Page:Our Grandfather by Vítězslav Hálek (1887).pdf/41

 In appearance all was now again at peace at grandfather’s, and reconciliation, as it were, now drew them all to one another.

When Novak departed from grandfather’s he betook himself by a direct road to Kubista’s. I do not know whether he did this by an impulse of his own, or whether grandfather had given him some hint. But this is certain that Novak was so crafty that he managed to extort everything from grandfather which might have endangered the success of his conspiracy.

Such people do everything for the sake of gain, and from the like motives pervert young people to passion, worse than in the olden times they perverted the barbarians to faith.

At Kubista’s Novak again introduced himself as before with humble bows, flattery, and subtle speeches, and his eyes flashed from side to side like the sting of a wasp.

There is no need of the horse’s hoof, and of horns on the forehead for a man to think, speak, and act, like a very devil.

Novak did not inquire for the daughter, for he at once recognised Betuska, when her mother signed to her to put bread and butter on the table.

“Thank you, kindly, I will not eat; in fact, I have just risen from table.” And here he mentioned the name of grandfather, and said he had dined with him.

He was not at fault in mentioning grandfather’s name. By so doing he so far constrained Betuska at least to his purpose that she wished to listen to him. Passion is not particular about the messenger, but is very observant of the message.