Page 308 sur 788

Thaddeus could not refuse her his aid; brushing her gown he bent

down to her feet; by chance he approached his lips to Telimena's

temples-in so tender a posture, though they said nothing of their

recent quarrels, nevertheless they were reconciled; and there is

no telling how long their discourse would have lasted, had not

the bell from Soplicowo aroused them.

It was the signal for supper; it was time to return home,

especially since in the distance the crackling of broken branches

could be heard. Perhaps they were looking for them? To return

together was not fitting; so Telimena stole to the right towards

the garden, and Thaddeus ran to the left, to the highway. On this

detour both were somewhat disturbed: it seemed to Telimena that

once from behind a bush shone the thin, cowled face of Robak;

Thaddeus saw distinctly that once or twice a long white phantom

made its appearance on his left; what it was he knew not, but he

had a suspicion that it was the Count in his long English frock

coat.