He is very talkative, and discussed at some length our national idiocy.  Money was lying on the pavement, to be had for the picking up.  His father, like other noblemen, had left scarcely any fortune; when all debts were cleared off there remained a paltry hundred thousand florins, and the world knew how he, Kromitzki, stood at present.

“If that business in Turkestan comes off, I shall be able to wind up my affairs.  The Jews and Greeks have made millions in the contract business; why should not we be able to do as well?  I do not put myself as an example; but I say, why should we not?  There is room for everybody,—­why not go in for it?”

According to my opinion, Kromitzki has a certain aptness for business, but is foolish in a general sense.  That we are shiftless, everybody knows that; and that here and there somebody makes a fortune by contracts, I can well believe; but the greater part of the people must work at home, and not look for millions from contracts in Turkestan.

May God save Aniela from an alliance with that man.  He may have some good qualities, but he belongs to a different moral type.  If there be a worse fate in store for her, ought I to hesitate any longer?

28 February.

The elder ladies seem uneasy that the affair is not going on as speedily as they had fancied; my aunt, who is of an impatient temper, must chafe inwardly not a little.  But the expression of happiness on Aniela’s face soothes them, and allays their fears.  I can read in her eyes endless trust and thorough belief in me.  She fills my thoughts so that I cannot think of anything but her.  I desire her more and more, and do not want to play upon her feelings any longer,—­I want her.

4 March.

This day has been to me of so much importance that I am obliged to muster all my calmness and self-possession to put down everything in its proper order.  Nevertheless, I cannot contain myself.  The die is cast, or as good as cast.  I could not have gone on quietly, had I not put that down.

And now I can begin.  Sniatynski and his wife arrived here towards noon, for an early dinner.  He had to go back, as a new play of his is coming out at the theatre.  However happy we may be in our rural seclusion, we are always delighted to see them.  Aniela is great friends with Pani Sniatynska, and I suppose there will be an exchange of confidences.  Pani Sniatynska guessed at the state of things, and tried to put her hand to the wheel, to make the cart go a little faster.  She had only just arrived, when she said to my aunt:—­

“How lovely and peaceful everything is here!  No wonder the young people there do not pine after the dissipations of town.”