She could not even commence her system of persecution, as Nina did not go near her, and had already told Lotta Luxa that she must decline to discuss the question of her marriage any further.

So, at last, Madame Zamenoy found herself obliged to go over in person to the house in the Kleinseite.

Such visits had for many years been very rare with her.
Since her sister's death and the days in which the Balatkas had been prosperous, she had preferred that all intercourse between the two families should take place at her own house; and thus, as Josef Balatka himself rarely left his own door, she had not seen him for more than two years.

Frequent intercourse, however, had been maintained, and aunt Sophie knew very well how things were going on in the Kleinseite.

Lotta had no compunctions as to visiting the house, and Lotta's eyes were very sharp.