I was also intoxicated, but by something quite different; namely, the pressure of Aniela’s hand.  In vain I said to myself that it was nothing but the excitement of the moment; because it occurred to me that a woman’s resistance often passes a crisis in such moments of exaltation, when carried beside herself by some amusement, beautiful view, or other circumstance different from the even tenor of every-day life.  Then a certain relaxation of the nerves takes place, in presence of which a loss of the usual balance is easily explained.  Taking into account this special state of Aniela’s mind, I arrived at the conclusion that she did not fight against her feeling any longer; and I resolved to put an end to it.

I suppose at Ploszow there will be no difficulty about a chance.  We go back to-morrow.  To-day’s entertainment, the dinner, the conversation, and the excitement are so many drops of narcotic.  She does not even suppose what happiness there is in store for us; but she must surrender her soul to me, wholly and unconditionally.

Though my aunt had notified Pani Celina that we might remain at Warsaw until the next day, we really intended going back after dinner,—­when something occurred that prevented our starting.  Dinner and tea afterwards lasted until ten o’clock.  When the last of our guests had departed somebody came to tell my aunt that Naughty Boy had been taken ill.  There was a great confusion.  The vet was sent for in a hurry, but it was midnight before he arrived.  My aunt would not think of going so late as that.

Aniela wanted to go very much, but knew I would have to go with her; and she is still afraid of me.  My aunt told her she would only rouse the whole house, disturbing thereby her mother, and wound up by saying:—­

“Leon does not mind my looking at his house as my own; consequently you are my guest.  It would be the same if I gave up Ploszow to him; I should live there, and you with me,—­at least, so long as Celina has not recovered her health.”

And finally Aniela had to remain.

It is now three o’clock in the morning.  It is already growing light; but lanterns are still flitting across the yard near the stables, where they are busy with Naughty Boy.

My aunt, when wishing us good-night, announced that she intended to remain a day longer at Warsaw; whereupon I said that I had left some papers at Ploszow, and would go and fetch them, and see Aniela home at the same time.  We shall be alone, and I will hesitate no longer.  The blood rushes to my heart at the thought that I shall travel, though only a short distance, with the dear love close to my heart, and listen to her confession that she loves me as much as I love her.