I pressed her arm slightly, so slightly that it might have passed for an accidental movement, and then turning to my aunt, said:—
"I am giving a dinner in honor of the Ploszowski success."
My aunt was deeply gratified with my belief in that event. Ah! if she knew how little I care for Naughty Boy, and all the races the Ploszow horses might win on all the race-courses of Europe. Aniela evidently guessed something of this, but she was in such spirits that she only cast a passing glance at me, and bit her lips to hide a smile.
I well-nigh lost my head. In the covert smile I saw a shade of coquetry I had never noticed there before. It is impossible, I thought, that she should have no vanity whatever, and not feel flattered in the least, on perceiving that all I am doing is done through her and for her sake.
My aunt divested herself of her travelling-wraps, and without delay went to inspect Naughty Boy and Aurora, and I showed Aniela the list of the invited guests.
"I tried to bring together people you like; but if there is anybody else you would like to have, I will go myself, or send an invitation."
"Show it to aunty;" replied Aniela, "let her decide."
"No; aunty will sit at the head of the table, and we shall go to her with our congratulations or condolences, as the case may be; but the part of lady of the house I have assigned to you."
Aniela blushed a little, and, trying to change the conversation, said:—
"Leon, I do hope Naughty Boy will win; aunty has set her heart upon it, and will be so vexed if it should turn out otherwise."