"Well, dear child, and how do you like being under your mistress's protection?"
In a low whisper the girl answered:
"Thanks be to my gracious master for having sent me where I am so happy."
Araktseieff could scarce repress his laughter.
"You speak like a book."
"That is not my merit, but that of the reverend Herr Prokop, who has spared no pains to give me the benefit of his instruction."
"Ei, ei! You are quite a fine young lady, I see. You must sit down and have supper with us. Come, don't be shy! Here, you long-legged fellow, set a cover for the young lady! Here, you lout! Opposite me."
"It will be a great honor to your unworthy maid-servant to be permitted to sit at table with you; but I must ask forgiveness if I eat nothing. Good Father Prokop has inflicted the penance on me of eating no supper for a whole year."
"For what sin?"