"You have not seen Waldemar for four years; then he obeyed you in all things. I hope you can as easily influence him now."
"I think I can; he is not so hard to manage as you suppose. If you yield for the moment to his rude impetuosity, and make him believe that he will have his own way in any event, you have him completely in your power. If we remind him daily that he is absolute master of Villica, he will never think of becoming so in reality. I do not consider him intelligent enough to make a thorough examination into affairs here. We need have no concern."
"As I have met Waldemar only twice, I must depend entirely upon your judgment. When did you receive his letter?"
"This morning, an hour before your arrival. We may expect him very soon. He writes in his usual laconic style, avoiding all details."
"Is he coming alone?" asked the count, gravely.
"His former tutor, who is his constant companion, will be with him. I thought I might gain some definite information from this man in regard to my son's studies at the university; but I was deceived in him. In answer to my inquiries, I obtained nothing but some learned disquisitions upon special studies,--not a word of what I desired to know. This Doctor Fabian is one of the most unobtrusive and harmless of men. You need fear nothing from his presence nor his influence, for he really has no influence."
"Waldemar is the one with whom we have to do; if you think we need fear no strict observation from him--"
"No close observation, at all events; nothing like that to which we have been subjected for months," interrupted the princess. "I thought the superintendent had taught us precaution."
"Yes, this man Frank and his whole household are playing the spy upon us," exclaimed Count Morynski, vehemently. "I cannot understand, Maryna, why you do not rid yourself of such an intrusive person."
The princess smiled in conscious superiority.