rejoinder.  His last words I distinctly remember.  “Your opinions, allow me to say, Baron von Jung, although in the main correct, are, in many nice points, discreditable to yourself and to the university of which you are a member.  In a few respects they are even unworthy of serious refutation.  I would say more than this, sir, were it not for the fear of giving you offence (here the speaker smiled blandly), I would say, sir, that your opinions are not the opinions to be expected from a gentleman.”

As Hermann completed this equivocal sentence, all eyes were turned upon the Baron.  He became pale, then excessively red; then, dropping his pocket-handkerchief, stooped to recover it, when I caught a glimpse of his countenance, while it could be seen by no one else at the table.  It was radiant with the quizzical expression which was its natural character, but which I had never seen it assume except when we were alone together, and when he unbent himself freely.  In an instant afterward he stood erect, confronting Hermann; and so total an alteration of countenance in so short a period I certainly never saw before.  For a moment I even fancied that I had misconceived him, and that he was in sober earnest.  He appeared to be stifling with passion, and his face was cadaverously white.  For a short time he remained silent, apparently striving to master his emotion.  Having at length seemingly succeeded, he reached a decanter which stood near him, saying as he held it firmly clenched “The language you have thought proper to employ, Mynheer Hermann, in addressing yourself to me, is objectionable in so many particulars, that I have neither temper nor time for specification.  That my opinions, however, are not the opinions to be expected from a gentleman, is an observation so directly offensive as to allow me but one line of conduct.  Some courtesy, nevertheless, is due to the presence of this company, and to yourself, at this moment, as my guest.  You will pardon me, therefore, if, upon this consideration, I deviate slightly from the general usage among gentlemen in similar cases of personal affront.  You will forgive me for the moderate tax I shall make upon your imagination, and endeavor to consider, for an instant, the reflection of your person in yonder mirror as the living Mynheer Hermann himself.  This being done, there will be no difficulty whatever.  I shall discharge this decanter of wine at your image in yonder mirror, and thus fulfil all the spirit, if not the exact letter, of resentment for your insult, while the necessity of physical violence to your real person will be obviated.”