A manservant in a white tie brought them some weak tea and little dry, round biscuits.

The schoolfellow, from spite, asked for some seltzer water.

It was given him, but after some delays, and Lembke was somewhat embarrassed at having to summon the footman a second time and give him orders.

But of himself he asked his visitor whether he would like some supper, and was obviously relieved when he refused and went away.

In short, Lembke was making his career, and was living in dependence on his fellow-countryman, the influential general.
He was at that time sighing for the general's fifth daughter, and it seemed to him that his feeling was reciprocated.