He understood quite well that she wished to intimate her appreciation of the obligations demanded by social considerations, which, however, the special circumstances permitted her to waive. With a bow he seated himself near the tea-table, at which the others resumed their places also.
"I am indebted to you for your indulgence. My office hours come at the customary visiting time; and it may have happened that I could not have spoken to you undisturbed, so I took the liberty to claim this privilege."
"Not at all."
In the meantime Rita had prepared the tea, and offered him a cup.
"Thank you."
"Do you prefer a cigar or a cigarette?"
"Is smoking permitted?" he asked of the ladies.
"During the tea hour my wife allows smoking."
"Then may I ask for a cigarette?"
"Hugo, there are the Russian——"