“Right,” screamed Herr Carovius, “there are three of them, too. It is all clear.”
“Have a chew, gentlemen?” said the apothecary, taking his tobacco pouch from his pocket.
“No,” replied Jason Philip, “that joke deserves a cigar.” The remark was made between gulps of laughter.
“I suggest that we christen the story with a flask of Salvator,” said Herr Carovius.
The other two agreed to the proposal. The collegium marched across the square, stopped every now and then, broke out in fits of insuppressible laughter, and then continued on their way to the inn with parched throats.
It may have been only an evening shadow, or it may have been a rare inspiration that created the impression. But the Goose Man, standing there in all his pride behind the iron railing, seemed to follow them with his eyes, in which there were traces of sorrow and astonishment. The boys playing ball had soon forgotten the delectable episode.
PHILIPPINA STARTS A FIRE
I
Daniel and Eleanore had reached a stage of mutual silence; it was not the first time, however, and it was as disagreeable now as it had been then. They would meet on the steps, and pass each other with a mere nod. If Eleanore came in to see Gertrude, Daniel withdrew.
Once Eleanore called when Gertrude was not at home. Daniel was stubborn; nor could Eleanore manage to make a single rational remark. He did not like her looks; he suspected her paleness and outward, enforced cheerfulness. “It is an undignified state of affairs, Eleanore,” he exclaimed, “we must make an end of it.”