Jean stared, stared and remained silent; but a moment later the candidate had seized him by the shoulder-strap.
"Why don't you answer me? Announce me at once to Miss Götz—Miss Kleophea!"
This unheard-of audacity caused the elegant youth to lose his usual insolent balance for a few moments; and when he regained it at last his indignation knew no bounds. And the housekeeper appeared and the ladies' maid; the little kitchen maid looked shyly round a corner in the background; poor Henriette drew back as far as possible from the light of the hall lamp into the darkness. Hans, almost ready to die with annoyance and excitement at all these impudent, doubtful glances, repeated his request for Kleophea in a raised voice. At that moment Franziska Götz leaned over the banisters. She carried her small lamp in her hand.
"Miss Kleophea is not at home," snapped Jean. "Moreover I protest——"
"Malheur à elle!" exclaimed the French girl.
"Oh Mr. Unwirrsch, what has happened? What has happened to my cousin?" cried Fränzchen coming down.
"Isn't she at home? We must speak to her;—Good God, where has she gone?"
"She did not say; she left the house at dusk."
"Then you must hear, you must tell us what to do. Perhaps it is even better so."
Franziska too looked wonderingly at the stranger, then she said: