Now Souchey was well enough inclined to take a part in such a scheme-- provided it did not in any way make him a party with the Zamenoys in things general against the Balatkas.

It was his duty as a Christian-- though he himself was rather slack in the performance of his own religious duties--to put a stop to this horrible marriage if he could do so; but it behoved him to be true to his master and mistress, and especially true to them in opposition to the Zamenoys.

He had in some sort been carrying on a losing battle against the Zamenoys all his life, and had some of the feelings of a martyr, telling himself that he had lost a rich wife by doing so.

He would go on this occasion and eat his dinner and be very confidential with Lotta; but he would be very discreet, would learn more than he told, and, above all, would not betray his master or mistress.
Soon after he was gone, Anton Trendellsohn came over to the Kleinseite, and, ringing at the bell of the house, received admission from Nina herself.

"What! you, Anton ?" she said, almost jumping into his arms, and then restraining herself.