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' errata d to It e pelure, ;on h n 32X 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 S 6 t^. ''/ \ .'a> Previously issued under the tttfe of The Children of the Soil ^^ 'WjL- THE IRONY OF LIFE Cfje ^olanet^fei jfamtl? BY HENRYK SIENKIEWICZ AUTHOR or "auo VADIg," «' KNIGHTI OT THE C«08.," ETC., ETC. TRANSLATED BY NATHAN M. BABAD 9^ THE POOLE PUBLISHING COMPANY TORONTO 900 COPYRTGHT, 1900 BY R. F. FENNO & COMPANY ^ The Irony of Life THE IRONY OF LIFE. CHAPTER I. The iie\v-lx>rn day was but one hour old, wlien Polar netzki readied Krenieii. In tlie days of liis childliood he liad twice been the guest of tlie vilhige, whilher his mother, — a distant relative of its i)iesent owner, — Ijrougljt him to spend the summer vacation. Polanetzki emleav- ored to recall to mind tiiis out-of-tlie-way little liandet, but it proved no easy task. At ni^ht, by tlie [)ale light of the moon, everything assumed a ditt'erent form. Over tlie weeds, meadows, and swamps a white mist spread itself thick and impenetrable, transforming the environs into a seemingly shoreless lake. This illusion was intensilied by the frogs, whose croaking alone broke the awe-inspiring silence of the serene moonlight 'fuly night. From time to time, when the chorus of the froijfs died awav in the mist, there was heard instead the jx'culiar whistle of the rail- bird, and from the direction of the jiond, hidden behind tlie rows of alder-trees, cann! the call of the bittern-bird, rising as though from under the ground. Polanei/.ki could not resist the enchantment of this night. It seemed ref- lated to him, and this lelatiou lie felt keenly, piobably because he had returned but iceently from foreign lands, where he had spent the lirst and best yeais of his early youth, where lie afterward eiTgaged in business pursuits. At this late hour, with the entianee into tlie peaeefully- slumbering haudet, the dam of his memcny gave way, and reminiscences of liis childliood iMine llowing back to him with a strange vivid force; recollections of a time which 8 was dear and sacred to him, thanks to his undying love for his mother — dead tliese five years! At hist his cabriulet entered tlie vilhige wliicli bec^an at the cross on tl»e hillock. I'he old cross was bent (h)\vn and tlireatened to crumble awa}-. Polaiictzki remembered the existence of this cross for its connection with a popn- lar superstition. The cross marked the <^nave of an un- known suicide found lKin;.;ing in the neighboring forest, and was carefully avoided by tlu; i)easants. Beyond this cross there came the first rows of liuts. All the inmates were asleep, not a light was seen in the small square windows. In the light of the moon with a background of clear blue skies, the roofs of the low moss-covered thatched huts looked now silver gray, then pale blue. Some liuts were wliitewashed, and appeared a bright green. Others half hidden in cherry oichards, or in forests of sun- flowers, were scarcely disceinible in the shadow. Dogs barked in the yards, but half-heartedly, lazily, as if echoing the languid croaking of the frogs, the hoarse whistling of the rail-birds, the cries of the bittern, and all other sounds so plentiful on a summer night, which yet strengthen the inii)ression of absolute quiet and stillness. The cabriolet, moving slowly over the sand-covered road, at last drove into a dark avenue, speckled here and tliere by streaks of moonlight, stealing through the leaves of the trees. At the end of this avenue night-guards were lieard monotonously whistling to each other. A little further on was seen the house of the owner. There was still light in several of its windows. When the cabriolet came thundering up to the porch, a servant ran out from the back part of the house, Jissisting Polanetzki from the carriage. At the same time the night-guard appjoached, and with him two white dogs, — evidently quite young, which, instead of barking, frisked at the stranger's feet, and in other ways demonstrated their joy at his arrival. They were finally sto[)ped by the whip of the guard. The servant look Polanetzki's higgage from the top of the cabriolet, and the latter fomid himself a few moiuents later in the dining-room, where tea had been [)iepared. Nothing had changed in this room since his last visit. Near one of its walls stood a niasisive closet, above it on one e for ov 3gan at I down inhered I pOJJU- an un- forest, nd tins Inmates square [ground covered le blue. ,t green, i of sun- , Dogs echoing itling of [• sounds pheu the covered lere and e leaves ds were A little ere was ahriolet out from roni the hed, and r, which, t, and in c r. They d. The of the nior.ients |)i(;j, ared. asl visit. t on on© side still liung a clock with heavy weiglits and a cuckoo ,* on the other walls portraits of women in costumes of the last century. A huge table covered with a snow white cloth occupied the center of the loom. Withal the dining-room, well lighted and filled with the steam of the singing samovar, looked very old, very hospitable and I lome ■lik( Polanetzki began to i)ace to and fro alongside tho table, but the creaking of his shoes alone brenking the reignnig silence, con I fused d una surprised Jn 1 h iin. lb ap- proached the window and looked out into the Aard, in which the two white dogs rom[)ed and played, chasing and falling over each other. Polanetzki did not contemplate this scene very long, for the door of an adjacent room suddenly o[)ened, and before him appeared a young girl, whom he recognized as the daughter of Kremen's owner by his second vcife. Polanetzki left the niche of the win- dow, and walking with his creaking shoes to the table bowed to tlie young girl and introduced himself. The young lady held out her hand to liim. " We knew of your coming by the telegram," slie said. "Father is somewhat indisposed, and has tlierefore retired early, but to-morrow morning he will be delighted to see you." " I am not to blame for my rather late arrival," replied Polanetzki — *' The train is not due at Chernyov until eleven o'clock." *' Yes, and besides, tliere are two miles more to travel from Chernyov to Kremen. Father told me that this is not your first visit." " I have been here twice with my mother, long before you were born." " I know it. Are you a relative of my father ? " " No ; I am related to Pan Plavitzki's first wife." *' My father highly values bonds of relationship, no matter how distant the relation may ])e." The conversation lacking fire, was brought to an abrupt end. She began to pour out tea, dispersing the clouds of vapor arising from the samovar. Silence again reigned supreme in the dining-room, s(;arcely interrupted by the ticking of the clock. Polanetzki, whom the fair sex in 10 l^eiioral interested immensely, began to scan Panna Pla- vitzka. Slie was of medium size, very <;,'"raceful, liiid dark wavy liair, a kintl, yet rather lit'elcss face, blue eyes and beautiful red lips. It was the face of a woman, serene and tender. And Polaiietzki, who found her "" (juite charm- ing " if not very beautiful, thought that she may be very kind indeed. 'I'hat there may be hidden rare qualities behind those inexpiessive features, virtues possessed only by villaL;o maids. Tliough he was young, Polanetzki had been taught one useful lesson by life, lliat generally women improve a great deal when known more intimately, while men always lose more and more. He heard of Panna Plavitzka, that the entire mana''ement of Kremen, almost ruined, was in her hands. That she was the most indus- trious creature on earth. Regardless of the heavy load on her shoulders, she seemed to Pohiiietzki comparatively easy- going and serene. She was evidently very sleepy, for her eyes blinked incessantly at the light of the hanging lamp. Of course, she would liave passed his examination with much more credit to herself, had not the conversation been so slow and commonplace. But tliis was natural at their first meeting. Besides, she received the guest alone, which, for a younggirl of less tact, might have been avery, diiricult and unpleasant task. And, lastly, she knew quite well that Polanetzki entered their house not as a guest, but as a creditor. He came for money. Years a^^o the mother of Polanetzki ofave Pan Plavitzki twenty thousand roubles, taking a mortgage on the estate. This sum Polanetzki was eager to collect. First, be- cause Plavitzki was not prompt nor punctual in his pay- ments of the interest ; and, second, because Polanetzki, having become a partner of a mercantile firm in Warsaw, engaged in \arious enterprises, was badly in need of the money himself. He was determined to make no conces- sions but demand his capital in full. In affairs of such nature he always wished to remain stoical and firm in his decision. By nature of a different temperament, he created for himself out of this lirmness a sort of principle, often going from one extreme to another, like so many others that nurse an idea. Thus even now gazing at this kind-faced sleepy maiden, 11 na Pla- id dark ^•es and ^ne and charm- be very ualities L'd only zki liad women % while Panna , almost t indus- load on ly easy- for her g lamp, m with on been at their alone, a very, w quite guest, lavitzki ! estate, rst, be- lls pay- metzki, Warsaw, of the conces- :)£ such firm in ent, he incii)le, many iiaiden, he fought the feeling of sympatliy awakening in his send, and rc[)eatc(l to himself: '' Everytliing is all riglit, my dear, but pay your del)ts you 7nusf."' Then after a slioi t pause, he added aloud : *" I was told thai you manage the entire estate ; do you really love housekee[)ing? " *' I love Kremen very much," eviusively answered Panna Plavitzka. " And so did T, wlieu I was a mere boy, and yet I would not wish to take care of itti affairs, the conditions are so unfavorable." '' Yes, very unfavorable. But we are doing all in our power " "That is, i/ou arc doing 't all?" "I only assist my father who is very often ill." "I don't claim to know mudi of such affairs, but from all I observe, I should conclude that most of your farmers cannot hope for a comfortal)le future," " Our hopes are with (iod." " Yes, that is probable. But one cannot send his cred- itors to Ilim I" The face of Panna Plavitzka flushed crimson. An unpleasant pause ensued. Polanetzki meanwhile thought to himself: " Once Ih?- gun, it must be ended." " Will you permit me to explain the ol)jcctof my visit? " said he in loud tones. The young girl tur/ied her eyes to him, and in that look Pohmetzki could read : "You liave just arrived. Itis ver}^ late. T am scarcely alive with fatigue. Mere politeness should have preven- ted you from beginning such a conversation." " I know wliy you came," replied she ; " but it were much better that you speak to father about it." ** Very well. Pardon me." " It is I who must ask your forgiveness. Everyman has a right to demand his own, and I am accustomed to such demands. But to-day is Saturday — there is always plenty to do on Saturdays. At times when the Jews come to us with their bills, I manage to g( t along with 12 1 1 them myself. Hut now I prefer to liave yon arrange it all with father. It will l)e niinJi eusier for botli of us." "Till to-moirow then I " said Pohmetzki, who lacked the boldness to con fuss tliat in financial matters he pre- ferred to he treated like a Jew. ''Won't you have some more tea?" asked the young hostess. '' No, thank you. Good-night ! " Polanet/ki rose and extended liis hand. Tlie young girl held out lier own, but in her action theie \vas less welcome than at their first meeting. Polanetzki barely touched her fingers. "The servant v/ill show you your room," she said be- fore dei)arting. Polanetzki was left idone. He felt dissatisfied, although he would not admit it, and tried to persuade himself that he had acted wisely. " Had he come here for iiis money or for indulijinf' in flatteries? What was Panna to liim?" Neither good nor bad could ever accrue to hiui from that quarter. If she considers him a brute, an im- polite dunner, the better for him. It is always thus — the more stubborn, tlie more obnoxious the creditor, the sooner his claim is satisfied. And yet this logical conclusion somehow failed to bring him the expected ease of mind, and a certain inner voice whispered to him tliat in this particular case there was no question of his poor breeding, but it was a lack of sympathy for a poor overworked woman. Besides he felt that act- ing as he did, he api)eased his greed for money, but went against his own heart and his inborn instincts. lie finally became angered at Panna Plavitska, the more so that he really began to like her. As in that slumbering little handct, in that moonlight niglit, so in this i)hiin girl of the woods he found something of Ins own, something he sought in vain in the women he met abroad, and this " something " excited him more than he anticipated. But men often feel ashamed of their kind generous feelings. At first Polan- etzki blushed inwardly for his unpardonable excitement, wherefore he determined to remain stoical and mercWess and press oldPlavitzka to the wall, giving him no quarter, showing no mercy. 