talk of more serious
matters."

"I just came because I wish to speak to my uncle about a very serious
matter."

"Well, out with it."

"I intend to marry Czipra."

Topandy looked long into the young fellow's face, and then said coldly,

"Why will you marry her?"

"Because she is an honest, good girl."

Topandy shook his head.

"That is not sufficient reason for marrying her."

"And is faithful to me. I owe her many debts of gratitude. When I was
ill, no sister could have nursed me more tenderly: if I was sad, her
sorrow exceeded my own."

"That is not sufficient reason, either."

"And because I am raised above the prejudices of the world."

"Aha! magnanimity! Liberal ostentation? That is not sufficient reason
either for taking Czipra to wife. The neighboring Count took his
housekeeper to wife, just in order that people might speak of him: you
have not even the merit of originality. Still not sufficient reason for
marrying her."

"I shall take her to wife, because I love her...."

Topandy immediately softened: his usual strain of sarcastic scorn gave
way to a gentler impulse.

"That's another thing. That is the only reason that can justify your
marriage with her. How long have you loved her?"

"I cannot count the days. I was always pleased to see her: I always knew
I loved her like a good sister. The other I worshipped as an angel: and
as soon as she ceased to be an angel for me, as a mere woman I felt none
of the former fire towards her: nothing remained, not even smoke nor
ashes. But this girl, whose every foible I know, whose beauty was
enhanced by no reverie, whom I only saw as she really is,--I love her
now, as a faithful woman, who repays love in true coin: and I shall
marry her--not out of gratitude, but because she has filled my heart."

"If that is all you want, you will find that. What shall you do first?"

"I shall first write to my mother, and tell her I have found this rough
diamond whom she must accept as her daughter: then I shall take Czipra
to her, and she shall stay there until she is baptized and I take her
away again."

"I am very thankful that you will take all the burden of this ceremony
off my shoulders. What must be done by priests, do without my seeing it.
When shall you tell Czipra?"

"As soon as mother's answer comes back."

"And if your mother opposes the marriage?"

"I shall answer for that."

"Still it is possible. She may have other aims for you. What should yo