A few moments later the servant brought a light. Pan Stanislav, recovering himself, was alarmed at his own boldness, and looked into Marynia's eyes with disquiet. He was sure that he had offended her, and was ready to beg her forgiveness. But he saw with wonder that there were no traces of anger in her face. Her eyes were downcast, her cheeks flushed, her hair disarranged somewhat; it was evident that she was disturbed and, as it were, dazed, but withal only penetrated with the perfect sweetness of that fear which comes to a woman who is loved, and who, in passing over the new threshold, feels that she must yield something there, but who passes over and yields because she wishes. She loves, and she is obliged to yield in view of the rights which she accords to the man. But a vivid feeling of gratitude passed through Pan Stanislav at sight of her. It seemed to him then that he loved her as he had loved of old, before Litka's death. He felt also that in that moment he could not be too delicate nor too magnanimous; hence, taking her hand again, he raised it to his lips with great respect, and said,-- "I know that I am not worthy of you; there is no discussion on that point. God knows that I shall always do for you what is in my power." Marynia looked at him with moist eyes and said, "If only you are happy." "Is it possible not to be happy with you? I saw that from the first moment at Kremen. But afterward, you know, everything was spoiled. I thought you would marry Mashko, and how I worried--" "I was angry, and I beg forgiveness--my dear--Pan Stas." "This very day the professor said, 'Marynia is gold,'" exclaimed Pan Stanislav, with great ardor. "This is true! all say the same--not only gold, but a treasure--a very precious one." Her kindly eyes began to smile at him: "Maybe a heavy one." "Let not your head ache over that. I have strength enough; I shall be able to bear it. Now at least I have something to live for." "And I," answered Marynia. "Do you know that I have been here already to-day? I sent chrysanthemums later. After yesterday's letter to you, I said to myself, 'That is simply an angel, and I should lack, not only heart, but common-sense to delay any longer.'" "I was so alarmed about that duel, and so unhappy. But is it all over now?" "I give you my word, most thoroughly." Marynia wanted to make further inquiries, but at that moment Plavitski came. They heard him cough a little, put away his cane, and remove his overcoat; he opened the door then, and, seeing them alone, said,-- "So you are sitting all by yourselves?" But Marynia ran up to him, and placing her hands on his shoulders, and putting forth her forehead for a kiss, said,-- "As betrothed, papa." Plavitski stepped back a little and inquired, "What dost thou say?" "I say," answered she, looking quietly into his eyes, "that Pan Stanislav wishes to take me, and that I am very happy."