The general nodded but did not speak.
"I will send word to Crespigny too, and then you can do whatever you think proper."
Still the general said nothing, and his silence irritated Sterzl.
"I could bear it no longer," he muttered as if in delirium; "what ... do you suppose ... too much...."
By this time they were in the Corso. Towards them came Siegburg, as bright and gay as ever, his hat pushed back on his head.
"I am happy to be the first to congratulate you, Sterzl," he cried.
"On what pray?" said Sterzl fiercely.
"On your sister's engagement to Sempaly--what! then you really did know nothing about it?"
Sterzl was bewildered: "What is it--what are you talking about?--I do not understand," he stammered.
"What, have you not heard?" Siegburg began; "the bomb fell last evening; Nicki declared his engagement. Oscar, to whom the whole business was news ... come into this café and I will tell you exactly all about it; it does not do to discuss such things in the street."