"Yes, the last one. I'm sorry to say so. Though I'm nearly an old man, I've always found it a joke to trot about with my yellow epaulettes, clanking my spurs, dragging my sabre along, spreading an atmosphere of impending peril, and being taken by incompetent Lavaters for a noble count." They walked along by the side of the railing of the Stadtpark.
"Going to Ehrenbergs' by any chance?" asked Willy.
"No, I never thought of it."
"Because this is the way. I say, have you heard, Fräulein Else is supposed to be engaged?"
"Really?" queried George slowly. "And whom to?"
"Guess, Baron."
"Come, Hofrat Wilt?"
"Great heavens!" cried Willy, "I'm sure it's never entered his head! Becoming S. Ehrenberg's son-in-law might result in prejudicing his government career—nowadays."
George went on guessing. "Rittmeister Ladisc?"
"Oh no, Fräulein Else is far too clever to be taken in by him."