“Yes; so that he cannot be more celebrated. You see he has immense experience, for, remaining in the true faith, he served against the English rebels from his fourteenth year. He is a noble also of high birth, which is easily seen from his manners.”
“Have you seen him under fire?”
“A thousand times! He would halt for you in it without a frown, pat his horse on the shoulder, and be ready to talk of love.”
“Is it the fashion to talk of love at such a time? Hei?”
“It is the fashion to do everything by which contempt for bullets is shown.”
“But hand-to-hand, in a duel, is he equally great?”
“Yes, yes! a wasp; it is not to be denied.”
“But could he stand before Pan Michael?”
“Before Michael he could not!”
“Ha!” exclaimed Basia, with joyous pride, “I knew that he could not. I thought at once that he could not.” And she began to clap her hands.