I have never known so little about anybody after three--four days.

However, what is our proverb?
'Live and learn.' But it takes longer to learn than to live.

Eh, what nonsense I talk." He spoke with a sudden irritation, and the laugh at the end of his speech was not one of amusement, but rather of mockery.

To Michael this mood was quite inexplicable, but, characteristically, he looked about in himself for the possible explanation of it.
"But what's the matter ?" he asked.

"Have I annoyed you somehow?
I'm awfully sorry." Falbe did not reply for a moment.
"No, you've not annoyed me," he said.