"Uncle Josef," he said, sitting by the old man's bed, "have you heard what Nina is doing ?" "What she is doing!" said the uncle.

"What is she doing ?" Balatka feared all the Zamenoys, down to Lotta Luxa; but he feared Ziska less than he feared any other of the household.
"Have you heard of Anton Trendellsohn ?" "What of Anton Trendellsohn?
I have been hearing of Anton Trendellsohn for the last thirty years.

I have known him since he was born." "Do you wish to have him for a son-in-law ?" "For a son-in-law ?" "Yes, for a son-in-law--Anton Trendellsohn, the Jew.

Would he be a good husband for our Nina?
You say nothing, uncle Josef." "What am I to say ?" "You have heard of it, then?
Why can you not answer me, uncle Josef?
Have you heard that Trendellsohn has dared to ask Nina to be his wife ?" "There is not so much of daring in it, Ziska.

Among you all the poor girl is a beggar.