In the front rooms there stood near the windows, pine tables and benches of the same, on which the lords used to sit during the meals, with all their servants. People accustomed to war were easily satisfied; but in Bogdaniec there was neither bread nor flour and no dishes. The peasants brought what they could; Macko expected that the neighbors, as was then customary, would help him; and he was not mistaken, at least as far as Zych of Zgorzelice was concerned.
The second day, when the old wlodyka was sitting on a log in front of the house, delighted with the bright autumn day, Jagienka came, riding a black horse; she dismounted and approached Macko, out of breath on account of fast riding, and rosy as an apple; she said: "May you be blessed! Tatulo sent me to inquire about your health."
"I am no worse," answered Macko; "and at least I have slept in my own house."
"But you cannot be comfortable at all, and a sick person needs some care."
"We are hardened people. It is true that at first there was no comfort; but we were not hungry. We ordered an ox and two sheep killed, so there is plenty of meat. The women brought some flour and eggs; the worst is that we have no dishes."
"Well, I ordered my servants to load two wagons. On one there are two beds and dishes, and on the other different provisions. There are some cakes and flour, some salt pork and dried mushrooms; there is a barrel of beer and one of mead; in fact a little of everything we had in the house."
Macko, who was grateful for this kindness, caressed Jagienka's head, and said: "May God reward your father and you. When our housekeeping improves, we will return the provisions."
"How clever you are! We are not like the Germans, who take back what they give."
"Well, so much more may God reward you. Your father told us what a good housekeeper you are, and that you had taken care of Zgorzelice the whole year?"
"Yes! If you need anything else, send somebody; but send some one who will know what is needed, because a stupid servant never knows what he has been sent for."
Here Jagienka began to look round, and Macko having noticed it, smiled and asked: "For whom are you looking?"
"I am looking for no one!"
"I will send Zbyszko to thank you and your father. Do you like Zbyszko?"