"Of course it is not longer than it always has been; I know that; but still I say it is very long. Bridges are not so long in other places." "Not where the rivers are narrower," said Lotta. Madame Zamenoy trudged on, finding that she could get no comfort from her servant, and at last reached Balatka's door. Lotta, who was familiar with the place, entered the house first, and her mistress followed her. Hanging about the broad passage which communicated with all the rooms on the ground-floor, they found Souchey, who told them that his master was in bed, and that Nina was at work by his bedside. He was sent in to announce the grand arrival, and when Madame Zamenoy entered the sitting-room Nina was there to meet her. "Child," she said, "I have come to see your father." "Father is in bed, but you can come in," said Nina. "Of course I can go in," said Madame Zamenoy, "but before I go in let me know this. Has he heard of the disgrace which you purpose to bring upon him?" Nina drew herself up and made no answer; whereupon Lotta spoke. "The old gentleman knows all about it, ma'am, as well as you do." "Lotta, let the child speak for herself. Nina, have you had the audacity to tell your father--that which you told me?" "I have told him everything," said Nina; "will you come into his room?" Then Madame Zamenoy lifted up the hem of her garment and stepped proudly into the old man's chamber. By this time Balatka knew what was about to befall him, and was making himself ready for the visit. He was well aware that he should be sorely perplexed as to what he should say in the coming interview. He could not speak lightly of such an evil as this marriage with a Jew; nor when his sister-in-law should abuse the Jews could he dare to defend them. But neither could he bring himself to say evil words of Nina, or to hear evil words spoken of her without making some attempt to screen her. It might be best, perhaps, to lie under the bed-clothes and say nothing, if only his sister-in-law would allow him to lie there. "Am I to come in with you, aunt Sophie?" said Nina. "Yes child," said the aunt; "come and hear what I have to say to your father." So Nina followed her aunt, and Lotta and Souchey were left in the sitting-room. "And how are you, Souchey?" said Lotta, with unusual kindness of tone. "I suppose you are not so busy but you can stay with me a few minutes while she is in there?" "There is not so much to do that I cannot spare the time," said Souchey. "Nothing to do, I suppose, and less to get?" said Lotta. "That's about it, Lotta; but you wouldn't have had me leave them?" "A man has to look after himself in the world; but you were always easy-minded, Souchey." "I don't know about being so easy-minded. I know what would make me easy-minded enough." "You'll have to be servant to a Jew now." "No; I'll never be that." "I suppose he gives you something at odd times?"