13 nge it all s. f) lacked J he i>ic- le young mnggirl welcoiiKi touched said be- illhouf^h self that s money anna to ) to him J, an ini- lus — the e sooner to bring er voice was no nipathy lat act- Lit went finally hat he g little 1 of the sought thing" ten feel Polan- enient, erc al- the reception, which he no more expected tlian he di(' tlie odor of {)owder and various perfumes, \\hieh came iiom til' face, moustaches and vest of Plavitzki. '•• How are you, uncle?" at last said i'olanetzki, think- ing that tiic name by which lie called Plavitzki when a I'll i Id would suit best his present solemn mood. ''How am I ?" repeated Plavitzki, 'Miot long shall I bide in lliis world, not long! That is why my reception is .so cordial, yo father-like; .Vnd if the blessing of a mau with one foot in the grave, if the blessing of ihe oldest member of the family will find aj)preeiation in your eyes, I give it to you from the fulness ot" my heart." ''And, for thescond time cnibiaeing Pohuietzki's head, he kissed it and made the sign of the cross over it. 'J'ho countenance of the young man bore a still more puzzled and worried expression. His mother was only a distant relation and friend of Plavitzki's lirst wife. He, himself, as far back as he could lemember, was never [lersonally attached to the old man by either bonds of friendshiji or relationship, and this solemn, elYnsive reception, to which he unwillingly submitted, was highly disagieeable to liim. At the same time the thought Hashed through his mind: This old monkey instead of speaking about money „^ x„ ... 1.: f-- ."i-i- 11,..: . '» ii, ed with hopes to satisfy me with blessings And a rage took possession of his soul, a just indigna- tion (hat promised to be beneficial to him in clinging stoically to his decision. Meanwhile Plavitzki resumed: " I5e seated, my dearest, and make youjself comfortable, be at home I "' ' Polanetzki sat down ana began : T am deirghted at the op[)ortnnity to pay you a visit, uncle. I should have done this sooner or later for pleas- ure's sake, pure and sim[)le, I assure you— Hut you know, uncle, that the real object of my coming here at present is the little affair which my mollu'r " But Plavitzki interrupted him, suddenly putting his hand on his quest's knee. '"Did you drink your colYee?" he asked, in the simplest possible manner. " I — I did," replied Polanetzki, fairly driven off his own track. -^"■' 1 .';( i' 18 " I make this inquiry because I^[arinya went to church very early. Pardon nie also for not liaving- installed you in my own room, but I am getting old and accustomed to sleep here. I'liis is my nest " He accentuated his words by making a sweeping gesture with his hand around the room. Iiivoluntaril}' Polonetzki followed him with his eyes. In former days this room jiresented a great temi)tation to him, for it was al)undantly decorated with all sorts of weapons hanging on its walls. The oidy change in the room his eyes could detect was the wall[)aper presenting numberless squares, each containing a shepherdess dressed a la Watteau, and angling in a stream. Near the win- dow stood a toilet-stand covered with a white table-cloth, on which there was, beside a mirror in a silver frame, a multitude of various glasses, bottles, boxes, brushes, combs, files for the nails, and what not. In sliort, this was a room of an old bachelor and egotist, constantly burdened with petty cares about his own comforts. Polaiietzki never allowed himself to think for a moment that Plavitzki would i)art with " his nest " for a single night. "Did you sleep well?" continued the host. " Thank you, quite well — got up too late." "Of course, you are going to s[)end a week with us?" Polanetzki, being inq)ulsive, sprang from liis chair. " Don't you know that I have a busine; s in Warsaw, — that I have a partner, who is now alone managing our affairs? I would like to leave Kremen as soon as possible, as soon, in fact, as I complete the arrangements which brouiifht me hither." "•No, my boy," replied Plavitzki, witli a certain cordif'l authority. "To-day is Sunday. Besides, feelings of rela- tionship are above all business arrangements. To-day I received you as a relative, and to-moi row, if you wish, you may come to me as a creditor. Yes, that's it. To- day there came to me my Stacli, the son of my Anna I Until to-mori()w it must be so, Stach. Thus speaks your old relative, who dearly loves you, for whom you must make this concession." Polanetzki's face wrinkVid. However, he replied: ♦* Very well, then. We'll postpone it till to-morrow." 19 " Well said, my boy ! Now I recognize the son of my Anna. Do you smoke a pipe ? " "No, I only smoke cigarettes." " Had, very bad ; but for guests I also keep cigarettes." Further conversation was interrupted ))y the clatter of horses' hoofs. Polanetzki looked through the open win- dow and saw a maiden, dressed all in pink, with a wide straw hat, getting out of a carriage. ''This is ]\Iaiinya coming home from early mass," said Plavitzki, '* have you made her acquaintance ? " '* Yes, sir, I liad that pleasure hist niglit." " A dear child ! I need not tell you that I only live for her." At this moment the door opened, and a young voice asked : " May T ? " "Yes, certainly: Stacli is here!" answered Plavitzki. Marinya quickly entered tlie room, her hat hanging by the ribbons over her shoulders ; and embracing lier father, gave Polanetzki lier little liand. Dressed in a pink calico dress, she looked cliarming, fresh and bright as the clear sunny morning, which gave lier face an expression of vigor and energy. Her hair was partly disheveled, her eheeks rivaled her [)ink dress in color, her mouth breathed health and youth. "To-day the ate mass will begin a little later than usual," said she, addressing her father. '' 'J'he priest left church after early mass for the mill to administer the last sacraments to the dying Panna Syatkowska. She is very low, they say. You have half-an-hour's more time, father. " Very well," replied Plavitzki. "• You may utilize this unexi)ected reprieve to form a nearer acquaintance with Pan Pohmetzki. I tell 3'ou — a ti'ue copy of Anna. Hut then you have never seen her. Kemember, Marinya, that to-morrow he may be our creditor, but to-day — he is our relative and guest." "Splendid! I am delighted I " said the young girl, "this means that we shall spend a merry Sunday to- day." " Last night you went to bed so late," remarked Pola- netzki, "and this morning you took in early mass." " Yes," gaily answered Marinya. " There were two of 20 us at early mass, myself and the cook. We both gain thereby jjleiity of time to discuss tlie dinner." " I have forgotten to deliver to you the sincerest regards of Panni Emilya Cliavastovska." " Thank you I 1 l»ave not seen her for two yeai-s, but our corres})ondence is kept up with tlie old vigor. She intends to leave for lieichenhall for the sake of her child, I understand?" '' Yes, when I left Warsaw she was almost ready to take her departure." " And how is her child ? " "For her twelve years she lias grown more than is good for her, but she is very a[)athetical. It seems to me she is anything but well physically." " Do you often visit Emilya?" *'Yes. She is my only friend in Warsaw. Besides, I love her dearly." "Tell me, my boy," interposed Plavitzki, taking from the toilet-stand a brand-new pair of gloves and tenderly depositing them in his side-pocket, "what is your occu- pation in Warsaw ? " " I am, what they call, a speculator. I have established in Warsaw a commercial firm together with another young man, a certain Mr. Bigel. Our speculations are in grain, sugar, forests, land — in a word, on whatever chance or fate is kind enough to give us a tij)." " I heard that you were an engineer." " I have my specialty. But on my return from abroad I could find no berth in a factory, and therefore plunged into commerce. I know a thing or two about it myself, and my partner is not a newcomer, either. But my real specialty is that of dyer " " Beg pardon. How did you say?" " A dyer." "Yes, times are such now that a man will do almost anything," said Plavitzki with dignity. "Of course I will not condemn you for it, as long as you preserve the noble old traditions of our famil}^ ; trade, I hope, docs not dis- grace the man." Polanetzki, who had regained his good humor at the sight of the young girl, felt liigiily amused by the words N 21 of Phivitzki, lauglied liuartily, showing his strong, white teelli, and said : " Thank God ! I can't compLiin." Maiinya, too, smiled and said : " Eniilya thinks tlie world of you. She wrote to nie that you conduct your affairs most brilliantly.'* " Y — yes, one can exist. It's a little difficult to handle the Jews, otlierwise, competition is always possible. But even the Jews, if one does not publish anti-semitic mani- festoes, but manages his business calmly and honestly, will never press one to the wall. As to Panni Chavas- tovska, I am afraid, she understands as much or as little of business as her little Lida." " You are right. She never has been practical. If it were not for her brother-in-law, Theophuil Chavastovska, she would have lost her entire estate. But Theophuil adores Lida." "Who does not love her? I myself am the first to dance attendance. She is such a dear, handsome child. I positively have a weakneiis for that little witch." Marinya looked at his sincere, animated face and thought : *' He is probably a quick-tempered man, but a good soul withal." Meanwhile Plavitzki declared that it was time to go to church, and benan to take leave of Marinva. It took him as long as if he were undertaking a journey of several months' duration. At length he made over her the sign of the cross and took his hat. Marinya shook Polanetzki's hand with more warmth than at her first meeting. Pola- netzki sitting in the carriage beside the old man, and listening to his chatter, thought : ** Very, very handsome ! A very sympathetic girl ! '* Having passed the avenue, over wliieh Polanetzki rode the night before, the carriage I'eached a higliwa}', partly shaded with old, half-rotten trees, symmetrically planted on its edge. On one side of the road there ran before their eyes a green potato field, on the other a corn field, with the ripe, tall ears as if slumbering l)eneath the lays of the sun. In the distance were seen peasant girls in their bright colored Suialay dresses, with red kerchiefs 22 round their necks, walking slowly along the paths among tlie grain, seeming like big crowns of blooming poppies. *' Lovely corn I " remarked Polanetzki. " Not bad. We are doing all in our power; for the rest we rely on Him. You are young yet, my dearest, therefore I take the lil^erly to give you advice, which in days to come will surely be of great use to you — do any- thing and everything you possibly can ; the rest leave to God. He knows best what we need. The crop this year will be immense, and I knew it before, for — whenever God wishes to try me, he sends an evil omen beforehand." "What is that?" asked Polanetzki in astonishment. " From under the pi[)es — smoking pipes in my room — I know not whether you have seen where they stand — on al- most every occasion, when something of importance is about to occur, a little mouse comes out, appearing for several days in succession." *' There mmt be a hole somewhere in the room?" "No," said Plavitzki, mysteriously closing his eyes. " Why don't you put a cat near the spot in the room r "What for? If such is the will of God the mouse is surely a warning to me, and I dare not go against His will. ]jut this year the mouse has not made its appear- ance. I have discussed it already with Marinya. Per- haps the good Lord wishes to convince us tliat He is watching over us. I know what people say about us. That we are ruined, or at least that our affairs need mending. But you judge for ^-ourself : Kremen, together with the other hamlets, Skoki, Magyerovka, andSuhotsin, have an acreage worth 750,000 roubles. There is about 30,000 roubles due on the land to the com})any, and al)Out a hundred thousand more in the way of private mort- gages. Let's say a total of 130,000 roubles, which will make together the round sum of 850,000 roubles." "How do you come to this conclusion?" interrupted Polanetzki. " You add your debts to the value of your Lmd?" " Had my land been valueless no one would have ad- vanced a grosh q;i it, would they? That^ is why I make this addition." ; th among oppies. 