Oldnewland*
On the morning of the Congress, David Litvak, somewhat crestfallen, entered Friedrich's room. "You must go without me to the Congress house. I have received a telegram which calls me to Tiberias. My mother!"—his voice quivered—"My mother is very bad. My sister and I are going to Timberias by express; my wife and child will follow."
Friedrich offered to go with him.
“No,” said David. “You cannot help me. I am afraid no one can help us.Remain and see the Congress, for it will be a gathering that you will always recallwith satisfaction. As for myself, I am absolutely indifferent. Let them electwhom they wish.”
Kingscourt said: "We will bring your wife and child to Tiberias later."
"Thank you," replied David. "Please do not inform anyone of my departure. There are times when even friends are too much. I shall be overwhelmed with inquiries. I want to be alone. Good-by."
"I hope your mother will recover," said Friedrich. David smiled mournfully.
Directly after the departure of David and Miriam, Friedrich Lowenberg and Kingscourt went to the Congress building. The blue and white flags were at half mast in memory of Eichenstamm, and a great crowd was collected round the building. The Congress hall was a lofty and spacious marble chamber with a lantern roof. The seats were still empty, for the delegates were all busy in the corridors and lobbies. The galleries were full, but the ladies were all dressed in quiet costumes, in mourning for the late president. The exception was a party that sat near Kingscourt and Friedrich. They were the Wienbergers, mother and daughter, the old and the younger Laschner, Schlesinger and his wife and daughter, Dr. Walter, Schiffmann and the humorists, Grun and Blau. Friedrich would very gladly have changed places, but it was impossible; and, Kingscourt, expecting to be amused by them, would not quit.
Grun was saying: "So this is the Congress. It seems to me more Cohn than gress (grass), and it would be going to grass to be a candidate and be defeated."
"I hear that Marcus will be defeated," said Schiffmann.
"How do you know that?" asked the representative of Baron von Goldstein. "Between ourselves, I am indifferent."