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Wladek continued to stand before the Baron, gazing, while before him there opened a wondrous vision of food and drink, books and teachers wiser by far than Mr Kotowski He glanced towards hisat the Baron, her face filled onder and sorrow His father turned to his mother, and the instant of silent communication between theruffly addressed the Baron’s feet ’We would be honoured, sir’

The Baron looked interrogatively at Helena Koskiewicz

’The Blessed Virgin forbid that I should ever stand in h She alone kno much it will cost ularly to see you’

’Yes, sir I expect he will do so, at first’ She was about to add soainst it The Baron s the boy to the castle to the school term Wladek will live with us, and when Christmas comes, he can return to you: Wladek burst into tears

’Quiet, boy,’ said the trapper

’I will not go,’ said Wladek firo

’Quiet, boy,’ said the trapper, this time a little louder

’Why not?’ asked the Baron, with compassion in his voice

’I will never leave Florcia - never’

’Florcia?’ queried the Baron

’My eldest daughter, sir,’ interjected the trapper ~Don’t concern yourself with her, sir The boy will do as he is told’

No one spoke The Baron considered for a moment Wladek continued to cry controlled tears