There are more ways than one for a true-born German to show himself. With ladies it is different. … In such cases, of course, one must lose no time in setting the matter to rights in the frankest and most correct fashion."
Although he could hardly see, he knew perfectly well what had to be done: While a two-horse Victoria was being sent for, he put on his frock-coat, white tie and silk hat. Then he handed the coachman the list which Magda had drawn up, and drove off. At each house he asked to see the ladies and disturbed many of them at lunch. Without being quite sure whether he was addressing Frau Harnisch, Frau Daimchen or Frau Tietz, he reeled off a statement in his hoarse voice of "the morning after": "I frankly confess … as a German gentleman, in the presence of ladies … in the fullest and most correct fashion …"
By half-past one he was back, and sat down to lunch with a sigh of relief: "It is all settled."
That afternoon he had a more difficult task before him. He sent for Napoleon Fischer to come up to the house.
"Herr Fischer," he said, offering him a chair, "I am receiving you here, instead of in the office, because our affairs are no concern of Herr Sötbier's. It is a question of politics, I ought to explain."
Napoleon Fischer nodded as if he had already guessed that. He now seemed to be accustomed to these confidential conversations. At Diederich's first nod he at once took a cigar, and he even crossed his legs. Diederich was far less sure of himself; he was breathing hard. Then he decided, with out beating about the bush, to go straight to the point with brutal frankness. That is what Bismarck would have done.
"The fact is I want to get a seat* on the Town Council," he explained, "and for that I will need you."
The machinist glanced up at him. "And I you," he said, "for I also want to be a municipal councillor."
"What! Come now! I was^prepared for most things.…"
