He said that the present possessor was young, and lived abroad; that his father had been rather a bad manager; but that, though the estate was burdened, it was not in the very least endangered.
The land was not in high cultivation, therefore was susceptible of improvement, and he hoped the young count was the very man to see to it.
On the whole, his report was decidedly favorable; there was no exaggeration about it--all was sensible and straightforward.

The baron's mind was very nearly made up, and he went off straightway to one of his acquaintance, who knew the Zaminsky family.

He did not hear much from him certainly, but still it was rather favorable than otherwise.

On the other hand, Ehrenthal called to inform him that the wool of the sheep of that district was seldom fine, and to beg that he would consult his lawyer before he decided.
Ehrenthal's little office was on the same floor as the rest of the apartments, and opened out upon the hall.

It was evening before he returned to it, in a state of great excitement.