The rudeness of the postmaster at Grave
pleased me better than the civilities of these people. Come, Balby,
we have bought pictures enough; now we will only admire them, enjoy
without appropriating them. The rich banker, Abramson, is said to
have a beautiful collection; we will examine them, and then have our
draft cashed."
The banker's splendid house was soon found, and the brothers entered
the house boldly, and demanded of the richly-dressed, liveried
servant to be conducted to the gallery.
"This is not the regular day," said the servant, with a contemptuous
shrug of the shoulders, as he measured the two strangers.
"Not the day! What day?" asked the king, sharply.
"Not the day of general exhibition. You must wait until next
Tuesday."
"Impossible, we leave to-morrow. Go to your master and tell him two
strangers wish to see his gallery, and beg it may be opened for
them."
There was something so haughty and irresistible in the stranger's
manner, that the servant not daring to refuse, and still astonished
at his own compliance, went to inform his master of the request. He
returned in a few moments, and announced that his master would come
himself to receive them.
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