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 “Yes, that would perhaps be the best plan.”

But at first the baron did not like the plan.

“Where is the use of waiting till November, reverend father?” he objected, much cast down. “Let us go to Jenny at once, and I hope we shall succeed.”

“I do not agree with you, sir baron; on the contrary, I think we should do more harm than good. It would not be generous, either. Remember what struggles Jenny went through before she found a peaceful refuge with the Opolskýs. They are in the country now, and we could not approach her secretly. A suspicion might be thrown upon her by our visit, or at least it might cause her to appear in rather a questionable light; and you know that proper, well-regulated family would never confide their children to a governess who was not as pure as crystal.”

“What questionable light? If I declare myself her husband, and claim her to be my wife?”

“True, of course. But what if she insists on her refusal? Then we should just deprive her of her means of living, because our visit would always point to some preceding intimate acquaintance with you. You see, sir baron, it would be forcing her into a dilemma, and, as honourable men, we cannot deprive her of the full use of her free will.”

“My heart does not go with your arguments,” said the baron, moodily, “but let it be so; I cannot and will not injure her in any way. Though it is much against my will, I shall wait, then, till November. Do you intend to let her know beforehand?”

“No, I do not. She wants to see Pepíc̓ek. We shall all go unannounced.”

“That is a good idea. Very well, then; we shall do as you say.”