Her husband that morning had sent her to Mara's; she could not remain alone any longer; it was Kismet that she should go. Besides, Vranic might be coming now at any moment, and even if she swore to him that her husband had not started, he would not believe her; then she would only excite her husband to greater wrath if he came and found him alone with her. No, on the whole, it was better by far to obey her husband's behest; therefore, she started off. She ran quickly through the pouring rain, and never stopped till she was at Bellacic's door.
"Oh! Milena, is it you?" said Mara, her motherly eyes twinkling with a bright smile of welcome; "though, to tell you the real truth, I almost expected you."
"Why?"
"Because a big fly has been buzzing round me, telling me that some person who is fond of me would come and see me. Oracles are always true; besides," added she, with a smile and a sly look, "just guess of what I've been dreaming?"
"Of black grapes, that bring good luck, I suppose."
"No, of doves; so I'll surely get a letter from Uros to-morrow or the day after."
Milena looked down demurely; she blushed; then, to turn away the conversation, she added:
"To-day, for a wonder, Radonic has sent me to pass the evening with you; he'll come to fetch me later on—at least, he said he would."
"It is a wonder, indeed—why, what's come over him? He must have put on his coat inside out when he got up."
Milena thereupon told her friend why her husband did not want her at home.