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In the evening of Marynia's birthday, Ladislaus and Miss Anney for a time found themselves at some distance from the rest of the company, at a cottage piano, decorated with flowers. His eyes shone with joy and happiness. He felt fortunate that his imprisonment had ended and that he could again gaze upon this, his lady, whom he loved with the whole strength of a young heart.
"I know," he told her, "that you were this morning in the city and bought flowers. I learned this from your maid, who brought the letter to Pan Gronski. Afterwards you went to church. I asked her to which one, as I wanted to go there, but the maid did not know."
"That is strange, for she knows that I always go to the Holy Cross, and at times I even take her with me. I am there, daily, at the morning mass."
"She told me that she did not know," answered Ladislaus. "Will you be there to-morrow?"
"Yes; unless the weather should be very inclement."
Ladislaus lowered his voice:
"I ask because I have a great and heartfelt prayer. Permit me to come there at the same hour and before the same altar."
Blushes suffused Miss Anney's countenance and her breast began to move more quickly. She inclined her head somewhat and placing the edge of the fan to her lips answered in a low voice:
"I have not the right to forbid nor to permit. The church is open to all the pious."