"It asked for money from the captain," was the reply.
"But how did you know that, Paul? I thought you couldn't read."
"I smelt it."
Richard laughed aloud. "Well, who else has been here?" he asked.
"The young gentleman." This title was always used by Paul to designate one particular person.
"My brother? What did he wish?"
As if in answer to this inquiry, the young gentleman suddenly appeared in person.
The youngest Baradlay was a slender youth of frail physique. On his smooth, boyish face sat a somewhat affected expression of amiability, and if he carried his head rather high, it was not from pride, but on account of the eye-glasses which he wore on his nose. As he shook hands with his older brother, the latter was somehow reminded of the regulation that requires certain government officials, as a part of their duties, to show the utmost courtesy to every one—ex officio.
"Your servant, Jenő. What's up now?"
"I came to tell you," replied the other, "that I have received a letter from mother."