Bogun spoke with a slow and solemn voice, but at the same time in his speech there vibrated, as it were, a threat declaring that there must be consent to what he demanded.
The old princess looked at her sons; they looked at her, and for a moment silence continued. Suddenly the falcon, sitting on her perch by the wall, began to make a noise, though it was long before daylight; others followed her. The great eagle woke, shook his wings, and began to scream. The pitch-pine burned low; it was growing gloomy and dark in the room.
"Nikolai, put wood on the fire!" said the old princess.
The young prince threw on more wood.
"Well, do you consent?" inquired Bogun.
"We must ask Helena."
"Let her speak for herself; you speak for yourselves. Do you promise?"
"We promise," said the mother.
"We promise," said the sons.
Bogun stood up suddenly, and turning to Zagloba, said with a clear voice,--