“My dear fellow, don’t look so mortally disgusted. It was not my choice. The thing is all arranged.”
“I told you so!” groaned Newman.
“I told him so,” said Valentin, smiling.
“What did he do to you?”
“My good friend, it doesn’t matter what. He used an expression—I took it up.”
“But I insist upon knowing; I can’t, as your elder brother, have you rushing into this sort of nonsense.”
“I am very much obliged to you,” said Valentin. “I have nothing to conceal, but I can’t go into particulars now and here.”
“We will leave this place, then. You can tell me outside.”
“Oh no, I can’t leave this place, why should I hurry away? I will go to my orchestra-stall and sit out the opera.”
“You will not enjoy it; you will be preoccupied.”