But the novelist, similar on that point to the majority of professional observers, had only the power of analysis of a retrospective order.

Never had his keen intelligence served him to avoid one of those slight errors of conversation which are important mistakes on the pitiful checker-board of life.

Happily for him, he cherished no ambition except for his pleasure and his art, without which he would have found the means of making for himself, gratuitously, enough enemies to clear all the academies.
He, therefore, chose the moment when the Baron arrived at the landing on the first floor, pausing somewhat out of breath, and after the agent had verified their passes, to say to his companion: "Have you seen Gorka since his arrival ?" "What?
Is Boleslas here ?" asked Justus Hafner, who manifested his astonishment in no other manner than by adding: "I thought he was still in Poland." "I have not seen him myself," said Dorsenne.

He already regretted having spoken too hastily.

It is always more prudent not to spread the first report.