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I feel that in me flows the blood of the manly Horeszkos, I know

what I owe to glory and to my family. So be it I I must break off

all negotiations with the Soplica, even though it should come to

pistols or to the sword! Honour bids me!"

He spoke, and moved on with solemn steps, and Gerwazy followed in

deep silence. Before the gate the Count stopped, mumbling to

himself; gazing at the castle he quickly mounted his horse, and

thus in distraction he concluded his monologue:-

"I regret that this old Soplica has no wife, or fair daughter

whose charms I might adore! If I loved her and could not obtain

her hand a new complication would arise in the tale; here the

heart, there duty! here vengeance, there love!"