The young man, who was not remarkable for excessive tact, asked:
"Why?"
"Because only old Adler would have the right to ask me to a dinner paid for with his money, and even if he did ask me I should refuse."
Another of Ferdinand's friends joined in the conversation.
"What do you have to throw in the Adlers' teeth?"
"Not much; only that the father is a sweater and the son a loafer, and that between the two they do more harm than good."
Public opinion seemed to be summed up in these words from a man of personal courage. Adler's friends were silent, the other guests embarrassed, and the more sensitive took their hats to leave the room. At that moment the door was flung wide open and Ferdinand hurried in, accompanied by one of his friends. He noticed the judge at once, and not knowing what had happened, asked his companion to introduce him.
"Right you are!" said the friend, advancing towards the judge.
"What a lucky chance!" he exclaimed. "Adler is just going to give a dinner here, and as you have fallen into the trap, we will not let you go. But you don't know one another?"
There was a general silence in the room during the introduction.