Pagina 459 di 788

Thaddeus went out quietly, hanging his head, and thought over his

bitter interview with his uncle. It was the first time that he

had ever been scolded so severely! He appreciated the justice of

the reproaches and blushed at himself. What should he do? What if

Zosia should learn the whole story? Should he ask for her hand?

But what would Telimena say? No-he felt that he could remain no

longer in Soplicowo.

Thus buried in thought, he had hardly made two steps when

something crossed his path; he looked-and saw a phantom all in

white, tall, frail, and slender. It approached him with an

outstretched arm, from which was reflected the trembling light of

the moon, and, stepping up to him, softly moaned:-