"She has never had that misfortune yet; it has been reserved for
yourself. You are a rich man, and you will go to K----, and you will see
her play, and will take a fancy to her, and adopt her as your daughter.
There is the skeleton for you to clothe with flesh."

"And suppose she refuses?"

"She will not refuse. She likes handsome dresses and jewelry as well as
any other little fool of seventeen. You make her the offer, and my word
for it, it will be accepted."

"I will go, Miriam. Upon my word I feel curious to see the witch. Who is
she like, Miriam--mamma or me?"

The woman's eyes flashed fire.

"Not like you, you son of Satan! If she was I would have strangled her
in her cradle! Let me go, for the air you breathe chokes me! Dare to
disobey at your peril!"

"I will start for K---- to-morrow. She will be here--my adopted
daughter--before the week ends."

"Good! And this old mother of yours, will she be kind to the girl? I
won't have her treated badly, you understand."

"My mother will do whatever her son wishes. She would be kind to a young
gorilla if I said so. Don't fear for your niece--she will be treated
well."