CHAPTER XII.
After the conversation with Zbyshko, Yagenka did not show herself for three days in Bogdanets. Only on the third day did she drop in with the news that the abbot had come to her father's.
Matsko received the news with a certain emotion. He had, it is true, something with which to pay the amount of the mortgage, and even had calculated that enough would remain to increase the number of settlers, and introduce herds and other things needful in management; still in the whole affair much depended on the good-will of the wealthy relative who could, for example, take away the men settled by him in the clearings, or leave them, and by that act decrease or heighten the value of the property.
Matsko, therefore, made very minute inquiries of Yagenka touching the abbot. In what mood had he come? Was he gladsome, or gloomy? What had he said of them, and when would he visit Bogdanets?
Yagenka answered his questions wisely, trying to strengthen and calm him on every point. She said that the abbot had arrived in good health and spirits, with a considerable retinue, in which, besides armed attendants, were some wandering clerics and choristers; that he was singing with Zyh, and was glad to lend his ear not only to hymns, but to worldly melodies. She remarked also, that he had inquired with great attention about Matsko, and had listened eagerly to Zyh's narratives of Zbyshko's adventures in Cracow.
"Ye yourselves know better what to do," said the shrewd girl, at last; "but I think that it would be well for Zbyshko to go at once and greet the elder relative, without waiting for him to come first to Bogdanets."
This advice struck Matsko, and convinced him; hence he commanded to call Zbyshko, and said,—
"Array thyself nicely, and go to embrace the feet of the abbot, show him honor, so that he also may be gracious to thee."
Then he turned to Yagenka: "Even wert thou simple, I should not wonder, for thou art a woman, but because thou
