In the meantime Pani Krzycki, desirous of learning the earliest plans of the sisters, began to ask Pani Otocka whether they were going to travel abroad, and where. "The doctor," she said, "sends me to mineral baths on account of my rheumatism, but I would be delighted to spend one more summer with you somewhere." "And to us your sojourn at Krynica left the most agreeable memories," replied Pani Otocka; "particularly, as we are in perfect health, we willingly would remain in the village and more willingly would invite Aunt to us, with her entire household, were it not that the times are so troublous and it is unknown what may happen on the morrow. But if it will quiet down. Aunt, after her recovery, must certainly pay us a visit." Saying this, she ardently kissed the hand of Pani Krzycki who said: "How good you are and how lovable! I would with all my heart go to you, only, with my health, I must not obey the heart but various hidden ailments. Besides, the times are really troublous and I understand it is rather dangerous for ladies to remain alone in the villages. Have you any reliable people in Zalesin?" "I do not fear my own people as they were very much attached to my husband, and now that attachment has passed to me. My husband taught them, above all things, patriotism, and at the same time introduced improvements which did not exist elsewhere. We have an orphanage, hospital, baths, stores, and fruit nurseries for the distribution of small trees. He even caused artesian wells to be sunk to provide enough healthful water for the village." Dolhanski, hearing this, leaned towards Krzycki and whispered: "A capitalist's fantasy. He regarded his wife and Zalesin as two playthings which he fondled, and played the rôle of a philanthropist because he could afford it." But Pani Krzycki again began to ask: "Who now is in charge of Zalesin?" And the young widow, having cast off a momentary sad recollection, answered with a smile: "In the neighborhood they say Dworski rules Zalesin.--He is the old accountant of my husband and is very devoted to us.--I rule Dworski, and Marynia rules me." "And that is the truth," interjected Miss Anney, "with this addition, and me also." To this Marynia shook her head and said: "Oh, Aunt, if you only knew how they sometimes twit me!" "Somehow I do not see that, but I think that the time will come when somebody will rule you also." "It has already come," broke out Marynia. "So? That is curious. Who is that despot?" And the little violinist, pointing with a quick movement of her little finger at Gronski, said: "That gentleman." "Now I understand," said Dolhanski, "why, after our return from the notary, he had a teapot full of hot water over his head." Gronski shrugged his shoulders, like a man who had been charged with unheard-of things, and exclaimed: "I? A despot? Why, I am a victim, the most hypnotized of all."