"Did you so? May I ask why?"

"There was no particular reason. It happened that I walked down the
Fahrgasse, endeavoring to make up my mind upon whom I should call
to-day."

"And why have I received the preference?"

"Perhaps, sir, it would be more accurate to say your house received the
preference, if it is such. I was struck by its appearance of solidity
and wealth, and, differing from all others in the door being ajar, I
lingered before it last night with some inclination to enter. Then the
procession which accompanied you came along. I heard your address to
your friends, and wondered what the formality was about. After the door
was closed I accosted one of those who escorted you, and learned your
name, business, and reputation."

"You must be a stranger in Frankfort when you needed to make such
inquiry."

"Those are almost the same words that my acquaintance of last night
used, and he seemed astonished when I replied that I was born in
Frankfort, and had lived here all my life."

"Ah, I suppose no man is so well known as he thinks he is, but I venture
to assert that you are not engaged in business here."

"Sir, you are in the right. I fear I have hitherto led a somewhat
useless existence."