The president laughed contemptuously. Lievenkopp was, it was well known, one of Fräulein Fruzsinka's admirers.
The president and the judge drove together as far as the next post station, where their ways parted, and meantime chatted amicably.
"Isn't our hostess a charming person?" began the president as they left the inn.
"I don't say she isn't."
"I must admit you certainly show your good taste in that quarter."
"Surely only like any other?"
"Come, come, what avails evasion? When I look into the fair lady's eyes I don't see the expression there, you do. Can you deny it?"
"Well, and if I have looked into her eyes, what of it?"
"Oh, we know all about that. Everyone knows that you and the lady of the house were carrying on a flirtation whilst the sessions were going on."
"Did I flirt?"