with more precision,
to explain it more clearly, and, first of all, legally to appoint a
commission, which should consider the aims of the emigration, the means
and methods, and likewise various other matters. Unfortunately the
shortness of the time prevented them from adopting Buchmann's advice. The
gentry took a hasty farewell and at once started on their journey.

But the Judge retained Thaddeus in the room and said to the Monk:--

"It is time for me to tell you what I learned with certainty only
yesterday, that our Thaddeus is sincerely in love with Zosia; let him ask
her hand before his departure! I have spoken with Telimena, and she no
longer opposes the match; Zosia also agrees to the wishes of her
guardians. If we cannot to-day make the pair happy by marriage, then at
least, brother, we may betroth them before his departure; for the heart of
a young traveller, as you know well, is exposed to various temptations.
And yet, when a young man glances at his ring and calls to mind that he is
already a husband, at once the fever of temptations in a foreign land
subsides. Believe me, a wedding ring has great force.

"I myself, thirty years ago, had a great passion for Panna Marta, whose
heart I won; we were betrothed, but God did not bless that union; he left
me alone on earth, taking to his glory the fair daughter of my friend the
Seneschal Hreczecha. There was left to me only the memory of her virtues
and her charms, and this golden wedding ring. Whenever I have looked upon
it, the hapless girl has always appeared before my eyes; and thus, by the
grace of God, I have preserved till now my plighted faith, and, without
ever having been a husband, I am now an old widower, though the Seneschal
has another daughter, very fair and very like my beloved Marta:"

So saying, he gazed tenderly at the ring, and wiped the tears from his
eyes with the back of his hand.

"Brother, what think you?" he concluded. "Shall we betroth them? He loves
her, and I have the consent of the aunt and of the girl."

But Thaddeus, stepping quickly up to him, said eagerly:--

"How can I thank you enough, my good uncle, for the constant care that you
take for my happiness! Ah, my good uncle, I should be the happiest of men
if Zosia were betrothed to me to-day, if I knew that she were to be my
wife! However, I tell you frankly, this betrothal cannot take place
to-day; there are various reasons. Question me no further; if Zosia will
consent to w