“Germain, go and ask these gentlemen if they want to see me? Ask them likewise whom you will have the honor to announce to your master?”
The men, overhearing these words, grew still more confused when the servant in his gorgeous livery stepped up to them, and, with a most condescending smile, informed them of the errand his master had given to him.
But now it was out of the question to withdraw, as there was nothing left to them but to arm themselves with whatever pluck and boldness they had at their command in order to carry out the role they had undertaken to play in the most becoming manner.
“Yes,” said the speaker of the Kohlmarkt, loudly and resolutely, “we want to see the minister; and as for our names, I am Mr. Wenzel, of the tailors’ guild; my neighbor here is Mr. Kahlbaum, also a tailor; and others may mention their own names, so that this polite gentleman may answer them to his excellency.”
But none of the other men complied with this request; on the contrary, all looked timidly aside, a misgiving dawning in their minds that such a loud announcement of their names might not be altogether without danger for them.
Germain did not wait for the final conclusion, but hastily returned to his master, in order to inform him of what he had heard.
“Mr. Wenzel, of the tailors’ guild, Mr. Tailor Kahlbaum, and the other gentlemen, whatever their names may be, are welcome.” said the minister, aloud, but without interrupting his meal for a single moment.
The men thereupon advanced to the door of the dining-room. But here a proud and imperious glance from the minister caused them suddenly to halt.
“I believe you have breakfasted already?” asked Thugut.
“Yes, we have breakfasted already,” replied Mr. Wenzel, in a surly voice.