Manasseh will turn the earth itself into a paradise for you; just wait till you know him as I do, to the very bottom of his heart." Blanka could not but smile at the sister's proud claim.

Yet Anna was in earnest.
"Perhaps you don't believe me," said she.

"Have you ever seen him in anger, with an enemy before him ?" "Yes." "How did he look ?" "On his forehead were two red spots." "Yes, and further ?" "His eyes glowed, his face seemed turned to stone, his bosom heaved, and he strove with himself until gradually he recovered his self-control; then his features relaxed, he smiled, and presently he spoke as coolly and collectedly as possible." "Then you have never seen him really aroused," affirmed the sister, "as I saw him once, when with one hand he seized a strong man who had wronged him, and threw him down with such force that all his family had to hasten to help him up.

When he speaks in wrath he can strike terror into a multitude, and he is such a master of all weapons of warfare that no one can vie with him.

Now, then, have you ever really learned to know him ?" "Indeed, I think not," returned Blanka, in surprise.
"And hear me further," Anna went on.