It appeared there was never a time when he had not known us.

We had been boys together.
Did he know anybody else who knew us?
The question appeared to him almost insulting.

Everybody in Innsbruck knew us, honoured us, respected us--everybody, that is, except a few post-office officials, people quite out of society.
Would he kindly bring along, say; one undoubtedly respectable citizen who could vouch for our identity?
The request caused him to forget us and our troubles.

The argument became a personal quarrel between the porter and the clerk.

If he, the porter, was not a respectable citizen of Innsbruck, where was such an one to be found?
The disadvantage of being an unknown Person.
Both gentlemen became excited, and the discussion passed beyond my understanding.