The servant did not know—he would see; but the banker saved him the trouble by putting him aside, and entering the little vestibule.
"Show me the way," said he; "you need not announce me. A rich man is welcome everywhere."
The servant obeyed, and conducted the banker through a suite of apartments whose splendor he contemplated with a sneer. "Now go," said he, as the servant pointed to a portiere. "I shall announce myself."
He drew the portiere and knocked. Then, without waiting for an answer, he entered the room.
"Eskeles Flies!" cried the occupant, who was lounging on a sofa, and was no other than the secretary that had been so disturbed by the emperor's words in the morning. "Eskeles Flies!" repeated he, springing from the sofa, and hastening forward.
"Yes, Baron Eskeles Flies," replied the banker, proudly.
"But what brings you to me?" cried Warkenhold, terrified. "Your visit exposes me to danger."
"Nobody knows of my visit, for I came on foot; and let me tell you, Herr Warkenhold, that my presence in your house is an honor which is not apt to endanger you."
"Only, to-day, only at this time," murmured Warkenhold, apologetically.
"Then you should have come to me for your money. You said you were in great want, having lost every thing at cards, and so I hasten to acquit myself of my debt. Here is a draft for one thousand ducats."