«My lady, you are free!»
«From under the drooping hair blue eyes looked at the knight, and then a comely face appeared, though pale and as it were not conscious. Volodyovski was hoping for thanks, an outburst of gladness; but the lady sat motionless, distraught, and merely looked at him. Therefore the knight spoke again,--
«Come to yourself, my lady! God has regarded innocence,--you are free, and can return to Vodokty.»
This time there was more consciousness in the look of Panna Billevich. She rose from the chest, shook back her hair, and asked, «Who are you?»
«Michael Volodyovski, colonel of dragoons with the voevoda of Vilna.»
«Did I hear a battle--shots? Tell me.»
«Yes. We came to save you.»
She regained her senses completely. «I thank you,» said she hurriedly, with a low voice,
