of the machinations of the old princess, for in this he was
bound by his word. He began then to beg the prince so
earnestly to give him the mission confided to Bykhovets,
that Vishnyevetski said,--

"I should permit you to go on your own account and
give you men; but since you have planned everything so
cleverly that your personal affection agrees with your office,
I must arrange this affair for you."

Then he clapped his hands and commanded the page to
call Pan Bykhovets.

The lieutenant kissed the prince's hand with joy. Yer-
emi took him by the head and commanded him to be quiet.
He loved Skshetuski beyond measure as a splendid soldier
and officer whom he could trust in all things. Besides,
there was between them that bond which is formed between
a subordinate reverencing his chief with his whole soul and
a chief who feels this clearly. There were not a few cour-
tiers and flatterers who circled around the prince for their
own profit; but the eagle eye of Yeremi knew well whom
to choose. He knew that Pan Yan was a man without
blemish; he valued him, and was grateful to him for his
feelings. He rejoiced, too, that his favorite had fallen in
love with the daughter of the old servant of the Vish-
nyevetskis, Vassily Kurtsevich, whose memory was the
dearer because of its sadness.

"It was not from ungratefulness to the prince," said he,
"that I made no inquiry concerning his daughter. Since
the guardians did not visit Lubni, and I received no com-
plaint against them, I supposed they were good people.
But as you have put me in mind of the lady, I will care for
her as for my own daughter."

Skshetuski, hearing this, could not admire sufficiently the
kindness of the prince, who reproached himself, notwith-
standing the multitude of his occupations, with inattention
to the child of his former soldier and official.

Bykhovets now came in.

"Well," said the prince, "my word is given, and if you
wish to go you will go; but I ask you to do this for me:
yield your mission to Skshetuski,--he has his own special
and solid, reasons for wanting it,--and I will think of
another reward for you."

"Oh, your Highness," said Bykhovets, "your favor is
great; for while able to command, you ask that which if I
refused to give I should be unworthy of your favor."