'or the learest, lich ill lo aiiy- eave to lis year er God [." !llt. room — —on al- mce is ing for »» yes. in the onse IS St His appear- Pei- Tle is 3Ut US. need )gether ihotsin, about I about niort- ch will •rupted )f your ive ad- ; make 23 *' He's crazy ! " thought Polanetzki ; " conversation with him is a waste of time." " Magyerovka I will sell to the peasants in parts/' continued Plavitzki. ''The mill shall l)e sold to the liio-hest bidder. In Skoki and Suhotsin there is a rich lay of mergel (mica) — do you know of what enormous value? Fully two million roubles." ''Of course you have been offered that sum. Who is the i)urchaser?" " Two years ago there c^nie to me a certain speculator and exannned the fields. True, he departed, not closing the deal, but I am almost i)Ositive he will return; other- wise, the little mouse would not fail to show up from under the pii)es, would it now? All, ... of course. Let him return. Do you know what ha[)[)y idea just struck me? You are a speculator yourself, are you not? Take this veritable gold mine into your hands, iind capi- tal, organize a company " "Chasing the rainbow is not in my line." '*Find me a buyer, then, and ten per cent of the entire amount shall be your reward." "What does ]\Iarinya think of this I'ich deposit?" " What is Mftrinya ? A dear jewel of a child, but — a child ! She, too, believes that God's mercy will not abandon us." " Yes, I heard her express the same words last niglit." Thus conversing, the old man warming up more and more, his guest answering in syllables, they reached the church, situated on an eminence, surrounded by trees. Below, at the foot of the hill, there were lined in a row the hund)le wagons of the peasants and t]»e more preten- tious vehicles of the gentry. Plavitzki made the sign of the cross. "This is our church, which you, no doubt, re- member. All the Phivitzkis are buried in its yard. Soon I, too, shall find eternal rest here. In no other place do I pray as fervently as in this old, moss-grown church." " It seems to be crowded," remaiked Polanetzki. " Yes, here is the sulky of Goutovski, the carriages of Zazimski Yamish, and many others. I presume you remend)er the Yamishes. Slu; is a wonderful woman, whih; he claims to be a successful farmer, but in reality a capital fool who never understood his wile." "N 24 At tliat moment the bells of tlie church began to pom into the still, fragrant air their rich, vibrating sounds. " Evidently our arrival was noticed," said Plavitzki — " the Liturgy will begin at once. After mass 1 will take you to the grave of my first wife ; pray for her . . . Slie was your aunt. A remarkable woman she was, peace to her soul I " Plavitzki raised his hand to wipe a tear that was slow x:i coming, while Polanetzki, in order to distract the old man from his solemn mood, asked: "And Panni Yamish, 1 believe, was a great beauty in those days, was she not? Is this the same?" The countenanei! of Plavitzki cleared up instantly. He projected the end of his tongue, and slapping Polanetzki's shoulder, replied: "Ah, my boy, she is worth going after, even now — 'pon my soul, she is worth it." They entei-ed the churcli through the vestiy rooms, to avoid being jostled by the crowd. Plavitzki occupied a bench next to the Yamishes. Panni Yamish looked very old, with an intelligent but ener- vated face, that bore the stamp of some gieat suffering. She was a woman of about sixty years, dressed in calico, like Marinya, a straw hat gracing her still majestic head. The polite bow of Plavitzki and her friendly smiles left no room for doubt that between these two people that have seen better days there still existed a relation of mu- tual respect and admiration. The lady produced from somewhere a pair of opera-glasses and began to examine minutely the face and form of Polanetzki, evidently at sea about his identity. On a bench behind them one of the neighboring farm- ers, taking advantage of the delay in the service, put the finishing touches to a spicy hunting j^arn, saying in a semi-whisper: "My hounds are great hunters; indeed they are." After which declaration he began an animated debate with his neighbor about Pan Plavitzki and Panni Yamish in tones so loud that Polanetzki could hear every word. At length the service began. At the sight of that pray- ing congregation and that old chuich Polanetzki mentally ^ 4 25 to pout ids. itzki — ill take • • • }, peace IS slow Llie old auty in ly. He letzki's ' — 'pon 3ms, to Panni t ener- leiing. calico, i head, es left e that of mu- 1 from camiiie T at sea farm- lit the g in a indeed imated Panni every t pray- ji I tally made a lightning trip bac^k to the days of liis childhood, when, awe-inspired, he had sat beside his mother, and un- willingly he marveled at the evident fact that so little had changed in the village, where only men come and go, hut everyLhing else remains the same. Some people are Imried in the cemeteries they have helped to build, others take their place, but the new life gradually assumes the old shape and form, and to him who visits the village after an absence of many years everything seems un- touched, unaltered, by Father Time, in the sa**ie position as he left it on the day of his departure. The same old church, the same crowd of peasants, blonde-haired and cheerful, the men in g\\\y coats and top-boots, just dipped in tar, the girls in red kerchiefs, \\\Ca wreaths of flowers on their golden heads. Near one of the windows grew the same old birch tree, which covered the window and iilled the church with a greenish light. Only the peoi)le were apparently not the same. A part of those he knew in former days had gone to a better world, and their graves were a mass of green grass and fragrant flowers, others were bent down as if looking to mother earth for eternal rest. Polanetzki who loved to brag that he always evaded all discussions and observations of the masses, now left to himself and his thoughts, unwillingly began to study the interesting faces and types around him, and incidentally j)()n(ler over the question, what an abyss lay between the in-l)orn natural j)iission for life at any price, and the ne- ci;ssity to die. He thought that was probal)ly the cause wliy all philoso[)hical systems pass into oblivion, like si widows, and only early and late masses are held in the same old way, alone promising an incessant, continuous existence. Having been brought up abroad, he was not a stanch believer, at least he lacked tlie faith that asks no ques- tions, the faith that is blind. He felt, like almost all intelligent men of our day, a strong loathing for materialism, yet he could lind no remedy for it, or ratlier he (liear" had developed into a strong, large-proportioned, heavily built man, rather handsome than otherwise, with a light mustache. Pola- netzki was not disjtosed to break the silence, expecting Goutovski to supply a theme for coiiversatioii, but the latter, his hands in his pockets, stood motionless and silent, as if planted in the earth. "The same old Uianners," thought Polanetzki, and turned his head {iway in disgust. In the meantime Plavitzki returned from his gallant mission and asked Polanetzki: " Did you notice? Wliat a marvel of a little foot ! " " Well, Goutovski," added he, turning to the latter, "there is no room for you to-day in my carriage, there oi)ly being two seats." " Yes. I shall come in my own. I am bringing a dog for Marinya," answered the young man, and, nodding his head, went to his sulky. A minute later Plavitzki and Polanetzki were on their homeward trip to Kremen. " This Goutovski, it seems to me, is also one of your numerous relations." "A very distant one. The family has been growing ;ting you dinner." leuralgia id " re ! " re- j to Po- >e," said carnage. )li other it in the oncealed isy, awk- aveloped 11, r.'ither Pola- K;pecting but the d silent, :ki, and gallant Wiiat hitter, ere only ^ a dog ing his )n their ~>f your rowing 1 I 4 29 poorer and poorer for the last three decades. All the earthly possessions of this Adolph consist of a diminutive imitation of a village, and freezing emptiness of purse." "But his heart must be full." Plavitzki shrugged his shoulders. " So much the worse for him if his dreams carry him too far," he said. " He may be a good and honest man, but he is slow and stupid. No education, no knowledge of worldly affairs, no estates. But Marinya likes him, or rather endure^- him." " Ah, she endures him ? " " You see, it's this way : I sacrifice myself for her by burying myself in this wilderness ; she does the same for me and clings to the village. The country around here is wild a»"d uninteresting. Panni Yamish — a jewel of a woman — is too old for her. There is a woful lack of young folks, and our life is a monotonous, tedious exist- ence. But what would you do ? Remember, my boy, that life at best is a chain of self-sacrifices. This principle one must bear with him in his heart as well as in his mind, especially those who belong to the more honest and noble families. Goutovski dines with us every Sunday, and to-day, as you have heard, he is bringing a dog for Marinya." Both grew silent, and the carriage slowly rolled over the sandy road. Behind them in his sulky rode Goutovski, who, thinking of Polanetzki, repeated to himself: "If he came to ruin them, as a creditor, I will break his neck, and if, as a rival for Marinya's hand, PU do the same." Goutovski from the eai'ly days of his childhood feared and hated Polanetzki for his sarcastic remarks, his airs of superiority, and his blows. Polanetzki was two years older and a fighter. At last, after ten minutes' silent ride, they reached Kremen, and half an hour later, all assembled in the dining- room. The young dog, brouglit by Goutovski, taking ad- vantage of ids privileges as a guest, loip.ped und(;r the table', put his paws on the knees of the diners, and joy- ously wagged his tail. '' This is a Gordon setter," remarked Goutovski." " He is very young yet and foolish, but generally these dogs are II M 30 briglit and clever, and very niueli attaclied to their mas- ters." " Yes, it's a good dog, no doubt, for wliicli I am lieartily tliankful to you," said tlie young girl, looking at tlie shining skin of the dog and the yellow circles over liis eyes. "Too good !" grumbled Plavitzki, covering his krees with a napkin. ''In the field the}' are better than the ordinary setters." " Are you, too, fond of hunting ? " asked Polanetzki, addressing Marinya. " No, I am not game," said she with a smile. " and you ? " " I do hunt, but very seldom. I live in a city, you now. *' Are you a society man ?" asked Plavitzki. *' Not much. I make very few calls, and receive no one. Exceptio'is are Painii 'Chavastovska, my partner Bigel, and Vaskovski, my loiiner teacher, wlio has become very eccentric of lale — and no others. Of course my business transactions oi^casionally bring me into various otlier circles, buttliis is^i rare occurrence." *'This is bad, my boy. A young man must preserve good relationshi}) with people of note, especially if lie be gifted with all qualifications therefor. Wlioever finds no attraction in society need not bother ; but you, a Pola- netzki, must keep in toncli with everything. I have liad the same trou])le with Marinva. Two vears a^o, on her eighteenth birthda}-, I took her to Warsaw. You know that such bringing-out undertakings are planned with certain obiects in view, and it cost me manv a little sacrifice. I^ut wliat was the result? The whole day long she spent with Emilya Chavastovska, reading books. She lit>s been boi-n wild, and, Vm afraid, will remain so till her days are ended: you may shake hands on that." *• Let's shake hands, then," exclaimed Polanetzki, good humoredly. " Unfortunately T can't," answered Marinya, laughing, ** because pa])a is wrong. It's true I read VH)oks witli Emilia, but I also accompanied him to many a society afi:'aii', and danced enough to last me a lifetime." " Don't swear off." « \\\ wl thl th at so 31 leir mas- lieartily 13 sliinijig es. is krees setters." lanetzki, le. "and ity, you ! i',o one. r Bigel, nie very business s otlier )reserve if lie be nds no Pola- ve Iiad on her know with little ly long She ill her i, good gliing, with lociety " I don't. I merely claim that this life suits me very well." " Evidently you have carried away with you into ' the wilderness ' no pleasant recollections." "Probably. I only remember — but that is another thing." " I do not understand this." " Memory, is a store-house, in which, like in a safe, the past is deposited, while reminiscences appear oidy at rare intervals, when you enter that storehouse to take something." Having finished her little explanation, Marinya was surprised at the boldness with which she tackled philosoph- ical discussion about the difference between memory and reminiscences, and blushed perceptibly. Polanetzki, in the meantime, not the less astonished, thought : " Beautiful and clever ..." then he added aloud, "This definiti(5n had never entered my mind. It is very apt indeed." And he gazed at her witli eyes full of sympathy. She was, indeed, beautiful. Smiling, and somewhat confused by his praise, she looked a picture of ha})py youth. But she blushed still more when Polonetzki added : " To- morrow, before my departure, I will ask you for some room. ... if even in your storehouse." He said it in such a spirit that no offensive construc- tion could be given his words, and Marinya, not without some coquetiy re[)lied : " Granted, but it must be a mutual arrangement. ..." ** In such event I shall have to visit very often my storehouse, and I prefer to take up my residence there altogetl'.er." Tliese words seemed to the young girl too bold for an acquaintance of sucli I'ccent date. But before she could compos(; lier thoughts for an answer, Plavitzki interfen;d. " I like Polanetzki!" exelaimed he, " and prefer him to Goutovski, who sits silent, like a clam." " Because I only speak of matters of importance, and tilings I can master," sadly answered the young man. "Polanel/-ki smiled. Marinya seemed to pity Gou- 32 tovski, for she suddenly turned the conversation to the discussion of ** things he could master." " She is either a coquette or a girl with an angelic nature," thought Polanetzki. The awkward })ause was broken by Plavitzki, who, passing fiom one subject to anotlier with lightning rapiditjs asked Polanetzki : *' Do you know Bukatzki ?" " Naturally. He is a nearer relation to me tlian your- self." "Our relations number legions, and are scattered the whole world over. Bukatzki was Maiinya's most devoted dancing partner : he was at her side on almost all such occasions." Polanetzki laughed again : "And as a rewai'd, he was sent to her store-house, to wallow in dust. But Bukatzki feais no dust. He is the most elegantly-dressed man in Warsaw. Just like you, uncle. And what is occupying his great mind ? He analyzes the i)ure fresh air. In fact he is analyzing every- thing and everybody. Notliing escapes his scrutinizing obseivRtions. He is an original, wliose head is divided and subdivided into various cells and closets. These closets are filled to suffocation with observations and minute studies of things no one else would take the slight- est interest in. Once, on his return from Venice, I met Bukatzki and questioned him about the wonders he had seen in Italy. Tliis was his curious reply: ' On the Riva dei Scliiavoni (a river near Venice) I saw one fine morn- ing half of an egg shell, and luilf of a lemon rind floating side by side. They came together, were driven apart ; to^^sod by the waves, again approached each other, when, sudd(!nly the driod half of a lemon jumped into the half shell of the egg, and floated down the river, carried by the swift current. That is harmony.' You see, such pioblems fill the brain of Bukatzki, though he knows quite consid.