Frau Professor and Frau Candlestickmaker meet at the Weekly Kaffee-Klatsch and exchange scandal on terms of mutual equality.

The livery-stable keeper and the doctor hobnob together at their favourite beer hall.

The wealthy master builder, when he prepares his roomy waggon for an excursion into the country, invites his foreman and his tailor to join him with their families.

Each brings his share of drink and provisions, and returning home they sing in chorus the same songs.

So long as this state of things endures, a man is not induced to sacrifice the best years of his life to win a fortune for his dotage.