And Pan Serafin poured out heated wine to him.
"To the success of Christian weapons!"
"God grant it! Drink to the bottom."
Stanislav entertained at the same time Pani Vinnitski, Panna Anulka, and the four Bukoyemskis with a pitcher of wine which steamed quite as actively as the other. The ladies touched the glasses however with their lips very sparingly, but the Bukoyemskis needed no urging, hence the world seemed to them more joyous each moment, and Panna Anulka more beautiful, so, unable to find words to express their delight, they began to look at one another with amazement and panting; then each nudged another with his elbow. Mateush at last found expression,--
"We are not to wonder that the wolves wished to try the bones and the body of this lady, for even a wild beast knows a real tid-bit!"
Marek, Lukash, and Yan, the three remaining Bukoyemskis slapped their thighs then in ecstasy.
"He has hit the nail on the head, he has! A tid-bit! Nothing short of it!"
"A Saint Martin's cake!"
On hearing this Panna Anulka laid one hand on the other, and, feigning terror, said to Stanislav,--
"Oh, help me, for I see that these gentlemen only saved me from the wolves to eat me themselves."