Brandow suddenly paused; he had just seen Gotthold, who had been standing directly behind him.
"I have time to wait until you have finished your business here."
"It would detain you too long."
"I have plenty of time."
Gotthold withdrew from the circle with a polite but formal bow; Brandow had turned very pale, and stared sullenly at his betting-book, while the lead-pencil trembled in his hand. What was the meaning of the pertinacity with which this man pursued him? Should he rudely dismiss him before the whole company? But that was impossible without a scene, and this evening a scene might be dangerous.
"Now, Brandow! I have no time to wait!" cried a voice.
"Are you reckoning them up already?" asked a second.
"I really must run them over once," replied Brandow, closing the book; "have patience for a few minutes, gentlemen; it seems that there is a communication of some importance to be made to me. I'll be back again in a moment. Now may I ask your wishes?"
"The communication I have to make is indeed of some importance, and might be best heard without witnesses. So it is only in your own interest that I request you to provide some place where we shall not be disturbed."
"Have you considered that I shall probably have more to ask of you than you of me?"