"It is, however, astonishing that you speak Polish so well," observed Dolhanski; "why, you even know the names of plants." "I heard them from the lips of the village maids in Zalesin at Zosia's," answered Miss Anney. "Besides, I evidently possess linguistic abilities for I learned from them to speak in a rustic style." "Truly," cried Ladislaus, "could you say something in peasant fashion. Say something, Miss Anney! Do!" he entreated, folding his hands as if in prayer. She began to laugh and feigning shyness, bowed her head and putting the back part of her hand to her forehead, as bashful peasants girls usually do, said, drawling each word somewhat: "I would do that only I do not dare--" Laughter and bravos resounded; only Pani Zosia glanced at her with a peculiar look and she, by becoming confused, enhanced her beauty to such an extent that Ladislaus was completely captivated. "Ah! now one could lose his head," he cried with unfeigned ardor. "I pledge my word, one could lose his head." And Gronski, who in common with the others fell into good humor, said in a low voice: "And even consummatum est." But further conversation was interrupted by the rattle of the carriage wheels which could be heard in the courtyard and ceased at the balcony. "What is that?" asked Gronski. "I am sending for the doctor for Mother," answered Ladislaus, rising. "Whoever has any errands in the city may speak." Dolhanski and Gronski also rose and went out with him into the vestibule. "I was about to ask you for a horse," said Gronski. "I know that you have but one saddle for ladies in Jastrzeb, so I ordered another one and must receive it in person at the post-office. I did not want to speak about it before the ladies as it is to be a surprise." "Good!" answered Krzycki, "but I will give you another carriage, for Laskowicz is leaving by this one and you surely would prefer not to ride with him." "He?" cried Dolhanski. "You do not know him then. He is ready to ride with old Aunt Beelzebub, if he could pull her by the tongue and do all the talking and descanting." "There is a little truth in that," said Gronski. "I am a veritable chatterbox. Indeed, I will willingly go with Laskowicz and will try to get him into a talkative mood for, after all, he does interest me. Did you conclude with him this morning?" "Yes. I must see Mother for a while and tell her about it. I finished with him and in addition finished peaceably. I, at least, was perfectly calm." "So much the better. Go to your mother and I will go to my room for a linen duster; for the dust on the road must be quite thick. I will be back soon."