Habermann had gone out and called Bräsig, and told him, hastily, in the hall, what was in the wind, and now he came in with him.
Bräsig came in with rather a distracted expression on his face, at which Habermann was secretly annoyed; he looked half as if he had something to sell at the fair, and half as if he were going to make a Christmas gift. He marched up to Moses, with his head in the air: "Moses, what Habermann has put down for me, I will subscribe to, Zachary Bräsig; it is all the same to me, cash or bonds, but not before St. Anthony's."
"Good," said Moses. "You are a safe man, Herr Inspector, I will advance it."
Bräsig went up to the gracious Frau, who had rested her arm on the table and covered her eyes with her hand, as if the light hurt them, made a deep bow, and inquired after her health, and when she had answered quietly, he asked, "And how is the young Herr von Rambow?"
Frida shrank together, and Habermann, who had intended to call in the others, one by one, saw that a diversion must be made, or Bräsig, in all innocence, would distress the young Frau with his questions and remarks.
"Zachary," said he, "do me the favor to bring in the Frau Pastorin and my sister; Louise may come, too."
"Very well, Karl," and presently he returned with the women.
Frau Pastorin went up directly to the young Frau, and pressed her to her heart, and could not restrain herself from weeping bitterly. Louise stood by, with the deepest, though silent, compassion in her heart.
"God of Abraham!" exclaimed Moses, "what a night is this! They want to transact a business, and they cry over each other, and press each other's hands, and hang about each other's necks, and are magnanimous and affectionate, and keep an old man, like me, sitting up till morning. Mamselle Habermann," he added aloud, "when you are done with your tender feelings, perhaps you can get me a drop of wine; I am an old man."
Louise ran and brought a bottle of wine and a glass, and Bräsig said, "Bring me a glass, too, Louise!" and had possibly the intention of having a little frolic with Moses, for he sat down by him, and began to touch glasses: "To your good health, Moses!"