Malvine, handsomely dressed and richly adorned, sat enthroned in the middle of the long side of the table, and had Chamberlain von Swerte (of the House of Hellebrand) and the Landrath, to right and left of her.

Paul, who sat opposite, insisted against all the rules of etiquette on having Schrotter beside him as his left-hand neighbor.

On his right, Frau Brohl, in rustling silk, sat in rapt silence.

The ever-modest Frau Marker was content to take a lower place.
The pastor said grace before the dinner began, which seemed to surprise the Landrath, but the Chamberlain was much edified.

The Young Men's Verein played dance-music and marches in front of the open windows.
Paul proposed the health of the emperor, whereupon the Landrath, in a carefully worded speech, drank to the host and the ladies.