‘Is it your sister?’ Unnas inquired.
‘Yes, she is both my child, my sister, my beloved one, and my bride.’
Unnas did not exactly understand this, but that it was a joyful surprise to his friend was plain enough.
The legend has preserved this incident relating to the monk who had escaped from the massacre, and who had concealed himself on an island in the Petschenga River. But, according to the legend, it was not a mortal woman who came and nursed him, but an angel from heaven, who came down each night to him, and placed her hand on the monk’s eyes, until he was cured and regained his sight.
When Annita returned, Ambrose’s wounds were dressed, while questions and answers were exchanged between them. As they spoke in Karelen Unnas was also able to follow them, and in that way heard much about his benefactor’s earlier life, of which he had previously known very little.
‘Your mother sends you her greeting,’ said Annita; ‘she will receive us with open arms, and give us her blessing when we return.’
‘And my father?’ said Ambrose.
‘Your father?’
‘Yes; will he give us his blessing, too, and forgive us?’
‘Then you don’t know what has happened? You don’t know that your father is no more? Your father is dead.’