"From the Chief of the Police himself. One day he summoned before him all the newspaper editors in Buda-Pest and sternly commanded them not to write a single letter as to the preparations for the impending war. And thus we heard all about the coming campaign from the very best authority."
"Well, they certainly might have acted more discreetly than that."
"Where, then, shall I send you your remittances in the immediate future?"
"Nowhere at all, dear friend. Bessy will remain here. Nobody is allowed to take his wife with him, not even the Colonel; whilst from the very day on which the war begins I shall receive double pay. So give the money to Bessy."
"I'll send it to her."
"I say give it to her. Take it yourself personally."
"I am much obliged for your confidence."
"It is more than confidence. I wish you, while I am away, to go and see her: be her guest every day, and make yourself quite at home."
"The deuce! Do you consider me, then, one of those ninnies to whom one can confide a pretty woman à l'outrance?"
"Au contraire! I am convinced of the contrary. I know that in such matters no reliance can be placed upon mere honour. The only thing a man expects from his worthy comrades is discretion. I am well informed of everything. My wife has confessed everything to me: the little wooden hut on the Comorn island, and then the visit in your private room, the meeting at the Pagan Altar.... He, he, he! we know all the circumstances quite well!"