They passed a tavern and Heidelberger pressed them to go in with him. They could go to the café later. Thea had no objections and they went in. ‘Today you’re my guests, of course. What will you drink? A good old wine? Or perhaps a new one?’

When the waiter brought the wine, Heidelberger poured it out with obvious enjoyment, and they clinked glasses. After taking a gulp of wine and wiping his moustache with his hand, he continued, ‘The evening is something else again! Here a man feels like a man, isn’t that so? In the evening and at night — every man to his own pleasure. Cards, women, even theatres and books and so on — each to his own taste. I don’t know how it is with you, Herr Doktor and Frau Baroness.’ (How did he know that she was a baroness, Gurdweill wondered.) ‘As for me, I can tell you one thing: cards — never! Cards don’t mean a thing to me. For that you won’t find me at home: here you’ll have to look for somebody else!’

‘And what about women?’ asked Thea slyly.

‘Women are something else entirely! Here I won’t say no: thank God for women! But, I always say, you have to be careful. There are women and there are women! If you draw a bitch — pardon me for the expression, Baroness — she’ll never give you a minute’s peace. Franzl Heidelberger knows what he’s talking about, believe me! Here’s to you, Herr Doktor and Frau Baroness! The wine’s not bad, eh? A bit of wine beats everything, aren’t I right? Not too much, mind: half a litre or a litre is enough to make you happy.’

‘Have you got any children, Herr Heidelberger?’

‘No, madam, not yet. But it won’t be long now: a man must have a son, otherwise his wife gets bored. And Gustl wants one too. And Franzl Heidelberger can afford the pleasure! I earn a pretty penny, I can tell you!’ He added proudly: ‘Foreman at a big machine factory — one rung below Engineer Schmidt himself. That’s something!’

Gurdweill no longer wanted any wine, and he particularly wanted to prevent Thea from drinking, as he was afraid it might harm the baby. Apart from which, he now found himself for some unknown reason unable to bear Franzl Heidelberger’s company, especially in Thea’s presence. He was full of tense expectation, and his heart shrank from something unpleasant that he knew with absolute certainty was about to happen. He wanted to get away immediately, and pressed Thea to leave.

‘What’s your hurry, my friends?’ said Heidelberger. ‘Why not have another drink? We meet so seldom! Gustl is always asking about you, Herr Doktor,’ he added, giving Gurdweill a meaningful smile. ‘I’d say she was missing you, Herr Doktor! An excellent woman, don’t you agree?’