- erable .... about line arts, for instance." ' *' They say he is a very able chap." '' May be, but his abilities have never been utilized. He is eating bread, and doing little else. Had he been a man of gay disposition, but he is positively a melancholic. \ M{ est as 33 >n to the ti angelic ski, who, lightning lan your- tered the b devoted all such house, to He is the ike you, d? He ig eveiy- itinizing divided Theae 3ns and e slin^ht- e, I met he liiid he Riva morn- floating ; tos^;ed iddenly shell of e swift ems fill consid- tilized. been a luholic. f forgot to mention that at present he is in love with Emilya Chavastovska." " Is Emilya visited by man}''?" " Hardly. I visit her, and Vaskovski, Bukatzki, and Mashko, the lawyer, wlio is always buying and selling estates are her only visitors " '*■ She pi'obably is not in a position to keep open liouse, as her whole life is devoted to the nursing of her Lida." "Poor child I" said Polanetzki. "Let us liope that Reichenhall will be beneficial to her." And the beaming fiice of Polanetzki ])ecame clouded with sincere grief. Now it was iNIarinya's turn to look at him with sympathetic eyes, and for the second time she thought: " He must, indeed, be a very kind man ! " In the meantime Plavitzki communed with liimself: "Mashko — Mashko I " lie murmured, "it must be the same that courted Marinya, but she had no love for him. As to estates, their prices have fallen so low, may God have mercy on us!" At last dinner was over and coffee was served in the main reception-room. Plavitzki flavored his coffee with jokes at Goutovski's expense, an occupation he loved to follow when in particularly good humor. The young man bore his slights patiently, but with such an expression on liis immobile face, which seemed to say: " 'J'hank your lucky stars that you are the father of ^lariiiya, or not a bone in your body would I leave unbroken." After coffee, Marinya took her seat at the antiquated ])i!\no, while her father busied himself with his caids. Marinya did not play very Avell, Imt her serene quiet face, iixed intently on the notes, as if inspired with their stir- ring lines, attracted Polanetzki more than anything else. About five o'clock Plavitzki looked at his watch and remarked : " The Yamislies are not coming." " They will be here soon," replied Marinya. But from that instant he kept up .an incessant vigil over his watch, as if counting" the minutes, the seconds, and repeating the news, that the Varnishes were not coming. Finally, al'out six o'clock he said in a sepulchral voice : " Something must have happened I " 84 Polanetzki stood at the side of Marinya, wrapped in his own tlioughts, when she whispered to liim : " There, we are in trouble again ! I am almost sure nothing serious has happened to them, yet papa will torture himself and others the whole evening." " Why not send some one to investigate. It is not a great distance from here, if I remember well.'* " Shall I send some one to the Yamishes', papa ? " *' Never mind, dear, I am going myself," replied Pla- vitzki, and rang tlie bell. A servant entered to whom he gave his orders. Then he halted, pondered a few mo- ments, wrinkling his brow, and finally said : " It may happen that some one might call and find only my daughter .... this is not a city. Besides, you are rela- tions .... You, Goutovski, may be of use to me, will you kindly come along ? " Goutovski's face plainly showed his dissatisfaction. He passed his hand over his head, and said: "At the pond there is a boat which the gardener cannot push into the water, and I promised Marinya to do it last Sunday, but she forbade me. Tlie weather was miserable, rain was pouring in torrents." " The pond is not more than thirty yards away from the house. Go, move the boat and return immediatelv." Goutovski left the liouse and went into the garden. In the meantime Plavitzki paying no attention to either Ma- rinya or Polonetzki, paced tlie room to and fro, repeating : "It must be neuralgia, nothing less. In case of necessity Goutovski may go for the doctor. That ' minister with- out an ollice ' has surely neglected to send for one." And, a[)parently, longing to make some one the target of his wratli, he turned to Polanetzki, and added : " You cannot imagine wliat an abominable fool he is ! " "Wlio?" " Yamish!" " But, Papa .... began Marinya." Her father, however growing more and more excited, and interrupting Mai inyii, continued : " I know tliat 3'ou do not like her way of proving iier sympathy and friendship for mo. But to tiiis I liave butone reply: You may read all you want, the deep pliilosophical treatise of Paa 35 )ed in his ^'here, we y serious nself and : is not a lied Pla« to whom few mo- ' It may only my are rela- me, will sfaction. he pond into the day, but •a in was om the V." en. In ler Ma- eating : ecessity r with- arget of cannot xcited, it you ndship ly read If Pan Yaraisli her husband on matters pertaining to the manage- ment of farms, but allow me to have my sympathies." At that moment Polanetzki had tlie best opportunity to convince himself of the extreme kindness of Marinya, who instead of fri'owincf indicfnant, ran toward lier fither, em- l)niced and kissed him, '• In a moment. Papa dear, tlie liorse will be ready immediately. Do you wish me to go with you ? I will if you do, but do not lose your good humor it does you no good." Plavitzki, who sincerely loved his daughter, kissed her forehead and said : " I know you possess a golden heart, but what is Goutovski doing there so long?" lie went to the open door, calling the young man, who soon returned, utterly exhausted, and said : *' the boat, which is full of water, is too far from the pond, and I could not move it." " Take your hat, then, and come — the carriage is at the front." A moment later Polanetzki and Marinya were left alone. /' Papa is accustomed to a more refmed society than one meets in the village," said Marinya after a short pause, " and that is why he is so fond of Panni Yamish ; but Pan Yamish her husband is also very kind and thought- ful." " I saw him in church this forenoon. He seemed to me terrified, and beaten into submission and silence by some superior force." '' lie really is a sick man, a man who labored more than was good for him." '^ Like yourself ? " " Oh, no. Pan Yamish splendidly manages his estates, and finds time to contribute to f.irming magazines. He is truly the pride of our country, and such a scrupulous honest man ! She is also a very good woman, but a little too elegant for me." " An ex-beauty, with pretensions." *' Yes. These preiensions are intensified by her constant life in the village, wliere slie is actually rusting. It seems that in large cities such eccentricities and comical features in the characters of men and women disappear, are lost sight of, in the jostling of crowds; but, in a village 86 i ■:- i fiu?h people more easily become originals, cranks, if you prefer it. Little by little, such types lose all attractions for society, they cling to some antiquated ultra- conven- tional mode of treating people, and, finally, become prudish. However, I think, that we all must seem to you comical and rusty in our village swamps." ''On the contrary, not all. For instance — you." " My turn will come," said the young girl, laughing. " Yes, time changes everything ! " " We change very little here, and whenever we do, it is for the worse." " But in the eventful lives of young girls, changes are always expected." " First of all we must establish some sort of order in Kremen — my father." " It seems that Kremen and your father — these are the two goals of your life." "Yes. But I can help neither. I know so little." " Father, Kremen, and nothing more," repeated Pola- iibvzki. A pause ensued, which Marinya finally broke by asking Polanetzki whether he cared to go out into the garden. They went out, and soon found themselves on the bank of the pond. Polanetzki who belonged, when abroad, to a number of athletic clubs, pushed the boat (which Goutov- ski could not move), into the water, without much diffi- culty. But it was found to be leaking and useless. " There you have the first exciinple of my managing the estate," said Marinya laughing. In everything and every- where, water is coming through, and I don't know how to justify myself, for the garden and the pond are both my territory. However, I must see that the boat is re- paired." "Is this not the same row-boat, in which I was forbidden to take a sail, when a lad ? " " Very possibly. Have you ever noticed that unani- mated things live longer and change less than men ? It is a very sad thought." " Let us hope that we shall live longer than this old re .7- boat, all moss-covered and water-soaked like a sponge. But if it is the same old boat, I must admit that I am any- I thil I of aiul till' tliel ,'01 J I turi as 1 iks, if you ittractions la-coiiven- le prudish, u comical »» )U. jghiiig. ^e do, it is langes are I order in se are the ttle." ted Pola- iby asking e garden, le bank of 3ad, to a I Goutov- uch diflS- 5SS. Lging the md every- V how to are both ^t is re- )rbidden unani- len? It )ld re .7- |sponge. im any- 87 thing but lucky in regard to it. Years ago I was forbid- den to use it, and now I have lacerated my hand on one of its rusty nails." Polanetzki took out a handkercliief from liis pocket and witii his left liaiid began to b.iiulage tlie wounded fuiger, but it was being done so clumsily, that Marinya, at the sight of it, said : " r don't think you can do it yourself. Let me help vou." And she began to bandage his hand which he purposely turned around time and again to hinder her work, and also because he was thrilled by tlie tender touch of her fingers. She noticed that lie purposely made her task more difficult, and glanced at liim stealthily. Put their eyes met. She understood why he did it, blushed crimson, and bent down as if to pay more attention to her work. Polanetzki felt the proximity of her body, breathing a fascinating warmth, and his heart began to beat quicker and faster." *' I have had very pleasant recollections of my old-time vacations spent here," said he to break the awkward pause, "but now I shall carry away with me still better ones. You nro so kind, and like a rare flower that was planted and forgotten in this Kremen. Indeed, I don't exag- gerate." Marinya understood that Polanetzki spoke earnestly, sincerely, though perhaps boldly, which was due more to his tem[)er, than to the fact that they were left alone. She was not insulted, but jokingly reproached him with her soft musical voice : " Please," said she, " cease your flattering, for I will either make a botch of the baiidao-ino- oi* ]iin awav." "Tic the fmger up the best you can, but pray, do not leave me. The evening is so lovely." Marinya finished her woik, and they walked on in silence. The evenino* was reallv a wonderful one. The sun was setting. The pond, undisturljcd, unrnnicd by the slight(.'st breeze, looked now like a niiiss of gold, then like a mass of fire. Beyond the pond the old oak-trees monot- onously swayed their green heads. Amongst them, now singly, now in a chorus, the numerous birds chirruped their evenuig songs. 