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Updated: May 10, 2025
"In other words, you prefer a man who fawns at court to one who reigns like a prince over his own estates," said the first speaker, warmly. "I, for my part " "Hush! Let us hear what he is saying," interrupted the lady. "I am under many obligations for your hospitality," said the Baron von Josephi to the hostess.
"You should not speak so loud," said Josephi "for you know that the emperor has issued an edict, exacting that all those who have grain shall meet him in Prague, that the government may buy their grain at a reasonable price." "What fool would heed such an edict?" cried the freiherr. "The emperor is not master of our granaries.
His hand clutched the wine-glass which he held, and he seemed to breathe with difficulty. No one observed it. The company were excited by wine, and their senses were dim and clouded. But for this sumptuous dinner, at which he had indulged himself too far, the freiherr would never have betrayed the secret of his overflowing barns. Josephi, meanwhile, controlled his indignation, and spoke again.
"And now, gentlemen," said Baron von Josephi, "as our political gossip can no longer annoy the ladies, allow me to say that my presence here is not accidental, as I had led you to suppose." "And to what are we indebted for the honor?" asked the host. "I will explain," said the baron, inclining his head.
"Shall we ask for your majesty at the castle, sire?" "Not by my own name. Ask for Baron von Josephi, for by that title I shall introduce myself. Now farewell, and au revoir." The drawing-room of the Freiherr von Weifach was splendidly illuminated.
"And yet you see how things are exaggerated," replied the Baron von Josephi, laughing. "Such dreadful tidings of the famine in Bohemia reached Vienna that the emperor is actually on his way to investigate the matter. I met him not far from Budweis, and he seemed very sad I thought." "By the saints, he has reason to feel sad," exclaimed one of the guests.
"We are the freiherr's neighbors, and have borrowed his wisdom," said one of the company, "and I can answer for all present that they are well provided." "There are seven of you present, and none needing grain!" exclaimed Von Josephi. "Yes. Seven noblemen, all abounding in grain."
"You are very difficile, Josephi I mean Joe, I forgot." "Ye es, very diffyseal that sort of thing," repeated Josephine, mimicking her aunt's pronunciation of the foreign word, "I know I am, I can't possibly help it, you know." A dashing thrust with the tongs finally destroyed the equilibrium of the fire, and the coals came tumbling down upon the hearth.
"He presents himself as the Baron von Josephi," said the freiherr. "One of the oldest families in Hungary!" exclaimed one of the guests. "Then he can be admitted," responded the hostess. "At least, if it be agreeable to the ladies?" Unanimous consent was given, and the freiherr arose from his seat to convey the invitation to the stranger.
"The Baron von Josephi!" said he, reentering with the gentleman, and leading him at once to the freiherrin. She received him with smiling courtesy, while the rest of the company directed their glances toward him, anxious to see how he would acquit himself in his rather embarrassing position. He was perfectly self-possessed, and in every gesture showed himself to be a man of the world.
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