colourless as his face and his scanty side-whiskers, which were cut in mutton-chop fashion. Several times the Mayor attempted to talk before he finally found something which it was safe to say. "What fine scars," said he; and turning to the other gentleman, "Don't you think so?"
The other gentleman looked so Jewish that Diederich maintained a reserve at first. But the Mayor introduced him: "Herr Assessor Jadassohn of the Public Prosecutor's Office." This made a respectful greeting indispensable.
"Come and sit down," said the Mayor, "we are just beginning." He poured out some porter for Diederich and helped him to Lachsschinken. "My wife and her mother have gone out, the children are at school, I am a bachelor. Your health!"
The Jewish gentleman from the Public Prosecutor's Office had eyes only for the servant. While she was busy at the table near him his hand disappeared. Then she left the room and he was anxious to talk of public affairs, but the Mayor would not be interrupted. "The two ladies will not be back to lunch. My mother-in-law is at the dentist's, and I know what that means, it is not an easy business with her. Meanwhile the whole house is at our disposal." He fetched a liqueur from the sideboard, sang its praises, made his guests confirm its merits, and continued to boast of his idyllic mornings, in a monotonous voice interrupted by chewing. In spite of his contentment, his expression gradually became more and more anxious, as he felt that the conversation could not continue in this fashion. After all three had been silent for a minute he made up his mind.
"I suppose I may assume, Dr. Hessling—my house is not in the immediate vicinity of yours and I should think it quite natural if you had called on other gentlemen before coming to me."
Diederich was already blushing for the lie he had not yet told. "It would come out," he thought, just in time, and so he replied: "As a matter of fact I took the liberty—that is to