38 h: " Kremen is beautiful, very beautiful ! " repeated Polo' netzki. " Yes, very ! " sadly echoed Marinya. " I understand your attachment, your love for the place, into wliich you put so mucli Libor. I can also perceive now, liowone can liave, even in such a wilderness, moments of rare pleasure and enjoyment. Take us now, for in- stance. How lovely it is here! In the city one often wearies of life, especially tiiose who, like myself, are always over ears in various business transactions. My partner Bigel has a wife, children, and life to him is made pleas- ant. But I ? More than once I said to myself : I work and work, day in and day out, but for whose particular benefit? Of course, I will have acquired money, but of what good is that? To-morrow will be littlj better than to-day, work, work and work ! But, you see, once a man devotes his energies to money-hoarding, it seems to hira the only real goal of life worth living for. And yet, there are moments, when my old eccentric Vaskovski is posi- tively right in his assertions that those whose names end in**tzki" or '*vich,"can never put into anj^thing their wjiolr soul, can never be satisfied with that one thing. He claims that in our minds the memory of olden times is fresh and green, that we Slavs have otlier r.issions than the hoarding of money. He is a very original type, a philosopher and a mystic. I argue witli him, and continue acquiring money at the same time the best I can, but now, alone with you, in this charming spot, I must confess that there is some sense in his })hilosophy." For a moment both were silent. At last, Polanetzki resumed : *' Panni Chavastovska told me the truth. That one can make your acquaintance, learn to like you, and confide in you more in one hour than with other people during a montli. I am convinced of it myself now, for it seems to me that I have known you so long a time. I believe that such impressions are produced only by extremely kind, generous people." " Emilya is very fond of me and is very generous in her pral.-;es," replied the young girl, "and had it been true, it seems to me that nmch depends on the other person, 39 you know. I ceitiiinly could not be tlie same with every- body." '' Indeed not ! Last night, for instance, the impression was entirely different ; but then you were tired and sleepy." " Yes, partly so." *' And why did you not retire ? Could not tlie servant liave [)repared tea for me ; and, at least could I not go to bed without it ? " " Oh, no ! We are not so deficient in liospitality. Papa declared tliat one of us had to accord you a cordial reception, and I was afraid he might undertake the task himself. I took his place." " I beg your [)ardon, tlien," said Polanetzki, " that I spoke of our financial affairs as soon as I put my foot in your dining-room. This is the manner of a tradesman, I suppose, to speak of money lirst and last. I repio;iched myself afterwards for my undue haste, and now shame- facedly beg your forgiveness." " You need not apologize, for you are not to blame. You were told tliat the management of tlie estate was in my hands, and naturally, you turned to me." The glowing sun disappeared beyond the green moun- tains, and, little by little, darkness and night came down upon the peaceful village. After a short while thny re- turned to tlie house, but the evening being so beautiful, they sat down on the veranda facing the garden. Pola- netzki suddenly arose, and without a word of explanation, went into the house. lie returned immediately carrying alowstool, and knfeeling down, he put it under the feet ol Marinya. "• Tliank you ! Thank you very much!" she re})eate(l blushingly, .adjusting her dress. "How kind you are I " " I am not very attentive by nature," replied he, " but do you know who taught me tlu.'se little duties ? Lida. She must be well taken care of, and Panni Chavastovska must remember every little thing which might comfort the little sufferer." "She remembers it well, besides we shall all help lier. Had she not gone to Reichenhall, I would have invited her to Kreiueu." 40 " I would have followed Lida witliout your invitation." " You may consider yourself invited in the name of my father to visit us whenever you choose." "Do not be so magnanimous, lest I should take advant- age of your kindness and abuse it. I feel very good here, and as soon as I weary of Warsaw I will escape to Kre- nien to liide under your protection." Pohmetzki was now conscitjus that his words were aimed to establish between them certain friendly relations, tobui- den each olher with their mutual sympatliies, likes and dislikes. Yet he spoke purposely as well as sincerely, and while his words brought the color to her cheeks, he gazed at her 3'oung, tender face, lighted by the setf'ng sun, so serene, so quiet. Marinya raised her blue eyes, in which he could plainly read the question : " Is this idle talk, or what ? " " Very well I " she murmured half audibly. And again both kept silence, feeling that something was taking place within their souls. *' I am surprised that papa has not come yet," suddenly said Marinya. In fact, the sun had long set; a damp moisture was felt in the air, and the i)ond was alive with frogs. But Polanetzki did not reply to I er remark, and as if sunk in his own meditations, began : " I do not attempt to analyze life, having no time for it, but when I am com- fortable, when I am liappy — as I am now, — I feel it with all my senses. Wlien I am miserable — I feel it in the same mannei*. But five or six years ago it was different. There was a number of us .young peo[)le who gathci-ed on short summer evenings and long winter nights to discuss various problems of life. There were some savants, and a writer very popular in Belgium. Wu stormed each other witli questions ; Avhither we were going, what will be the result, the ultimate end. We read the theories of pessimists, and were entangled and lost in the meshes of their knotty problems. We were not unlike the birds that cross the seas in their tliohts and have iiothin^if on which to alight and rest. But out of all that chaotic mass of dogmas that lilled my brain I retained two things: tirst, Uuit those popular Belgians and other savants and writers, J 41 »» ition. of my (Ivant- il here, o Kie- i aimed to bin- es and icerely, iks, he sett- 11 g 3yes, in lis idle d ao^aiii g phice iddenly svas felt d as if ittempt m com- t with in the Terent. red on discuss ts, and eacli at will lieories meshes e birds wliich mass of iirst, writers, 1 n take it less to tlieir hearts than we do. We are more simple, more naive. Second, tliat every new attack of j)essimism makes me weak, robs me of my appetite for lal)or. Then I sobered up and devoted my time and ener- gies to tlie prosaic occu})ation of jjrinting calico. I said to myself tliat life was tlie right of iiatnie, — sensible or not, it matters little. One mnst live and draw from life whatever slie yields, wliatever he can. And I am going to get my share of it. Tine, Vaskovzki claims that we Slavs cannot stop at one thing, but this is mere i)hiloso- phy. There are two things besides money-making — rest, serenity and — do you know what else ? A woman ! Yes, a woman ! For a man needs some one to share his jo^'s and sorrows. Death may come afterward — but very well. Let it come ; for where death steps in, the human mind, that instrument of self-torture, takes its depar- ture. * That's not my business,' as the Englishman says. In the meantime one must have somebody to whom to give iiis possessions — money, knowledge, fame. Tlie moon may be full of precious stones, but tliey are worthless, because there is no one to appreciate their value. A man must have some one to understand him, to ai)])reciate his qualities. But who can understand me better than a woman ; a woman, kind and confiding, a woman I love with every nerve of my soul? This is the goal of every man's life ; for does it not bring rest, contentment, the only thing that is sensible ? I s])eak not as a j)oet, or as a dreamer, but as a positivist and a merchant. To have at your side a beloved creature, — this a sacred goal, — and then let come what may. This is my philosophy." Polanetzki declared that he spoke like a merchant, but his words were those of a lover, affected by the fascina- tions of a July evening, and the presence of a young girl, who from many points of view came up to his require- ments and ideas of life. Polanetzki was aware of it, and to lessen its effect, turned directly to Marinya. " Those are my thoughts, which I seldom lay before the world. But to-day I decided to air them before you ; probably, thanks to Panni Chavastovska, who I must repeat, has spoken the truth : one can become nearer to you in one day, than with others in a year. 1 shall never m 42 I regret my visit to Kremen, and hope to repeat it as often as you will permit me." "• Do come often." " Thank you ! " And he held out liis hand. Marinya gave him hers, as if to signify consent. Again silence reigned for some time, both being busy v/ith tlieir own thouglits. At last Marinya, pointing with lier hand to the light tliat increased every moment beyond the alder trees, remarked : " tlie moon ! " " Oh ! The moon, indeed ! " Slowly tlie red disk of the moon appeared on the starry sky from under tlie alder trees. At the same time the dogs began to bark, the clatter of horses' hoofs was heard, and a moment later, Plavitzki appeared on the thresliold of tlie hall, lighted by a lamp. Marinya, followed by Polanetzki, entered the house. "Nothing happened," said the old man. " Panni Cliro- metzka paid them a visit. Thinking that she might take her leave soon, the Yamishes failed to let us know. Pan Yamish is somewhat indisposed, but intends going to War- saw to-morrow. She will be here day after to-morrow." "Which means all's well?" asked Marinya. "Naturally. But what have you been doing here? " " We listened to the frogs," replied Polanetzki ; " and we feel very good, I assure you." " God alone knows why He created frogs, and though they disturb my slumbers, I do not complain. There is some good in them after all. Let us have tea, Marinya." Tea was prepared in the adjoining room. Plavitzki told of his visit to Panni Yamish. The young people .'-ere silent, but from time to time gazed at each other With their clear eyes, and when the hour struck eleven they both departed with the recollection o' a handshake that spoke of mutual friendship. Marinya felt very tired, unusually so for 8unda3% but it was a pleasant fatigue. Then when she laid her little liead on the soft pillows she thought no more of the fact that to morrow was Mon- day — a work-day, full of petty cares and woriles. Her thoughts were centered on Polanetzki, and in her ears rang his words; "And who will understand me, who will as often hers, as ng busy ing witii b beyond 43 appreciate me better tlian a woman ; a woman, kind and confidmg, a woman I could ^ve with every neno of my In the meantime Polanetzki, undressing and li^^htincr a cigaret e dreamed aloud : " A very goodra very beau ful girl. Ihe world has not her equal." le starry :ime the s heard, u-eshold ►wed by li Chro- ht take r. Pan to War- row." re ? " ; "and though 'liere is » irinya lavitzki people 1 other eleven :dshake y tired, 'atigue. )ws she ^ Mon- i. Her er ears ho will 44 I CHAPTER III. :|,,:. The next day was gray and misty, the skies covered with huge, threatening clouds. A storm was in the air. Marinya awoke early, indisposed and conscience-stricken. It seemed to her that she had allowed herself to be carried away too far by some unknown current, that she had sim- ply flirted with Polanetzki. Her self-rebuke was the more vigorous and merciless the more she reflected that he came to Kremen not as a mere visitor, but as a stern creditor. Last night it escaped her memory, but to-day she thought, " he will certainly accept my conduct as a ruse to gain his friendship, to soften him." At this thought the blood rushed to her face and temples. Such was her nature, scrupulous and ambitious, that she grew indignant at the very idea of her being accused of merce- nary motives. And yet she knew only too well that the safe of Kremen was empty, that by the sale of Magyer- ovka it was hoped to realize some snug sum in the future, there were other creditors to whom her father would fain give preference. It is true she resolved to do her utmost to have Polanetzki's claim satisfied before others, but she was also aware that her influence counted but lit- tle. Plavitski willingly transferred the mar.agement of the estate to his active daughter, but in financial matters he brooked no interference and would turn a deaf ear to all arguments. His idea seemed to be to gain temporary relief; to promise worlds and do nothing; to oifer hopes and visions of forthcoming riclies as something substan- tial in payment of notes long overdue. Somehow he managed to cling to Kremen, and though, at the end, the crash was inevitable, the old man loved to be regarded as the "head of all transactions," considering all contradic- ticms as doubts of his business abilities. Marinya was fre(iuently exposed to unnecessary humiliations. Her life in the village was a perfect chain of worries, ungrateful i 45 covered the air. tricken. carried lad sim- ,vas the :ed that , a stern t to-day uct as a At tliis . Such le grew ; merce- ;hat the Magyer- future, lid fain do lier others, but lit- nient of matters ear to uporary r liopes ubstan- liow he 3iid, the irdod as ntradic- lya was Her life jrateful labor, and self-torture, which only her tranquil, placid face could conceal, although it betrayed an extraordinary strength and flexibility of character. But the humilia- tion which was in store for her at that moment exceeded all others in her uneventful past. " If only he did not condemn me," she repeated to hersv3lf time and again. But what could she do ? Her first idea was to invite Po- lanetzki to an informal chat, and mak^ some arrangement before he had seen her father, to make clear to him their condition in a