‘ “Just so,” said my father, “just as you like, as far as I am concerned.”
‘ “Will you consent, then, to our marrying?”
‘ “You marry Annita!” he exclaimed.
‘ “Yes; I want no one else for my wife.”
‘ “You have really thought of marrying the beggar-girl, Annita. Ha, ha, ha!” laughed my father in derision, and was on the point of breaking out in an uncontrollable passion, but I saw that he restrained himself; he very well knew that his beloved son was stubborn, too, and he considered that at the outset it would be best to proceed cautiously.
‘ “Annita is poor,” I said quite quietly; “but she is no beggar, and she is prettier than any rich girl I have seen; and she has been, moreover, as well brought up as any Russian lady of rank.”
‘ “Her bringing up I have nothing to do with, but you intend, do you? to break your promise to Theodora, and to set yourself against both my plans and those of Theodora’s parents.”
‘ “I have never proposed to Theodora, neither have I made her any promise. It has all been arranged between you and her parents, without our being consulted or having given our consent to it.”
‘ “Yes, just so, and just so is it to be. I will in no manner give my consent to your marriage with a beggar-girl. Your marriage with Theodora has been put off long enough; and on that account it will be best that it should take place as soon as possible. I will provide for Annita myself. There is no hurry [[62]]as regards her. I will provide a suitable husband for her in good time from among my serfs or servants—for example, Anthony Kudsk, or some other suitable youth.”
‘ “Father,” I exclaimed in horror, “don’t do it! I ask you dutifully, and humbly, let me have Annita for my wife! I assure you, solemnly and truly, that I will marry no other girl.”