"You, marry your reigning duke and then leave us in peace."
Then Emma put down her knife and fork and went out. In the evening, before the office closed, Kienast appeared. He was wearing a frock-coat and his manner was more social than commercial. By tacit agreement they both refrained from speaking until old Sötbier had packed up his things. When he had retired, with a mistrustful glance, Diederich said: "I have placed the old man on the retired list. I attend to all the more important things alone."
"Well, have you thought over our little affair?" asked Kienast.
"Have you?" returned Diederich. Kienast's eyes twinkled confidentially.
"My powers do not really extend so far, but I will take the risk. For Heaven's sake, return the machine. I have no doubt some defect will be discovered in it."
Diederich understood. "You will find one," he promised. Kienast said in a matter of fact tone:
"In return for this concession you undertake to order all your machines from us whenever required. One moment!" he commanded, as Diederich started to protest. "And in addition you will defray our costs and my travelling expenses to the extent of five hundred marks, which we shall deduct from your first instalment."
"Oh, I say, this is sheer robbery!" Diederich's outraged sense of justice raised his voice. Kienast, too, began again to speak loudly. "Dr. Hessling! …" With an effort Diederich controlled himself. He laid his hand on the manager's Shoulder. "Let us go up to the house, the ladies are waiting." Somewhat mollified Kienast said: "So far we have understood one another perfectly." "This little difference will also be made up," Diederich assured him. There was a festive odour upstairs. Frau Hessling shone in
