She had wished for no communication with him, believing then that he had left her mother to die without forgiveness, and it was not until he happened to read in a foreign paper the casual mention of Count Shulski's murder, and so guessed at Zara's whereabouts, that a correspondence had been opened again, and he was able to explain that he had been absent in Africa and had not received any letters.
He then offered her his protection and a home, if she would sever all connection with the two, Mimo and Mirko, and she had indignantly refused.

And it was only when they were in dire poverty, and he had again written asking his niece to come and stay with him for a few weeks, this time with no conditions attached, that she had consented, thinking that perhaps she would be able in some way to benefit them.
But now that she looked at him she felt keenly how he had trapped her, all the same.
"We will not discuss your brother's nature," he said, coldly.

"I will keep my side of the bargain scrupulously, for all material things; that is all you can expect of me.

Now let us talk of yourself.

I have ventured to send some sables for your inspection up to your sitting room; it will be cold traveling.