"Here, ask Doctor Stein--let me introduce----"
"Ah! Have had the pleasure," said the dandy, apparently noticing Oswald now for the first time, though he had been standing within a yard of him.
"All the better," said Melitta; "that is settled then?"
Cloten and Oswald bowed, and then Melitta sent them both away with a graceful wave of the hand. "I wonder," said Langen to Oswald, as he returned to the window, "how you can speak so freely to her; I would not have the courage."
"You are jesting."
"Upon my word, no! There is something in that woman's look and in her voice which would make me fear for the salvation of my soul. I know I am not alone in that."
"Perhaps I am not sufficiently concerned for the salvation of my soul," said Oswald.
In the mean time Oldenburg had studiously watched the group of Melitta in a huge mirror, while he appeared to converse with several gentlemen in perfect indifference.
"See there, Cloten, how are you, mon brave?" he said, suddenly turning to the young man, as he came near him.
"Baron Oldenburg! 'pon honor, would not have known you--such a horrible beard!"