"There must have been something up between you and the Director, Hartmann. He was with her ladyship quite early to-day, though, in a usual way, she does not trouble herself about the gentlemen's business matters, and I was sent off to you at full speed. There is plenty to do up at the house, I assure you; all the gentlemen from the works are invited to dinner, and there are all sorts of grandees coming out from the town too.... But I have not a moment's time. Be punctual, seven o'clock, just after dinner."
The man seemed really in a hurry; he nodded shortly, by way of adieu to all present, and went.
"There!" burst forth the Manager. "They know already of your ridiculous refusal up there. Now look to yourself to find a way of settling the business."
"Shall you go, Ulric?" quickly and eagerly asked Martha, who had remained silent so far.
"What are you thinking of, child?" scolded her uncle. "Do you suppose he can say no again, when the mistress sends expressly for him. But you and he would both be capable of it, really!"
Martha did not attend to this speech. She drew nearer her cousin, and laid her hand on his arm.
"Shall you go?" she repeated in a low tone.
Ulric stood looking darkly at the ground, as though a struggle were going on within him. Presently he threw back his head hastily.
"Certainly I shall. I should be glad to know what her ladyship can be pleased to want with me now, after passing a whole week without once taking the trouble to inquire"----
He stopped short, as if he felt he had said too much. Martha's hand slid from his arm, and she stepped back, but the Manager said with a sigh,