"I know you. You have not come to see me, my cavalier.
She is in good health, she is well; the girl has improved in
appearance. But I'll call her to you this minute, and I'II
dress a little myself, for I am ashamed to receive guests in
this gown."

The princess was wearing a faded dress, with a fur coat
outside, and heavy boots.

At this moment Helena, though not called, rushed into
the room; for she had heard from the old Tartar, Chehly,
who the visitor was. She ran in panting, and red as a
cherry, barely able to catch her breath, but her eyes were
laughing from happiness and joy. Skshetuski sprang to her
hand, and when the princess had withdrawn discreetly,
kissed her on the lips, for he was an impulsive man.
She did not defend herself vigorously, feeling that weak-
ness had come upon her from an overflow of happiness and
joy.

"I did not expect to see you," whispered she, half clos-
ing her eyes. "But don't kiss me that way, for it isn't
proper."

"Why shouldn't I kiss when honey is not half so sweet?
I thought I should wither away without you, till the prince
himself sent me here."

"What does the prince know?"

"I told him all, and he was glad when he remembered,
your father. Oh, you must have given me some herb, my
girl, for I cannot see the light of day on account of you."

"Your blindness is a favor from God."

"But do you remember that omen which the falcon gave
when she drew our hands together? It was destiny beyond
a doubt."

"I remember."

"When at Lubni I used to go from sadness to Solonitsa
and see you there just as if present, if I stretched forth my
hand you disappeared; but you will not escape me again,
for I think that nothing will stand in our way now."

"If anything does, it will not be my will."

"Tell me again that you love me."

Helena dropped her eyes, but answered with dignity and
decision: "As nobody in the world."

"If any one should surround me with honor and gold, I
should prefer those words of yours; for I feel that you
speak the truth, though I do not know why I deserve such
favor from you."