"Smart picture, eh?" said old Eissler.
"Oh, something more than that," replied George.
"Yes, I hope to be able to look forward to doing something better than that," said Willy.
"He is going to Africa, lion hunting," explained old Eissler, "with Prince Wangenheim. Felician is also supposed to be of the party, but he has not yet decided."
"Why not?" asked Willy.
"He wants to pass his diplomatic examination in the spring."
"But that could be put off," said Willy; "lions are dying out, but unfortunately one can't say the same thing of professors."
"Book me for a picture, Willy," called out Ehrenberg from the card-table.
"You play the Mæcenas later on, father Ehrenberg?" said Willy. "As I've said, I'll take you two on."[1]
"Raise you," replied Ehrenberg, and continued: "If I can order anything for myself, Willy, please paint me a desert landscape showing Prince Wangenheim being gobbled up by the lions ... but as realistic as possible."