"It is, it is!" answered he, in a tone of deep conviction. "But—but," continued he, removing his overcoat and buttoning his gloves (he was dressed with uncommon elegance), "was some young man here this afternoon?"
"He was; he will come in the evening."
"So much the better."
Augustinovich went into the drawing-room with Malinka. The drawing-room had somehow a look of importance, as if for the reception of a notable guest. On the table a double lamp was burning, the piano was open.
"Why did Pan Yosef not come with you?"
"The same question from the countess will meet me. In every case permit me to defer my answer till she asks." The countess did not keep them waiting long. She entered, dressed in black, with simply a few pearls in her hair.
"But Pan Yosef?" asked she at once.
"He is not coming."
"Why?"
"He is occupied. Building his future."
The countess was wounded by the thought that Yosef would not come.
"But do you not help him in that labor?" asked she.
