“‘Blitzen,’ said he, ‘what a night to be abroad! You were not at the Opera, sir?’
“Klun leant back in his chair and laughed—a drunken laugh, full of self-conceit and impudence.
“‘I—at the Opera—to hear my wife squeal? Diavolo, I have something better to do! But you——’
“‘I—oh, I was there.’
“‘Of course you would be. Where the devil else should I look for you? She did well, you say?’
“‘She did more than well. It is a small part, of course, and her future is not in the theatre. But it was good for her to have the prestige of it; and she promises to become the first violinist in Austria. Few have her dash. Her reception to-night was tremendous.’
“‘Bah!’ said the other, ‘that was her pretty face. It is hard not to applaud a woman when her eyes are bright and her skin is clear, little boy. There is yourself, now, maledetto—your hands were busy, I’ll be bound. And now you come running back to her house at this time of night. But I shall have something to say to that. Do you hear? You have to reckon with me, my little master.’
“He raised himself upon his elbows, and his attempt to assume the possession of heroic virtues which had been outraged was so ridiculous to see that Zol laughed in spite of himself.
“‘Sit still, and don’t be a fool!’ said he; ‘You know well that I come here often at this time. I shall come just when I please. If you have anything to say about it, say it to my groom.’
“Klun sank back upon his cushions again, and helped himself to more brandy.