“But, Smolt, what do you want? Just tell me that, if you can.”
“Lord, Herr Consul, I say we wants a republic; that’s wat I be sayin’.”
“But, you fool, you’ve got one already.”
“Well, Herr Consul, then we wants another.”
Some of the bystanders, who understood the matter better, began to laugh rudely and heartily; and although few even heard Carl’s answer, the laughter spread until the whole crowd of republicans stood shaking good-naturedly. Some of the gentlemen from inside the hall appeared at the window with curious faces and beer-mugs in their hands. The only person disappointed and pained by this turn of affairs was Siegismund Gosch.
“Now, people,” shouted Consul Buddenbrook finally, “I think the best thing for you all to do is to go home.”
Carl Smolt, quite crestfallen over the result he had brought about, answered “That’s right, Herr Consul. Then things’ll be quieted down. And Herr Consul doesn’t take it ill of me, do’e, now? Good-bye, Herr Consul!”
The crowd began to disperse, in the best of humours.
“Wait a minute, Smolt,” shouted the Consul. “Have you seen the Kröger carriage? the calèche from outside the Castle Gate?”
“Yes, sir, Herr Consul. He’s here; he be driven up in some court somewhere.”