And seeing that all eyes were turned on her she was dreadfully embarrassed, but the elusive wit of a woman soon came to her assistance. "Pan Yatsek attended the wounded men hither," said she; "but since auntie and I received him with harshness he was angry and flew away home without his cap, so I sent the cap after him." "Indeed, we did not receive him very charmingly," added Pani Vinnitski. Pan Gideon drew breath and his face took on a less dreadful expression. "Ye did well," remarked he. "I myself would have sent the cap, for of course he has not a second one." But the honest and clever Pan Serafin took the part of Yatsek. "My son," said he, "has no feeling against him. He and the other gentlemen forced Pan Tachevski to the duel; when it was over he took them to his house, dressed their wounds, and entertained them. The Bukoyemskis say the same, adding that he is an artist at the sabre, who, had he had the wish, might have cut them up in grand fashion. Ha! they wanted to teach him a lesson, and themselves found a teacher. If it is true that His Grace the King is moving against the Turks, such a man as Tachevski will be useful." Pan Gideon was not glad to hear these words, and added: "Father Voynovski taught him those sword tricks." "I have seen Father Voynovski only once, at a festival," said Pan Serafin, "but I heard much of him in my days of campaigning. At the festival other priests laughed at him; they said that his house was like the ark, that he cares for all beasts just as Noah did. I know, however, that his sabre was renowned, and that his virtue is famous. If Pan Tachevski has learned sword-practice from him, I should wish my son, when he recovers, not to seek friendship elsewhere." "They say that the Diet will strive at once to strengthen the army," said Pan Gideon, wishing to change the conversation. "True, all will work at that," said Pan Grothus. And the conversation continued on the war. But after supper Panna Anulka chose the right moment, and, approaching Pan Serafin, raised her blue eyes to him. "You are very kind," said she. "Why do you say that?" asked Pan Serafin. "You took the part of Pan Yatsek." "Whose part?" inquired the old man. "Pan Tachevski's. His name is Yatsek." "But you blamed him severely. Why did you blame him?" "My guardian blamed him still more severely. I confess to you, however, that we did not act justly, and I think that some reparation is due him." "He would surely be glad to receive it from your hands," said Pan Serafin. The young lady shook her golden head in sign of disagreement. "Oh no!" replied she, smiling sadly, "he is angry with us, and forever." Pan Serafin glanced at her with a genuine fatherly kindness. "Who in the world, charming flower, could be angry forever with you?"