"Yes," says the other.
Then they began to talk in French, and I could not understand them. I
suppose they were talking about family affairs.
"_Au revoir_," says the prince. "I am very glad to have made your
acquaintance." He washed his hands, and went to get a lunch; but the other
stood by the billiard-table with his cue, and was knocking the balls about.
It's our business, you know, when a new man comes along, to be rather
sharp: it's the best way. I took the balls, and go to put them up. He
reddened, and says, "Can't I play any longer?"
"Certainly you can," says I. "That's what billiards is for." But I don't
pay any attention to him. I straighten the cues.
"Will you play with me?"
"Certainly, sir," says I.