"Have you done, Grenwitz?"
"Yes. All right!"
"Queen of hearts for me. Ladies always for me. Thanks, Grenwitz. Glad to see you again in that way."
Felix did not look as if he could reply to such a friendly wish. His confused glance wandered around the table, and at last remained fixed on Oswald.
"Ho, there!" he cried, at the top of his voice, "bring me a glass of wine, sir!"
It was not until all eyes were turned upon Oswald, that he became aware of being himself the person to whom these rude words were addressed.
"The fellow does not seem to hear well," exclaimed Felix. "I say, bring me a glass of wine, do you hear?"
"I believe a glass of water would be more useful," replied Oswald, in a calm, firm voice, and without changing his position.
It was so still in the room, one might have heard a needle drop.
"How do you like that, gentlemen?" said Felix, looking around. "My uncle keeps a nice set of servants, don't you think so?"