"He is just now called to table," said Richard. "He does not allow the servant to enter his room, and for that reason a bell has been hung there."
"How particular he is!" said the professor.
A door of the ante-room was opened, quick steps were heard, and Klingenberg hastily entered and placed himself at the table, as at a work that must be done quickly, and then observed the stranger.
"Doctor Lutz, professor of history in our university," said Frank, introducing him.
"Doctor Lutz—professor of history," said Klingenberg musingly. "Your name is familiar to me, if I am not mistaken; are you not a collaborator on Sybel's historical publication?"
"I have that honor," answered the professor with much dignity.
They began to eat.
"You read Sybel's periodical?" asked the professor.
"We must not remain entirely ignorant of literary productions, particularly the more excellent."
Lutz felt much flattered by this declaration.