frank, open manner, which one employs with a man woilhy of contiv!ence. But this thought soon gave place to another : such a discussion of grave finan- cial matters could only be construed as a })lea for mercy, and therefore savored of humiliation. Had Marinya, like a woman who feels the throbbing of her lieart, been con- scious, half instinctively, of the fact, that between her and the young man, only lecently a perfect stranger to lier, relations were being developed wliioli predicted a serious iinale, she would have undoubtedly chosen that path. But now it seemed to her impossible. There remained but one e'H)ice.. to see Polanetzki, to impress upon him by her })reseno conduct the fickleness of women in general, and her own especially; in short, to destroy tlie threads of sympathy they were yesterday weaving together, and to accord him full liberty of action. Tliis means she imag- ined ^o be the most convenient. Learning from the serv- ant that Polanetzki had not only risen, but, liaving dr.mk his tea, had gone out for a walk, she decided to meet him. In this she succeeded very easily. A few moments later he was seen returning from a short [)r()me- nade through the garden. Halting ])efore the back })orch, which was covered with a net of gra})evines, he spoke to the doofs that welcomed him on the niiiht of his arrival. At first he did not notice Maiinya standing on the [)oi'ch in awaiting attitude. He patted the dogs as they j'om])ed around him, throwing themselves at his feet, crawling up liis knees. At, length, discovering Marinya, he iusIkmI to her with astonishing alertness and hailed licfoie her, visil)ly delighted and beaming with pleasure. *'(Too(l-morning ! " said lu;, '•"• 1 was enjoying a quiet chat here with your dogs. Have you slept well ? " 1 ■■f-l. 46 " Quite well, thank you." And slic coldly g-ave liim her hand. He stared at her with eyes tliat spoke clearly of the pleasure it afforded him to nieet her. And poor lieart-worn Marinya fully shared liis deliglit, and her little lieart was rent with pain at the thouglit that she was compelled to respond coldly and ceremoniously to his '^ordial greeting. *' ]\Iaybe you are on your way to the various outbuild- ings, where your functions of management demand your presence. In such case allow me to acconipany you. To- day I must turn my face homeward, and I will therefore gladly take advantage of every moment in your company. God knows, that were I in a position to do so, I would prolong my visit considerably. However, the road to Kremen is now familiar to me." Suddenly Polanetzki noticed the cold ring of lier words, the uiniatural frigidity of her face. He gazed at her in utter astonislnuent. If Marinya thouglit that he would at once adapt himself to her erratic disposition, she was sadly mistaken. He was too energetic, too bold, not to demand the reason for the sudden chancre. ''What is the matter?" said he, looking straight into her clear eyes. " Notliing, I assure you," said slie, somewhat confused. '* No ; I am not mistaken, and, wliat's more, you know it very well yourself. You a[)pear to me to-day the same as you were on our first meeting. But then the fault was mine. I spoke of money, when it was hardly in j)lace or in time. Yesterday I obtained your forgiveness, and our conversation was so friendly, so interesting. . . . But suddenly you change again. . . . Won't you be kind enougli to explain?" No diplomacy, not even tlie best of its kind, could work more havoc with her i)lans than those sim[)le words. She lio[)ed and feared to put a damper on his enthusiasm, to drive him away, yet lie braved all barriers, and stood neartu" to lier at that moment than ever before. "Tell nu;, frankly, what is the matter with you," lie ])leaded with tlie tone of a man wh.o is Ijeing insulted. " Your father told me yesterday that ^ was to be his guest during that day, and to-day I may beeomo your creditor m 47 at her fforded X fully ill pain coldly itbuild- d your I. io- erefore mpany. ; would oad to words, her in would die was not to lit into nfused. know same Lilt was lace or id our , But DC kind d work She iisni, to stood |)U," lie suited. s ^uest rcditor I again. . . . that is mere talk. I liave no conception of such differences, and shall never be your creditor, but rather your debtor. ... 1 owe you ver^' much, as it is, for your extreme kindness of yesterday, and God knows that I would give much to remain your debtor forever. . . ." And again he looked at her as if waiting for the reap- pearance of that fascinating smile on her pink lips. Hut Manny a, whose lu irt was distressed more and more, followed her chosen path : first, because it was lier own choice ; and, secondly, because of the fear of provoking further discussions. "I assure you," she finally said, mastering her emotions, *'that you were either mistaken yesteiday, or you labor under a lamentable illusion to-day. I am always the same, and I sliall be perfectly hap[)y to know that yoi: left us witli pleasant recollections of the brief visit." These words were pronounced very i)olitcly, but tlu^y were from the lips of a young girl so unlike the one he admired the day before, that Polanetzki's mobile face began to show signs of im[)atience, and even anger. " If you wish me," he said, "• to make believe that 1 place credence in your explanation, I will submit. I will depart with the impression that, in this part of the coun- try, Monday is no relative of Sunday, and does not resembl(3 it a bit." Marinya was touched to the quii'k by the biting sarcasm of his last words, they seemed to make a claim to certain rights, created by lier conduct of yesterday. Her answer had more the ring of sadness about it than of anger : "What would you do?" A mor.ient later slu; was gone, aftei' declaring to J^ola- netzki that she must Lrreet lier father. He remained alone, kicked the dogs that tried to attract his altenti(Ui, and plunged into the ungrateful occupation of losing his temper. " What does this mean? " he asked liimsc^lf i-epeatedly. Yestei'day all smiles, to-day cold and indifferent! A dif- ferent woman entirely. And how foolish it is, howsmall ! Yesterday a i-elative, to-day — a lU'cditor. What is this to her ? Have I robbed anybody ? Did she not know yes- I 48 .-♦--^i I.. I ■, > '■ \ \.i : ii I. tenlay why I came here ? Very well, pretty Panna. If you wisli me to be your creditor and not Pan Polanetzki, you sliall liave your way, — the devil take vou one and all ! " In the meantime Marinya entered tlie room of her fatlier, who was witting in his mornir,g-robe at the table, which was covered witli papers. He turned for a moment to res|)ond to the greeting of liis daugliter, then busied liimself ag.iin witli the peiusal of tlie papers. "*■ Papa," said Marinya, *' I came to speak about Pola- netzki. You, papa " But he interrupted her, and not taking liis eyes from the papers, said : " Your PoLinetzki will be in my hands like a lump of wax." " I doubt very much, whetlier you will be able to come to terms with liim. I only wished to sa}^ that we ought to satisfy him before otliers, even if ii; is against our own interests." Phivitzki turned around, looked at her, and asked coldly: -'That's it. Eh? But what does it mean, pray, a self-instituted guardianship over him or over me ? " " Tliis is a question of your honor, father." " Do you really believe that I am in need of your ad- vice in such matters ? " " No, papa, but " " What a pathetic day this seems to be ! What does it all mean ? " " I only implore, my father." '^ And I request you to leave it all to me. You have taken the reins of the management out of my hands, and I willingly gave them to you, because I have no desii-e to quarrel with my only child in the last days of my life. But let me liave this corner in the entire house; let me have one little room and the liberty to arrange such mat- ters. ' " But papa, dearest pa})a, — T only beg " '' That 1 should niove to the luunlet. What barn, then, will you have nie call my own ? " Piavitzki who s[)oke of a [)athetic day, evidently was loath to let anyone share with him that monopoly, lie 49 ina. If [inetzki, n)e ajid of her le table, [iioment busied X Pok- es from a lump able to that we iiist our asked II, pray, our ad- does it u have i, and I ssire to 11 y life, let nie 1 mat- 1, then, ly was He arose, like King Lear, and grasped the back of tlie chair as if for supi)ort, thus giving a hint to his cruel (hiughtcr tluit, struck by her cruelties, he is in danger of breaking down, and falling prostrate on the carpeted floor. Tears came to the eyes of the young girl, and a bitter feeling of help- lessness like a lump came in her throat and choked her. She paused for a moment, as if struggling with compas- sion, and an inclination to cry aloud, then she said in a low voice : " Forgive me, father ! " And she was gone. Fifteen minutes later, Polanetzki, at the request of the old man, went into the hitter's room. lN)lanetzki was aiigiy, excited, and could scarcely control himself. Plavitzki after bidding him good-moiiilng, pointed to a comfortable chair, and crossing his hands on his knee, beii'an : '' I hope, Stach, that you will not burn my house, neither kill me who has o[)ened his arms to you, nor leave my child an unprotected orphan?" " No, uncle," replied Polanetzki. " I feel no inclination for burning houses just now. You ma}- keep on living in your old way. No child will be left an orplian, if I can lielp it. What I want is to put an end to all such intro- ductions which can do you no good, and are to me, em- barrassing at the least. ' " Very well," said Plavitzki, chagrined that his style of expression was not appreciated by his ne[)hew. " Put remember that you came to me, and to the house you visit('(l as a child." '' I came here, because such was the will of my mother. My mother came here because vou did not nay the interest on your mortgage. Put all this is neitlier iiere nor there, riiat mortfifacfe is now twenty-one years old, and tojxether With tlie interest represents the sum of twenty-four thou- sand roubles. For simplicity's nake let us name it twenty thousand, it being a round, even amount. Pint these twenty thousand roubles I must get, and this is why I came here." Plavitzki convincingly nodded his hea«l. "And that is why you came here," repeated he with ill- 50 ,■■*.. , ■K .:' ■ concealed scorn. " But tell me, Stacli, why were you yesterday quite another man? " Polanetzki, who half an hour a^.'-o put the same question to Marinya, nervously jumped in his chair, but instantly restrained himself, and remarked: " Let us talk business, please ! " " I am not oj)posed to it, but permit me first, to say a few words. Don't interrupt me. You said that I did not pay the interest. True. But do you know why ? Your mother had not given me her whole fortune, which would require the consent of the executors of your father's will. Perliaps this was detrimental to your own benefit. But this is not the point I want to reach. Having taken from her the paltry few thousands, I decided thus : Here is a Avoman, a widow left alone in the world with her child, and God alone knew how she would fare in the days to come. The nione}^ said I to myself, must remain with me and serve, so to say, as a soHtI foundation for her fu- ture. Let the interest grow and multiply until there is enough for her to depend upon for supjjort in later years. From that moment I -was 3'our savings bank. Your mother gave twelve thousand roubles. I have now some twenty-four thousand. Such is the brilliant result. Will you now pay me with ingratitude?" " Listen, dear uncle ! " said Polanetzki, losing patience. "Please do not consider me more stupid than I really am. Do not think me demented. I warn you that you cannot catch me in this trap. Tlie bait is altogether too ])oor. You say you have twenty-four thousand roubles of my money — out v/itli them ! J beg of you to hand them over to me without further argument." " And I ask you to be moit patient, more lenient, if only because I am your senior," said Plavitzki with dig- nity. *' I have a partner, Avho, a month from now, will invest in a certain enterprise twelve thousand roubles. I must produce an equal amount, of course. I therefore declare to you, most explicitly, that after two years' constant bom- barding with letters, 1 cannot, I will not wait any longer." Plavitzki put his elbow on the table, closed his eyes, ftnd was silent. - « I 61 .vere you question instantly to say a I did not ? Your )h would er's will, fit. But ken fioni [ere is a 31- child, days to lin with ' her fu- thei-e is er years. :. Your »w some t. Will )atience. illy am. cannot )0 ])oor. of my m over lent, if 111 dig- I invest must declare nt bom- onger." eyes, Polanetzki looked at him, waiting for an answer, gazed at him with increasing disgust, and re|)^ jdly put to him- self the question : *' What is he — a fraud, a scoundrel, or an egotist grown so blind in self-admiration that he meas- ^ iires good and evil with his own yard-stick for his own M benefit, — or all three together ? " il Plavitzki continued to be silent, covering his face with the palm of his hand. " At last I wish to know something," resumed Pola- netzki. But Planitzki made a sio^n with his hand that he was not throucfh with his calculations. Suddenly he showed a beaming face. " Do