"And three months: therefore for her age she is very small and a great little giddy-head; it is time to show her various things in Rome," continued Vaskovski. "Nothing is so remembered as that which is seen in childhood. And though childhood does not feel many things completely, nor understand them, that comes later, and comes very agreeably, for it is as if some one were to illuminate on a sudden impressions sunk in shadow. Come with me to Italy in October." "In October I cannot; I have my woman's reasons, which detain me in Warsaw." "What are they?" Pani Emilia began to laugh. "The first and most important, but purely womanly, reason, is to marry that gentleman sitting there so gloomy," said she, pointing to Pan Stanislav, "but really so much in love." He woke from thoughtfulness, and waved his hand. But Vaskovski inquired with his usual naïveté of a child,-- "Always with Marynia Plavitski?" "Yes," replied Pani Emilia. "He has been in Kremen, and it would be vain for him to deny that she took his heart greatly." "I cannot deny," answered Pan Stanislav. But further conversation was interrupted in an unpleasant manner, for Litka grew weak on a sudden. In a moment she was choking, and had one of her attacks of palpitation of the heart, which alarmed even doctors. The mother seized her at once in her arms; Pan Stanislav ran to the restaurant for ice; Vaskovski began to draw the garden bench with effort toward the table, so that she might stretch on it and breathe with more freedom. "Thou art wearied, my child, art thou not?" asked Pani Emilia, with pale lips. "See, my love, it was too far--Still the doctor permitted. So anxious! But this is nothing; it will pass, it will pass! My treasure, my love!" And she began to kiss the damp face of the little girl. Meanwhile Pan Stanislav came with ice, and after him the mistress of the place hurried out with a pillow in her hand. They laid the little girl on the bench, and while Pani Emilia was wrapping the ice in a napkin, Pan Stanislav bent over the child and asked,-- "How art thou, kitten?" "I was only choking a little; but I am better," answered she, opening her mouth, like a fish to catch breath. She was not much better, however, for even through her dress one could see how violently the little sick heart was beating in her breast. But under the influence of ice, the attack decreased gradually, and at last ceased altogether, leaving behind only weariness. Litka began again to smile at her mother, who also recovered from her alarm somewhat. It was needful to strengthen the child before they returned home. Pan Stanislav ordered dinner, which was scarcely touched by any one except Litka, for all looked at her from moment to moment with secret fear lest the choking might seize her a second time. An hour passed in this way. Guests began now to enter the restaurant. Pani Emilia wished to go home, but she had to wait for the carriage, which Pan Stanislav had sent for to Reichenhall.