The Bohemian kissed her hand, and asked, with emotion:
"But during the time of your sojourn here?"
"God watches over orphans! I shall remain here."
"Will you not find it tedious? What will you do here?"
"I shall ask the Lord Jesus to restore happiness to Zbyszko and keep all of you in good health."
Then she burst out weeping, and the armor-bearer bowed again at her feet, and said:
"You are indeed like an angel in heaven."
CHAPTER VII.
But she wiped away her tears, took the armor-bearer with her and went to Jurand to tell him the news. She found him in a bright room, the tame she-wolf at his feet, sitting with Father Kaleb, old Tolima and Sieciechowa. Supporting their heads with their hands, absorbed in thought, and sorrowful, they were listening to a poem which the village beadle, who was also the rybalt, accompanied by his lute, sang of Jurand's former exploits against the "abominable Knights of the Cross." The room was lit up by the moon. A very warm and quiet night followed a scorching day. The windows were open, and beetles from the linden in the courtyard, were seen crawling upon the floor. In front of the fireplace, where there were yet glimmering a few embers, sat the servant sipping a mixture of hot mead, wine and spices.
The rybalt, or beadle, and servant of Father Kaleb, was about to begin another song, entitled "The Happy Encounter." "Jurand is riding, riding, upon a chestnut-colored horse," when Jagienka entered and said: