The dessert was brought. A post-horn was heard.
The old servant in a few minutes announced Baron von Klentzin.
"The successor to your office in Blechow, my dear father," said the assessor; "the civil commissioner von Hardenberg has desired him to release you."
They all rose gravely.
The Prussian entered; he was a tall, slender young man, elegant in his appearance, graceful in his movements.
The president advanced towards him with calm dignity.
"You are welcome, Baron von Klentzin, to my house,--the house that is still mine, and that to-morrow will be yours. We are celebrating a family festivity,--the betrothal of my son,--and I beg you will join us."
He introduced the young man to his wife, and to the others, and then requested him to be seated beside Madame von Wendenstein. He signed to the servant to fill his guest's glass with champagne.
"To-morrow I shall resign my office to you, and I hope you will find everything in order," said the old gentleman,--"to-day allow me to treat you as my guest."
Baron von Klentzin bowed.