"May I ask what?"
"I hardly dare say, Count Golm, for fear of damaging my reputation as a serious man in the eyes of my friends here. I can show the cards to a man of the world."
"Then let us see the cards," said Herr Lübbener.
The Councillor looked astonished.
"Herr von Werben could not send in two cards!"
"But, good heavens!" exclaimed the Count, "don't let the ladies wait in the anteroom."
"Oh no. Ladies!" exclaimed Herr Lübbener.
"Two friends who are sometimes good enough to look in after the opera, or rather the ballet, to have a little supper," explained Philip. "I assure you, Lübbener, not what you are thinking of, so leave off grimacing, and imitate the deportment of our worthy friend the Councillor."
"Splendid fellow!" whispered the Councillor in Herr Lübbener's ear, as the gentlemen rose.
"He outdoes himself to-day," whispered Herr Lübbener in return.