"The late under-chamberlain," said Kmita, "lived with her most of the time in Kyedani, at the court of the prince voevoda, or lived with the Hleboviches; and there she acquired those high manners. But her beauty,--what of that? You cannot let your breath go yet." "We have appeared as fools," said Ranitski, in anger; "but the biggest fool was Kokosinski." "Traitor! why punch me with your elbow? You should have appeared yourself, with your spotted mouth." "Harmony, lambs, harmony!" said Kmita; "I will let you admire, but not wrangle." "I would spring into the fire for her," said Rekuts. "Hew me down, Yendrus, but I'll not deny that." Kmita did not think of cutting down; he was satisfied, twisted his mustache, and gazed on his comrades with triumph. Now Panna Aleksandra entered, wearing a marten-skin cap, under which her bright face appeared still brighter. They went out on the porch. "Then shall we ride in this sleigh?" asked the lady, pointing to the silvery bear. "I have not seen a more beautiful sleigh in my life." "I know not who has used it hitherto, for it was captured. It suits me very well, for on my shield is a lady on a bear. There are other Kmitas who have banners on their shield, but they are descended from Filon Kmita of Charnobil; he was not of the same house from which the great Kmitas are descended." "And when did you capture this bear sleigh?" "Lately, in this war. We poor exiles who have fallen away from fortune have only what war gives us in plunder. But as I serve that lady faithfully, she has rewarded me." "May God grant a better; for war rewards one, but presses tears from the whole dear fatherland." "God and the hetmans will change that." Meanwhile Kmita wrapped Panna Aleksandra in the beautiful sleigh robe of white cloth lined with white wolfskin; then taking his own seat, he cried to the driver, "Move on!" and the horses sprang forward at a run. The cold wind struck their faces with its rush; they were silent, therefore, and nothing was heard save the wheezing of frozen snow under the runners, the snorting of the horses, their tramp, and the cry of the driver. At last Pan Andrei bent toward Olenka. "Is it pleasant for you?" "Pleasant," answered she, raising her sleeve and holding it to her mouth to ward off the rush of air. The sleigh dashed on like a whirlwind. The day was bright, frosty; the snow sparkled as if some one were scattering sparks on it. From the white roofs of the cottages, which were like piles of snow, rosy smoke curled in high columns. Flocks of crows from among the leafless trees by the roadside flew before the sleighs with shrill cawing.