After that first confession they spoke no further of Yatsek, just as if they had agreed not to do so; both felt it too delicate a matter. Pan Serafin made no mention of Yatsek to her in the presence of people, but when no one was with them he was not ceremonious on that point; and once, when she asked if he would meet his son quickly in Cracow, he answered with a question,-- "And would you not like to meet some one there also?" He thought that she would wind out of it jestingly, but to her bright face came a shade of sadness, and she answered then seriously,-- "I should be glad to beg pardon, as soon as is possible, of any one whom I have injured." He looked at her with some emotion, but after a while it was clear that another idea had come to him, for he stroked her bright face, and then added,-- "Ei! thou hast the wherewithal to reward so that the king himself could not reward better." When she heard this she lowered her eyes in his presence, and was wonderful as she stood there and blushed like the dawn of the morning. CHAPTER XXII Preparations for starting went forward briskly. Attendants were chosen with care, strong men and sober. Arms, horses, wagons, and brichkas were ready. Observing ways of the period, they had not forgotten dogs, which in time of marching went under the wagons and at places of rest were used to hunt hares and foxes. The multitude of supplies and the preparations astonished the lady, who had not supposed that campaigning demanded such details, and, thinking this trouble taken perhaps for her safety, she inquired of Pan Serafin touching the matter. He, as a prudent man, and one of experience, replied thus to her,-- "It is certain that we have thy person in mind, for, as I think, we shall not leave here without meeting some violence from Martsian. Thou hast heard that he has summoned his roysterers with whom he is bargaining and drinking. We should be disgraced were we to let any man snatch thee away from us. What will be, will be, but though we had to fall one on another, we must take thee to Cracow uninjured." Then she kissed his hand, saying that she was not worthy to cause them this peril; but he waved his hand simply.