"Good in his judgment. Do you not live from human sweat and blood?"
"That is very true. But why should my death afford him any gratification personally?"
"Because he has conceived a hatred for you; has fallen in love with some one and regards you as a rival."
Hearing this, Ladislaus jumped up as if scalded.
"What, would he dare?"
"I assure you that he would dare," replied Gronski quietly, "only he made a mistake. But that he is not wanting in courage he gave proofs when he wrote an avowal of love to Marynia."
Ladislaus opened wide his eyes and began to wink:
"What was that?"
"I did not want to speak to you about it in Jastrzeb, as at that time you often drove to the city. I feared that you might meet him and might start a disagreeable brawl. But at present I can tell you every thing; Laskowicz has fallen in love with Marynia and wrote a letter to her, which of course remained unanswered."
"And he thought that I also am in love with Marynia."