Then the king went to the daily council, for the two hetmans of the kingdom had come to Lvoff, they were to form the army there, and lead it later to the aid of Charnyetski, and the confederate divisions marching, under various leaders, throughout the country.
The knights were alone.
“Come to my quarters,” said Volodyovski; “you will find there Pan Yan, Pan Stanislav, and Zagloba, who will be glad to hear what the king has told me. There too is Kharlamp.”
But Kmita approached the little knight with great disquiet on his face. “Did you find many people with Radzivill?” asked he.
“Of officers, Kharlamp alone was there.”
“I do not ask about the military, but about women.”
“I know what you mean,” answered Pan Michael, flushing somewhat. “Prince Boguslav took Panna Billevich to Taurogi.”
Kmita’s face changed at once; first it was pale as a parchment, then purple, and again whiter than before. He did not find words at once; but his nostrils quivered while he was catching breath, which apparently failed in his breast. Then he seized his temples with both hands, and running through the room like a madman, began to repeat,—
“Woe to me, woe, woe!”
“Come! Kharlamp will tell you better, for he was present,” said Volodyovski.