The dancing was yet at its height; but Ambrose, being completely tipsy by now, had taken his station on the road opposite the cabin, where he kept reeling and singing between the road and the edge of the pond. Vitek implored him to come, and tugged him by the sleeve, but to no purpose; the old man heard nothing, understood nothing around him, singing the same song over again with obstinate repetition. Vitek then applied to Yagustynka, who was not ignorant of healing. But she was in the private room, sipping _krupnik_,[22] talking and chattering with her good friends so intently that she would listen to no one else. And as the boy was importunate, begging her with tears to come at once, she in the end drove him from the room. So he went back crying to the stable, having accomplished nothing. ----- Footnote 22: _Krupnik_—a drink made of vodka, hot water, honey and spices.—_Translator’s Note._ When he returned, Kuba was asleep again; and he too, burrowing deep in the straw and covering his head with a clout, went off to sleep. It was long after breakfast-time when he was waked by the noise of the hungry unmilked cows, and by the fierce scoldings of Yagustynka, who, having overslept herself just like the others, now made up in clamour against them for what she had neglected herself. It was only after she had got the work somewhat in swing that she went to see Kuba. He said in a feeble voice: “Pray help me and do something.” “Just you marry a young wench, and you’ll be well in a trice,” she began cheerily; but, seeing his livid swollen face, grew serious at once. “You need a priest more than a physician.... What on earth can I do for you?... So far as I can see, you are sick unto death, aye, even unto death!” “Must I die?” “All’s in God’s hand: but you’ll not escape Crossbones’ clutches, I’m thinking.” “I’m to die, say you?” “Tell me: shall I send for his Reverence?” “For his Reverence?” Kuba cried, in amazement. “His Reverence to come here—to a stable—to me?” “What of that? Think you he’s made of sugar, and would melt if he came near horse-dung? It’s a priest’s business to go wherever they call him to a sick man.” “O Lord! how could I dare?” “You are a silly sheep!” She shrugged her shoulders and left him. “The woman knows not what she says,” he muttered, greatly scandalized. And now he was quite alone, all the others seeming to have forgotten him. From time to time, Vitek looked in to give the horses provender and water. He gave him water, too; but presently went back to the wedding. At Dominikova’s they were preparing to bring the bride home. Often Yuzka would rush in noisily, bring him a bit of cake, prattle of many things, fill the stable with racket, and run out in a hurry. Yes, and she had something to run for. Hard by, they were amusing themselves fairly well: the band, the shouting, the singing were to be heard through the walls.