“Pan Kopovski, Lineta, and Stefania remained in the conservatory,” answered Pani Mashko; “the two ladies are painting orchids, and Pan Kopovski amused us.”
“How?” asked Osnovski.
“With conversation; we laughed heartily. He told us that his acquaintance, Pan Vyj, who very likely is a great man at heraldry, told him in all seriousness that there is a family in Poland with the escutcheon, ‘Table legs.’”
“If there is one,” muttered Osnovski, humorously, “it is the family of the Kopovskis, beyond doubt.”
“And did Steftsia remain, too, in the conservatory?” asked Pani Aneta.
“Yes; they are sketching together.”
“Dost wish to go to them?”
“Let us go.”
But at that moment the servant brought letters, which Pan Osnovski looked over, and delivered. “For Anetka, for Anetka!” said he; “this little literary woman has an enormous correspondence always. For you,” added he, turning to Pani Mashko; “for aunt; and this is for Steftsia,—somehow a known hand, quite familiar. The ladies will permit me to carry her this letter.”
“Of course; go,” said Pani Aneta, with animation; “and we will read ours.”