Page:Hoffmann's Strange Stories - Hoffman - 1855.djvu/425

 the refreshments that were being brought by a servant.—Willibald reëntered; all the guests pressed around him, stretching out their necks and multiplying all the monosyllables which constitute a question. Ernest's friend, whilst answering that he knew nothing about it, assumed a cunning look, as much as to say—"I have found out all about it." Finally, as he was closely pressed, "Gentlemen," said he, "if you absolutely require that I confide this secret to you in public, allow me before doing so to put two or three important questions to the company. Young Max, counsellor Foerd's secretary, has he not always appeared to you endowed with many brilliant qualities?"

"Without any doubt," exclaimed the ladies unanimously. "His studiousness, his laborious assiduity are they not notable?"

"Agreed!" said the men.—"Is he not finally what is called a promising young man, of good social qualities, and of the happiest character?" There was but one cry of affirmation.—"Well then, listen," continued Willibald. "A short time ago a young master tailor was celebrating his betrothal. John, the favorite servant of counsellor Foerd, was looking through the windows at what was passing in the ball room.—Suddenly he perceived Henrietta, a young girl whom he loved. Beside himself with love and jealousy, he ran home, put on his best livery, and presented himself at the ball room door. They did not refuse to allow him to enter, but they imposed this cruel condition upon him, that any journeyman tailor should have the right to invite before him any lady that he might choose to dance with, which obliged the poor devil to content himself with ladies that no one cared about. Henrietta was invited and accepted; John, in a rage, knocked her partner down and beat a number of the dancers who tried to put him out; but he was obliged to yield to force, for they all united to throw him out of doors. Max was passing by in the street at this moment, and delivered John from the police who had been attracted by the noise, and were about 36