usband.

"I saw the piece of cloth myself; this was the first length cut off it.
It has a peculiar look in the sunlight."

"Yes, yes; but I asked the price of it."

But it was difficult to bring Mokry to think of other things when he was
once launched on the subject of his new suit.

"Klener has a tailor working for him, a certain Kupek, who used to work
at one of the court tailors' in Vienna, and he said to me: 'Don't grudge
the money, Mr. Mokry, for this is such a durable stuff that your own
skin will wear out first.' Please feel it."

"It's as soft as silk. Wladin, my dear, I think you had better change
places with me. You are in a draught there each time the door is
opened. What are you making such a face for? You surely don't mean to
argue with me? Over you come now!"

The beloved martyr changed places with his wife, and now Mrs.
Szliminszky was on the opposite side of the table, next to Wibra; but he
was entirely taken up with Veronica, who was chattering to her heart's
content. The clever young man, of whom it was said he would once be the
first lawyer in Besztercebanya, was listening to the girl with as much
attention as though a bishop were speaking, and would not for a moment
have taken his eyes off her.

They spoke quietly, as though they were discussing very important
questions, though they were in reality speaking of the most innocent
things. What did Veronica do at home? She read a good deal, and took
long walks. What did she read, and where did she walk? And Veronica gave
the titles of some books. Gyuri had read them all too, and they began
exchanging notes regarding some of them, such as "Elemer the Eagle,"
"Ivan Berend," "Aranka Beldi." Gyuri considered Pal Beldi very stupid
for not accepting the title of prince when it was offered him. Veronica
thought it was better he had not done so, for if he had, the novel would
never have been written.

Then Gyuri began to question her about Glogova. Was it very dull?
Veronica looked at him, surprised. How could Glogova be dull? It was as
though some ignorant person had asked if Paris were dull.

"Is there a wood there?"

"A beautiful one."

"Do you ever go there?"

"Of course."

"Are you not afraid?"

"Afraid of what?"

"Well, you know, woods sometimes have inhabitants one might be afraid
of."

"Oh, but the inhabitants of our woods are more afraid of me than I of
them."

"Can any one be afraid of you?"

"Oh, yes they are, because I catch