“I didn’t suppose that there would be much trouble as to finding rooms,” said Herr Weiss. “Why shouldn’t there be as much trouble as usual?” asked the Frau in return. She had felt that there was some slight in this arrival of the whole family without the usual preliminary inquiries,--as though there would never again be competition for rooms at the Peacock. “Well, my friend, I suppose that that little letter which was sent about the country will make a difference.” “That’s as people like to take it. It hasn’t made any difference with you, it seems.” “I had to think a good deal about it, Frau Frohmann; and I suppose we shall have to make our stay shorter. I own I am a little surprised to see the Tendel women here. A zwansiger and a half a day comes to a deal of money at the end of a month, when there are two or three.” “I am happy to think it won’t hurt you, Herr Weiss, as you have had your salary raised.” “That is neither here nor there, Frau Frohmann,” said the magistrate, almost with a touch of anger. All the world knew, or ought to know, how very insufficient was his stipend when compared with the invaluable public services which he rendered. Such at least was the light in which he looked at the question. “At any rate,” said the Frau as he stalked away, “the house is like to be as full as ever.” “I am glad to hear it. I am glad to hear it.” These were his last words on the occasion. But before the day was over he told his wife that he thought the place was not as comfortable as usual, and that the Frau with her high prices was more upsetting than ever.