50
"'Yes.'
"'So early in the morning, and on an empty stomach.'
"'Well, then I'll have nothing at all,' I answered pettishly. 'I see you are afraid I'm going to turn drunkard.'
"My mother said nothing, she only looked at me wistfully for a few minutes, an expression of deep sorrow was seen in her face, then—without adding another word—she rang the bell and ordered the wine to be brought."
"But what made her so sad?"
"Later on, I understood that she was frightened that I was already getting to be like my father."
"And your father—?"
"I'll tell you his story another time.
"After I had gulped down a glass or two of champagne, I felt revived by the exhilarating wine: our conversation then turned on the concert, and although I longed to ask my mother if she knew anything about Teleny, still I durst not utter the name which was foremost on my lips, nay I had even to restrain myself not to repeat it aloud every now and then.
