'Here is a rouble for you; ask your master if he will see me, and I will double it.' The footman shook his head.
'The master is sure to refuse.'
'Tell him, it is Pan Hirschgold, on urgent business from my lady's father. Here is another rouble, so that you do not forget the name.'
Mateus quickly disappeared, but did not quickly return. The music stopped, yet he did not return; a polka followed, yet he did not return. At last he appeared: 'The master asks you to come to the bailiff's office.' He took Pan Hirschgold into a room where several camp-beds had been made up for the guests. The Jew took off his expensive fur, sat down in an armchair by the fire and meditated.
The polka had been finished, and a vigorous mazurka began. The tumult and stamping increased from time to time; commands rang out, and were followed by a noise which shook the house from top to bottom. The Jew listened indifferently, and waited without impatience.
Suddenly there was a great commotion in the passage; the door was opened impetuously, and the squire entered.
He was dressed as a Crakovian peasant in a red coat covered with jingling ornaments, wide, pink-and-white-striped breeches, a red cap with a peacock's feather, and iron-shod shoes.
'How are you, Pan Hirschgold?' he cried good-humouredly, 'what is this urgent message from my father-in-law?'
'Read it, sir.'
'What, now? I'm dancing a mazurka.'