you know, Stach, what I have to say ? Why quar- rel when there is such an easy solution at hand? " '' What is it ? " " Take the 'mergel ' (a chalky clay)." "What?" " Come here with your partner, and an expert. Let us put a conservative price on the deposit of * mergel ' and organize a company. Your partner, what's his name, liigel? — will pay me according to his share of the stock, and we will work hand in hand, to our mutual benefit, for there is a real treasure in it, I assure you." Polanetzki arose. " Pardon me," said he, "• I am not accustomed to being laughed at like a fool. I do not want your ' treasures.' I want money, and all your plans and schemes I consider shameless, senseless efforts to dodge the real issue." A moment of awkward silence ensued. A Jupiter-like anger began to cloud the brow and forehead of i'lavitzki. His eyes shot lightning glances at the bold intruder. He rose majestically, and walking a few ste[)s toward the 0[)posite wall, he selected a quaint hunter's dagger and handing it to Polanetzki said : " In such case there remains o\]]y one other alternative. Here is my breast — slay ! " And he unbuttoned his robe. But Polanetzki, over- come by a mingled feeling of indignation and disgust, pushed away his hand holding the dagger, and in a loud, excited voice exclaimed ; " This is a base comedy — and 52 \ *<'- ^■Vt P ' • ,:. i' nothing more ! It's absolutely a waste of time and words to argue with you any longer. I am going away, beeause your Krenien is quite sutlieient for nie, but 1 warn you tliat I will sell mv elaini for half its oriijinal value, to the firat Jew I meet, who will take you in hand better than I can." At these words Plavitzki held out his right haml, and pointing to the door, solemnly })ronounced : " Go and sell! Let a Jew into the sacred portals of your native nest ! But remember that ni}^ curse and the curses of all who lived here before me, will follow you to the end of the world." Pohpietzki ran out of the room, pale and white with rage. He ran into the rece[)tion-i()()m, and while hunting blindly for his hat, delivered himself (^f a torrent of curses that was more than sni'tieient for Plavitzki's ancestors, numerous as they might have been. At last he found his hat, and as he ruslied toward the door to see whether his carriage was awaiting him, he almost ran into the arms of Marinya. At the sight of her he halted, but remembering th;'t she was manager Je facto of Kremen's destinies, said in tremulous voice : " Farewell I I am done with your father. I came to collect my property, but first of all iie blessed mo, then he offered me imaginaiy treasures, and finally he I'^vishly sn[)[)lied me with curses enough to last for two lives. A nice way to pay debts I " There was an instant during this tirade, when Marinya wanted to offer him her hand and say : ^'I can understand your anger. A few minutes before your entrance into father's room I was tlieie myself. I begged him to settle with you before all others. Do with us and with Kremeu whatever you please, but do not condemn me. Don't think that I am in the conspiracy to rob you of your own, and res[)ect me, if or.ly a little." And she stretched out lier hand, and the words were hanging on her lips, but Polanetzki, getting excited more and more, and again losing his self-control, added with vehemence: *' I relate to you these facts, because when on the first night I mentioned the matter you felt offended, and referred me to your father. 1 thank you for your yi^luablQ 53 [111(1 words )', because ^^alll you ue, to the ter than I hand, and portals of 3 and the •w you to hite with 3 hunting .of curses mcestors, found his ether his e arms of L' in be ring lies, said came to , then lie I'tvishly ves. A Marinya lerstand ice into to settle K re me 11 Don't ur own, hed out ips, but 1 again the first L'd, and {Uuable advice, but as it proved to be of more benefit for yourself than for me, I will next time choose my own mode of action." Tiie pink lips of Marinya became white, tears of indig- nation and insulted dignity swelled in her blue eyes, and pioudly lifting her head said : "' You may heap insults upon me to your lieart's content, since there is no one to protect me." And she turned her back to him, and went toward the door, filled with a bitter feeling of humiliation and despair ill that incessant labor, into which she put her strength, the fire of her young, pure soul, and for which she reaped such bitter fruit. Polanetzki discovered only too late, that, carried away by excitement, he had committed an irre- ])aiable wrong. In a moment anger gave place to pity, lie was eager to run after her, to crave her pardon, but it was too late : Marinya was gone. This was the last straw. Rage literally boiled within him. Still he overcame botli his rage and his remorse, and bidding farewell to no one, I'C jumped into the wait- ing carriage, which carried liim swiftly away from Kreinen. For a lono' time the master-tliouoht tliat filled his brain was revenge. " I will certainly sell it for a third of its price," repeated he excitedl}-, ^^ and let them ruin you, send you away homeless pau[)ers! U[)()n my word of lionor, I will sell it. I may not be compelled to do it, but I will!" Thus his ideas took the form of a firm decision. Pola- netzki was not one of those men who throw tlieir words to the wind. The main diflic ilty now was to find a pur- chaser willing to invest such an amount, which in turn meant the sale, the ruin of Kremen. Meanwhile the carriage passed the broad avenue and reached the road in the o})en field. Recovering somewhat, Polanetzki began to think of Marinya in an absolutely mo- saic way: his thoughts were a variegated collection of bits of feeling of admiration for her beauty, of impressions made upon him by her face and figure, of recollections of Sunday's conversation, displeasures, compassion, imaginary insults, anger, and, finally, discontent with himself that exceeded his disappointment in Maiin_) a. Tiie;||^eliiigs were at battle 64 with each other, now one, now another, gaining supremacy. There were moments wlien lie remembered the tall, stately figure of Marinya, her dark li.:ir, her pretty if somewhat broad lips, and lastly, the subtle cx})ression of her face, and again the sympathy for her appeared victoiious. He thought slie was too pure, too womanly, that there was something in the outlines of her shoulder and her entire figure that attracted with a strange magic force. He remembered her soft, musical voice, her serene look, her apparent kindness and generosity, and he hea})ed curses on himself for his ungovernable temper, for his scandalous behavior at his departure. " If her father is an old clown, a swindler and a dunce," he said to himself, " and if she understands it and feels it, the more is the pity, for she must be truly wretched and miserable. But under such circumstances, every sensible man, every man with a feeling heart, would sympathize with hei', and not attack the poor child, as I did, 1 — ." And he was ready to strike himself, for he understood at the same time what a delightful state of intimacy, what a mutual respect there might have develo})ed between them, had he, after his stormy scene with her father, treated her in a polite, gentlemanly way. She would have extended to him both her pretty hands, which he would have kissed most fervently, and they would have parted the bc^t of fiiends. *' At the end. the devil may take that money," thought he, " and now he might do some good by takii\g me." He felt that he had acted foolishly, at least, and this knowledge unbalanced him, pushed him farther and farther along that path he himself considered unfortunate. And he con- tinued to meditate in approximately the following manner : "But once it is all lost — God have mercy on them ! I will sell my claim to the first Jew that comes my way. Let him })ress them to the wall, let him ruin them, leave them without a roof. May the old man seek emploj'ment in his old days. And Marinya ap])ly for the position of governess, or marry Goutovski." But here he felt that he would sooner consent to anything than to see this take place. He would break Goutovski's head ! '' Let anybody marrv hor. but not that dullard, not that bear." And the unfortunate Goutovslji became the target of all his pent-up I h V 01 e wl st hi si I ipremacy. ill, stately somewhat lier face, ous. He here was ler entire ice. He look, lier ?d curses andalous >» - dunce, I feels it, lied and sensible npathize rstood at , what a in them, ated her inded to ed most fiiends. i^ht he, He felt )wledge )ng- tlmt he con- lanner : em ! I y ^vay. leave :)yment tion of that he is take lybody nd the )ent-up 66 vaf'o, just as if he were the direct cause of wliat liad hajv pL'UL'd. Having reached Cliernyov, the railroad terminus, he looked in vain for (loulovski, ready to make him the victim o( his revenge. Fortunately for Goutovskijhe met on the station only a few peasants and Jews, and the emaciated, though intelligent, retined face of Pan Yamish, wlio recognized him. When the Ijell rang and the train started, Yamish invited him to his own j)rivate car, whi(!h he obtained thanks to his intimate ac(][uaintance with the station-master. " I knew your father very Avell," said Yamish, as soon as they were comfortably seated, "in his best days. I was married not far from his estates. And a splendid estate it was. Your grandfather was one of the most prominent landowners in that region ; but now, I presume it has all passed into other hands.*" M ''Oil, 3'es, a long time since. My fatlier before his • death lost all his estates. He was an invalid, lesided for the most part at Nice, [)aid little attention to the manage- ment of his fortune, — and the result is obvious. If it had not been for the meager inheritance my mother received after his death, we would have fared very ill, indeed." " But you seem to get along splendidly yourself. I happen to know your firm. I have had some business with it through Pan Abdulski concerning the sale of hoj)s." "Ah ! Pan Alxlulski was your representative?" " Yes, and I nuist admit that your firm lias given me full satisfaction in the matter. \V)U have acquired an enviable reputation, based on honest dealings, which alone leads to success." " Honest dealings are essential in our business, as in every oilier branch of commerce. My partner is a very scrupulous man. And 1 myself am not — Plavitzki." " What do you mean ? " asked Pan Yamish, interested. With the raofe still burninijf within him, with a voice nngnig with just indignation, Polonetzki related to him the stormy scene just enacted at Kremen. "IPm? .... muttered Yamish *' Since you speak of him unceremoniously, handling him without gloves, allow ine to add a few words, though he is your relative," 56 "Our relationship is doubtful: his first v/ife was a rel- ative, a chum of my motlier." " I have knowu Plavitzki for a number of years. He is a man more s])oiled by surroundings than really bad by nature. lie was an only son and therefore first of all, became the pet and despot of liis parents, and later on of his two wives. Tiie Litter were both kind, easy-going women, who fairly worshipped him. He was their idol. For many ycai^ tlie circumstances were such that he was the sun round wliicli circled all minor planets, until he finally readied the conclusion that the world owed him ev^M-ytliinix, while he owed to his fellow men — nothing. Wnen one is brought up under such cir- cumstances, measuring good and evil with his own yard- sticl: for liis own benefit, he has .ail the facilities forlosiujr lus moral equilibrium. Plavitsk.i is a mixture of idleness and weakness ; idleness, because he was always careful to evade everything tliatsiivored of labor; weakness, })ecause he met no obstacle in his way, and these evils ultimately became deep rooted, natural, and demoralizing. Then came hard times, times whicli only a man with a strong character and a powerful will could tide over witliout breaking down, and these qualities he lacked absolutel3\ ''Instead of facing the trouble like a man, he began to juggle and dodge, and finally became an adept in tliis contemptible art. But after all, success does not always favor the dodger. It is my candid opinion that Plavitzki will eventually lose his hold u])on Kremen, even though he sliould sell Magyerovka. Marinya alone lias my heart- felt sympathies. There is a girl worthy of sincere ad- miration. Two yeai's ago the old man was about to sell Kremen and establish himself in the city. It was only due to the tears and entreaties of his daughter that this plan was not carried out. 