"A most suitable messenger," said he to Cosel. "I will send him on before us, so as to give the alchemist a chance of dressing decently; and also to make sure that we do not find him in improper company."
Bottiger, whose good graces were considered most important, received even the fair sex.
Frölich appeared on the threshold.
"I appoint you my chamberlain until the evening," said the King, laughing, "so you must not say that you carry the key in vain. Go and tell Bottiger that the goddess Diana will visit him to-day."
"In company with Apollo," added Cosel.
Frölich went out with much gravity, and proceeded by way of the balcony to the corner tower.
A gay company was assembled round the alchemist's table that day. Glasses and witty sayings were circulating freely. Amongst the guests were Prince Fürstenberg, Secretary Nehmitz, and an ardent admirer of alchemy, Tschirahaussen. The thick walls of the tower were covered with silk brocade, brightened by many mirrors, and enriched by gilded furniture and bronzes. A small staircase connected this room with the laboratory beneath, and with the sleeping room above.
Bottiger was distinguished among his guests by his beautiful figure and merry face, on which intelligence and wit were plainly visible. He was carefully dressed, and looked more like a nobleman than a man who was shut up in prison and obliged to wither over crucibles. He was a most jovial companion at the dinner-table, a most eloquent wit in society. The company was just drinking his health, and the apothecary was ready to respond to the toast, when the King's ambassador, with his pointed hat, and this day a red swallow-tail coat, appeared on the threshold.
"Ah! Frölich," exclaimed the party.
"What do you want?" inquired Bottiger.