Asking His Pardon
While Beckmann, the great comic actor, was playing at Berlin, his friends persuaded him one day to imitate Fränkel, the journalist and critic. He did it both in looks and manners so well, that at the close of the act the audience called for Fränkel. The offended critic brought suit, and Beckmann was sentenced to ask the complainant’s pardon, in the presence of witnesses and at the plaintiff’s home. At the appointed hour Fränkel, surrounded by his family and a number of friends, was waiting for the penitent. Time passed on leaden feet. At last the door opened, Beckmann put his head in and asked:
“Does Mr. Maier live here?”
“Oh no,” replied Fränkel, “he lives next door.”
“Ah, then, I beg your pardon!” said Beckmann, who, having thus done penance, retreated quickly, amidst shouts of laughter from all but the angry, disappointed Fränkel.