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Plotsk, Zbyshko and Matsko found no one at the court, for the prince and princess, with their eight children, had gone to Chersk, at the invitation of Princess Anna Danuta. From the bishop they learned that Yagenka was to remain in Spyhov with Yurand till he died. This news was agreeable, for they themselves were on the way to Spyhov. Meanwhile Matsko praised greatly Yagenka's kindness, since she had remained with a dying man, who was not even kin to her, instead of going to Chersk, where dances and pleasures of every sort would surely not be lacking.

"Perhaps she did this not to miss us," said the old knight. "I have not seen her this long time, and should be glad to see her now, for I know that she likes me. The girl must have grown, and must still be handsome."

"She has changed wonderfully," said Zbyshko. "She was always a beauty. I remember her as a simple maiden, while now she might go to kings' chambers."

"Has she changed so? Well, hers is that old Yastrembets stock of Zgorzelitse which in time of battles called, 'To feasts!'"

A moment of silence followed, then the old knight said again, "It will be as I have told thee; she will wish to go to Zgorzelitse."

"I wonder that she left it."

"But the abbot's property? Besides, she feared Stan and Vilk; I told her myself that for her brothers it would be safer without her than with her."

"By my faith, they could not attack orphans, anyhow." Matsko thought awhile.

"But will they not take vengeance on me because I took her away, and does there remain even one beam in Bogdanets? God knows! I know not, besides, whether I shall be able to defend myself when I go back. The fellows are young and strong, while I am old—"

"Ei! old; say that to the man who does not know you," answered Zbyshko.