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 The baron started. “Why is he called Joseph?”

“That’s another secret.”

“Ah, well, this unfortunate secret! Come, let us go into the gig and drive to Zaluz̓í. I must see this child.

“That we cannot do, sir baron.”

“Who dares to prevent me?”

“I do, on account of the people. There are, as it is, such stories and such endless gossip afloat in the village and over the whole estate, that it would be a sin to add water to the mud. If anybody saw you go into my house. God only knows what might happen to poor, luckless Pepíc̓ek! Let us be careful, my dear baron, even from regard to your noble family. As it is, your gracious mother has got wind of the matter already, and at the very moment Father Ledecký is with her, whom she summoned from Suchdol to consult with him about it.

“Is it so? Then, alas! I must allow that you are right—at least, it would do no good if I went with you to Záluz̓í. In the mean time, the chief thing for me is to feel sure that the child is mine and Jenny’s. Give me that assurance, and I will not go with you to Záluz̓í.”

Again the priest gave no answer.

“Well, I forgot that you are bound to secrecy. But you will not break your vow by giving me an answer to this question: Is it true that the infant in your charge belongs to some poor workwoman?”

“It is not true.”

“I am satisfied with that—completely satisfied. Give me your hand, worthy, excellent man. Let me, by this warm shake, express my thanks, in the mean time. I hope to be able to show my gratitude more effectually at a future period, though I am convinced that a man of your character does a good deed only from the