"Oi, how could you have held me that even one hour? You know of me, that once I was ready for violence, ready to slay, burn, shoot; that is one thing, but to betray for gain, for advancement, never! God guard me, God judge me! You are a woman, and cannot see in what lies the country's salvation; hence it beseems you not to condemn, to give sentence. And why did you utter the sentence? God be with you! Know this, that salvation is in Prince Radzivill and the Swedes; and who thinks otherwise, and especially acts, is just ruining the country. But it is no time to discuss, it is time to go. Know that I am not a traitor, not one who sells. May I perish if I ever be that! Know that unjustly you scorned me, unjustly consigned me to death--I tell you this under oath and at parting, and I say it that I may say with it, I forgive you from my heart; but do you forgive me as well." Panna Aleksandra had recovered completely. "You say that I have judged you unjustly; that is true. It is my fault; I confess it and beg your forgiveness." Here her voice trembled, her blue eyes filled with tears, and he cried with transport,-- "I forgive! I forgive! I would forgive you even my death!" "May God guide you and bring you to the right road. May you leave that on which you are erring." "But give peace, give peace!" cried Kmita, excitedly; "let no misunderstanding rise between us again. Whether I err or err not, be silent on that point. Let each man follow the way of his conscience; God will judge every intention. Better that I have come hither, than to go without farewell. Give me your hand for the road. Only that much is mine; for to-morrow I shall not see you, nor after tomorrow, nor in a month, perhaps never--Oi, Olenka! and in my head it is dim--Olenka! And shall we never meet again?" Abundant tears like pearls were falling from Panna Aleksandra's lashes to her cheeks. "Pan Andrei, leave traitors, and all may be." "Quiet, oh, quiet!" said Kmita, with a broken voice. "It may not be--I cannot--better say nothing-- Would I were slain! less should I suffer-- For God's sake, why does this meet us? Farewell for the last time. And then let death close my eyes somewhere outside-- Why are you weeping? Weep not, or I shall go wild!" And in supreme excitement he seized her half by constraint, and though she resisted, he kissed her eyes and her mouth, then fell at her feet. At last he sprang up, and grasping his hair like a madman, rushed forth from the chamber. "The devil could do nothing here, much less a red ribbon." Olenka saw him through the window as he was mounting in haste; the seven horsemen then moved forward. The Scots on guard at the gate made a clatter with their weapons, presenting arms; then the gate closed after the horsemen, and they were not to be seen on the dark road among the trees. Night too had fallen completely. CHAPTER XXVI.