How can you see straight with such
Shocking round legs?"
A burst of laughter filled the room, instantly succeeded by another silence. The knives and forks behind the screen were breathless also.
Florian got up and said to Josey, "Comment vous portez-vous, Monsieur Géomètre?"
"Quadulta loing," replied Josey, who continued to talk gibberish, amid renewed peals of laughter.
"'Wish you joy of your berth," said Constantine, taking the mop from the slop-bucket. "Here: just survey this table for me: you can do it very well, you know, for there's no need of brains."
Amid constant and increasing merriment, Josey entered upon his labors, and proceeded until Babbett came up, saying,--
"Have done with this, now, and crack your jokes somewhere else. Be quiet, Josey, or go about your business."
Josey struck the table and jabbered grimly. The screen was suddenly pushed aside, and Steinhaeuser, the admirer of Crescence, appeared, restrained by his two comrades from assaulting the mocker. Caspar tried to pacify him, and, as soon as he had partially succeeded, he stepped up to the three, and said, with more decision than might have been expected,--
"I'll tell you what: this sort of thing can't be done on my premises; and the sooner you know it the better. Drink your wine quietly, or I'll show you what's outside of the door. I won't have my guests insulted while I'm master of this house. No offence to one; but I will have order."