"I come upon a mournful errand, Mrs Oberhage!" said he in a tone of sympathy, disagreeable because it did not sound sincere.
The woman neither stirred nor replied.
"Our duty, Mrs Oberhage—believe me, it is often very painful; but so much so as on this occasion I never yet have known it to be."
The woman answered him not.
"Believe me, this is an unhappy day for me."
"To us you have never yet brought happiness, judge," said the woman bitterly.
One of the other gentlemen now stepped forward. He was tall, thin, and pompous, and had two orders upon his breast. The judge had but one, in his button-hole.
"I think we will to business, Herr Justizrath," said he to the judge.
"Oh, gentlemen!" said the woman, still calm but earnest, "surely you will wait. My husband is not yet here, nor our lawyer. I expect them both immediately."
"What have we to do with either of them?" said the counsellor,[45] carelessly. "The matter is settled, and admits of no alteration."