All at once some decision was outlined on Yosef's face. The case was lost.
"Augustinovich!"
"What?"
"Thou wilt go this moment to Pani Visberg's and tell Lula that I am going to marry, that the ceremony will take place in a month, and that I never shall return to her, never. Dost understand?"
Augustinovich rose up and went.
Malinka received him in the way known to us. Lula was to hear their conversation from behind the door.
Malinka, full of imaginings from her recent talk with Lula, was gladsome and smiling; she pressed Pan Adam's hand cordially.
But he did not respond with a like cordiality.
"It is well that you have come," said she. "I have much to tell you, much."
"And I too have much to tell, much. I have come as an envoy."
"From Pan Yosef?"
"From Pan Yosef."
"Is he better?"
"He is sick. Has Pelski been here?"
"He has. I have wanted to talk of this."
"I am listening, Panna Malinka."
"He proposed to Lula."
