The primate shook his head, and smiled kindly. “Oh, the nobles are on horseback, and they will ride on and on! But not too fast, not too fast! The enemy are still within the boundaries.”
“Their time is short!” cried both confederates.
“The spirit has changed, and fortune will change,” said Father Gembitski, in a weak voice.
“Wine!” cried the king. “Let me drink to the change, with the confederates.”
They brought wine; but with the servants who brought the wine entered an old attendant of the king, who said,—
“Gracious Lord, Pan Kryshtoporski has come from Chenstohova, and wishes to do homage to your Royal Grace.”
“Bring him here quickly!” cried the king.
In a moment a tall, thin noble entered, with a frowning look. He bowed before the king to his feet, then rather haughtily to the dignitaries, and said,—
“May the Lord Jesus Christ be praised!”
“For the ages of ages!” answered the king. “What is to be heard from the monastery?”