Page 676 of 3800

"Well, do you think I shall prevent her, that I can't part from

her?" said the old prince angrily. "What an idea! I'm ready for

it tomorrow! Only let me tell you, I want to know my son-in-law

better. You know my principles-everything aboveboard! I will ask

her tomorrow in your presence; if she is willing, then he can

stay on. He can stay and I'll see." The old prince snorted. "Let

her marry, it's all the same to me!" he screamed in the same

piercing tone as when parting from his son.

"I will tell you frankly," said Prince Vasili in the tone of a

crafty man convinced of the futility of being cunning with so

keen-sighted a companion. "You know, you see right through

people. Anatole is no genius, but he is an honest, goodhearted

lad; an excellent son or kinsman."

"All right, all right, we'll see!"