“Mine,—Panna Kulvyets.”
“Then she is mine!” answered he, going to kiss her hand. “I have in my company an officer named Kulvyets-Hippocentaurus. Is he not a relative?”
“He is of the same family,” replied the old maid, with a courtesy.
“A good fellow, but a whirlwind like myself,” added Kmita.
Meanwhile a boy appeared with a light. They went to the antechamber, where Pan Andrei removed his shuba; then they passed to the reception-room.
Immediately after their departure the spinners gathered in a close circle, and one interrupted another, talking and making remarks. The stately young man pleased them greatly; therefore they did not spare words on him, vying with one another in praises.
“Light shines from him,” said one; “when he came I thought he was a king’s son.”
“And he has lynx eyes, so that he cuts with them,” said another; “do not cross such a man.”
“That is worst of all,” said a third.
“He met the lady as a betrothed. It is easily seen that she pleased him greatly, for whom has she not pleased?”