Ah,
my friends, I could have cried for rage, for I am sorry to say that
it was a better meal than we could ever get at Nicolai's or St.
Vincent's; moreover I paid less for it."
"It is a shame. A Frenchman comes here and gives a better and
cheaper dinner than a native of Berlin," said Mr. Pricker. "I tell
you we will all have much to endure; and even my title is
insufficient to protect me from insult and humiliation, for it might
happen that--"
Mr. Pricker suddenly became silent and stared toward the centre of
the street, astonishment and curiosity depicted on his countenance
and on that of his friends, who followed the direction of his
glances.
And in truth a very unusual spectacle presented itself to these
worthy burghers. A carriage was slowly passing along the street
drawn by two weary and smoking horses. This carriage was of the
elegant and modern French make, now becoming fashionable at court,
and was called a chaise. As the top was thrown back, its occupants
could very well be seen.
On the front seat were three persons. The first was a man of grave
and earnest demeanor and commanding appearance. His tall and well-
made figure was clad in a black velvet coat with little silver
buttons, ornamented on the sleeves and breast with elegant lace
ruffles.
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