After a while she went to the servants› room to sit, according to the immemorial custom of the Billeviches, with the maidens to oversee the spinning and sing hymns.
In two hours Kostek entered, chilled from cold. «Znikis is in the antechamber,» said he. «The master is not in Lyubich.»
The lady rose quickly. The manager in the antechamber bowed to her feet. «But how is your health, serene heiress? God give you the best.»
They passed into the dining-hall; Znikis halted at the door.
«What is to be heard among you people?» asked the lady.
The peasant waved his hand. «Well, the master is not there.»
«I know that, because he is in Upita. But what is going on in the house?»
«Well!--»
«Listen, Znikis, speak boldly; not a hair will fall from thy head. People say that the master is good, but
