The landlady excused herself for being late, but her thin voice was drowned amid the hubbub of the guests seating themselves at the table. She was given an honorary place between Pepa, Majkowska, and the editor. Kotlicki seated himself at the end of the table alongside of Janina, while Wladek wedged himself in between Janina and Zielinska.
After a toast pronounced by the editor in honor of the celebrant, conversation burst forth like a cascade and with unrestrained flow filled the entire room. All began to talk at the same time, to laugh and to joke. Inebriation began to envelop all brains in a rosy mist of merriment and to weave joy around all hearts.
In the middle of the supper the doorbell rang violently.
"Who can that be?" asked Cabinska. "Nurse, go and open the door!"
The nurse was busy about a side table where the children were eating; she went immediately to open the door.
"Who came?" inquired Cabinska.
"Oh, nobody! Only that unchristened little goldfish!" she answered scornfully.
Those sitting nearest burst out laughing.
"Ah, yes. Our dear and invaluable Gold!"
Gold entered and bowed to the company, tugging at his sparse, yellow little beard.