Do you want to make a bargain with me ?" asked the count, good-naturedly.
With a virtuous shake of the head in refutation of the charge, Mr.
Ehrenthal went on: "Not a word of business, baron, not a word.

_Our_ business, when we have any, admits of no compliments--good money and good stock, that is our plan; and so, please God, it will be.

I merely came, in passing by"-- here he waved his hand--"in passing by, to inquire about one of the horses the baron has to sell; I promised a friend to make inquiries.

But I can settle the matter with the bailiff." "No, no; come along with me, Ehrenthal--I am going to take my horse to the stable." With many bows to the ladies, Ehrenthal followed, and, arrived at the stable-door, respectfully insisted that the baron should enter it first.
After the customary questions and answers, the baron took him to the cow-house, and he then fervently requested to see the calves, and then the sheep.

Being an experienced man, his praise, although somewhat exaggerated, was in the main judicious, and the baron heard it with pleasure.
After the inspection of the sheep, there was a pause, Ehrenthal being quite overcome by the thickness and fineness of their fleece.