"Now it is quite clear to me why your shareholders are always lamenting so loudly that you build so extravagantly," said the Count, with a sarcastic smile.
"What do the poor devils understand about it?" answered the Councillor; "if they settled matters we should have to take the roasted chestnuts out of the fire without getting anything for it."
"Then there is fire?"
"Before which a man in his old age may warm his knees with much pleasure!"
And the Councillor waved his hand towards all the magnificence around them. The Count laughed, the Councillor himself thought that a smile was allowable. Philip came out of his study and shut the door behind him.
"I hope you will not mind," said he in a low voice, turning to the Count, "but I thoughtlessly mentioned your name, and my business friend begged so earnestly----"
"Who is it?" said the Count.
"Herr Hugo Lübbener."
The Count changed colour slightly and cast a quick furtive glance at the Councillor, who however met it unmoved.
"My banker," said the Count.