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 “It seems as if a letter-bag had burst to-day. I have got one too, and from no less a personage than the old baroness herself, who has graciously written a little note to me with her own hand, to say she would be glad to speak to me as soon as possible, and to advise with me in some delicate matter. Of course, her wish is as much as a military order. I must leave everything, and drive to Labutín with Mr. Ferdinand to the audience.”

“I wonder if there will be any talk about me and Pepíc̓ek?”

“Very likely it will be about nothing else.”

“What will you do for me?”

“Whatever I can, you may be sure. You need not turn pale with fear. As I am, particularly from this time forth, your sincere friend, I shall be a careful diplomatist with the baroness.”

They shook hands heartily and parted. Heavens went without delay by the garden gate, to which Ledecký had purposely brought him; and the Suchdol priest, then putting on the best face he could, returned to the house to Mr. Ferdinand, and drove with him after a little while to Labutín in the castle equipage.

Mr. Ferdinand had not failed to observe through the garden hedge, as he came to the house half an hour before, that Cvok was sitting with Ledecký in the bower.