human
Ninon, Ninon, que fais-tu de la vie, Toi, qui n'as pas d'amour?
gpt
Erika, will you not come with me to the exhibition in the Circolo artistico? There is a picture there of which all Venice is talking,--a wonder of a picture, they say.
human
Whom is it by?
gpt
By Lozoncyi.
human
Ah!
gpt
What an indignant exclamation! her grandmother said, with a laugh.
human
Your 'Ah!' sounded as if Lozoncyi were your mortal enemy. Perhaps you resent his being in Bayreuth with--with a companion. You must not be so strict with an artist: the society which these gentlemen, in pursuance of their calling, are obliged to frequent, is apt to blunt their sensibilities in that direction. Besides, he was just from Paris: such things are usual there. We are rather more strict in our notions. It is all the same. For my part, it is a matter of entire indifference to me how this Herr Lozoncyi arranges his domestic affairs. Years ago I prophesied a brilliant future for him, when our best Berlin critics condemned his efforts as unripe fruit. Of course I feel flattered at having been right. The vanity of being in the right is the last to die in the human breast. At all events, he seems to have painted a really great picture, and I thought---- But if you do not want to come with me, you prejudiced young lady, I will go alone. Adieu, my child.
gpt
But, grandmother, do not be in such haste. I--I should like to take a little walk with you, and I do not care where we go.
human
Very well: I will wait.