"In saecula saeculorum, amen!" exclaimed in unison the wandering seminarists, who when responding to the abbot, did not always answer properly.
They were all listening very attentively to the abbot's words, admiring his eloquence and his knowledge of the Scriptures; he apparently did not speak directly to Zbyszko; but on the contrary, he turned more toward Zych and Jagienka, as if he wished to edify them. But evidently Jagienka understood what he was trying to do, because from beneath her long eyelashes, she looked at Zbyszko, who frowned and dropped his head as if he were seriously thinking about what the abbot had said.
After this the retinue moved on silently; but when they came near Krzesnia, the abbot touched his girdle and then turned it so that he could seize the hilt of his sword more easily, and said: "I am sure that old Wilk of Brzozowa will come with a good retinue."
"Perhaps," replied Zych, "but I heard that he was not well."
"One of my seminarists heard that he intends to attack us in front of the inn after the service is over."
"He will not do that without a challenge, and especially after holy mass."
"May God, bring him to reason. I do not seek a quarrel with anybody and I bear my wrongs patiently."
Here he looked at the shpilmen, and said: "Do not draw your swords, and remember that you are spiritual servants; but if they attack us first, then strike them!"
Zbyszko, while riding beside Jagienka, said to her: "I am sure that in Krzesnia we will meet young Wilk and Cztan. Show me them from afar, so that I may know them."
"Very well, Zbyszku," answered Jagienka.
"Do they not meet you before the service and after the service? What do they do then?"
"They serve me."
"They will not serve you now, understand?" And she answered again, almost with humility: "Very well, Zbyszku."
Further conversation was interrupted by the sound of the wooden knockers, there being no bells in Krzesnia. After a few moments they arrived at the church. From the crowd in front, waiting for mass, young Wilk and Cztan of Rogow came forward immediately; but Zbyszko jumped from his horse, and before they could reach her, seized Jagienka and lifted her down from her horse; then he took her by the hand, and looking at them threateningly, conducted her to the church.
In the vestibule of the church, they were again disappointed. Both rushed to the font of holy water, plunged their hands in, and then stretched them toward the girl. But Zbyszko did the same, and she touched his fingers; then having made the sign of the cross, she entered the church with him. Then not only young Wilk, but Cztan of Rogow also, notwithstanding his stupidity, understood that this had been done purposely, and both were very angry. Wilk rushed out of the vestibule and ran like a madman, not knowing where he was going. Cztan rushed after him, although not knowing why.