Page:Three stories by Vítězslav Hálek (1886).pdf/329

 get the reputation of being a wise man. As soon as the sacrifice is made, then all goes well, then all men praise you who haven’t a notion after all why all the fine estates are in the market.”

“What do you mean?” said Kmoch, turning angrily to Vena; “a pretty notion: a fine estate in the market. I must say, pantata, you have harboured a very impudent gang of servants here, and glad I am that the young folk have made a clean sweep of them.” “As for thee,” said he turning again to Vena, “thou art not hammered on to the house with a nail nor glued there with mortar so as to be irremovable.” A pretty notion. “His fine estates in the market!”

“For all that you will not oust me just yet,” said Vena proudly. “I and your good gossip Loyka have made a compact, and I am not to venture to leave the house, and if it comes to that he goes and I stay here. Isn’t that true?” said he, appealing to Loyka.

Nothing was left for Kmoch but to disdain to carry on the conversation further which, indeed, he did: only he still hinted almost involuntarily that Loyka ought not to lower himself with such a man.

This provoked Vena. “Not lower himself. If no one had picked you out of the mire, you would never have passed for so much. Only do not imagine that I do not see through you. I know you by heart, carry it off how you will. Look you! you have got