"The housekeeper has come back from Fashwitz," said Baumann, opening a bottle at a side-table.
"I dare say she has never been away," whispered Melitta, smiling. "What have we to drink for our guest, Baumann?"
"Steinberger Cabinet, forty-two," said Baumann, filling Oswald's glass with the golden wine.
"And for myself?"
"Fresh spring water, perhaps a little raspberry-juice," replied Baumann, coolly, placing the bottle, with the cork in it, before Oswald.
"That will not satisfy me to-day, Baumann! How is it about our champagne?"
"No more, ma'am."
"But they sent us a box only the other day?"
"Has never been opened. Is down in the cellar."
"Ah, what a pity!" cried Melitta. "And I am almost perishing with thirst, and must needs have such a desire for champagne just to-day!"