Paul (sits down in the chair opposite the sofa and becomes absent-minded again). So you have a lake? Where is it? Surely not at Klonowken?
Antoinette. If we only did have that at Klonowken! We have nothing at all there.
Laskowski (joining in with laughter). Heaven knows! The fox and the wolf do the social stunt there!
Antoinette. The lake is at Rukkoschin.
Laskowski (informing him). That is the estate that my dearie brought to me.
Paul (abruptly). Yes, yes.
Laskowski (laughing). That's a different layout from the sandy blowouts of Klonowken! Prime soil! And a forest, I tell you, cousin! Over two thousand acres! One trunk as fine as another! Each one fit for a ship's mast! If I ever have them cut down! That will put grease into the pan! Yes, yes, Rukkoschin is a catch that's worth while. We did a good job of that, didn't we, dearie? (He laughs at Antoinette slyly.)
Paul. I suppose, dear Laskowski, that no one has ever doubted your slyness.
Laskowski (strikes his shoulder). Do you see, Doc, now you say so yourself, and at school you gave me the laugh. That fool Laskowski, so you thought, he'll never get beyond pounding sand in a rat-hole. Have I come up a bit in your eyes? How's that, old boy? Shake hands. Pretty damned long since we have met! (He extends his hand to Paul, who does not seem to notice it.)
Antoinette (who has been biting her lips and looking into space during the words of her husband, suddenly interrupts). We received the announcement this morning, Mr. Warkentin. We thank you very much.