Panna answered sullenly that she did not perceive the folly; did her
father think that a peasant's life was less valuable than a gentleman's?
"That isn't the point now. You must consider that the master did not
kill your Pista intentionally."
"Stop, Father, don't tell me that. He _did_ kill him intentionally. I
don't care whether the purpose existed days or minutes before, but it
was there; else he would not have sent for the revolver, he would not
have aimed the weapon, touched the trigger, or discharged it."
"Even admitting that you are right, he has been punished for it."
Panna laughed bitterly. "Six months! Is that a punishment?"
"For a gentlemen like him, it's a heavy one. And he will provide for
you."
"Do you, too, talk as the priest does, father? You ought to know me
better. Do you really believe that I would bargain over Pista's life
for beggerly alms? I should be ashamed ever to pass the churchyard
where the poor fellow lies."
"You are obstinate, Panna. I see very plainly where you are aiming.
You always say you want justice, but it seems to me that what you want
is vengeance.
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