"With us people are very greedy for inheritances; and let any inheritance be in sight, they fly together from all sides, as sparrows fly to wheat. Everything in such cases depends on this: who claims first, what he claims, and finally through whom he claims. Remember that an energetic man, acquainted with affairs, may make something out of nothing; while, on the other hand, a man without energy or acquaintance with business, even if he has a good basis of action, may effect nothing." "I know this from experience. All my life I have had business up to this." Here Plavitski drew his hand across his throat. "Besides, you may become the plaything of advocates," added Mashko, "and be exploited without limit." "In such a case I could count on your personal friendship for us." "And you would not be deceived," answered Mashko, with importance. "Both for you and Panna Marynia I have friendship as profound as if you belonged to my family." "I thank you in the name of the orphan," answered Plavitski; and emotion did not let him speak further. Mashko put on dignity, and said, "But if you wish me to defend your rights, both in this matter, which, as I said, may prove illusive, and in other matters, then give me those rights." Here the young advocate seized Plavitski's hand,-- "Respected sir," continued he, "you will divine that of which I wish to speak; therefore hear me to the end patiently." He lowered his voice; and although there was no one in the room, he began to speak almost in a whisper. He spoke with force, with dignity, and at the same time with great self-command, as befitted a man who never forgot who he was nor what he offered. Plavitski closed his eyes at moments; at moments he pressed Mashko's hand; finally, at the end of the conference, he said,-- "Come to the drawing-room; I will send in Marynia. I know not what she will say to you; in every case, let that come which God wills. I have at all times known your value; now I esteem you still more--and here!" The arms of Plavitski opened wide, and Mashko bent toward them, repeating, not without emotion, but always with lofty dignity,-- "I thank, I thank--" After a while he found himself in the drawing-room. Marynia appeared with a face which had grown very pale; but she was calm. Mashko pushed a chair toward her, seated himself in another, and began,-- "I am here by the approval of your father. My words can tell you nothing beyond what my silence has told already, and which you have divined. But since the moment has come in which I should mention my feelings explicitly, I do this then with all confidence in your heart and character. I am a man who loves you, on whom you may lean; therefore I put in your hands my life, and I beg you from the bottom of my heart to consent to go with me." Marynia was silent for a moment, as if seeking words, then she said,--