All the excuses betray a preoccupied mind. To these intended guests other interests had become all-absorbing. The invitation they had pledged themselves to accept was put aside, and the generous friend was insulted by their indifference.

Alle undskyldningerne viser at tankerne var optaget af andre ting. Disse indbudte gæster var blevet fuldstændig grebet af andre interesser. Indbydelsen, som de havde lovet at efterkomme, blev skubbet til side, og de fornærmede den gæstfrie ven ved deres tarvelige opførsel.