“So, then, do you take Pan Michael’s side?” asked Zagloba.
Basia shook her forelock and was silent; after a while a quiet sigh raised her breast. “Ei! what of that? I am glad, for he is ours.”
“But think of this, and beat it into yourself, little haiduk,” said Zagloba, “that if on the field of battle it is hard to find a better man than Ketling, he is most dangerous for maidens, who love him madly for his beauty. He is trained famously in love-making too.”
“Tell that to Krysia, for love is not in my head,” answered Basia, and turning to Krysia, she began to call, “Krysia! Krysia! Come here just for a word.”
“I am here,” said Krysia.
“Pan Zagloba says that no lady looks on Ketling without falling in love straightway. I have looked at him from every side, and somehow nothing has happened; but do you feel anything?”
“Basia, Basia!” said Krysia, in a tone of persuasion.
“Has he pleased you, eh?”
“Spare us! be sedate. My Basia, do not talk nonsense, for Ketling is coming.”
In fact, Krysia had not taken her seat when Ketling approached and inquired, “Is it permitted to join the company?”