"He did not tell me that!" cried Philip; "then certainly I may venture."
"I shall be very happy," said the Count rather crossly.
"This all fits in wonderfully," whispered the Councillor to him, while Philip called through the door which he had left open into the study.
"Come in, you most discreet of men! I should have thought that the firm stood so well with the Count----"
"As well as the Count stands with the firm!" said Herr Hugo Lübbener as he came in. "Excuse my freedom, Count Golm, seeing you have not honoured me."
"Why, I assure you, I have not had time yet," exclaimed the Count, taking in the tips of his fingers the hand which Herr Lübbener offered somewhat timidly. "A world of business----"
"We can understand that, living in the business world as we do, can we not, Councillor?" said Herr Lübbener. "But now that I have had the honour and pleasure I will not stay a moment longer."
And he moved to the door; the Count glanced at the Councillor, who lifted his eyebrows.
"You are not going on my--our account, Herr Lübbener," said the Count; "we are here to admire the splendid collection of our kind host."
"Whose greatest admirer and appreciater is Herr Lübbener himself," put in the Councillor.