PRIVY COUNSELLOR BRAUSIG'S DINNER

Privy Counsellor Brausîg, a Saxon by bîrth, a man apparently sdl déférence, but really inflexible in his ideas, was~ fond of gathering together about his dinner table people absolutely lacking in homogeneity. He called this **con- 5 ciliating the diverse éléments of the country." Acting on this principle, he had invited to dine with him Madame Oberlé, Jean, Lucienne, her suitor, Lieutenant von Famow, two young Alsatian artists, two German professors, a great iron merchant and his elegantly dressed young wife, and

lo several other people of lesser importance.

At table, as the wine flowed, conversation became free and, inevitably, the talk tumed upon the relations between Germany and Alsace. The Germans, naturally enough, made Jean the target of their remarks, but Jean vigorously

15 upheld the cause of his people, saying that the attempt to germanize Alsace not only oppressed the consciences of the Alsatians, but prejudiced German interests as well. He contended tliat Germany should be satisfied with the conquest of the territory, and should encourage originality and

20 independence in the Alsatians. One of the young artists supported Jean's views, and affirmed that Alsace ought to be treated as a European province of the German empire.

After dinner the gentlemen withdrew to the smokingroom, where Famow and Jean retired into a corner in order

25 to converse more freely. Jean had analysed Famow's motives in seeking Lucienne's hand, and now told him bluntly that love of conquest and preferment entered into his suit as much as affection. He begged Famow to withdraw, since his success would mean the dismption of the

30 Oberlé family. Famow, however, was inflexible, and, leaving the smoking-room, rejoined the ladies.