All applauded this speech, the Hadji springing forward to embrace him. “I see, my second son, that you will prove a true Circassian,” he cried, “and by the blessing of Allah, by to-morrow’s dawn, we will proceed in search of our foes: to-night, we will rest under the roof of our noble host.”
“Happy am I to receive so gallant a warrior as you have proved yourself, oh! Hadji; and honoured am I in such guests as you and your friends,” answered the Prince.
The repast being concluded, the party strolled out among rich and fertile meadows, sloping from the house down to a pure and glassy rivulet. An orchard of various fruit trees surrounded the dwelling, while, before it, grew some magnificent chestnut trees, under whose grateful shade the old noble loved to sit, surrounded by his youthful descendants, enjoying their gambols on the grass.
In the neighbourhood of the house were the farm yards and granaries, stored with all kinds of corn, the produce of the surrounding highly-cultivated fields. On the mountain’s brow grazed his numerous flocks, and in the rich meadows below his herds of fat cattle.
Our hero had parted from his companions, when the page sought his side; and as Ivan’s eye fell on the boy, he exclaimed—
“Conrin, do you find yourself sad and solitary among so many strange people?”
“Ah, no!” answered the page, “I cannot be sad or solitary when in your presence.”
“Do you then come to congratulate me on having, at length, arrived in the land of my hopes?” asked Ivan.
“Yes, Sir, yes; whatever gives you pleasure makes my heart beat with joy; and may your utmost hopes be now fulfilled!”
“Thanks, page; but still my heart is full of fears. I know not, nor dare I ask, if yet my father lives. Why do you sigh, boy? Does the name of father cause you thus to sigh?”