“Plainly speaking, what induced you to sell that unfortunate estate?”

“Because by doing so I was able to do a good turn to somebody upon whom my future career depends to a great extent; besides, he paid more than I could have got from anybody else.”

“Well, let that pass.  My aunt felt all the more hurt as she has some intentions in regard to Aniela.”

“Yes, I know.  She is going to leave her a yearly income.”

“Between ourselves, I tell you that she thinks of no such thing.  I know she spoke to you about a life interest, because she was angry and wanted to let you feel that she mistrusted your business capacities.  I as her heir ought to know something about her intentions, especially as she does nothing without consulting me.”

Kromitzki looked at me keenly.  “Anything she is doing for Aniela,” he said, “would be against your interest as the heir.”

“Yes, that is so; but I do not spend even my income, consequently I can speak about it quite calmly.  If you cannot explain it any other way, consider it as a whim of mine.  There are such people in the world.  I may tell you that I do not intend to put any limit to my aunt’s generosity, and also that she intends to give Aniela, not the life interest she spoke about, but the capital.  Of course my influence might turn the scale either way, but I do not intend to exert it against you.”

Kromitzki squeezed my hand with effusion, and his shoulders moved exactly like those of a wooden manikin.  How repulsive the man is to me!  I suppose he considered me more of a fool than an oddity; but he believed me, and that was all I wanted.  He is quite right as to that, for I was decided that Aniela should have the capital instead of only a life interest.  I saw that he was consumed with curiosity to know how much and when; but he understood that it would not do to show his hand so openly, and therefore remained silent as if from emotion.  I continued:—­

“You must remember one thing, my aunt wants careful handling.  I know for certain that she means to provide for Aniela; but it all depends on her will, and even her humor.  In the mean while, what is it you both are doing?  Yesterday you made her angry, and to-day Aniela vexed her still more.  As the future heir I ought to rejoice at your blunders, and not warn you, and yet you see I am doing the opposite.  My aunt was deeply hurt by Aniela’s plan, and in her anger turned upon you, hoping, I fancy, that you would take her side; but you, on the contrary, supported them!”

“My dear fellow,” said Kromitzki, squeezing my hand again, “I will tell you openly that I agreed to their plan because I was vexed with your aunt, and that is the top and bottom of it.  There is no sense in it at all.  I cannot stand exaltation, and both these women are full of it.  They always seem to think they ought not to take advantage of your aunt’s hospitality, that they cannot always remain