11. They See Each Other Again
by Vovchok, Marko“They say that our Ataman is not well. Is it true?”
“He has grown old, he has changed very much. The crab has not only pain and sorrow, a too near approach to the fire gives it a beautiful color.”
“And the other?”
“Of the other, you hear only evil.”
“Are none of our friends near him?”
“Yes, Anton is there, but the Ataman’s only desire is to get rid of him. He says that it is an unpleasant occupation to watch such a rascal. In case you wish to visit this vulture, remember that his wife is a very good woman. It is among thorns that this rose has flourished She is a noble lady, and her heart beats true. She has a sister who is almost an angel, and who will surely, one day or another, be a saint among the martyrs in the great calendar of God.”
“Then,” said Tchetchevik, “is our Ataman discouraged?”
“He is.”
“Who are his counselors?”
“No one, he remains alone like a wounded eagle.”
“Never mind,” said the old minstrel, drawing himself up to his full height, “I must see all this nearer. I am going to all, to all of them! And if God will help me, I will unite these scattered forces.”
Maroussia approached Knich, and fixing upon him the gentlest of eyes:
“I have a service to ask of you,” she said.
“Speak, little one.”
She took him by the hand. She tried to speak, but with her heart running over, she could at first say only:
“You will say to my venerated father—You will say to my beloved mother—”
Welcome tears had come. They flowed softly from her eyes. The two men, much moved by her emotion, allowed her time to calm herself.