“Please say, the two Brunszvik ladies— —”The servant immediately sprang into a deep bow, "I beg your forgiveness a thousand times, most gracious Countesses, for being so awkward earlier and speaking of respectable ladies; for I meant to say that they might be ladies from the theater—but Your Most Illustrious Countesses, please forgive me—I knew your late grandfather—surely you are not decent women—that is to say—” “But Herzog,” laughed the more vivacious one, “so are we really not decent?” “But yes, of course, oh, as far as that goes,” the old man hastened to say; “I only meant that because I expressed myself so disrespectfully; the Countess must surely forgive me—but in return, I’ll go announce your arrival right away, whatever the cost!” After just a few moments, the old man returned, beaming with joy, and invited the two countesses, Theresa and Josephine, to come in.