"What, Hania?"
"I wanted to ask something— Ah! Have you invited Selim for to-morrow?"
"No. Father wishes us to go to Ustrytsi to-morrow, for a package has come from mother for Pani Ustrytski."
Hania was silent, and struck a few soft notes; but it was evident that she did so only mechanically, while thinking of something else, for after a while she raised her eyes and said,—
"Pan Henryk?"
"What, Hania?"
"I wanted to ask you about something—Ah! here it is! Is that Yozia in Warsaw very pretty?"
That was too much; anger, mixed with vexation, pressed my heart. I approached the piano quickly; my lips were trembling when I answered,—
"Not prettier than thou. Be at rest. Thou mayst try thy charms boldly on Selim."
Hania rose from the piano stool; a burning blush of offence covered her face.