Zbyszko who had been sitting on the bed, slipped down on the pillows and did not answer for a time because he was exhausted. Slowly, however, he began to move one hand toward the other on his breast until he joined them as in prayer.
“Rest,” said the princess; “then you may tell me what you wish; and you, Danusia, arise and release my knees.”
“Relax, but do not rise; beg with me,” said Zbyszko.
Then he began to speak in a feeble and broken voice:
“Gracious lady—Jurand was against me in Krakow—he will be here also, but if the ksiondz Wyszoniek married me to Danusia, then—afterward she may go to Spychow because there is no human power that could take her away from me——”
These words were so unexpected to the princess, that she jumped from the bench; then she sat down again and as if she
