“Incredible things,” he replied. “Paula fought like a lioness for her father’s freedman...”
“Simply to annoy us and put us in a difficulty,” replied Neforis.
“No, no, Mother,” replied Orion with some warmth. “But she has a will of iron; a woman who never pauses at anything when she wants to carry her point; and at the same time she goes to work with a keen wit that is worthy of the greatest lawyer that I ever heard defend a cause in the high court of the capital. Besides this her air of superiority, and her divine beauty turn the heads of our poor household officers. It is fine and noble, of course, to be so zealous in the cause of a servant; but it can do no good, for the evidence against her stammering favorite is overwhelming, and when her last plea is demolished the matter is ended. She says that she showed a necklace to the child, and to you, charming Katharina.”
“Showed it?” cried the young girl. “She took it away from us—did not she, Mary?”
“Well, we had taken it without her leave,” replied the child.
“And she wants our children to appear in a court of justice to bear witness for her highness?” asked Neforis indignantly.
“Certainly,” replied Orion. “But Mary’s evidence is of no value in law.”
“And even if it were,” replied his mother, “the child should not be mixed up with this disgraceful business under any circumstances.”
“Because I should speak for Paula!” cried Mary, springing up in great excitement.
“You will just hold your tongue,” her grandmother exclaimed.