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"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."