The Deluge · Chapter
LXXXVIII explained
Two weeks after Boguslav's defeat at Yanov, his shattered troops straggle into Taurogi.
What happens
Two weeks after Boguslav's defeat at Yanov, his shattered troops straggle into Taurogi. Kettling warns Olenka of potential danger from the defeated prince, but Boguslav arrives without incident. The prince and Sakovich discuss plans: Sakovich will remain as commandant, hang mutineers, raise infantry, and pursue marriage with Anusia Borzobogati. Boguslav, though feverish, manipulates Anusia into trusting Sakovich, praising him as a protector.
Themes in this chapter
- Political Intrigue
Boguslav and Sakovich scheme to maintain power after defeat, manipulating Olenka and Anusia for political and personal gain.
- Love and Sacrifice
Kettling's conflicted loyalty to Olenka versus his military oath; Sakovich's calculated pursuit of Anusia for her estates.
- Honor and Betrayal
Kettling struggles with honor in service to a traitor; Boguslav's betrayal of trust and manipulation of Anusia.
Characters to notice
- Prince Boguslav Radzivill
Returns defeated from Yanov, feverish and irritable; discusses garrison command and Sakovich's marriage plans.
- Pan Sakovich
Survived the defeat; proposes to stay as commandant, hang mutineers, raise infantry, and marry Anusia Borzobogati.
- Olenka Billevich
Receives warning from Kettling; bitter that flight was not arranged earlier; hides the pistol left by Kettling.
- Anusia Borzobogati
Object of Sakovich's marriage designs; described as pretty and enticing; Boguslav manipulates her into trusting Sakovich.
- Babinich
Mentioned as the terrible attacker who destroyed many of Boguslav's men; feared by the defeated troops.
- Kryshtofek Sapyeha
Mentioned as the victor to whom many of Boguslav's soldiers went over.
Key passages
“Two weeks later it was boiling in all Taurogi. On a certain evening disorderly parties of Boguslav’s troops came in—thirty or forty horsemen in a body, reduced, torn, more like spectres than men—and brought news of the defeat of Boguslav at Yanov.”
After two weeks, Taurogi was in chaos as ragged bands of Boguslav's soldiers arrived, looking like ghosts, and reported his crushing defeat at Yanov.
Sets the scene of Boguslav's disastrous return.
“If you could only twist the neck of old Billevich in some polite way, it would be well; for it could be done easily, and he has my letter.”
Boguslav suggests that Sakovich discreetly kill old Billevich to recover a compromising letter.
Reveals Boguslav's ruthless pragmatism and the ongoing threat to the Billevich family.
“I want to marry. ... Panna Borzobogati.”
Sakovich declares his intention to marry Anusia Borzobogati, citing her beauty and the estates from Pan Longin's will.
Highlights Sakovich's opportunistic marriage plan.
