“How late you are!” the Galician exclaimed, as he started to enjoy a plateful of roast veal and jelly.
Uncle Cyprien sat beside him and studied the bill of fare.
“Yes!” he said. “I am late; I wanted to dine with my brother ... but they are dining out, at Mme. Chambannes’.”
“Rue de Prony?” Schleifmann asked.
“Then you know the lady?” Cyprien inquired.
“Oh! very little.... She is charming.... I meet her sometimes at the house of one of my pupils’ parents, young Pums, the son of M. Pums, assistant manager of the Bank of Galicia.”
“Well, I never ...” Cyprien exclaimed.
“I even knew that your brother was to dine there.... Mme. Chambannes invited Mme. Pums and gave her the names of the other guests.... She seems to think a great deal of your brother.”
“You knew it and you said nothing of it to me?” said Raindal, with a reproachful glance.
Schleifmann repressed a smile.