The host of the restaurant offered his refreshments to the "Herr Baron"--Königsberg beer or tea, also an incomparably fine brew of lemonade, were to be had. Herr von Stolt ordered beer, and sent his sons out to look after their luggage.
They closed the door behind them as they took their leave, and disappeared in the direction of the buffet, where they were soon heard chaffing the barmaid.
"Thank God that they are going away," said the lady, with a sigh, loosening her violet hat-strings, from which a broad double chin billowed forth awe-inspiringly. "It is high time."
Her spouse suppressed a smile, and then asked, "Why?"
"Have you seen anything of either of them between meal-times during the last fortnight?" she answered with another question.
"Now, now, it is not so bad as all that," repeated he; "but, as you say, they were certainly out a good deal."
"And where did they go? That is the point."
"Well, where should they go? To the Prussian Crown, or some such resort, to drink a little champagne and amuse themselves with the girls. I did the same when I was their age."
"And you aren't much better now."
"Really--I must protest, Malwine."