Gronski hesitated for a while; after which he said:
"No, they have not parted, but something has occurred. I do not know why I should make a secret of that which, sooner or later, you will find out. It has developed that Miss Anney is not the born, but adopted, child of the rich English manufacturer, lately deceased, Mr. Anney, and of his late wife."
"Well, if the adoption gives her all the rights, and particularly the right of inheritance, is it not all the same to Krzycki?"
"The adoption gives her all rights; nevertheless it is not entirely the same to Krzycki, for it appears that Miss Anney is the daughter of a blacksmith of Rzeslewo and is named Hanka Skibianka."
"Ha!" cried Swidwicki, "Perdita has been found but not the king's daughter. What does the pretty Florizel say to this?"
But Dolhanski began to stare at Gronski as if he saw him for the first time in his life.
"What are you saying?"
"The actual fact."
"Sapristi! But that is a nursery tale. Sapristi! You are joking."
"I give you my word it is so. She herself told that to Krzycki."