I resolved to go to the mansion and see Pan Ustrytski, which I could do the more easily since he lived not in the mansion itself, but had his own little house; in this he slept and spent his time usually. The light was shining yet in his window. I knocked at the door. He opened it himself, and started back frightened.
"Farce!" cried he; "what a look thou hast, Henryk!"
"Lightning killed my horse out there on the road; I had nothing to do but to come here."
"In the name of the Father and Son! But thou art wet through, cold. It is late. Farce! I will have something to eat brought in, and dry clothes for thee."
"No, no; I wish to go home at once, nothing more."
"But why did not Hania come? My wife will start at two in the morning. We thought that you would bring her to spend the night."
I resolved at once to tell him all, for I needed his assistance.
"A misfortune has happened," said I. "I reckon on this, that you will not mention the matter to any one, neither to your wife, nor your daughters, nor the governesses. The honor of our house is at stake here."
I knew that he would tell no one, but I had little hope that the affair would be concealed; therefore I preferred to anticipate, so that in a given event he could explain what had happened. And I told him all, declaring that I was in love with Hania.
"But thou must fight with Selim, I suppose? Farce! what—" said he, listening to the end.