"We shall never live to see that," said Oswald.
"The insolence of those people waxes gigantic," said Georges.
"It is our own fault; if we had not danced hand-in-hand with them before the golden calf, they would not now be so presuming," observed Truyn, "remember --73."
"Hm,--our worship of that idol showed simplicity, to say the least," remarked Georges, "the golden calf returned so much gratitude for our homage."
"So much gratitude," growled Truyn. "I did not share in the worship, but I do in the disgrace!--But enough of that! Can Capriani vote? He has not owned Schneeburg for a year yet."
"No, but has he not another estate in Northern Bohemia?" asked Georges.
"You are right, he has," said Truyn. "I suppose he will vote with the Liberals."
"In all probability!" replied Oswald. "Tous les républicains ne sont pas canaille, mais toute la canaille est républicaine."
"I do not think that Capriani openly ranks among the Liberals," remarked Georges, "I know of a certainty that not long ago he placed large sums of money for charitable purposes at the disposal of several ladies of the Faubourg St. Germain."
"That was when he was a candidate for the Jockey Club," rejoined Oswald. "I heard about that. Ever since he was black-balled there, he sings a different song. He is organizing Liberal schools at Schneeburg, and has a great deal to do with universal enlightenment."