rk beard appeared also to be the peculiar object of his attention.
His cloak of fine black cloth, and a felt hat with a pointed crown and
broad brim, which hung on a nail behind him, denoted him to be a man of
some consequence, perhaps holding the rank of counsellor. He appeared
also to drink a better sort of wine than the rest, for he sipped it
with the air of a connoisseur, and when he made a sign that his jug was
empty, by putting on the cover, a fashion peculiar to those days, he
did it with a certain grace and in more polished manner than the
others. He listened to everything that was said with a cunning look,
like one who knew more than he would deign to express upon the present
occasion. He enjoyed also the privilege of patting the waiting maid on
the cheek, or stroking her round plump arm, when she replenished his
can.

Another man, who sat at the opposite end of the table, was not less
distinguished than his fat neighbour, from the rest of the group; every
thing belonging to him was lengthy and gaunt. His face from the
forehead to a long pointed chin, measured at least a good span; his
fingers, with which he was beating time to a song he hummed to himself,
closely resembled the limbs of the spider tribe; and as Albert happened
to bend himself, he discovered two long lanky legs, belonging to the
same personage, stretched under the table. There was something about
the twist of his nose also that expressed self-sufficiency, evidently a
prominent feature of his character, for he invariably contradicted the
rest of the party, whenever they spoke. His manner altogether was that
of one who pretends to unrestrained intimacy with persons of higher
rank in life than himself, but who never feels at ease in their
society. Albert thought it not likely that he belonged to the town of
Pfullingen, for he occasionally inquired of the hostess after his
horse, and forming his opinion upon the whole bearing of this
extraordinary looking person, he supposed him to be a travelling
doctor, who in those days rode about the country, dispatching people
professionally.

The third person who attracted Albert's observation was
ill-conditioned, and raggedly clothed; but there was something quick
and cunning in his appearance, that distinguished him from the
good-humour and tranquillity of his companions, particularly the fat
man. He wore a large plaister over one of his eyes, whilst the look of
the other was bold and sharp. A large walkin