Soltyk was astonished and mortified. He did not go, looking at her doubtfully. At this point Kreisler had addressed him.
“I said nothing, sir, when a moment ago, you failed to return my salute. I understand you were going to have tea with Fräulein Vasek. Now you deprive her suddenly of the pleasure of your company. So there is no further doubt on a certain point. Will you tell me at once and clearly what objection you have to me?”
“I don’t wish to discuss things of that sort before this lady.”
“Will you then name a place where they may be discussed? I will then take my leave?”
“I see no necessity to discuss anything with you.”
“Ah, you see none. I do. And perhaps it is as well that Fräulein Vasek should hear. Will you explain to me, sir, how it is that you have been putting stories about having reference to me, and to my discredit, calculated to prejudice people against me? Since this lady no doubt has heard some of your lies, it would be of advantage that you take them back at once, or else explain yourself.”
Before Kreisler had finished, Soltyk said to Anastasya, “I had better go at once, to save you this—” Then he turned to Kreisler,
“I should have thought you would have had sufficient decency left⸺”
“Decency, liar? Decency, lying swine? Decency—? What do you mean?” said Kreisler, loudly, in crescendo.
Then he crossed quickly over in front of Anastasya and smacked Soltyk first smartly on one cheek and then on the other.