He made a gesture of contempt with his hand.
"I was disappointed. I planned that surprise for Bianca, and felt sure of a lively pleasure. When the time came I convinced myself that the affair was a trifle, not new, and, like everything, stupid. So it is always: what imagination builds up in a long time, criticism overturns in a twinkle. It is impossible to invent anything important. The world is so aged that it has come to us a worn-out old rag."
He took a seat on one of the armchairs surrounding the table, and put his hat on the carpet. Darvid replied without changing his posture:
"Nothing wonderful; when imagination builds up stupidities criticism overturns the building in a twinkle—"
"Who can be sure that he is building up wisdom?" interrupted
Maryan.
Then, taking a cigarette-case from his pocket, he asked:
"Do you permit, father?" Then, handing the cigarette-case, with great politeness, to Darvid, he added:
"But, perhaps, you will smoke also?"
Darvid, with thick wrinkles between his brows, shook his head and sat down.
"Why did you leave the university soon after I went away?" asked he. "I inquired of you touching this several times by letter, but you have never given me a definite answer."