"No, cousin. I knew only that unfortunate quarrels and lawsuits separated our families for a number of years. I knew nothing of those quarrels, since I was young and always absent, and if I am to make a confession my present visit was undertaken only as an attempt at reconciliation."
"What was the degree of relationship between you and my father?"
"Reared abroad, I know little of our family relations in general; for example, I am indebted to a lucky chance for discovering not our relationship, of which I was aware, but other intimate bonds connecting our families from of old."
"Is it permitted to inquire about this circumstance?"
"With pleasure, cousin. Having taken on me, after the death of my father, the management of my property and family affairs, I looked into the papers and various documents touching my family. Well, in these documents I discovered that your family is not only related to the Pelskis, but has the same escutcheon."
"To a certain extent, then, we are to thank chance for our acquaintance."
"I bless this chance, cousin."
Lula dropped her eyes, her small hand twisted the end of her scarf; after a while she raised her head.
"And for me it is equally pleasant," said she.
The shadow of a smile flew over Augustinovich's face.