Swimming in the Dark

The Wednesday after the party, Ludwik goes to see the professor, who tells him that his proposal is great but that the other candidates have connections that he doesn’t. He warns Ludwik that without a connection of his own, he will probably not be accepted. Later, at dinner, Hania and Maksio arrive in a foreign car. Ludwik is astounded by the richness of the food and clothes in the restaurant. He feels as though he is seeing an entirely new part of society. Maksio pays the bill at the end of the night, and they all smoke American cigarettes outside. Before they depart, Maksio and Hania invite Janusz and Ludwik to their country house that weekend.

As Ludwik and Janusz walk home, Ludwik tells him what the professor said. Janusz suggests that he ask Hania for help that weekend, as she likes him and can use her family connections in his favor. As the weekend approaches, Ludwik commits to asking Hania, though it makes him uncomfortable to do so. He calls Karolina but decides not to tell her about his situation, not wanting her to talk him out of it. He tells her instead that he has not met with the professor yet.