Paul. From Klonowken?
Aunt Clara. Yes, quite nearby! He owns the neighboring estate.
Paul. Why, of course! He is even a relative in a sense. What makes you think of him. Aunt Clara?
Aunt Clara. It just occurred to me, simply because he is also a Polander and gets along with his German so well.
Paul. Why, I even attended school with him for a while. He was a fox if there ever was one.
Aunt Clara (in a searching manner). Aren't you glad, Paul, that your father held on to Ellernhof for you?
Paul. How so? Why?
Aunt Clara. He might have sold the estate to Laskowski or some one else.
Hella (who has been leaning back and playing the part of the silent but attentive listener, takes a hand). I cannot see in what sense that would have been a misfortune.
Paul. If Ellernhof had gone over into the hands of strangers? You are simply judging from your point of view. Then I should never have seen my childhood home again.