So they went to the Rialto. There was little movement yet, because of the early hour; the water was as if sleeping, the day calm, clear, but not very bright,--one of those days in which the Grand Canal with all its beauty has the repose of a cemetery; the palaces seem deserted and forgotten, and in their motionless reflection in the water is that peculiar deep sadness of dead things. One looks at them then in silence, and as if in fear, lest by words the general repose may be broken. Thus did Marynia look. But Pan Stanislav, less sensitive, remembered that he had a letter in his pocket, hence he drew it forth, and began to read. After a time he exclaimed,-- "Ah! Mashko is married; their wedding was three days after ours." But Marynia, as if roused from a dream, inquired, while blinking, "What dost thou say?" "I say, dreaming head, that Mashko's wedding is over." She rested her head on his shoulder, and, looking into his eyes, inquired,-- "What is Mashko to me? I have my Stas." Pan Stanislav smiled like a man who kindly permits himself to be loved, but does not wonder that he is loved; then he kissed his wife on the forehead, with a certain distraction, for the letter had begun to occupy him, and read on. All at once he sprang up, as if something had pricked him, and cried,-- "Oh, that is a real catastrophe!" "What has happened?" "Panna Kraslavski has a life annuity of nine thousand rubles, which her uncle left her; beyond that, not a copper." "But that is a good deal." "A good deal? Hear what Mashko writes:-- "'In view of this, my bankruptcy is an accomplished fact, and the declaration of my insolvency a question of time.' "They deceived each other; dost understand? He counted on her property, and she on his." "At least they have something to live on." "They have something to live on; but Mashko has nothing with which to pay his debts, and that concerns us a little,--me, thee, and thy father. All may be lost." Here Marynia was alarmed in earnest. "My Stas," said she, "perhaps thy presence is needed there; let us return, then. What a blow this will be to papa!" "I will write Bigiel immediately to take my place, and save what is possible. Do not take this business to heart too much, my child. I have enough to buy a bit of bread for us both, and for thy father." Marynia put her arms around his neck. "Thou, my good--With such a man one may be at rest." "Besides, something will be saved. If Mashko finds credit, he will pay us; he may find a purchaser, too, for Kremen. He writes me to ask Bukatski to buy Kremen, and to persuade him to do so. Bukatski is going to Rome this evening, and I have invited him to lunch. I will ask him. He has a considerable fortune, and would have something to do. I am curious to know how Mashko's life will develop. He writes at the end of the letter: "'I discovered the condition of affairs to my wife; she bore herself passively, but her mother is wild with indignation.' #/