“Oh, yes, yes! Mashko invited me to-day to dine with a number of other persons. At first I refused, not wishing to leave Marynia alone. But I have sat so many years in the country for her sake that in truth a little recreation is due to me. But art thou not invited?”
“No.”
“That astonishes me: thou art, as thou sayest, an ‘affairist’; but thou bearest a good family name. For that matter, Mashko is an advocate himself. But, in general, I confess that I did not suspect in Mashko the power to place himself as he has.”
“Mashko could place himself even on his head—”
“He goes everywhere; all receive him. Once I had a prejudice against him.”
“And has uncle none now?”
“I must acknowledge that he has acted with me in all that business of Kremen like a gentleman.”
“Is Panna Marynia of the same opinion?”
“Certainly; though I think that Kremen lies on her heart. I got rid of it for her sake, but youth cannot understand everything. I knew about her views, however, and am ready to endure every bitterness with calm. As to Mashko, in truth, she cannot cast reproach at him for anything. He bought Kremen, it is true, but—”
“But he is ready to give it back?”