"Panna Pauly," said Gronski, "Pan Swidwicki lives at No. 5 Oboznej, but it is not very safe for young girls to go to him." She colored to the ears from fear that the "young lord" might think something bad about her. And she hesitated for a while whether she should tell that Laskowicz was in the hallway and that it was necessary to hide him, as otherwise destruction awaited him. But again she recollected that Laskowicz had been sought in Jastrzeb and that Krzycki, on account of that had been almost arrested. A fear possessed her that perhaps Gronski himself might want to hide the student and in such case would jeopardize the young lord. She looked once or twice at the shapely form of Krzycki and decided to remain silent. But Gronski spoke further: "I do not advise you to go to him. I do not advise it. It is said that you once gave him a tongue-lashing." And she, raising her head, answered at once haughtily and indignantly: "Then I will give him a tongue-lashing a second time; but I have some business with him." And bowing, she left. Gronski shrugged his shoulders and said: "I cannot understand what she is concerned about. There is something strange in that girl, and I tell you that your future lady gives evidence of holy patience, that she has not dismissed her before this. She always says that she is a violent character but has a golden heart, and that may be possible. I know, however, from Pani Otocka that the golden heart enacts for her such scenes as no one else would tolerate." X In the evening of Marynia's birthday, Ladislaus and Miss Anney for a time found themselves at some distance from the rest of the company, at a cottage piano, decorated with flowers. His eyes shone with joy and happiness. He felt fortunate that his imprisonment had ended and that he could again gaze upon this, his lady, whom he loved with the whole strength of a young heart. "I know," he told her, "that you were this morning in the city and bought flowers. I learned this from your maid, who brought the letter to Pan Gronski. Afterwards you went to church. I asked her to which one, as I wanted to go there, but the maid did not know." "That is strange, for she knows that I always go to the Holy Cross, and at times I even take her with me. I am there, daily, at the morning mass." "She told me that she did not know," answered Ladislaus. "Will you be there to-morrow?" "Yes; unless the weather should be very inclement." Ladislaus lowered his voice: "I ask because I have a great and heartfelt prayer. Permit me to come there at the same hour and before the same altar." Blushes suffused Miss Anney's countenance and her breast began to move more quickly. She inclined her head somewhat and placing the edge of the fan to her lips answered in a low voice: "I have not the right to forbid nor to permit. The church is open to all the pious."