The servants, promising obedience, retired, and the next night, according to orders, returned to their master.
“And what have you to tell about your man?” he said to the first who appeared.
“He spent the day in the country,” replied the servant.
“Sensible fellow!” said his master. “And did you go with him?”
“Indeed I did—got off at the same station, took dinner at the same table, and came back in the same train.”
“And how did he behave himself?”
“Like a sensible fellow, sir, as you called him. He had a friend with him, and they just smoked their cigars and lay about in the shade all day; took a glass of beer now and then—nothing more. I believe he’s the very man that would suit you.” Here the second servant came in.
“And what have you to say?” asked his master.
“My man,” replied the servant, “went to the tavern.”