Page:Henryk Sienkiewicz - Potop - The Deluge (1898 translation by Jeremiah Curtin) - Vol 2.djvu/538

528 and take a lute and play to thee of 'sighs.' It cannot be but thou wilt love me."

So saying, the starosta of Oshmiana, with the dexterity of a genuine pickpocket, encircled the head of Panna Kulvyets with her handkerchief, tied her hands in the twinkle of an eye, and threw her on the sofa; then he sat by her, and stretching himself out comfortably, asked her as calmly as though he had begun an ordinary conversation, —

"Well, what do you think? I suppose Bogus will get on as easily as I have."

With that he sprang to his feet, for the door opened, and in it appeared Panna Aleksandra. Her face was as white as chalk, her hair was somewhat dishevelled, her brows were frowning, and threat was in her eyes. Seeing her uncle on the floor, she knelt near him and passed her hand over his head and breast.

The sword-bearer drew a deep breath, opened his eyes, half raised himself, and began to look around in the room, as if roused from sleep; then resting his hand on the floor, he tried to rise, which he did after a while with the help of the lady; then he came with tottering step to a chair, into which he threw himself. Only now did Olenka see Panna Kulvyets lying on the sofa.

"Have you murdered her?" asked she of Sakovich.

"God preserve me!" answered the starosta of Oshmiana.

"I command you to unbind her!"

There was such power in that voice that Sakovich said not a word, as if the command had come from Princess Radzivill herself, and began to unbind the unconscious Panna Kulvyets.

"And now," said the lady, "go to your master, who is lying up there."

"What has happened?" cried Sakovich, coming to himself.

"You will answer for him!"

"Not to thee, serving-man! Be off!"

Sakovich sprang out of the chamber as if possessed.