"Try this wine," said Siegwart; "my own growth," he added with some pride.
They touched glasses. Hamm put his glass to his lips, without drinking; Frank tasted the noble liquor with the air of a connoisseur; while Siegwart's smiling gaze rested on him.
"Excellent! I do not remember to have drank better Burgundy."
"Real Burgundy, neighbor--real Burgundy. I brought the vines from France."
"Do you not think the vines degenerate with us?" said Frank.
"They have not degenerated yet. Besides, proper care and attention make up for the unsuitableness of our soil and climate."
"You would oblige me, Herr Siegwart, if you would preserve me some shoots when you next trim them."
"With pleasure. I had them set last year; they shot forth fine roots, and I can let you have any number of shoots."
"Just the right time. Our vine-growers generally set them too early. It should be done in May, and not in April. Shall I send them over?"
"You are too kind, Herr Siegwart. My request must certainly destroy your plan in regard to those shoots."
"Not at all; I have all I can use. It gives me great pleasure to be able to accommodate a neighbor. It's settled; I'll send over the Burgundies this evening."
It was clear to Hamm that Siegwart desired to be agreeable to the wealthy Frank. The assessor opened and shut his eyes and mouth, and fidgeted about in his chair. While he inwardly boiled and fretted, he very properly concluded that he must consider himself offended. From the moment of Frank's arrival, the proprietor had entirely forgotten him. He was about to leave, in order not to expose his nerves to further excitement, when chance afforded him an opportunity to give vent to his ill-humor.
Two boys came running into the room. They directed their bright eyes to Siegwart, and their childish, joyful faces, seemed to say,
"Here we are again; you know very well what we want."
One of them carried a tin box in his hand; there was a lock on the box, and a small opening in the top--evidently a money-box.
"Gelobt sei Jesus Christus," said the children, and remained standing near the door.
"In Ewigkeit," returned Siegwart. "Are you there again, my little ones? That's right; come here, Edward." And Siegwart took out his purse and dropped a few pennies into the box.