Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/303

Rh thy honor that if the marriage takes place thou wilt not prevent Danusia from going at once to her father, so as not to draw his curse on thyself and on her; against that may God guard thee."

"I swear on my honor," answered Zbyshko.

"Well, remember thy oath. But there is no need for the girl to say anything to Yurand at present. Better keep back the news lest it burn him like fire. We will send for him from Tsehanov, to come with Danusia, and then I will tell him myself; I will beg the prince even to do so. When he sees that there is no help for it he will consent. For that matter, Yurand has not disliked thee."

"No, he has not disliked me, so he may even be glad in soul that Danusia will be mine. For if he has made a vow he will not be in fault if I get her."

The coming of Father Vyshonek and Danusia interrupted further conversation. The princess called him to counsel that instant, and told him with great excitement of Zbyshko's wish, but he, after barely hearing what the question was, made the sign of the cross on himself, and said,—

"In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!—how can I do this? Why, it is Advent!"

"As God lives, that is true!" cried the princess. Silence followed. The anxious faces showed what a blow Father Vyshonek's words were to all of them.

After a while he added,—

"Were there a dispensation I would not oppose, since I sympathize with you. I should not ask absolutely for Yurand's permission; if you permit, gracious lady, and guarantee the consent of the prince, our lord, of course he and you are father and mother of all Mazovia. But without a dispensation from the bishop—I cannot. If Bishop Yakob of Kurdvanov were among us, perhaps he would not refuse a dispensation, though severe,—not like his predecessor, Bishop Mamphiolus, who answered every question with 'Bene! bene!'" (Granted! granted!)

"Bishop Yakob loves the prince and me greatly," put in the lady.

"Then I say that he would not refuse a dispensation, if there are reasons for it. The girl must go, and this young man is sick, and will die. perhaps—Hm! in articulo mortis. But without a dispensation it is impossible."

"I could get a dispensation of Bishop Yakob later,—and though I know how severe he is, he will not refuse me this favor.—Oh, I guarantee that he will not refuse."