"Fix this in your memories, gentlemen, that a kind Providence thinks not only of the needs, but the comfort of people."
The rattle of wheels, which in the night stillness reached their ears very clearly, interrupted the conversation. Pan Serafin rose from his seat.
"God is bringing some guest," said he, "for the whole household is here. I am curious to know who it may be."
"Surely some one with news from our lads," added Father Voynovski.
All rose, and thereupon a wagon drawn by two horses entered in through the gateway.
"Some woman is on the seat," called out Lukash.
"That is true."
The wagon passed through half the courtyard and stopped at the entrance. Pan Serafin looked at the face of the woman, recognized it in the wonderful moonlight, and cried,--
"Panna Anulka!"
And he almost lifted her in his arms from the wagon, then she bent at once to his knees, and burst into weeping.