And both looked each other in the eyes with alarm.
CHAPTER LVII.
Next day, half an hour after Pan Stanislav’s arrival, Osnovski rang at his house. At the sound of the bell, Pan Stanislav, who had been in great alarm since the day before, went himself to the door. He had admitted for some time that a bomb might burst in Prytulov any day; but he struggled in vain with his thoughts, to discover what connection the explosion might have with Pan Ignas.
Osnovski pressed his hand at greeting with special force, as is done in exceptional circumstances; and when Pan Stanislav invited him to his study, he asked on the way,—
“Are you living in Buchynek?”
“I am; we are perfectly alone.”
In the study, Osnovski, when he had sat in the armchair pointed out to him, bent his head and was silent for a while, breathing hurriedly meantime; for in consequence of excessive exercise he was affected somewhat with distention of the lungs. At present emotion, and the steps, obstructed his breath still more. Pan Stanislav waited patiently for some time; at last his inborn curiosity conquered, and he asked,—
“What has happened?”
“A misfortune has happened,” said Osnovski, in deep sorrow. “Ignas’s marriage is broken off.”