Pagina 362 di 788

"But what have I to do with all this?" cried the Judge. "I have

never been acquainted with Jacek-have not even seen him; I had

scarcely heard of his riotous life, since I was then studying

rhetoric in a Jesuit school, and later served as page with the

Wojewoda. They gave me the estate and I took it; he told me to

receive Zosia, and I received her and cared for her, and am

planning for her future. I am weary enough of all this old wives'

tale! And then why did this Count intrude upon me here? With what

right to the castle? You know, my friend, he's only some

sixteenth cousin to the Horeszkos, the tenth water on the

kisiel.104 And he must insult me? and I invite him to a

reconciliation!"