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 Do you hear? I should like to look at it!” she repeated, in a tone half commanding, half entreating. This touched our friend more agreeably. He remembered that his dear Pepíc̓ek was her grandchild, and he thought it would be almost sinning against nature if he did not even show the infant to her. Besides, it occurred to him that, after what had happened to-day, he might not be able to keep the baby in his house, and in that case, who could tell if the old baroness would ever set eyes upon her grandchild? So, listening to the voice of humanity within, he thought he would neither impair his own dignity nor injure little Pepíc̓ek by letting her have her wish.

“If Miss Naninka allows it, I have no objection to your seeing the child. Be kind enough to wait a moment; I will speak to her.”

And he went to the kitchen, leaving the door ajar.

“That is Mundy’s child,” said the baroness to herself; “there is no doubt about it.” And her heart felt as if held in a vice.

Father Cvok could not get into the kitchen; the door was barred from the inside. Only when Naninka recognized his voice, she moved the trunk she had placed against it from the door. She held Pepíc̓ek tightly in her arms, and asked in a low voice, “Is she gone?”

“No, she is not gone yet; she is waiting in the parlour, and would like just to see Pepíc̓ek. You need not fear, Miss Naninka; there is no danger. Come to the parlour with him.”

“I won’t stir one step from this; let her come here if she likes.”

The priest went back to the parlour, and told the baroness what his housekeeper had stipulated.