Page:Sienkiewicz - The knights of the cross.djvu/321

Rh Still they had sent out a number of horsemen to meet him, because the oldest men could not remember such a storm.

"Then perhaps he will be here soon."

"Surely before long. The princess has commanded to set plates for them on her table."

Zbyshko, though he had always feared Yurand, rejoiced in heart, and said to himself: "Though I know not what he has done, he cannot undo this, that it is my wife who will come, my dearest Danusia!" And when he repeated that to himself, he was hardly able to believe his own happiness. Then he thought that perhaps she had told Yurand all; that perhaps she had won him over, and persuaded him to give her at once. "In truth, what better has he to do? Yurand is a wise man, and knows that though he might forbid me, though he might refuse her to me, I would take her in every case, for my right is the strongest."

While dressing, Zbyshko talked with Mrokota; asked him about the health of the prince, and especially the princess, whom from the time of his visit in Cracow he had loved as a mother. He was glad also when he learned that all in the castle were well and gladsome, though the princess grieved much at the absence of her dear little singer.

"Now Yagenka, whom the princess likes well, plays on the lute to her, but not in any way as the other."

"What Yagenka?" asked Zbyshko, with wonder.

"Yagenka of Velgolas, the granddaughter of an old man from Velgolas,—a nice girl, with whom that man from Lorraine has fallen in love."

"Then is Pan de Lorche here?"

"Where should he be? He came from the hunting-lodge, and he remains here because it is pleasant for him. There is never a lack of guests in our prince's castle."

"I shall look on the Knight of Lorraine with pleasure; he is a man whom no one can reproach in any way."

"He, too, esteems you. But let us go; for the prince and princess will take their places at table directly."

They went out. In two chimneys of the dining hall great fires were burning, which were cared for by youths, and there was a multitude of guests and courtiers. The prince entered first in the company of a voevoda and a number of attendants. Zbyshko bent down to his knees, and then kissed his hand.

In return, the prince pressed his head, and, going a little aside with him, said,—