The servants had left the room; the two gentlemen, beginning at opposite ends, began to put the cards on the napkins.
"Miss Klaus," said Oldenburg, holding up a card; "who, by all the Olympic gods, is Miss Klaus?"
"Our governess. Have you not noticed her? A little thing, very pretty, and with eyes bursting with high treason. We could not well leave her in the nursery--Great heavens! Here is again husband and wife side by side!--because we wanted her in the cotillons. You can give her to Doctor Stein. Like and like, you know."
"Well!" said Oldenburg, and grinned.
"Who is to have the Berkow?"
"Oh, pray, leave me alone! You, for all I care."
"Bon!" said Oldenburg, and drank a glass of champagne.
After a short pause.
"Who is to have the honor of sitting by your wife?"
"Great heavens!--to be sure, that is important. You know, Oldenburg, give her the most significant; no one can say anything to that!"