manager. For my part I do not wish to detract from Betuska, or suggest that she could not undertake our household. But yet there can be no harm in looking elsewhere also, in order that you may compare. In looking elsewhere, you by no means fetter yourself, and if you are convinced then at all events you act from conviction.”
Uncle John saw what grandfather was aiming at.
“The Horakoffs, of Brizoff, begged us to send you to see them. I hear their daughter is pretty, and with expectations; if you do not like her you need not take her.”
“O, father, by everything in the world I implore do not tempt me so cruelly,” cried Uncle John with clasped hands.
“Nay, nay, I do not intend anything so bad as you seem to think. But about this one girl I pray you to listen to me, in order that I may see whether my grey hairs have yet any respect paid to them by you. Go then to see her. I leave your will entirely free. I do not the least fetter you; but only about this one thing, I pray you. If you are not suited there you may then do as you like. And if you still wish it you may then take—even Betuska.”
This last word grandfather scarcely pronounced at all—his voice was as it were broken.
But Uncle John did not oppose his will. It appeared to him that this road was open to him in order that by it he might win Betuska. A moment before he had not the least idea that he was so near the realization of what was the single wish of his soul.
Uncle John kissed grandfather’s hand, and grandfather felt that on it fell a tear. “I shall go there,” he said, and went out of the room.
