"That is not a question. I understand how bitter it must have been for you and your daughter to part with her, and it is too bad that you did not let me know of this before. The person whom Yosef was to marry is no longer alive."
"No longer alive?"
"She is not. But except pain for you, this departure will cause no harm. Yosef has not passed examination for his medical degree; he must think of that first of all, for it is his bread. When he recovers and assures a sustenance for himself, he will go to Odessa after her, but for that time is needed. Yosef has changed very much. It is no harm that Lula has done everything that can raise her still more in his esteem."
Pani Visberg went away with a straitened heart. Augustinovich stood awhile on one spot, then he shook himself from his meditation and took on a gloomy look.
"She has rejected Pelski a second time," thought he; "she wants to work for her living! Oh, Yosef, Yosef! even to go through greater suffering than thine—"
He did not finish the thought which he had begun; he waved his hand, and went to the chamber.
"What did Pani Visberg want?" asked Yosef, with an apathetic voice.
"Lula has gone to Odessa," answered Augustinovich, abruptly.
Yosef closed his eyes and remained motionless a long time. At last he said,—
"It is a pity! That was a good girl—Lula."