Pauly admitted the full justness of this; after a while, however, she observed that if Pan Gronski should ever visit Swidwicki then everything would be disclosed.
"Yes," answered the student, "but I need that refuge for only a few days; after which I will look for another, or else my chiefs may dispatch me abroad."
"What chiefs?" asked Pauly.
"Those who desire liberty and bread for all, and who will not tolerate that some one should be raised above you, little lady, either in rank or money."
"I do not understand. How is that? I would not be a servant and would not have a mistress?"
"Yes."
Pauly was struck by the thought that in that case she would be nearer to her "young lord," but not having time to discuss this any longer, she repeated:
"I do not understand. Later, I will question you about it, but now let us proceed."
And they walked hurriedly ahead, in silence, until they reached Swidwicki's door. On the ringing of the bell, he opened it himself. With surprise but also with a smile he saw Pauly in the dark hallway and afterwards catching sight of Laskowicz, he asked:
"What is he here for? Who is he?"