«We are not alone; the whole Commonwealth has received them with open arms,» said Ganhoff.
«True as life,» put in Kmita, also musingly.
«Except Sapyeha, Gosyevski, Charnyetski, and the hetmans of the crown,» answered Kharlamp.
«Better not speak of that,» said Ganhoff. «But, worthy Colonel, come back to us in good health; promotion awaits you.»
«And Panna Billevich?» added Kharlamp.
«Panna Billevich is nothing to you,» answered Kmita, brusquely.
«Of course nothing, I am too old. The last time-- Wait, gentlemen, when was that? Ah, the last time during the election of the present mercifully reigning Yan Kazimir.»
«Cease the use of that name from your tongue,» interrupted Ganhoff. «To-day rules over us graciously Karl Gustav.»
«True! Consuetudo altera natura (custom is a second nature)
