s not so very easy.
But you have the money, and fine fortunes can command fine houses."

"What I want principally is to get you to draw a plan, consulting your
own taste and experience in doing so. You will show it to me when
ready, and I will tell you whether I like it or not."

"Very well, Mr. Greifmann, very well! But I must know beforehand what
amount of money you are willing to spend upon the house; for all
depends upon the cost."

"Well," said the millionaire, after some deliberation, "I am willing to
spend eighty thousand florins on it, and something over, perhaps."

"Ah, well, for that amount of money something can be put up--something
small but elegant. Are you in a hurry with the building?"

"To be sure! As soon as the matter is determined upon, there is to be
no delay in carrying it out."

"I am altogether of your opinion, Mr. Greifmann--I agree with you
entirely!" assented the builder, with an increase of animation. "I
shall draw up a plan for a magnificent house. If it pleases you, all
hands shall at once be set at work, and by next autumn you shall behold
the villa under roof."

"Of course you are yourself to furnish all the materials," added the
banker shrewdly. "When once the plan will have been settled upon, you
can reach me an estimate of the costs, and I will pay over the money."

"To be sure, Mr. Greifmann--that is the way in which it should be done,
Mr. Greifmann!" responded the man of the black beard with a satisfied
air. "You are not to have the slightest bother. I shall take all the
bother upon myself."

"That, then is agreed upon! Well, now, have you learned yet who is to
be the next mayor?"

"Why, yes, the old one is to be reelected!"

"Not at all! We must have an economical and intelligent man for next
mayor. Of this I am convinced, because the annual deficit in the
treasury is constantly on the increase."

"Alas, 'tis true! And who is the man of economy and intelligence to
be?"

"Mr. Hans Shund."

"Who--what? Hans Shund? The thief, the usurer, the convict, the
debauchee? Who has been making a fool of you?"

"Pardon me, sir! I never suffer people to make a fool of me!" rejoined
the banker with much dignity.

"Yes, yes--somebody has dished up a canard for you. What, that
good-for-nothing scoundrel to be elected mayor! Never in his life! Hans
Shund mayor--really that is good now--ha, ha!"

"Mr. Sand, you lead me to suspect that you belong to the party of
Ultramontanes."