Pagina 361 de 788

"But, Judge, what will happen if Jacek learns of this? He will

certainly die of despair! Have not the Soplicas done evil enough

in this castle? Brother, I do not wish to mention that terrible

event, but you too know that the Targowica confederates103 took a

part of the estate from the owner of the castle and gave it to

the Soplicas. Jacek, repenting his sin, had to vow, when

absolved, to restore those lands. So he took Zosia, the poor

heiress of the Horeszkos, under his care, and he paid a great

price for her bringing up. He wished to win her for his own son

Thaddeus, and thus unite in brotherly affection two hostile

houses, and yield without shame to the heiress what had been

plundered from her."