"I have seen Father Voynovski only once, at a festival," said Pan Serafin, "but I heard much of him in my days of campaigning. At the festival other priests laughed at him; they said that his house was like the ark, that he cares for all beasts just as Noah did. I know, however, that his sabre was renowned, and that his virtue is famous. If Pan Tachevski has learned sword-practice from him, I should wish my son, when he recovers, not to seek friendship elsewhere."
"They say that the Diet will strive at once to strengthen the army," said Pan Gideon, wishing to change the conversation.
"True, all will work at that," said Pan Grothus.
And the conversation continued on the war. But after supper Panna Anulka chose the right moment, and, approaching Pan Serafin, raised her blue eyes to him.
"You are very kind," said she.
"Why do you say that?" asked Pan Serafin.
"You took the part of Pan Yatsek."
"Whose part?" inquired the old man.
"Pan Tachevski's. His name is Yatsek."
"But you blamed him severely. Why did you blame him?"