It was in a much more conventional manner that Leo met Herr Habietnik. M. Dufresne was accustomed to supply his wants in the line of ties and underwear in the Kärtnerstrasse department store, which in spite of its epidemic of woolen still carried the best wares; and on one such occasion he had entered into conversation with Herr Habietnik. The latter was delighted to wait personally on this Frenchman of distinction who bore himself impeccably and knew that a blue cheviot suit required a pearl-gray silk tie. There ensued an animated talk in the course of which Leo saw how deeply the intelligent merchant suffered from prevailing conditions. Thereafter the two frequently met in the store, and finally made occasional appointments to meet in the Grabencafé. After the National Assembly had been dissolved Leo hastened to get in touch with Herr Habietnik again, and in the course of the conversation asked him for his opinion on future developments. “Well, the Socialists are working full steam again, and will win back the votes they lost the last time. The Christian-Socialists and Pan-Germans have lost their heads, and haven’t come out with their platform as yet; but of course everyone who is not a Social-Democrat will have to vote for one of the two.” “So that the Jewish law may remain in force?” “Maybe, if the Socialists don’t get the two-thirds majority necessary for every constitutional amendment. For I’m afraid that the Christian-Socialists and Pan-Germans won’t have the courage to repeal the special legislation against the Jews. I mean--I should say I hope, for if the Jews come back they may eventually even take away the store from me.” “Nonsense,” Leo declared energetically. “No one can take from you what you have. Perhaps they’ll buy it from you, or the former owner will content himself with a partnership with you. But the most important thing is that you’ll be able to throw out the Alpine hats and woolen skirts, and will be able to arrange your displays as you used to.” Habietnik’s eyes shone as he replied with genuine warmth: “Yes, indeed! That’s the most important thing! When I think that there might be life and luxury here again, as in the old days--no, that dream is too beautiful to come true.”