Page:Stories Translated from the German.djvu/217

 his passion, approached so nearly to screaming, that the eyes of all those by whom they were surrounded, were fixed with astonishment upon this group.

"My friends," said the minister, "come with me into this room, in order that your remarkable behaviour may not cause any excitement. Honour me by accepting me as a mediator, advocate, or arbitrator, and I hope to be able once more to reconcile such worthy friends to each other.

The disputing parties followed the friendly man; his daughters and two other savants went with him; some ladies, excited by curiosity, and who would not be denied, followed the French ladies; and the professor was likewise accompanied by his general staff, anger depicted in all their countenances.

"Your excellency," said the professor, after the door had been closed, " will learn a most singular and unheard-of occurrnceoccurrence [sic], which, notwithstanding that we have succeeded in destroying the tyranny and supremacy of the French, still proves that these Franks wish to trample us under foot."

"Since the affair is at length brought to an audience," said the French lady smiling, "I must