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 which he gave her a thorough account of all the change that had taken place at Labutín, and made use of all his philosophy and eloquence to soften Jenny’s heart towards the baron, who, he declared, loved her as dearly as ever he had done before the breach had taken place between them.

Furthermore, he told her that the baron publicly acknowledged Pepíc̓ek as his child, and that if he has acted wrongly towards her, he had not done so from want of love to her, but from fear of the severity and obstinacy of his late mother.

“Act like a Christian, Jenny,” he wound up. “Forgive him, and all will be well again; and we shall enjoy our lives here together in happiness and peace.”

Ten days after Jenny’s answer arrived. She wrote heartily enough, but as far as Baron Mundy was concerned, her reply was entirely and decidedly negative. Miss Naninka, who was aware of the negotiations drew herself up triumphantly, and said, “Now, who was right? What did I tell you? Didn’t I know it? Oh, I know women. With riches, splendour, honour, and glory you may bring them to the top of a tower; but if a woman is once wounded to the heart by a man, she must have a very poor spirit indeed if she can swallow the affront and forgive—especially if she is her own mistress like Jenny, and not bound down by considerations from other people.”

“But what is to be done?”

“Let the matter rest for the present, until it is somewhat riper; then go to Jenny with the baron. The best time would be when she comes to Prague. It would be only wasting paper to write to her again about it now.”

“Perhaps we might all go together with Pepíc̓ek?”