"Because I possess a few good things?" said Herr Lübbener. "Why, by Jove! a man must patronise art or at least the artists nowadays. Our friend Schmidt always fishes the best things away under our noses. Yesterday this Riefstahl was in Lepke's window, now of course it hangs here. What did you give for it?"
"What do you think?"
"Not more than half, I am sure."
Philip laughed as if he heard the old stockbroker joke for the first time; the Councillor cackled hoarsely like an old hen in rainy weather; the Count appeared highly amused.
"What would you have?" said he; "such a picture is really invaluable."
Philip turned the light of the reflector upon the picture, which now showed all its beauty for the first time.
"Really magnificent!" said the Count.
He had stepped a little nearer so that he himself was in the light of the lamp. The appearance of the Count standing there in the full light seemed to have something peculiarly comic for the three other men who were standing a little back. They glanced quickly at each other, and each face wore a malicious smile. The Councillor laid his finger on his long nose; Philip bit his lip.
"I have a Hildebrandt here," said he, "which I consider may be called the gem of my collection."
"At all events it is in his best style," said the Count.