Rummel.
It means that the proudest moment of your life has arrived. The whole town is coming in procession to do homage to its leading citizen.
Bernick.
What do you mean?
Rummel.
With banners and music, sir! We should have had torches too; but it was thought dangerous in this stormy weather. However, there's to be an illumination; and that will have an excellent effect in the newspapers.
Bernick.
Listen, Rummel—I will have nothing to do with all this.
Rummel.
Oh, it's too late now; they'll be here in half an hour.
Bernick.
Why did you not tell me of this before?
Rummel.
Just because I was afraid you would make objections. But I arranged it all with your wife; she allowed me to put things in order a little, and she is going to look to the refreshments herself.
Bernick.
[Listening.] What's that? Are they coming already? I thought I heard singing.