'J'he young girl, whether for the sake of the memory of her mother, or intluenced by the pure love for the country and the old i)lace so dear to her, did lier utmost to prevent the sale of their old home- stead. Poor girl ! She imagined that one need only put his whole soul into the woik, and eveiytliing would flourish and prosper. Like a true martyr she denied her- self everything for tlic sake of Kremen. What a blow the hi all P(| fr;[ tell g^' hel rei pel W^S:: 'jsh^/'UmiiA:^'^ 57 was a rel- ears. He an really til ere fore i parents, t'eie both ped liim. noes were ill minor that the is feUow such cir- wn yard- or losing idleness ireful to , because tiniateh'- . Then I strong without 'lutely. )egan to in this always lavitzki though y heart- ere ad- to sell IS only at this lier for ced by Iciir to horne- ily i)ut would 3d her- ow the loss of Kremen will be for her now ! I pity the girl with all m}" heart." " You are very kind, indeed, Pan Yamish," exclaimed Polanetzki, forgetting his anger. The old man smiled. " I love that little wench," he said, " and besides this frail, delicate creature has the entire management in her tender little hands. It would be a pity to lose such a gentle neighbor." Polanetzki bit his moustache, and finally said : " Let her marry some gentleman in the vicinity. Then she may remain with you and grace the country with her charming personality." " How easily you say it ! Let her marry ? A girl with- out a dowry is not such a tempting bait in our part of the country. And then, who is there in the vicinity to ] ly claim to her affections? Pan Goutovski? He w ^'.dd have hesitated very little to make her the mistress of his home. He is a good man, but very limited, mentally, they say. She does not seem to care enough for him — and of course that alone settles it. Goutovski's estate is very small, and if this was not suilicient reason to make the young man's chances very slim indeed, Plavitzki labors under the impression that the name of Goutovski stands niueh below that of his own. Put one thing is certain, whoever marries Marinya acquires a treasure." At that moment Polanetzki, carried away l)y Ids own vivid imagination of what might have been, fully shared this oi)iiii()n. Once more he became absorbed in his own meditations, ])icturing to himsidf Marinya in all her fas- cinating charms; thinking, fearing that he would pine for her, yet consoling himself that on former occasions such praidvs of the heart were easily overcome and for- gotten. Hut the nearer he drew to Warsaw, the more restless he gi'nv. As ho alighted from the car, lie mut- tered tlirough his teeth : " How foolishly it all happened 1 How perfectly absurd I " i.'i 58 n CHAPTER IV. On his return to Warsaw, Polanetzki spent the first night at the house of liis partner, to whom he was at- laclied by an old and sincere friendshi}). Bigel,-a,Pole by birth, was a descendant of an okl family who, three gen- erations before liim, emigrated to Poland. Before he entered into copartnersiiip with Polanetzki, Bigel owned a small commercial and bankinof establishment, which gained for liim tlie reputation of a merchant, if not very ent(3rprising, at least scrupulously honest in all his deal- ings with his clients. AVlieu Polanetzki joined Bigel the business was considerably enlarged, and accpiiied a wide and flattering reputation. Botli i)artners worked in per- fect harmoii}'. Polanetzki, more active and determined, was gifted witli the faculty of seeing things in theii' right light, and acting [)romptly and decisively. He it waswlio perceived tlie benelits of each new enterprise, who drew t);e ])lans of its perfection. But it was Bigel who patiently, conscientiously develo[)ed each and every detail, making the enter[)rise an absolute success. If l)usiness required an energetic mind, a firm liaiul, a strong will, Polanetzki could not be dis[)ensed with. If it required searching, digging, {)atient labor over the whys and wberebu-es of its possible success or failure, Bigel could not be spaied. Tiiese were natures, radically ()p])os(Ml to eacli otiier, who met and nevei'tlieless agrecsd, ".jinibng tliat agreement by ties of mutual friendsliip. l*()lanetzki, liowever, had tlie advantage of his i>art- ner's absolute faith in his, lN)lanetzki\s, julministrative abililies, which, crowned by a few fortunate enterprises, seemed to Bitifel nuich oreater than they reallv were. 'I'lie golden dream of both was, after reaching a certain stage of prosperity, to o{)en an extensive plant for the ])rinting of calico, for wliich Polanetzki was especially ada[)ted as a chemist, and Bigel .is a manager. This dieam, however, w m CO te th AV ot ill ll n r^ o 59 the first I was at- a Pole by iree gen- lefore he ?1 owned t, wliich not very his de:il- IVif^iil the a wide I in per- ennined, eir right was who lo drew atiently, making liand, a ilh. If le whys , Bigel adically agrcu!(l, ndsliip. IS pait- strative M'prisi's, '. Tl.e n stage •riiitjiig >U'(1 as jwever. was very far from becoming a fact. Less patient and more passionate, Polanetzki, on his return to his native country from abroad, made various and futile efforts to in- terest in the proposed scheme local capital lying idle in the hands of his wealthy relatives. He was met every- where by cold indifference or open distrust. Among others he noticed a peculiar fact: His own name, made illustrious by his wealthy ancestors, opened the doors of higher society to him, and yet this very name did liini more harm than good. It seemed as if the people he ap- pealed to, could not in their own brain digest the thought of how a man of sucli a family and name that ended in " tzki," could manage any business at all. At first this fact angered Polanetzki, in view of which the more pldeg- matic Bigel was compelled to check his partner's wratli by various logical arguments, which all carried the^^oint home to Polanetzki that such lack of confidence was very natural tlianks to the bitter experience of that time, a time of many beginnings and disastrous endings. " The time has not come yet," argued Bigel. But it will come soon, or rather it is due already. Until then amateurism and dilettanteism ruled the day, but now there a[)[)ear on the scene iiere and there trained s[)ecialists, men expert in their vocations and [)rofessions, who know wluit thuy want and liow to get it. Polanetzki, himself, not- withstanding his [)assionate temperament, possessed a mind at once clearly devel()i)ed and observing. He made many useful discoveries in those s[)heres which were accessible to liim. These discoveries gained general ap[)roval, but tliis approval seemed to be underlined witli a vague sort of condescension. Eacli and every one gave himself tlie trouble to admit that lu; agieed with Pohmetzki, that he found his labor useful and expedient, but no one made an effort to conceal the fact tliat lie was puzzled by the attitude of Polanetzki, who seemed to consider his profes- sion iiatui'al and common. '''Hiiiy all look as if they wei'o soi'ry for me, or if tliey were doing nie favors," said Polaiuitzki, and in this j)re- suniption he was right. He ii.ially became convinced that liad he offered his liamt and name to a young lady of tliat higher circle, his buMking and couuuerciul iirm would only d 60 ■. ii not make his road smooth, hut would absolutely prove a handicap. Had he an estate burdened with debts, or a natural inclination to live the life of an idler, his suit would be looked upon with more favor. The day Pola- netzki made tliese discoveries, he began to systematically avoid society, and finally scratclied his numerous friends off his list, leaving the family of Panni Chavastovska, Bigel and such bachelor friends, without which his life would be too desolate and monotonous. He dined, like other fashionables, at Francois' with Bukatzki, old Vas- kovski and Mashko, the lawyer, with whom he con- stantly discussed tlie various topics of the day. But generally he led a very quiet uneventful life, void of ex- citements and dissipations, and, notwithstanding his In- creasing wealth, was still unmarried, though wistfully lon^ng for a happy union. Having arrived at Bigel's, Polanetzski did not fail to paint Plavitzki in the darkest colors he possibly could, hoping to find sympatlietic hearers in liis friend and the hitter's wife. But Bigel seemed totally unaffected by this 2)athetic tale of woe, and to his passionate tirade rejoined. *' I am familiar with such types. But, to be candid, where in the name of sense will Thivitzki get th(! money, if it is nowhere to be had? One nmst have plenty of patience with such debtors. Country estates absorb, then swallow hirge sums of mone}', but return it very rarely, and only after much hard squeezing." "Listen, Bigel," impatiently interrupted Polanetzki. "Since you have come into the habit of taking after- dinner naps, one must have the patience of a slave to talk to you." "• My assertion is true, nevertlieless. Besides, I fail to gee why you are so clamoring for money? Have you not at your disposal the sum I am su[)posed to invest as my share of the partnershi}) capital?" *' But what is this to you or to Plavitzki ? He has had my money long enough, and he must return it." The entrance of Panni Bigel with her children put an end to their dispute. Panni Bigel was a young woman, dark-haired, ami blue-eyed, extremely kind and devoted to her bix children, of whom I'olunetzki himself was very ^VtA!fe.i,.a£-*aaM^'- ly prove a debts, or a er, Ins suit ! day Pola- teniiitically 31IS fiieiids vastovska, cli Ills life lined, like I old Vas- ^ he coii- ay. But ■oid of ex- ig liis ji- wistfully t Bigel's, le darkest tnpatlietic iut Jiigel woe, and e candid, n, begin , he was lilosophy , though »t it, that 'ound in ere soon occupied , flushed at once cordial metzki's oiiversa- of the y knew ice, and ng com- lien it 5, and I woman ccept a whose etzki. in my nerves; on the (( a 67 lower part of my liead, Avhieli betrays unmistakable symp- toms of brain disease; and, third, 1 am })enniless." " You — penniless ? " " At least for the time being. I bought a few marvels in scul[)tuie, all avant la Icth'f, and have reduced my- self to penuiy for the rest of the month. And if I get some other art-gems from Italy, for which I have already begun negotiations, I shall be a beggar for a year to come." Vaskovski, whose features, or his complexion resembled somewhat tliat of Mashko, though he was mucli older, and his face was more pleasant, turned upon liukatzki his clear blue eyes, and said : And tliis is also a disease of the age. ' CoUectioi'ism and collections everywhere I " " Oh, we are threatened with a lecture ! " said Masliko. *' Well, we have little else to do," replied Polanetzki, good-humoredly. " What have you to say against the love for collec- tions?" asked Hukatzki. "Not nuieh I'' replied Vaskovski. This is an anti- quated and yet well-preserved habit in our days, to worship the fine arts. But don't you think that this mania savors of the ancient? I think it is very characteristic. Years ago this mania wao considered an avt per se, which all cul- tivated and admired, wherever it was exhibited, in muse- ums, in temples. In our da}-- we make collections for our private cabinets and lilji-aries. Before, the mania for col- lecting rarities died with the satisfaction of the passion. Now it begins at this and ends in eccentricity. I do not allude to Bukatzki. At the pi'csent time every urchin, as soon as he saves up a few pennies, branches out as a collector of something. Often the objects are not attributes of fine art, but simply its odlities, its freaks. You see, my friends, it always appeared to me, that love and idolatry, love and dilettanteism are two different tilings, and I insist tiiat the nrm who idolizes Vv^omen is not capable of nobler feelings. " Yes, this is possible. Tiiere is a grain of truth in what you say," remarked Polanetzki. *' This concerns me but little " said Mashko, j)assing his 08 r fingers througli liis Eiiglisli side-wliiskcrs. " In tliose state- ments I i)erc'eive first of all the liiiit of an old pedagogue at the Talhicies of modern times." "Pedagogue, you said?" repeated Vaskovski. First, let me remind you, tliat ever since a piece of l)read was dropped down upon me, as if from the skies, I lesigned the dignified position of spanking cliildren and acting the part of a tyrant; second, you are certainly wrong in your presumption, I make no liints. I follow witli pleasure and note every new sym[)tom of the approach of the end of our epoch and the dawn of a new era." " On tlie contrary, we are just now struggling with the waves in open sea and cannot reach the shore," said Masliko. " Leave him alone ! " remarked Polanetzki. But Vaskovski, notiitall confused or rattled, continued : " Idolatry leads to unnatural refinement, and in tliat re- finement I see the death of all grand ideals, wliich give place to a low vulgar desire to make capital out of them. This is all mere paganism, but no one will voluntarily admit that we are returning to paganism. And Vaskovski, wliose eyes were as clear and transparent as a child's, reflecting onl}^ superficial objects, always focussed on the infinite, turned them now to the windows, through which were seen tlie gray clouds w^ith the sun rays struggling through them. '^ What a pity that my head aches so often," said Bu- katzki. " It ought to be an interesting era, but I will not live to witness it." But Mashko who called Vaskovski " a saw," felt bored with his pliilosopliical outpourings generously offered on every possible and impossible occasion. He delved into his side-pocket, got out a cigar, and lighting it, said to Polanetzki: "Listen, Stacli, do you really wish to sell your mortgage on Krtmen ? " " Most assuredly. But wliy do you ask ? " " Because I am considering it." " You ? " " Yes. You know that I frequently ' reflect ' upon such things before I decide. We may return to the subject again. Naturally I can tell you very little to-day. But i 69 lOse state- ediigo