The Commissionsrath behaved wholly contrarily to his nature on this important occasion. Not only did he pour out bumpers of Port and Madeira, regardless of expense, and even told the company that he had some Madeira in his cellar a hundred years old; but when the luncheon was over he explained to the suitors the method in which his daughter's hand was to be disposed of in a speech much better put together than anybody would ever have expected of him. They were given to understand most clearly that the successful one must find her portrait in the casket which he chose.
When twelve o'clock struck the door of the hall opened, and there was seen in the middle of it a table with a rich cover on it, bearing the three caskets.
One was of shining gold, with a circle of glittering ducats on its lid, and the inscription inside them--
"Who chooseth me doth gain that which he much desires."
The second was of silver, richly chased. On its lid were many words and letters of foreign languages, encircling this inscription--
"Who chooseth me doth find more than he hopes."
The third, plainly carved of ivory, was inscribed--
"Who chooseth me doth gain his dreamed-of bliss."
Albertine took her place on a chair behind the table, her father by her side. Manasseh and the Goldsmith drew away into the background.
The lots were drawn, and, Tussmann having the first choice, the Baron and Edmund had to go into the other room.