"Hortense," whispered Cloten, overjoyed, to his lady, "do you know who is to take you in?"
"Not you, Arthur?" she asked, frightened.
"Yes, my angel."
"Impossible, Arthur. Go straight back to Oldenburg and tell him he must give you another lady."
"But----"
"Hush, not so loud! You are mad. I tell you Barnewitz is very suspicious. That would make him more so than ever."
"Changez les dames!"
"Melitta; I am to take you to table."
"Impossible, Oswald. You must try to have it changed."
"Why," whispered Oswald, and his brows met.