"Good. Can I invite you now to join us in a glass of wine?"
Girdel protested more politely than earnestly; Schwan brought a bottle and glasses, and the giant sat down by the strangers.
While this was going on, the first comer appeared to be deeply immersed in the paper, though he had not lost a word of the conversation, and as Firejaws took a seat near the strangers, he began again to laugh mockingly.
Robeckal and Rolla now left the dining-room, while Fanfaro, Caillette and Bobichel still remained seated; a minute later Robeckal returned, and drawing near to Girdel, softly said to him:
"Master."
"Well?"
"Do you need me?"
"What for?"
"To erect the booth?"
"No, Fanfaro and Bobichel will attend to it."