They went from picture to picture, criticising and naming great artists, and not less great sums, till Philip, foreseeing danger to his plans, grew impatient.
"I do not know why," said he, "but nothing seems so good as usual to-day."
"It was just the same with me when I was a boy, I always thought my exercises were faultless till they came into the master's hands," said the Councillor.
"You really make too much of my small powers of criticising," said the Count in his best humour. "Why! are we not at the end yet?"
They were at the door of the dining-room, which the servants at that moment opened.
"You will find a few more pictures here," said Philip, "but before you look at them I must beg you to take some supper."
"Or the oysters will be cold," said Herr Lübbener.
"I begged there might be no ceremony," said the Count reproachfully as he took his place at table with the others.
"Not at all, Count Golm; the servants got the oysters from the nearest restaurant--and there is always a chicken to be found in a bachelor's kitchen."
"Long live the bachelors!" said the Councillor, lifting his glass.