"Surely, if you wish to receive him. I cannot understand your excitement, dearest. You have received a Regierungsrat in your drawing-rooms before this, even an Oberregierungsrat. There was a time when Mr. Breitbach found our Moët rather fair...."
"There was a time, Benas!"
He frowned. "Well, that's something that cannot be altered, dear child."
At this moment his confidential clerk, Elkish, was announced.
"Even though the 'Magdeburgs' rise ever so high," she answered ironically.
"But that need not hinder you from receiving the Regierungsrat. We're still good for something, I suppose. What think you, Elkish?" he called to him as he entered.
"I do not know to what you refer."
"Well, what else can I refer to but our balance-sheet?"
"As regards that, the firm of Joshua Benas has no need to hide its head," the old clerk responded proudly.
"Well, do you see, dear child?" he said to his wife. "Do as you think best, I rely upon your judgment. You always do the right thing."