The Doll - Bolesaw Prus [268]
He saw the entire company in the depths of the room, and first of all, Izabela talking to Starski. She was gazing at him in the same way, and he had the same ironical smile as that time in Warsaw … All at once, Wokulski regained his energy: a wave of anger struck his brain. He entered with head back, greeted the Duchess and bowed to Izabela, who blushed and gave him her hand: ‘How are you? How is Mr Łęcki?’
‘Papa has recovered somewhat … He sends you his regards.’
‘I am much obliged for the kind thought. And the Countess?’
‘My aunt is very well.’
The Duchess sat down in her chair: the others began taking their places at the table.
‘Mr Wokulski, here, by me,’ cried Mrs Wąsowska.
‘With the greatest pleasure, if a soldier has the right to sit down in the presence of his commanding officer.’
‘Has she already taken command over you, Stanisław?’ asked the Duchess, with a smile.
‘Yes, indeed. Such drilling doesn’t often take place …’
‘He is taking his revenge because I led him off the straight and narrow path,’ Mrs Wąsowska interposed.
‘I was sure it would be so, but never supposed it would happen so soon,’ explained the Baron, displaying a fine set of false teeth.
‘Pray pass the salt, cousin,’ said Izabela to Starski.
‘Of course … There, I’ve upset it, we shall quarrel.’
‘Surely there’s no risk of that,’ Izabela replied, with diverting gravity.
‘Have you two undertaken not to quarrel?’ Mrs Wąsowska asked.
‘We don’t intend ever to apologise,’ Izabela replied.
‘Charming!’ said Mrs Wąsowska, ‘in your place, Kazio, I’d lose all hope at once.’
‘Was I ever allowed to have any?’ Starski sighed.
‘Real happiness for both of us …’ Izabela whispered.
Wokulski listened and watched. Izabela was speaking naturally, in a very tranquil manner, joking with Starski, who did not look at all mortified on that account. But he glanced sideways from time to time at Ewelina Janocka, who was whispering to the Baron, and who turned pale, then pink.
Wokulski felt a great weight lifted from his heart. ‘Of course,’ he thought, ‘if Starski is interested in anyone here, it’s Ewelina, and she in him.’ At this moment joy and great cordiality towards the deceived Baron awoke within him. ‘I’m not going to warn him,’ he told himself. Then he added: ‘Such pleasure at anyone else’s misfortune is a very despicable feeling.’
Dinner ended, Izabela came to Wokulski. ‘You know, sir,’ she said, ‘what my feelings were upon seeing you here? Remorse … I recalled that we were to have gone to Paris, the three of us — I, my father and you, and that of the three, fortune was only kind to you. At least you enjoyed yourself? For all three of us? You must surrender to me one-third of your experiences.’
‘Suppose they were not happy?’
‘Why not?’
‘If only because you were not there, when we were to have been together.’
‘But, to my certain knowledge, you know how to enjoy yourself without me,’ Izabela retorted, and moved away.
‘Mr Wokulski!’ cried Mrs Wąsowska. But after a glance at him and Izabela, she said in a reluctant tone: ‘But no — it doesn’t matter. I’ll let you off today. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s walk in the park. Mr Ochocki …’
‘Mr Ochocki is going to teach me meteorology today,’ declared Felicja.
‘Meteorology?’ Mrs Wąsowska repeated.
‘Yes … We are going up to his observatory now.’
‘Do you intend to learn nothing but meteorology?’ Mrs Wąsowska asked. ‘In any event, I advise you to ask your grandmama what she thinks of this meteorology.’
‘You are always making difficulties,’ said Ochocki, crossly. ‘You are permitted to go riding with me on impassable roads, but Felicja isn’t even allowed to peep into the observatory.’
‘Run along and peep, my dears — but let’s be off to the park. Baron! Bela …’
They went