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Such was the ancient custom; and so believe me, and do not take

your retreat to heart, my beloved Thaddeus and Your Honour the

Count. But whenever you call to mind the happenings of to-day,

remember also the caution of the old Seneschal, that one hunter

should never get in another's way, and that two should never

shoot at the same time at the same game."

The Seneschal was just pronouncing the word game, when the

Assessor whispered under his breath, dame. "Bravo," cried the

young men; there arose a murmur and laughter; all repeated

Hreczecha's caution, especially the last word: some cried game,

and others, laughing aloud, dame; the Notary whispered skirt, the

Assessor, flirt, fixing upon Telimena eyes like stilettos.