"They themselves challenged him."
"They do not deny that, but he beat all five of them, one after another. One might have thought that a clucking hen could have beaten him."
"Aunt does not know the man," answered Panna Anulka, with a certain pride in her expression.
But in the voice of Pani Vinnitski there was as much admiration as blame; for, born in regions exposed to Tartar inroads at all times, she had learned from childhood to count daring and skill at the sabre as the highest virtues of manhood. So, when the earliest alarm touching the five guests had vanished, she began to look somewhat differently at that duel.
"Still," continued she, "I must confess that they are worthy gentlemen, for not only do they cherish no hatred against him, but they praise him, especially Pan Stanislav. 'That man is a born soldier,' said he. And they were angry every man of them at Pan Gideon, who exceeded the measure, they say, at Vyrambki."
"But aunt did not receive Yatsek better."
"He got the reception which he merited. But didst thou receive him well?"
"I?"
"Yes, thou. I saw how thou didst frown at him."
"My dear aunt--"