The prime minister looked up from his patience, and tried to see by Wangen’s face whether he should laugh or not.
There was a short pause, during which the consul enjoyed the situation and continued to gaze at Wangen through his spectacles.
Wangen broke into a laugh, and involuntarily stretched out his hand for the filled glass.
“Your health!” he said. “That’s not a bad story!”
“You don’t believe it, perhaps? Upon my word it’s true, old chap! Ask the prime minister!”
The late future prime minister nodded.
Wangen looked from the one to the other.
“What’s all this nonsense you’re talking?” he said. He did not believe it yet.
“You may well say so,” said the consul with a venomous smile. “It’s a delightful world we live in!”
“Has any one been to tell my wife?” Wangen’s voice trembled, and he turned pale. He reached out his hand for his bag.