‘No,’ he repeated. ‘If you really want to go abroad, you’ll have to go by yourself. For me the time for such adventures has passed. If I ever have the money for it I might go abroad, but under different conditions.’

‘It’s only because you’re tied to Thea’s apron strings, I know it. Since when are you such a solid citizen that you can’t go anywhere without a wagon-lit? Well, let’s leave it at that!’ He emptied his glass angrily: as far as he was concerned, Gurdweill was a lost case. ‘I’ll go alone! I’ll find a way!’

Suddenly Gurdweill found himself feeling sorry for this young man, whose cynical smile had disappeared, leaving a grim, suffering expression on his face, which seemed that of a far older man. He didn’t get much satisfaction out of life, he reflected. Compared to him, he, Gurdweill, was a happy man with a hold on life … He felt slightly ashamed of his happiness in front of Freddy. The hostility he had felt towards his brother-in-law in the hospital had vanished without a trace. ‘He’ll come to a bad end’ — the thought flashed through his mind with the force of a sudden revelation, and as if to comfort him for something, he said, ‘Would you like to come with me? I have to pay a call to Dr Astel in Karlsgasse. He usually comes home from the office after six.’

Freddy rose silently to his feet and followed him out of the tavern. He walked with him to the corner of the street, where he suddenly stopped and announced: ‘No, I’m not coming with you. It’s boring.’

The cynical smile reappeared on his face. ‘By the way, our cat’s disappeared … three days ago, hee-hee …’ He stared straight into Gurdweill’s eyes. ‘Father’s in despair, the old fool! I think he must be getting senile to make such a fuss over a revolting old cat.’

Gurdweill paled. ‘You killed him yourself, you monster! And you’re not even ashamed!’

Freddy went on smiling without saying a word. Then he turned away and strode off, stooping slightly.