I made a show of departing, but Mazeppa called me back.
‘Stop,’ he said; ‘maybe I spoke hastily. I could, of course, wear disguise——’
‘You must do that in any case, and she also, for safety’s sake,’ said I. ‘She is well known, and might be recognised by the priest.’
‘She will hate me for deceiving her in this way; for, if what you say is true, it is you she desired to wed.’
‘Bah! a woman soon forgives such things, especially when the other—that is I in this case—has deceived her. Moreover, she would not marry me for love, though we are good friends; it is rather the desire to escape this fat Boyar than to gain me. The wench is driven distracted, first by the danger at the terem, now by this. I have left the matter open in case it should please you to do as I suggest, for I shall not do myself as she wishes. If you agree, it is easy for me to return and tell her that I have decided to marry her rather than let the Boyar have her.’
Mazeppa considered awhile.
‘I would rather she married me of her knowledge and free will, which no doubt I should have gained with opportunity; but, as you know, I have determined to possess this woman, and if she is not to be had one way, she must be secured another way.’
‘That is wisdom,’ I said. ‘Do you know a priest who will not ask questions, but will be ready to marry a disguised pair and pocket his fee without desiring to know too much?’
‘I know the very man!’ exclaimed Mazeppa, growing obviously more in love with my plan as it became more familiar to his imagination. ‘I will go forth and settle with him at once, Chelminsky; why should we wait? The girl is in danger. I have no more business in Moscow. By the saints, I will wed her to-morrow and we shall travel together to the Ukraine! After all, my son, you have done well by me!’