FRANZ ROSEN

Weakness

MY GREATEST FEAR was that I was careless of Herbert’s reputation. You can say he should not have cared so much for what others thought of him, for his reputation in the city. But it was something he had earned, this reputation, it was something he had had to struggle for. All men are weak somewhere. Herbert’s weakness was this, that he wished to be, if not loved, then respected. But really he wished to be loved.

I might say all of the same about myself, of course.

When I proffered my resignation, Herbert gave me money to make my escape.