They went and sat down; but before any one had been able to speak the first word, the dogs were heard under the window.
“Some one is coming!” cried Basia.
“The dogs are barking as if at people of the house,” said Pani Makovetski.
“Quiet!” said her husband. “There is a rattling of wheels!”
“Quiet!” repeated Basia. “Yes; it comes nearer every moment. That is Pan Zagloba.”
Basia and Pan Makovetski sprang up and ran out. Pani Makovetski’s heart began to throb; but she remained with Krysia, so as not to show by great haste that Pan Zagloba was bringing news of exceeding importance. Meanwhile the sound of wheels was heard right under the window, and then stopped on a sudden. Voices were heard at the entrance, and after a while Basia rushed into the room like a hurricane, and with a face as changed as if she had seen an apparition.
“Basia, who is that? Who is that?” asked Pani Makovetski, with astonishment.
But before Basia could regain her breath and give answer, the door opened; through it entered first Pan Makovetski, then Pan Michael, and last Ketling.
CHAPTER XXI.
Ketling was so changed that he was barely able to make a low obeisance to the ladies; then he stood motionless, with his hat at his breast, with his eyes closed, like a wonder-working image. Pan Michael embraced his sister on the way, and approached Krysia. The maiden’s face was as white as linen, so that the light down on her lip seemed darker than usual; her breast rose and fell violently. But Pan Michael took her hand mildly and pressed it to his lips; then his mustaches quivered for a time, as if he were collecting his thoughts; at last he spoke with great sadness, but with great calmness,—