People make
clothes – a completely logical statement for the
tailor Wenzel Strapinski from Seldwyla. However, what does it
signify if
clothes make the man -- this he would learn only on a harsh November day when he was on the way to Goldach. Strapinski was not dressed badly, but he was desperately poor, nevertheless, and, therefore, he was glad when he was picked up on the way to Goldach by a coach which was empty otherwise. Thus it happened that a short time later this distinguished coach stopped before the inn "Zur Waage" and an elegantly dressed man got out. The landlord, who almost fell all over himself with joy, led the guest without asking to a table and served him the best food. The
tailor, completely surprised and shy, actually went on his way as he did not trust the landlord enough to stay there. The tailor soon did strike up an acquaintance with the distinguished citizens of the town who called him Count Strapinski. The tailor who could not explain this behavior to his own satisfaction, was soon invited to try his new wine with men on the property of the senior local judge. Because he hoped to be able to escape from the society there and to continue on his way, he accepted. However, something hindered him in his plan: the nice unmarried daughter of the senior local judge, Nettchen. He remained, nevertheless, longer in the village without clearing up who was he, and enlisted Nettchen who was really very fond of him. However, the secret of Count Strapinski did not stay undiscovered and could still come back to haunt him or even bring on disaster …