He was glad, therefore, that on this occasion, thanks to the horse's gentleness, De Sinten seemed a person who, without reason, told things which were untrue; hence he said, on returning,—
"A good horse, and specially good because he is as tame as a sheep."
He dismounted, and they walked on together, three of them, and even five, for Romulus and Remus followed closely. Pani Elzen, to spite De Sinten, and perhaps from a wish to be rid of him, turned the conversation to pictures and art in general, of which the young sportsman had not the faintest idea. But he began to retail gossip from the Casino, and congratulated the young woman on her luck of yesterday; she listened with constraint, being ashamed, in presence of Svirski, of having taken part in play. Her vexation was increased when Romulus called out,—
"Mamma, but did you not tell us that you never play; will you give us a louis d'or for that?"
"I sought Councillor Kladzki, wishing to invite him to dinner to-day; when I found him he and I played a little," answered she, as if speaking to no one in particular.
"Give us a louis d'or apiece," repeated Romulus.
"Or buy us a little roulette table," added Remus.
"Do not annoy me! Let us go to the carriage," said she, turning to Svirski. Then she took farewell of De Sinten.
"At seven, did you say?" inquired he.
"At seven."