“My benefactor,” said he, to begin with, “I was grievously to blame the last time we met, for I fell into anger in my own house. It is my fault, and all the more so that I gave this affront to a man of a family friendly to the Radzivills. But I come to implore forgiveness. Let a sincere confession be satisfaction to you, and my atonement. You know the Radzivills of old; you know that we are not in haste to beg pardon; still, since I was to blame before age and dignity, I come without considering who I am, with a penitent head. And you, old friend of our house, will not refuse me your hand, I am certain.”
Then he extended his hand; and Billevich, in whose soul the first outburst had passed, did not dare to refuse his own, though he gave it with hesitation.
“Your highness, return to us our freedom; that will be the best satisfaction.”
“You are free, and may go, even to-day.”
“I thank your highness,” said the astonished Billevich.
“I interpose only one condition, which you, God grant, will not reject.”
“What is that?” asked Billevich, with fear.
“That you listen patiently to what I am going to say.”
“If that is all, I will listen even till evening.”
“Do not give me your answer at once, but think an hour or two.”