forewent the opportunity to excuse himself in some way as he did not wish to distract the painter from what he was saying, or else perhaps he didn't want him to get too far above himself and in this way make himself to some extent unattainable, so he asked, "Is that a publicly acknowledged position?" "No," was the painter's curt reply, as if the question prevented him saying any more.
-Izaera ofiziala al du postu horrek? -Ez-esan zuen pintoreak labur, galdera harekin hizpidea moztu baliote bezala.