pered
Mimi.

"I also am going on that outing," said Kotlicki, "you are going too,
aren't you?"

"Probably . . . but if I couldn't go it would be just as great a
success."

"In that case I wouldn't go either."

He bent so closely over Janina that she felt his breath upon her
face.

"I don't understand you," she said, moving away from him.

"I am going along only for your sake," he whispered in a still
quieter tone.

"For my sake? . . ." she queried, glancing at him sharply, and
stirred by a sudden aversion.

"Yes . . . surely you must have guessed by now that I love you,"
said Kotlicki, drawing together his lips which were trembling and
looking at her pleadingly.

"There they say the same, only they play a little better!" she
remarked scornfully, pointing to the stage.

Kotlicki drew himself erect, a sullen shadow passed over his equine
face, his eyes gleaming threateningly.

"I will convince you! . . ."

"Very well, but to-morrow at Bielany, not now," Janina coolly
extended her hand in farewell and left for the dressing-room.

Kotlicki gazed after her covetously, biting his lips.

"A comedienne!" he finally whispered, leaving the theater.

CHAPTER VII

Janina awoke at about half-past ten in the morning.
Sowinska had just brought in her breakfast.

"Was anyone here to see me? . . ." she asked.

Sowinska nodded her head and handed Janina a letter.

"About an hour ago a ruddy fellow delivered it and asked me to give
it to you."

Janina nervously tore open the envelope and immediately recognized
the handwriting of Grzesikiewicz:

"My Dear Miss Orlowska,

I have purposely come to Warsaw to see you on a very important
matter. If you will kindly deign to be home at eleven o'clock I
shall be there at that hour. Please pardon my boldness. Allow me to
kiss your hands and remain

Your humble servant,

GRZESIKIEWICZ."

"What's going to happen? . . ." thought Janina, dressing hastily.
"What kind of important matter can it be that he writes of?
Concerning my father? . . . Can it be that he is ill and longing for
me? . . . Oh no! No!"

She quickly drank her tea, tidied her room and patiently awaited
Grzesikiewicz's visit. The thought of seeing, at last some one of
her own people from Bukowiec even filled her with a certain joy.

"Perhaps he will propose to me again?" Janina thought to herself.
And she saw his big weather-beaten face, bronzed by the sun, and
those blue eyes gazing so mildly