ns. For the journey he had different clothes: broad riding
trousers, and a coat, of which the skirts could be buttoned up or let fall
over the knees; a cap with ear flaps, tied up with a string--they could be
raised for fine weather and let down in case of rain. Thus clad he took
his cane and set out on foot, for apparitors before a lawsuit, as spies
before battle, must hide under various forms and costumes.

Protazy did well in hastening to depart, for he would have had no long
comfort from his summons. In Soplicowo they changed their plans of
campaign. Robak, thoughtful and perplexed, suddenly broke in upon the
Judge and said:--

"Judge, we shall have trouble with that aunt, with that giddy-pated
coquette, Telimena. When Zosia was left alone, a child and poor, Jacek
gave her to Telimena to be brought up, hearing that she was a good sort of
woman and knew the world; but I notice that she is stirring things up for
us here; she is intriguing and seems to be flirting with Thaddeus. I have
my eye on her. Or perhaps she is aiming at the Count, perhaps at both at
once. So let us think over how to get rid of her, for from her actions may
arise gossip, a bad example, and quarrels among the youngsters, which may
be a hindrance to your legal negotiations."

"Negotiations?" cried the Judge with unusual warmth, "I'm done with
negotiations; I've finished with them, broken them off."

"What's this?" interrupted Robak, "where's your sense, where's your head?
What nonsense are you telling me? What new row has come up?"

"It is not my fault," said the Judge; "the trial will make the matter
plain. That pompous, stupid Count was the cause of the squabble, and that
rascal Gerwazy; but this is the business of the court. It is too bad that
you were not in the castle at the supper, Father; you would have borne
witness how fearfully the Count insulted me."

"My dear sir," cried Robak, "why did you insist on going to those ruins?
You know that I cannot stand the castle; henceforth I will never set foot
there again. Another brawl! The judgment of God be on us! How did it
happen? Tell me! This matter must be hushed up. I am sick already of
seeing so many acts of folly; I have more important business than to
reconcile litigious squabblers; but I will reconcile you once again."

"Reconcile? What do you mean! Go to the devil with your reconciliation!"
interrupted the Judge, stamping his foot. "Look at this monk! Because I
receive him courteou