“But Mashko has the elasticity of a cat,” said he; “he always falls on his feet.”
“And this time thou shouldst pray that he may not break his back,” answered Bigiel; “for it is a question of no small amount, both for thee and thy father-in-law. Ploshov alone with all its farms is valued at seven hundred thousand rubles; and, besides, there is much ready money.”
“That would be wonderful, such unexpected gain!” said Pan Stanislav.
But Marynia heard with pain that her father had indeed appeared among the other heirs in the suit against the will. “Stas” was for her a rich man, and she had blind faith that he could make millions if he wished; her father had an income, and, besides, she had given him the life annuity from Magyerovka; hence poverty threatened no one. It would have been pleasant indeed for her to be able to buy Kremen, and take “Stas” there in summer, but not for money got in this way.
“I am only pained by this,” said she, with great animation. “That money was bequeathed so honestly. It is not right to change the will of the dead; it is not right to take bread from the poor, or schools. Panna Ploshovski’s brother’s son shot himself; it may have been for her a question of saving his soul, of gaining God’s mercy. This breaking of the will is not right. People should think and feel differently.”
She grew even flushed somewhat.
“How determined she is!” said Pan Stanislav.
But she pushed forward her somewhat too wide mouth, and called out with the expression of a pouting child,—
“But say that I am right, Stas; say that I am right. ’T is thy duty to say so.”
“Without doubt,” answered Pan Stanislav; “but Mashko may win the case.”