“A good deal? Hear what Mashko writes:—
“‘In view of this, my bankruptcy is an accomplished fact, and the declaration of my insolvency a question of time.’
“They deceived each other; dost understand? He counted on her property, and she on his.”
“At least they have something to live on.”
“They have something to live on; but Mashko has nothing with which to pay his debts, and that concerns us a little,—me, thee, and thy father. All may be lost.”
Here Marynia was alarmed in earnest. “My Stas,” said she, “perhaps thy presence is needed there; let us return, then. What a blow this will be to papa!”
“I will write Bigiel immediately to take my place, and save what is possible. Do not take this business to heart too much, my child. I have enough to buy a bit of bread for us both, and for thy father.”
Marynia put her arms around his neck. “Thou, my good— With such a man one may be at rest.”
“Besides, something will be saved. If Mashko finds credit, he will pay us; he may find a purchaser, too, for Kremen. He writes me to ask Bukatski to buy Kremen, and to persuade him to do so. Bukatski is going to Rome this evening, and I have invited him to lunch. I will ask him. He has a considerable fortune, and would have something to do. I am curious to know how Mashko’s life will develop. He writes at the end of the letter:
“‘I discovered the condition of affairs to my wife; she bore herself passively, but her mother is wild with indignation.’