"Offering at the same time to you my willing and earnest services, I inscribe myself, etc., etc."
Yatsek grew so very pale after reading the letter that the men present had fears for him, especially the priest who was not sure that that pallor might not be the herald of some outburst of madness, for he knew how terrible was that young man in his anger, though usually so mild. He began therefore at once to restrain him.
"Pan Gideon is old, and has lost one arm," said he quickly, "thou canst not challenge him!"
But Yatsek did not burst out, for at the first moment immeasurable and painful amazement conquered all other feelings.
"I cannot challenge him," repeated he, as an echo, "but why does he continue to trample me?"
Thereupon Pan Serafin rose, took both Yatsek's hands, shook them firmly, kissed him on the forehead, and added,--
"Pan Gideon has injured, not thee, but himself, and if thou drop revenge every man will wonder all the more at thy noble soul which deserves the high blood in thee."
"Those are wise words!" cried the priest, "and thou must deserve them."
Pan Stanislav now embraced Yatsek.
"In truth," said he, "I love thee more and more."