“Shall we go to the Reunionsaal, and be introduced to the other people?” repeated Gerald, laughing.
There was a moment’s hesitation.
“I suppose we’d better—better break the ice,” said Birkin.
The women rose, rather flushed. And the Wirt’s black, beetle-like, broad-shouldered figure went on ignominiously in front, towards the noise. He opened the door and ushered the four strangers into the play-room.
Instantly a silence fell, a slight embarrassment came over the company. The newcomers had a sense of many blond faces looking their way. Then, the host was bowing to a short, energetic-looking man with large moustaches, and saying in a low voice:
“ Herr Professor, darf ich vorstellen—”
The Herr Professor was prompt and energetic. He bowed low to the English people, smiling, and began to
