“That is it,—you do what you can.”
“I assist father, who is often in poor health.”
“I am not skilled in those matters, but, from what I see and hear, I infer that the greater number of agriculturists cannot count on a future.”
“We count on Providence.”
“Of course, but people cannot send creditors to Providence.”
Panna Plavitski’s face was covered with a blush; a moment of awkward silence followed; and Pan Stanislav said to himself,—
“Since thou hast begun, proceed farther;” and he said,—
“You will permit me to explain the object of my coming.”
The young lady looked at him with a glance in which he might read, “Thou hast come just now; the hour is late. I am barely alive from fatigue: even the slightest delicacy might have restrained thee from beginning such a conversation.” She answered aloud,—
“I know why you have come; but it may be better if you will speak about that with my father.”