In the evening he went to Pani Visberg's; Malinka opened the door to him.
"Oh, is this you?" said she, with a blush.
Augustinovich seized her hands and kissed them repeatedly.
"Oh, Pan Adam! that is not permitted, not permitted," insisted the blushing girl.
"It is, it is!" answered he, in a tone of deep conviction. "But—but," continued he, removing his overcoat and buttoning his gloves (he was dressed with uncommon elegance), "was some young man here this afternoon?"
"He was; he will come in the evening."
"So much the better."
Augustinovich went into the drawing-room with Malinka. The drawing-room had somehow a look of importance, as if for the reception of a notable guest. On the table a double lamp was burning, the piano was open.
"Why did Pan Yosef not come with you?"
"The same question from the countess will meet me. In every case permit me to defer my answer till she asks."