PRIVY COUNSELLOR BRAUSIG'S DINNER

Privy Counsellor Brausig, a Saxon by bîrth, a man apparently ail 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 Oberîé, Jean, Lucienne, her suîtor, Lieutenant von Famovir, two young Alsatian artists, two German professors, a great iron merchant and his elegantly dressed young wife, and

lo se vend 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 Germàns, naturally enough, made Jean the target of their remarks, but Jean vigorously

15 uphdd the cause of his people, saying that the attempt to germanize Alsace not only oppressed 3ie consciences of the Alsatians, but prejudiced German interests as well. He contended that Germany should be satisôed 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 gendemen 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 blundy 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 disruption of the

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