very sorry if by our presence we in any way
disturbed the enjoyment of the ladies and the conversation of so
estimable a company. Tell us frankly if we are in the way, and we will
find another place.

PIEPENBRINK. You seem to me a jolly fellow and are not in the least in
my way, Doctor Bolz--that was the name, was it not?

MRS. PIEPENBRINK. We, too, are strangers here and had only just sat
down. Piepenbrink!

[_Nudges him slightly._]

PIEPENBRINK. I tell you what, Doctor, as you are already acquainted
with the yellow-seal from my cellar and have passed a very sensible
verdict upon it, how would it be for you to give it another trial
here? Sit down with us if you have nothing better to do, and we will
have a good talk together.

BOLZ (_with dignity, as throughout this whole scene, during which both
he and KAeMPE must not seem to be in any way pushing_). That is a very
kind invitation, and we accept it with pleasure. Be good enough, dear
Sir, to present us to your company.

PIEPENBRINK. This here is my wife.

BOLZ. Do not be vexed at our breaking in upon you, Madam. We promise
to behave ourselves and to be as good company as lies in the power of
two shy bachelors.

PIEPENBRINK. Here is my daughter.

BOLZ (_to_ MRS. PIEPENBRINK). One could have known that from the
likeness.

PIEPENBRINK. This is my friend, Mr. Kleinmichel, and this, Fritz
Kleinmichel, my daughter's fiance.

BOLZ. I congratulate you, gentlemen, on such delightful society. (_To_
PIEPENBRINK.) Permit me to sit next to the lady of the house. Kaempe, I
thought you would sit next to Mr. Kleinmichel.

[_They sit down_.]

Now we alternate! Waiter!

[_Waiter comes to him_.]

Two bottles of this!

PIEPENBRINK. Hold on! You won't find that wine here. I brought my own
kind. You're to drink with me.

BOLZ. But Mr. Piepenbrink----

PIEPENBRINK. No remonstrances! You drink with me. And when I ask any
one to drink with me, Sir, I don't mean to sip, as women do, but to
drink out and fill up. You must make up your mind to that.

BOLZ. Well, I am content. We as gratefully accept your hospitality as
it is heartily offered. But you must then let me have my revenge. Next
Sunday you are all to be my guests, will you? Say yes, my kind host!
Punctually at seven, informal supper. I am single, so it will be in a
quiet, respectable hotel. Give your consent, my dear Madam. Shake
hands on it, Mr. Piepenbrink.--You, too, Mr. Kleinmichel and Mr.
Fritz!

[_Ho