se.

By a neighbouring birch tree was a great ant-hill; the frugal insects were
wont to crawl around over the grass, mobile and black. Whether from
necessity or from pleasure one cannot tell, they were especially fond of
visiting the Temple of Meditation; from the hillock, their capital, to the
shores of the spring they had trodden a path, by which they led their
troops. Unfortunately Telimena was sitting in the middle of the pathway;
the ants, allured by the sheen of the snow-white stocking, crawled up on
it, and in swarms began to tickle and bite. Telimena was forced to run
away and shake herself, finally to sit down on the grass and catch the
insects.

Thaddeus could not refuse her his aid; brushing her gown he bent down to
her feet; by chance he approached his lips to Telimena's temples--in so
tender a posture, though they said nothing of their recent quarrels,
nevertheless they were reconciled; and there is no telling how long their
discourse would have lasted, had not the bell from Soplicowo aroused them.

It was the signal for supper; it was time to return home, especially since
in the distance the crackling of broken branches could be heard. Perhaps
they were looking for them? To return together was not fitting; so
Telimena stole to the right towards the garden, and Thaddeus ran to the
left, to the highway. On this detour both were somewhat disturbed: it
seemed to Telimena that once from behind a bush shone the thin, cowled
face of Robak; Thaddeus saw distinctly that once or twice a long white
phantom made its appearance on his left; what it was he knew not, but he
had a suspicion that it was the Count in his long English frock coat.

They had supper in the old castle. The obstinate Protazy, not heeding the
definite orders of the Judge, had again stormed the castle in the absence
of the people of higher station, and, as he said, had foreclosed the
mortgage on it. The guests entered in order and stood about the table. The
Chamberlain took his place at the head; this honour befitted him from his
age and his office; advancing to it he bowed to the ladies, the old men,
and the young men. The Collector of Alms was not at the table; the
Chamberlain's wife occupied the place of the Bernardine, on her husband's
right. The Judge, when he had stationed the guests as was fitting,
pronounced a Latin grace. Brandy was passed to the gentlemen; thereupon
all sat down, and silently and with relish they ate the cold salad of b