"For two," replied the head-waiter, winking. "In the small rooms, hm!"
Falander pricked up his ears, but at the same time he felt ashamed to be listening to gossip and dropped the subject; but that was not what the head-waiter wanted.
"I wonder who it is? His wife is ill, and...."
"What does it matter to us? Let the monster sup with whom he likes! Have you an evening paper?"
The head-waiter was saved a reply. Rehnhjelm was approaching the table, radiant, like a man who sees a ray of light on his path.
"Leave the absinth alone to-night," he said, "and be my guest. I am happy, I could cry."
"What has happened?" asked Falander uneasily. "Surely, he hasn't given you a part?"
"He has, you pessimist! I'm to play Horatio...."
Falander's face clouded.
"And she'll play Ophelia."