He said nothing; she stopped; and a few moments later the mistress came in.
“It is a good thing you are back. I was waiting for you,” she said hurriedly. “I nearly sent some one after you; you are very slow. Now, come and tell me what you have done.”
In the ante-room he told her what he had arranged with her aunt, and then went off to bed.
The next day was Sunday. The men had little work to do, and by ten o’clock they were free. As usual on feast days there was wine on the table, and Master Dinu, having bought some thirty skins much more easily than he had expected to, was more cheerful than usual.
Sandu was more forthcoming than was his wont, and had washed and brushed himself extra well to-day. Ana, too, was smart, smart as always, but she had no time to sit as she had constantly to jump up to help her mother. Every now and then she threw a glance at Sandu, and a strange feeling of joy possessed her that he could see her, that he looked at her.
Only the mistress was as usual, and when the child complained constantly that his head ached she wanted the meal to finish quickly. She laid a wet handkerchief on his forehead and put him to bed. The child became quieter, and Master Dinu, after drinking the wine that was left over, rose from the table—a signal that the meal was finished. Then, according to his usual habit, he took up his hat, inquired if anyone wanted any money, gave Iotza what he asked, and went off into the town.
“Sandu,” said the mistress, when the workmen had gone, “if you are not going anywhere, come back in an hour when we have finished with the dinner things and sit with Gheorghitza, for to-day is Sunday and perhaps visitors will come to the house.”
Ana looked at him; Sandu hardly understood the mistress’s words, and could not answer her.
“Speak, are you coming or not?”
“I will come.” And he went out as though he had been pushed.