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"Sophia, you positively must tell me this; before we exchange

rings, I must be sure of it. What does it matter that last winter

you were prepared to give me your promise? I did not accept your

promise then, for what did I care for such a forced promise? I

had then stayed in Soplicowo but a very short time, and I was not

so vain as to flatter myself that by my mere glance I could

awaken love in you. I am no braggart; I wished by my own merits

to win your regard, even though I might have to wait long for it.

Now you are so gracious as to repeat your promise-how have I ever

deserved such favour? Perhaps you are taking me, Zosia, not so

much from attachment, as because your uncle and aunt are urging

you to do so; but marriage, Zosia, is a very serious matter: take

counsel of your own heart and do not hearken to any one's

authority, either to your uncle's threats or to your aunt's

entreaties.