And Pani Emilia looked at her only one with a glance in which there was a sea of love. The children ran apart now, and stood in a great circle forming, on the gray background of fallen pine needles, parti-colored spots, which seemed as small under the immense pines as colored mushrooms. Marynia went from the veranda and stood near Litka, to assist her in catching the ball, for which it was necessary to run, and in that way save her from exertion. On the broad forest road leading to the villa, Pan Stanislav appeared at that moment. The children did not notice him at once; but he took in with a glance the veranda, as well as the space in front; and, seeing the bright robe of Marynia under a pine, he hastened his steps. Litka, knowing her mamma's alarm at every more animated movement which she made, and, not wishing to disquiet her for anything, stood almost without stirring from her place, and caught on her club only those balls which came directly toward her. Marynia ran after all that went farther. By reason of that running, her hair was loosened so that she had to arrange it; and, at the moment when Pan Stanislav was coming in at the gate, she stood bent backward somewhat and with arms raised to her head. He did not take his eyes from her, and saw no one save her. She seemed to him on that broad space younger and smaller than usual, and therewith so maidenlike, so unapproachably attractive, so created for this, that a man should put his arms around her and press her to his boson; she was so feminine, so much the dearest creature on earth,--that never till that moment had he felt with such force how he loved her. At sight of him, the children threw down their balls and clubs, and ran with a cry to meet him. The amusement was stopped. Litka at the first instant sprang also toward Pan Stas, but restrained herself on a sudden, and looked with her great eyes, now toward him, now toward Marynia. "But thou art not rushing to meet Pan Polanyetski," said Marynia. "No." "Why, Litus?" "Because--" And her cheeks flushed somewhat, though the child did not know and did not dare to express her thought, which might be expressed in the words: "Because he does not love me any more; he loves only thee, and looks only at thee." But he approached, freeing himself from the children, and repeating,-- "Do not hang on, little rogues, or I'll throw you." And he extended his hand to Marynia, looking at her in the eyes, with an entreaty for a pleasant smile and a greeting even a whit less indifferent than usual; then he turned to Litka,-- "But is the dearest kitten well?" At sight of him, and under the influence of his voice, she, forgetting all the suffering of her little heart, gave him both hands, saying,-- "Oh, yes, well; but yesterday Pan Stas did not come to us, and it was sad. To-day I'll take Pan Stas to mamma to give account." After a while all were on the veranda. "How are Pani Kraslavski and her daughter?" asked Pani Emilia.