"Since we have been at Traunberg I have not yet been able to find a suitable saddle-horse." Linda turns to Scirocco.
"If you are not a grandfather before Litzi thinks of marriage," Elsa laughingly answers his last remark. "Do you know that you are beginning to grow gray?"
Whereupon be, turning to his right, says: "You will find the country very pleasant for riding, Baroness--many meadows," and to the left: "You always were accustomed to discover the mote in my eye, Snowdrop!"
"Why did you never mention your wish to me, Linda?" asks Erwin across the table. "I can place a horse at your disposal which might suit you."
"Riding is a very pleasant pastime--will be a great resource for you, Baroness," remarks Pistasch.
"Ah! Do you think that I will need many resources in Traunberg?" asks Linda, bitterly.
"Well, life in the country is always monotonous," he says politely but somewhat hesitatingly.
"These pâtis are excellent, Mika," now says the bass voice of Klette, at his right. She has known him all his life, has dandled him on her knees when he wore short dresses, still calls him by his Christian name, and is one of the few people who remember that he was really baptised Michael.
He gives a servant a sign. "Shall I help you?" he asks with droll gallantry.
"I have nothing against it--two, please," she replies.